Why Kindles are Better than eBook Readers

Amazon Kindle is a software and hardware platform developed by Amazon.com subsidiary Lab126 for rendering and displaying e-books and other digital media. Three hardware devices, known as "Kindle", "Kindle 2," and "Kindle DX" support this platform, as does an iPhone application called "Kindle for iPhone". The first device was released in the United States on November 19, 2007.

The Kindle hardware devices use E Ink brand electronic paper displays, and are able to download content over Amazon Whispernet using the Sprint EVDO domestically or, for newer Kindle 2 devices, AT&T's network both domestically and internationally.[http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015T963C] Kindle hardware devices can be used without a computer, and Whispernet is accessible without any fee.What is the Amazon Whispernet wireless feature and how does it work?, Amazon.com These devices also provide free access to the internet. Kindle devices sold prior to October 19, 2009 were sold only in the United States. On October 7, 2009, Amazon announced an international version of the Kindle 2 with a built-in 3G (HSDPA) and EDGE/GSM wireless modem for connectivity in over 100 countries, which will go on sale October 19, 2009 worldwide.Kindle 2 goes to $259, International GSM version coming October 19 - CrunchGear

On March 3, 2009, Amazon.com launched an application entitled Kindle for iPhone in the App Store for iPhone and iPod Touch owners to read Kindle content. Through a technology termed "Whispersync," customers can keep their place across Kindle hardware devices and other mobile devices.Kindle for iPhone home page"That Was Fast: Kindle, Meet the iPhone." by Peter Kafka, AllThingsD, "Media Memo" section

Amazon announced the Kindle DX on May 6, 2009. This device has a larger screen than its predecessors and supports PDF files natively. It is marketed as more suitable for displaying newspaper and textbook content.

Amazon has released "Kindle for PC" as a free software download for reading Kindle books on a Windows PC.http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_85648511_5?ie=UTF8&docId=1000426311

The Kindle competes with other e-paper devices: the Barnes & Noble nook, the Sony Reader, iRex iLiad, the Jinke Hanlin e-Reader, and CyBook by Bookeen.