Is the Kindle 2 Worth the Money?

Kindle 2 versus the Sony e-book reader

With so many people creating a buzz about the Kindle 2, it was only a matter of time that another company would create their own version and try to pull it off as better then the Kindle 2, or at least comparable to. The thing is though, before you make any snap decisions on which product you should go with based on the price factor alone, make sure that you are looking at all of the features of each product. Know what it is that you are paying for. You will probably learn very quickly that you get what you pay for in life and that is no different when it comes to Kindle copycats.

The Sony e-book reader is quickly making some friends but it is only because people are not looking deep enough into the product. For starters, the most obvious difference between the Kindle 2 e-book reader and the Sony e-book reader is that the Sony version is cheaper. Kindle 2 retails for $359.00 while the Sony e-book reader is $299.00. For those who consider themselves savvy shoppers, this may make a bell go off in their head. Those who really want to make sure that they are getting their monies worth should look further into the comparison though.

You get what you pay for. The Sony e-book reader has enough storage space to store 160 ebooks. This sounds great and all but the Kindle 2 can store over 1,500. This is an obvious difference between the two. Since the Sony e-book reader is not able to hold as many books, it is no wonder that it is maybe an inch or two smaller. Of course there are additional memory cards for the Sony Reader that you can pay for which will give you a little more storage space. But this is still nothing compared to the amount of books the Kindle 2 can hold.

Another thing that should be taken into consideration between the two models is that both realize you will need to make use of an AC Charger. The Kindle 2 includes that power adapter along with the USB cable, a quick start guide, and a rechargeable battery for the price of the unit. The Sony e-book reader does not. They recommended that you buy the AC charger for an additional cost but all they include with their purchase price is a case to carry the reader in, a USB cable, and a quick start guide. If you want to buy the AC adapter so that you can actually make use of your purchase then that will cost you another $29.99.

So when it comes to purchasing an e-book reader, whether it is for yourself or for someone that you care about, you want to make sure that you are getting the most for your money. After all, these are not the times we should be casually spending our money with no regards to what we are actually getting. For something that will surely entertain and be worth the purchase, the Kindle 2 is the way to go.

With so many people creating a buzz about the Kindle 2, it was only a matter of time that another company would create their own version and try to pull it off as better then the Kindle 2, or at least comparable to. The thing is though, before you make any snap decisions on which product you should go with based on the price factor alone, make sure that you are looking at all of the features of each product. Know what it is that you are paying for. You will probably learn very quickly that you get what you pay for in life and that is no different when it comes to Kindle copycats.

The Sony e-book reader is quickly making some friends but it is only because people are not looking deep enough into the product. For starters, the most obvious difference between the Kindle 2 e-book reader and the Sony e-book reader is that the Sony version is cheaper. Kindle 2 retails for $359.00 while the Sony e-book reader is $299.00. For those who consider themselves savvy shoppers, this may make a bell go off in their head. Those who really want to make sure that they are getting their monies worth should look further into the comparison though.

You get what you pay for. The Sony e-book reader has enough storage space to store 160 ebooks. This sounds great and all but the Kindle 2 can store over 1,500. This is an obvious difference between the two. Since the Sony e-book reader is not able to hold as many books, it is no wonder that it is maybe an inch or two smaller. Of course there are additional memory cards for the Sony Reader that you can pay for which will give you a little more storage space. But this is still nothing compared to the amount of books the Kindle 2 can hold.

Another thing that should be taken into consideration between the two models is that both realize you will need to make use of an AC Charger. The Kindle 2 includes that power adapter along with the USB cable, a quick start guide, and a rechargeable battery for the price of the unit. The Sony e-book reader does not. They recommended that you buy the AC charger for an additional cost but all they include with their purchase price is a case to carry the reader in, a USB cable, and a quick start guide. If you want to buy the AC adapter so that you can actually make use of your purchase then that will cost you another $29.99.

So when it comes to purchasing an e-book reader, whether it is for yourself or for someone that you care about, you want to make sure that you are getting the most for your money. After all, these are not the times we should be casually spending our money with no regards to what we are actually getting. For something that will surely entertain and be worth the purchase, the Kindle 2 is the way to go.

Click the link for more facts and reviews about Kindle 2

Amazon Kindle DX - It's Bigger But is it Better?

You may or may not know that Amazon has come out with another New Kindle Ereader. That's now 3 Kindles in total that Amazon has for sale, each have their differences and one might be better for you than another.

I love to read and decided on the Kindle 2 for my reading habits but if the Kindle DX was a little cheaper I would have probably gone with that one.

You can buy a Kindle 2 for about $259, if you want the larger Kindle DX you are going to have to pay about $489.

That big difference in price will be enough for most people to only consider the Kindle 2, but if you can afford it and you like to have or need to have PDF's files, the DX might be the better choice.

The viewing area for the Kindle 2 is 6", while the DX viewing area measures a massive 9.7". For anyone that needs to use a larger font size on the Kindle DX, you will find that you can use the larger font size and still have a good amount of content per page displayed per page view. What I mean by that is when using the Kindle 2 and using one of the two largest font sizes the amount of text displayed per page is greatly decreased. Less text per page means more page turns than if you were using a smaller text size.

My eyes are not what they used to be so I find myself using the second and the third largest font sizes for my best viewing. When I increase the font size you know right away that you are going to have to turn the pages more often as their just isn't as much text per page as on the smaller font settings.

The Kindle 2 weighs in at just over 10 ounces, that's a little less than the weight of a 12 ounce can of soda. Its a good weight and easy to get comfortable with, I find my Kindle 2 easier to hold for long periods of time than a regular paper book.

The Kindle DX weighs in at about 19 ounces, its almost twice as heavy as the Kindle 2 but still its much easier to hold onto than a long paper back or for sure easier to hold onto than a hard back book.

The Kindle DX has a smaller Keyboard, it has all the same buttons but everything is just a little smaller, that gives you more room for the large display. I think the DX keyboard is a nice size, the Kindle 2 with a larger area used for the keyboard works fine, it doesn't seem over sized or anything like that, but if it were smaller it would be just as easy to work with.

The DX only has the page forward and page back buttons on the right side of the unit where as the Kindle 2 has the page turn buttons on both the right and the left sides. I like being able to hold my Kindle with either hand and find myself switching from hand to hand frequently. I'm sure I would get used to only using my right hand to hold the DX but its not that bad to hold it with your left hand and than when ready reach up with your right hand and turn the page.

Another big thing that is different from the Kindle 2 and the DX is the amount of memory that each unit has built in. Amazon says the Kindle 2 will hold about 1500 books, news papers or magazines or whatever and that's plenty for me. I like to read but 1500 books is a lot of books!

Amazon says the Kindle DX will hold up to 3500 books or newspapers or magazines or PDF files or whatever.

It would take me forever to fill up the DX but for those of you that are serious book collectors you might some day run out of room for more. One very nice thing that Amazon does is keep a copy of everything you have that you bought from the Amazon store. If you run out of room you can delete books and make room for more and feel fine because if you want it back you can download it again from Amazon for free.

Thats the basic run down of the differences between the Kindle 2 and the Kindle DX, which one you choose will depend of your individual wants and needs.

I use a Kindle 2 myself and bought it when the DX was said to be available soon. Because of the price and the fact that I don't really have a need very often to read PDF files, if I were to do it again I would probably buy the Kindle 2.

You can read a complete review for each of the Kindles at Http://www.ebookviewer.net, and also watch several short video's showing you each Kindle in action. If you want to find the best deal on a new Kindle, whether it be the original, or Kindle 2, or the DX, you will find links that will take you directly there. Your complete information source for all of the Amazon Kindles, Http://www.ebookviewer.net.

Kindle Covers - Protection and Self Expression

Kindle covers are among the most sought after accessories of the Kindle reader. It is very rare to see a Kindle owner toting his or her reader without it's cover. Aside from protecting the gadget from the dreaded scratch, Kindle covers also play quite a role in fashion and prestige. A variety of choices are available. One may opt for the more practical covers, yet others may demand fashionable products. Some may want exclusivity by having the more expensive of the choice. Worry not if you are going for the fashionable or prestigious choice as they are just as equipped as their practical counterpart.

Practical Kindle Covers
Kindle covers which fall into this category are usually those serving the need of scratch protection. They may be made of leather, canvass or other sturdy materials. Some simply hold your Kindle inside the cover, some encase the gadget neatly, some others come with extra pockets and a pen holder for your ultimate convenience. Some come with an extra standing feature, enabling your Kindle to stand at an angle most comfortable for you to read without having to hold the gadget. Astute designs also feature waterproof covers to protect your Kindle from water and the elements.

Prices start from $29.99. Reviews declare such a price as good value. The cover is thin and sleek yet adequately padded for protection. Encasing on the inside gives extra security, preventing the gadget from bumping around.

Fashionable Kindle Covers
Edgier choices are available for readers who like to make a fashion statement with their Kindle. Bold colors and graphic pattern on the covers are out there for fans to choose from. Color choice are numerous as well as pattern and the combination of it. A particular design even adopts the green theme, going for a recycled look on the front cover. The product naturally use eco-friendly material and process. Bargain buyers may find this category a shopping haven as these covers can go as low as $29.99!

Prestigious Kindle Covers
There are some beautiful covers available on the market, costing almost as much as the Kindle itself. They are a work of art and quite worth the price tag, provided you can afford them. Quality is assured as the materials are guaranteed to be strong and protective. Most covers which fall under this category are made of leather as it gives the best understated look of elegance, as required by the target market. Prices range at $99.99 to $119.99. Again, if it is still within your budget, they are worth the price.

Aside from covers, Kindle owners may also opt for the simpler sleeve to protect the gadget. Sleeve simply encase your Kindle when you are not reading, protecting the screen as well as the other parts of your reader. Kindle case is also another alternative of protection. The shape of Kindle case resembles that of a laptop bag. Usually your Kindle is strapped inside with a pair (or more) rubber bands, accessible by unzipping the case.

When it comes to style and needs, people have different take and taste. Whatever yours is, a Kindle cover out there is designed to suit it.

To view all of the styles and colors of Kindle covers that are available, please visit Kindle Cover

Publish Anything on Amazon's Kindle

How would you like to get your self published book carried by the world's largest bookstore? There's nothing to it. All you need to know is-Amazon.com and Kindle.

eBooks are definitely the wave of the future. Every author should be thinking about getting into this exploding market. The Kindle platform has emerged as the leader in the eBook field, and there couldn't be a better way to break into this market than through Amazon.

It has been a little over two years since Amazon brought out their famous Kindle eBook reader. The Kindle has come a long way since that first model was introduced. In fact, there are now three Kindle readers to choose from. This article isn't just about the Kindle reader though; it's about the content that's available for it. Notice I didn't say 'books' but rather, content. Everyone knows the Kindle is an eBook reader, but you'll find more than just eBooks in the Kindle offering.

You can publish just about anything on the Kindle. Actually, Amazon doesn't publish Kindle content at all; they distribute it...in Kindle format. Besides eBooks, you'll find newspapers, magazines, and even blogs readily available for Kindle download, which is how Kindle content is delivered. Wirelessly, no computer needed. If you can get a cell signal, you'll be able to download Kindle content.

If you wanted too, you could put your company's financial reports; your team's bowling scores, even your church newsletter on the Kindle. You can upload just about anything within reason. Amazon does have the final say, but you get the picture. Of course; eBooks are what Kindle does best. As an author, this new distribution channel is what really caught my attention. And it gets better!

Using the Kindle to distribute your books is an aspiring author's dream come true. I couldn't believe how easy it was for me to get my eBooks on-line and 'for-sale' in Amazon's bookstore. Not only is it incredibly easy, it's free! You just upload your manuscript to the Kindle DTP, (Digital Text Platform) fill in the needed information, (Title, description, author, selling price, etc.) and in a few days your eBook will be online and for-sale in the World's largest bookstore. You'll also get a free page for your author's profile.

Another thing that makes this an incredible deal is that you don't give up any publishing or author's rights. You retain everything. You can even go with other eBook companies at the same time and sell through their channels as well. Amazon only takes a percentage from eBooks they sell through the Kindle bookstore.

For self published authors, you'll have to do your own layout and cover design, but if you can write a book, this shouldn't present much of a problem. Besides, you can always farm out the cover design if you're not comfortable with your own artistic skills.

The bottom line is this...and it's especially true for self published authors, I can't think of a better way to enter the eBook arena than by working with Amazon and the Kindle eBook reader. And the price to get in the game couldn't be any better. ZIP!

Randy Benjamin is an author and syndicated columnist. His latest books, "FREE Internet" and "How To Publish Anything On Amazon's Kindle" are available on Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle e-book formats. For more information, visit his website: http://www.randybenjamin.com.

Buy an Amazon Kindle - My Tortured Decision to Take the Plunge

Should you Buy the Amazon Kindle 2 or even the Kindle DX? That question tortured me for almost three months before Christmas and you may find yourself in the same boat as me... will the Amazon Kindle make me happier, saving me time and money or will it end up being another useless high tech gadget that goes unused like my treadmill (but that's another story). Or will it frustrate me to the point I want to throw it out. PCWorld said the Kindle was the most gifted item ever for Amazon this year but I never was a crowd follower, I just want my purchases to make sense and make me say hey, I LOVE this product and would never give it up even for chocolate cake.

Why I Resisted Buying an Amazon Kindle for so long

According to some statistic I read, somewhere in my travels across the internet doing research about ebook readers, we are going to be the last generation of "Real" books readers and that makes me sad. More sad than when vinyl records bit the dust..... Even textbooks will go the wayside and in five or so years college students will be saving their backs as Kindles and the likes replace those oh so heavy book laden backpacks and high school and middle school students will soon follow after that.

More importantly, I love the way books feel in my hand and the way they look...the colors and design of the cover...the way they look on my shelf... the way I can stack them on my nightstand to make me look like a voracious reader. Books are pretty and fun and I love to buy them when the budget allows. The Kindle is white and while I do love technology in all its glory...white is not even a good bra color unless your shirt is see through.

A Kindle does not make you look smart like a personal library does. I guess I have a romanticized view of the Library, think back to all the old movies with an actual Library in the house, maybe someone smoking a pipe as the wisdom of the ages poured through them....will Professor Plum ever be able to commit murder in the Library again. And what will happen to the real Library's, ( there currently is no sharing on Kindle books) will they pack up their dusty wares in the next twenty years?

Why I Took the Amazon Kindle Plunge

I won't bore you with all the amazing technical highlights of the Kindle, those specs can be found everywhere...but

1) My ultra environmental friend enlightened me with this point ( I do recycle religiously), the Kindle is Eco-Friendly, seriously never gave that a thought... where do all those unused books go especially the paperbacks. I feel good about not killing any trees or filling any landfills because of my Love for reading.

2) I am a Big Change My Mind girl....in fact going anywhere where I might read, I used to take at least 3 or four books especially on vacation. Because even if I think I know what I want to read out of my library at the time, when it comes down to the actual reading it's not what I want to read after all, not the mood I'm in. Crazy I know, but now instead of dragging along all those books I have my entire library with me at all times. I'll always be able to find something that hits my fancy.

3) My favorite thing about the Kindle is its Bookmarking and Notes feature! I was never the type to write in the margins of my books but always wished that I could find the things and quotes that struck me at a later date and that never happened. Now I can easily and this in itself has made the Kindle worth its weight in Gold to me. I can even export my notes for a nice little summary and can even import all those PDF's I collect across the internet and read them whenever and wherever I want.

4) The books especially the Bestsellers are cheaper and I never have to wait for the paperback, I never have to wait period because it takes less than 60 seconds to get a book and a lot of books are Free, my budget really likes that!

What was I waiting for???

I will never stop buying books that I can touch and feel until they no longer sell them but right now, you couldn't tear my Kindle from me, even if you offered me TWO pieces of chocolate cake.

Still not sure if the Amazon Kindle is right for you?

Check out BuyAmazonKindle.org for reviews and get a List of FREE Kindle EBooks!

Get FREE Shipping on Your New Kindle to sweeten the Deal.

10 Reasons Not to Buy a Kindle

10 Reasons Not to Buy a Kindle

The Kindle Reading Device is Amazon's bestselling item for two years running.  According to Amazon it is "the most-wished for, most gifted, and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon."

So why would you not want to buy a Kindle?

Not comfortable with new technology. Some folks take to new technology like ducks take to water. They jump at the chance to make their lives more convenient and pleasurable though new technology like Kindle. Other folks are just the opposite.  Leaning to use new tech products doesn't come easy for them.  They may even like the idea of Kindle, but prefer to wait before buying. They read reviews and learn from their friends who use Kindle.



Older Kindles might become obsolete. Technology is changing fast.  Kindle has produced three generations of Kindle models since it was first introduced in 2007.  As Kindle introduces new features, users must decide whether to buy the new model. A competitor might introduce a new game changing  reader that will render Kindle obsolete.



Too expensive. After buying their Kindle reader, users pay for each book downloaded to their library. While Kindle books cost less than new books, the total cost over time is a concern for some people when they can borrow books from public libraries for free. Or they can buy used books..



Like the look and feel of real books. Pick up a real book. Look over its book jacket and illustrations. Thumb through its pages. Scan chapter titles. Turn real pages. People who enjoy this reading experience may not be satisfies with Kindle.



Kindle might crash.  Like all tech gizmos, Kindle could fail causing inconvenience and frustration while replacing the product.



Kindle might get damaged or broken. It could be accidentally dropped. Or something could be dropped on it. It could get wet at the swimming pool.



Kindle could get lost or stolen. This causes frustration and stress in searching for the lost Kindle, or replacing it.



Kindle may be hard on your eyes. Staring at a screen for too long can be hard on your eyes. So much time is already spent watching television and computer displays. Some studies have raised cause for concern about the effects of too much viewing on the eyes.



Battery. Your battery may die on you at the most inconvenient time, and you forgot to bring along your charger.



Inertia. Some folks are set in their ways.  They just don't' want to change how they read books.

?

Put your doubts aside. Consider a Kindle to elevate your reading pleasure.

The new Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device allows you find and download books and periodicals in less than 60 seconds from anywhere in the world that has 3G wireless coverage.

There are no monthly bills, no annual contracts, no wireless setup, no need for a computer. You shop and read straight from this device.

You have a choice of over 670,000 books - plus newspapers, magazines and blogs. Kindle's Whispersync technology allows you to begin reading right where you stopped reading last time.

You can play MP3 background music while you read.

Check out the latest generation Kindle DX.

Top 5 Improvements in Amazon Kindle 2.0

Everyone is excited over the new Kindle 2.0 which was just released in New York. Here are the 5 best improvements that comes with the new Kindle.

1. Twenty-Five Per Cent More Battery Life

Now you can read on the Kindle for four days straight on a single charge, with the wireless on. Turn off the wireless, and you can take a trip for almost two weeks without worrying about the Kindle running out on you. The battery life varies based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store and downloading content.

2. New Five-Way Controller

Kindle 2.0 comes with a clever five-way navigation controller that provides control of more functions. It also comes with the Menu and Back buttons right next to it. This replaces the old scroll wheel used in the first Kindle version, which was a bit of a hassle to use. The new controller makes selecting and highlighting text much easier.

3. New Next Page Button

It's a good thing Amazon paid attention to its customer feedback about the previous and next page buttons on Kindle 1 which were way to big and sensitive. Very likely, you'll accidentally press the buttons and turn the page when you don't intend to. Kindle 2.0 have smaller buttons, with the previous button smaller than the next button, which flex inwards, instead of outwards like in the previous version. This cuts down a lot of accidental page turns, which is a relieve for many Kindle lovers.

4. Sharper Graphics

Kindle 2.0 now boasts 16 shades of grey instead of 4 shades in the original Kindle. Text now look sharper, and less bleed around the letters as noticed in Kindle 1.

5. Sleeker Design

Kindle 2.0 is now 0.36 inches thick, or shall I say thin, compared to Kindle 1's 0.7 inches. They have also got rid of the rather horrid looking square angled keys and replaced them with smooth circular keys for the QWERTY keyboard.

For a side-by-side comparison of Kindle 2.0 and the Original Kindle, please visit http://reviewkindle.blogspot.com/