Ken-L

I just ordered the newest Kindle. It is 20% smaller, 50% more contrast, and faster page turns.

Plus it comes with free 3G Wireless and WiFi, has better battery duration, and is thinner.

I needed it like I need a hole in my head. My Kindle 2 is barely used and I have two covers for it. But, gadget-freak that I am, I went and ordered the new Kindle and cover for it!

__________________
Members don't see ads in threads. Register your free account today and become a member on Tech Today Online, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more.

__________________
"An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way." - Bukowski

jcjacob

I have Kindle envy.

I love my Kindle 2 and use it all the time. It really makes a difference when I travel, easily taking pounds off the weight of my luggage from all the books I used to carry.

What I really like about the new one is the battery life - good for about a month now with the 3G and wireless turned off.

__________________
-John

JDtech

Very cool. I've been getting closer to considering one of these myself. Would be great if you could provide pictures and a general impression once you get it.

__________________
Follow me on Twitter | My Tech Blog

Ken-L

They start shipping on August 27th. I'll be over my buyers remorse by then.

__________________
"An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way." - Bukowski

JDtech

Just saw Jeff Bezos on Charlies Rose touting this thing. It looks great. At $139, I may have to break down and buy one.

__________________
Follow me on Twitter | My Tech Blog

jcjacob

I've have my Kindle2 for 9 months - use it all the time and love it, but I"m really wanting this one. I have a feeling I'm going to be following in Ken's footsteps and upgrading...

We might be seeing some good condition Kindle 2's on our Marketplace soon!

__________________
-John

Ken-L

I think that the free 3G of the $189 version is worth the extra $50.


I've had an itch to buy something.....then when I saw the article and $139, I decided to get one, but when I saw that a version with free 3G was available, I ordered.

I still have some buyers remorse, but I've had it worse, and it always passes without leaving any permanent scars....usually.

__________________
"An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way." - Bukowski

Bodryn

My take on this is that with iPad hot on Kindle's heels, Kindle had to do something drastic, like issue a much cheaper Kindle. I predict that it won't be long before Kindle comes out with a color screen. That would sure be nice for all those books on photography (with included illustrations) and I sure would like something with a big screen I could put my Jpeg photos on. I was disappointed that they didn't have an SD card slot like their first model had. I'd like to be able to copy text files directly onto that and read them. I can do that with my laptop, I want to do it with a Kindle.

__________________
Bodryn
========
"Where are we going? And why are we in this handbasket?"

jcjacob

I have ready many books on my Kindle and like it quite a lot.

For all the novels I read, none of them have illustrations. Using the device often in travel, I would prefer the month-long battery life and clarity of e-ink over color IF color caused any decrease in those features.

When I was buying some Photoshop CS5 books, I noticed that they had Kindle versions, but because the screen is only B&W, opted for the paper versions.

A color screen would be be nice, and really a necessity for reading a book on photography or graphic art. For Photoshop and post processing works, I most often use the books as a reference while at my computer, and if the PC-based reader supported color (and the book was actually rendered in color) that would probably meet my needs. For photography, technique, and arts, the B&W is a definite disadvantage. We live in a world of color, and it does add a richness to any experience.

I do think that it's only a matter of time before all e-readers are available with color screens. I expect that as these devices are gaining popularity, advances in their technology will be much more rapid.

As for Kindle innovations, I have no idea what Amazon has planned, but my order of preference would be:

1. Increase the reading area by keeping the device the same size but provide an e-ink screen with a USEABLE touchscreen and keyboard.
2. Provide a color screen while maintaining the clarity and long battery life.

__________________
-John

Ken-L

I converted several of my photos to B&W and loaded them into a document I transfered to my Kindle 2, and it works quite well. I also have my D700 PDF Manual on the Kindle 2, and the illustrations are fine.

I just got an email from Amazon:

I ordered the white one, because there was no option for a graphite, and although a white one would be fine (my Kindle 2 is white) I'll appreicate having the graphite one.

__________________
"An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way." - Bukowski