Amazon Kindle e-book readers

[Robertsusa2]

The Amazon Kindle is a series of e-book readers now in its fourth generation. Amazon Kindle eReaders enable users to shop for, download, browse, and read e-books, newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other digital media via wireless networking. The hardware platform, developed by Amazon.com subsidiary Lab126, began as a single device and now comprises a range of devices — most using an E Ink electronic paper display capable of rendering 16 shades of gray to simulate reading on paper while minimizing power consumption.

 

The Kindle name was devised by branding consultant Michael Cronan who was asked by Lab 126 to name the product. Cronan and partner Karin Hibma suggested Kindle. Etymologically, the word “kindle” relates to “candle” and they felt this was an apt metaphor for reading and intellectual excitement.

 

Kindle hardware has evolved from the original Kindle introduced in 2007 and a Kindle DX line (with a larger screen) introduced in 2009. Announced in September 2011, the range now includes devices with keyboards (Kindle Keyboard), devices with touch sensitive screens (Kindle Touch), a tablet computer with a reader app and a color display (Kindle Fire) and a low-priced model with an on-screen keyboard (Kindle).

 

Amazon has also introduced Kindle software for use on various devices and platforms, including Microsoft Windows, iOS, BlackBerry, Mac OS X (10.5 or later, Intel processor only), Android, webOS, and Windows Phone. Amazon also has a "cloud" reader to allow users to read, and purchase, Kindle books from a web browser.

 

Content for the Kindle can be purchased online and downloaded wirelessly in some countries, using either standard Wi-Fi or Amazon's 3G "Whispernet" network. Whispernet is accessible without any monthly fee or wireless subscription, although fees can be incurred for the delivery of periodicals and other content when roaming internationally beyond the customer's home country. Through a service called "Whispersync," customers can synchronize reading progress, bookmarks and other information across Kindle hardware devices and other mobile devices.

 

In the last three months of 2010, Amazon announced that in the United States, their amazon kindle 2 review sales had surpassed sales of paperback books for the first time.

[darkfang77]

As copied from wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia....i/Amazon_Kindle

 

The battery life is a little deceptive, and I wrecked it using a non-Kindle cover, but it gets the job done as an e-reader. Although I'd preferably like some more features on it like image players.

Edited April 18, 2012 by darkfang77

[rolf]

I've a Kindle 3 myself (now known as Kindle Keyboard). Although the keyboard isn't that useful, I normally never use it, the Kindle is imho one of the best eReaders there is. For me the main advantage is that the next(/prev) page are on both sides of the screen, so you can hold it with both hands. And if you read a lot, your arm gets tired before you stop reading

 

The disadvantages of the Kindle (3) are that not all file formats are supported, for example the .epub, but Calibre handles that well. Furthermore, it feels quite plastic. It's not bad, it is a firm plastic which, even after some pressure, still feels good and solid, but seems cheap. However, that is for pretty much all eReaders the case. For the price, well, it's 100% worth it, one of the best gadgets I bought recently. Although now I consider buying the new one because it's lighter, but I don't read that much to let myself spend another 100E on it

[KevinBacon]

Kindle Fire owner here. Although I'm not really one of those 'on-the-go' type of people, I keep it with me when I'm out and about. It is a nice product, and I like all the apps available for it. I don't own a smart phone so getting a kindle was my first chance at utilizing anything that ran on android. I've read a few books with it, and I often use it for it web browsing capability when I am looking at how I can plan my days with my son.

It's something I wouldn't pay for on my own, as it's just basically a computer with less storage. But it's handy to have around.