photo credit: pt
Amazon released their version of a digital reader, called the Kindle, in late 2007. It received a lot of attention at the time, but not as much as its new version released this spring. Amazon states that more than 285,000 books are available for download and purchase, 50,000 audio books, and there are many magazine and newspaper articles also available for download (including my blog). A full text book can be downloaded in about 60 seconds and most books cost around $9.99. For newspaper, magazine, and blog subscriptions, the Kindle automatically syncs the content to the Kindle over the air (no cables needed).
Currently, two Kindles are available for purchase; one holds up to 1500 books and the other up to 3500 books. Current Kindle users seem extremely happy with the device and the technology based on online reviews.
Intrigued by the buzz surrounding the Kindle, I downloaded the free Kindle reader for my iPhone and bought Dan Brown’s Angel and Demons for $6.99. After purchasing the book via my Amazon account, the book downloaded to my iPhone in about 45 seconds.
After just a week, I’m hooked. I don’t normally carry books with me, but I always have my iPhone at my side and now I can sneak in some reading any time I have even a few moments. When I open the Kindle reader, it goes directly to where I left off the last time I read. When I switch to another application or get a phone call, the reader automatically saves my place without any interaction from me. Like the full Kindle version, I can adjust text size and color to make reading more comfortable for me.
I probably won’t invest in the full Kindle, but I can see that it might be a wonderful gadget for avid readers who want to have multiple options to them at all times. Check out the links in this article to get more informaton about the Kindle. And I should also mention that Sony and Foxit also have e-readers available as well. If you already own an ereader of any type, let me know what you think of it by leaving a comment below.
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Tags: amazon, download, ebook, format, iPhone, kindle, news, os, photos, review, technology, web
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HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.
I’ve been enjoying Kindle on my Touch much more than I thought I would. It’s not as nice as a Kindle, but it’ll do in a pinch, and since it’s $359.00 cheaper, it will continue to do just fine.
You are so right…sure the Kindle’s bigger screen might be nice, but I’m getting along wonderfully with the iPhone/Touch app as well.
I’m intrigued by the Kindle but like physical books SO much. I think the only way I would buy one is if I traveled a lot, which I don’t.
Did you see that you can have your blog published on the Kindle? It’s free but the subscribers would have to pay for access. I’ve thought about doing it for vanity reasons but know there isn’t a demand for it.
https://kindlepublishing.amazon.com/gp/vendor/sign-in/192-8166795-7227044
You missed the link in the article to my blog listing in the Kindle directory.
Oh man … sorry.
No apologies needed! I appreciate you hanging out from time-to-time over here at HMR and leaving comments. I wish I could get about 1/2 of your followers to come with you! Ha ha.
Both my wife and I have Kindles (Ver 1) that we got last fall as Christmas presents to each other. We love them since we have always carried a book to read while we wait. They are easier to carry than a hard-cover book and since I usually am reading 2 or 3 books at the same time they work out fine.
That’s great to hear, and I am starting to see the benefit and allure of the e-book. And with folks like you who read a few books at a time, it really makes sense.
I have a Sony PRS-700. Love it – I got it because it was smaller than the Kindle (I didn’t feel a need for the keyboard to be available making the reader larger).
I agree with Bill – great to always have a book available if waiting.
I was wondering what differences there were between the Sony and the Kindle. I don’t know if I would need to make notes and annotations either using a keyboard. Thanks for the comment.
My daughter & family are currently stationed in Rome, Italy so books are not so readily available. Mail order takes time, so son-in-law gifted his wife with a Kindle and she absolutely loves it!!! Now she can read all the newest publications as they are available as well as take it with her. She ranks it as “living next door to the local library!!”
Sounds like a great solution for someone who travels or is working out of the U.S. And I think many people overlook the fact that you can also get magazines and web info on them as well…increasing their utility.
The advantage of the Kindle over the Sony is the wireless connection. You don’t need a computer to download books. It also has a basic web browser which I have used to check email while riding in the car.
Excellent point…thanks for sharing!!
I downloaded the kindle for my Itouch too. It works great! I’ve been an avid ebook reader on my previous Dell Axim x51v, so this is as close as it gets. There is one problem with ebooks. When traveling on planes, you have to wait for use of electronic equipment at the beginning and end of flights. This takes an annoying bit of time away from reading, where a print book is not affected. Nonetheless, it’s a winner!
True, but…. I hate to admit it, but I wait until the flight staff is seated and then start reading again. We all know that electronic gadgetry in the cabin has zero affect on the flight of the plane…unless you brought a high powered microwave on-board or something like that.