Do You Need A Kindle 2? Yes.
Kindle 2 units are arriving all over the US, as Amazon not only keeps to their delivery schedule but, in some cases, beats it to the punch. Kindle 2 Keyboard: I think the Kindle 2 keyboard is a massive improvement over the original Kindle (not that I owned the original Kindle), but I find that its not very user friendly, at least not for me. Kindle 2 is very slim and Apple-esque.
Kindle 2 supports wall charging via the included Kindle 2 power adapter, and charging from your computer via the included USB. Kindle 2 fully charges in approximately 4 hours. Kindle 2 electronic reader, power adapter, and USB are included in the box.
The Kindle 2 is exactly what people want in a digital reader ” simple, sleek design. The Kindle 2 is BUILT to be a reader, and as such, does a great job. The newest Reader is fast, fast and faster.
I got the Kindle 1 in June of last year, and after reading two or three books, I was hooked. However, the Kindle 2 is a nice upgrade over the original Kindle; yes, it leaves off a couple of key items–most importantly removable memory and a protective carrying case–but it makes up for it with a slicker design, improved performance, increased internal memory, built-in speakers, and a new feature, Text-to-Speech audio reading. I’ve been able to download required reading material for my Philosophy class for a quarter of what I would pay in the bookstore.
Like some other electronic paper products, the Kindle 2 uses “e-ink” technology, which serves to make the letters and words on the screen look more printlike in their appearance. A lot of people, when they first see the screen, are genuinely impressed. The 600-by-800-resolution screen is the same size, measuring 6 inches; but now, packing the latest E-Ink technology, it gives you 16 shades of gray versus the 4 shades available on the original Kindle.
Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots. Kindle was an interesting concept, and its ability to load books quickly and wirelessly was innovative- but as the author states, it seems much more likely that other devices will step in and do what the Kindle merely suggests: a better screen, better interface, and perhaps best of all much less DRM on the content. I love the wireless features, dictionary, electronic ink, etc. Especially with the wireless capability to get what I wanted on demand.
My Predictions/Wishes:Kindle as a standard for newspaper/magazine delivery: I think Amazon will either buy a newspaper or a big Newspaper publisher will invest heavily in Kindle or their own ebook readers. I buy all my books on amazon anyways so the kindle 2 is a logical method of ebook delivery. I was able to check my Yahoo email, Twitter and Facebook easily.
Im a HUGE news junkie, and I would love to subscribe to the New York Times, the Washington Post, and a host of other faltering newspapers on my new Kindle 2. The weeks that I have spent with my Kindle 2 has made it clear that it is miles ahead of the competition. With an 800×600 resolution e-ink screen and unlimited free Internet access, the Kindle 2 makes a compelling choice for anyone who enjoys reading.