I wanted to take a moment to tell you about an amazing device – the Amazon Kindle. The Kindle originally came out a few years ago, and is a digital book reader unlike any other. It really changed the way people read books. It’s portable, easy to slip in a bag, and has wi-fi capability.
Amazon has just announced the release of the Kindle 2.0, which is a much improved version of the original. The reader holds over 1,500 books in its memory, but the device is lightweight and easy to hold. It’s about the thickness of a typical magazine and weighs less than a paperback book.
The screen is amazing. It actually looks like paper. It’s hard to describe, but it’s not at all like your typical computer or PDA screen. It uses electronic-ink display technology, resulting in a crisp black-and-white 6″ screen with the same appearance and readability of printed paper. There’s no glare or backlight, either. The screen works using ink, just like books and newspapers, but displays the ink particles electronically. And unlike a laptop or smart phone, Kindle never gets warm or overheats.
The new Kindle 2.0 also has a text-to-speech feature, so you can have your book read out loud to you while you’re driving, working around the house, etc. That comes in very handy for people on the go. (Like me!) 
Kindle Store currently has more than 230,000 books available, plus top newspapers, magazines, and blogs. Amazon intends to offer every book ever printed, in any language, all available in under 60 seconds on Kindle. Right now, 103 of 110 books currently found on the New York Times Best Seller list are available for the Kindle. New York Times Best Sellers and most new releases are $9.99, and many books are even cheaper. It’s worth noting that books for the Kindle cost much less than the paper versions.
Here are some of the features:
- Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines
- Lightweight: At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback
- Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots
- Books in Under 60 Seconds: Get books delivered in less than 60 seconds; no PC required
- Improved Display: Reads like real paper; now boasts 16 shades of gray for clear text and even crisper images
- Longer Battery Life: 25% longer battery life; read for days without recharging
- More Storage: Take your library with you; holds over 1,500 books
- Faster Page Turns: 20% faster page turns
- Read-to-Me: With the new Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle can read every book, blog, magazine, and newspaper out loud to you
- Large Selection: Over 230,000 books plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and blogs available
- Low Book Prices: New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases $9.99, unless marked otherwise
The Kindle is available for pre-order on Amazon.com right now for $359.00 with free shipping, and will be released on Febuary 24th. Pre-order now and your Kindle will be shipped the day it is released. The device is a little pricey, but if you read a lot of books, magazines, and newspapers, you’ll find that it’s well worth the money. I held off on buying the original Kindle, and now I’m glad I did, because the Kindle 2.0 is much better. I’m going to get this one.
Check it out here: Kindle 2: Amazon’s New Wireless Reading Device
