With the launch of the Amazon Kindle 2 coming on February 24th, it seemed appropriate to evaluate the first version of the Kindle, and look ahead to the lifestyle compatibility of the Kindle 2. For years, books and newspapers only existed in hard copy format. They were physical, tangible items. Audio books changed that somewhat, and PDA’s put books into a portable and digital format. However, Amazon.com’s innovators took digital books and written media to a level far beyond the PDA.
The Amazon Kindle is a handheld electronic device that allows users to read downloaded books and newspapers from a screen. WiFi capabilities allow the Kindle to recieve the newspaper and magazine updates daily, as well as download books on demand. The Kindle user is also able to read blogs via RSS feeds transported via WiFi. The Kindle 2 will be smaller than the original Kindle, and will look much like an oversized iPod (showing off a metal back). From early press pictures, the Kindle 2 will be about the width of a pencil. The Kindle 2 will still sport a full keypad, and retain the same scrolling and option buttons as the original Kindle. It is a possibility that the Kindle 2 will also be showing off a set of small speakers. The new Kindle 2 will be released for sale to the public on February 24th, for a reported price of $359.
The Kindle has distinguished itself as a worthwhile and lifestyle compatible gadget. For those who can afford it, it saves space in a briefcase or bag, saves money on newspapers and books (because the reader doesn’t have to pay for the paper as well as the content), saves time, all while offering the reader immense portability. The Kindle user doesn’t even have to worry about prolonged eye exposure to the screen. Amazon has developed technology which allows the screen to react to light much like actual pages of a book do.
For good looks, awesome feature set, and continued innovation the Kindle earns a 10/10. For portability, time savings, possible money savings, space savings, and convenience the Kindle also receives a 10/10 bringing the Kindle’s total Techsplosive score to:
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