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Amazon Kindle - Top 10 Things you Need to Know
James Kara Murat asked:
If you have just heard about the entire latest buzz surrounding the e-book reader Kindle from Amazon, you need to know more. Here are the top 10 aspects about Kindle almost everyone needs to know!
i. MP3 playing
The Kindle device from Amazon has the amazing ability to play all the MP3 songs which you would have downloaded into the internal storage mechanism. Capacities of the internal storage are around 180 MB in space. You could also store these MP3 songs in the allocated SD card slot. You can play the songs in random shuffle and choose to listen to songs in the background while you read the e-book!
ii. DRM support
The Kindle comes with DRM support by means of support for file types of extensions .AZW. It also is compatible with Mobipocket books of the unprotected varieties. Therefore file types like .MOBI, .TXT, .PRC, Word as well as .HTML are all supported by the Kindle. You can transfer files via USB or via email. No more need to print!
iii. Kindle Now Now
This is a new feature introduced by Kindle which enables a powerful search mechanism. By means of a query mechanism you can search for almost anything you wish for absolutely free of cost! This search facility is powered with the help of Mechanical Turn from Amazon which is a distributed system of work.
iv. Blog subscription
You can avail blog subscriptions by paying a meager 2 dollars every month! Besides this, you also get access to a 14 day trial period. For no additional cost, you get to browse the blogs directly via the ‘Basic Web’ which is a browser provided for free. You only pay for access to the RSS feeds but not for surfing the web.
v. Font types supported
Kindle primarily supports two kinds of fonts namely the Neue Helvetica and the Caecilia. These are provided by Linotype. Book texts are all provided in the default Caecilia font. However, other than reading, you can select from 6 font types.
vi. Ergonomics
While the Kindle may not have great aesthetics what with a no-so-great looking color, the shape of the device is very ergonomically designed.
vii. No scroll keys
If you wish to navigate to the next page or further below, there are no scroll down keys provided in the Kindle. To move across content or even scrolling on the web pages you will need to use the page forward keys and the back button for this.
viii. Audible e-books
You can use the Kindle from Amazon to play out audible e-books. However the ‘whispernet’ service provided by means of the EVDO internet connection does not support downloads of such audible e-books on air. You will need to leverage the Audible Manager for downloading and subsequently copy the file to Kindle via USB port on the PC. This eliminates the need for printing altogether.
ix. Text file download
Kindle allows you to easily download text files for future use. All it takes is just 45 seconds to download even massive text files!
x. Files not supported
The Kindle does not ensure compatibility with Mobipocket files which have been DRMed. Also the Kindle will not support PDF file types – not even after you convert the file!
If you have just heard about the entire latest buzz surrounding the e-book reader Kindle from Amazon, you need to know more. Here are the top 10 aspects about Kindle almost everyone needs to know!
i. MP3 playing
The Kindle device from Amazon has the amazing ability to play all the MP3 songs which you would have downloaded into the internal storage mechanism. Capacities of the internal storage are around 180 MB in space. You could also store these MP3 songs in the allocated SD card slot. You can play the songs in random shuffle and choose to listen to songs in the background while you read the e-book!
ii. DRM support
The Kindle comes with DRM support by means of support for file types of extensions .AZW. It also is compatible with Mobipocket books of the unprotected varieties. Therefore file types like .MOBI, .TXT, .PRC, Word as well as .HTML are all supported by the Kindle. You can transfer files via USB or via email. No more need to print!
iii. Kindle Now Now
This is a new feature introduced by Kindle which enables a powerful search mechanism. By means of a query mechanism you can search for almost anything you wish for absolutely free of cost! This search facility is powered with the help of Mechanical Turn from Amazon which is a distributed system of work.
iv. Blog subscription
You can avail blog subscriptions by paying a meager 2 dollars every month! Besides this, you also get access to a 14 day trial period. For no additional cost, you get to browse the blogs directly via the ‘Basic Web’ which is a browser provided for free. You only pay for access to the RSS feeds but not for surfing the web.
v. Font types supported
Kindle primarily supports two kinds of fonts namely the Neue Helvetica and the Caecilia. These are provided by Linotype. Book texts are all provided in the default Caecilia font. However, other than reading, you can select from 6 font types.
vi. Ergonomics
While the Kindle may not have great aesthetics what with a no-so-great looking color, the shape of the device is very ergonomically designed.
vii. No scroll keys
If you wish to navigate to the next page or further below, there are no scroll down keys provided in the Kindle. To move across content or even scrolling on the web pages you will need to use the page forward keys and the back button for this.
viii. Audible e-books
You can use the Kindle from Amazon to play out audible e-books. However the ‘whispernet’ service provided by means of the EVDO internet connection does not support downloads of such audible e-books on air. You will need to leverage the Audible Manager for downloading and subsequently copy the file to Kindle via USB port on the PC. This eliminates the need for printing altogether.
ix. Text file download
Kindle allows you to easily download text files for future use. All it takes is just 45 seconds to download even massive text files!
x. Files not supported
The Kindle does not ensure compatibility with Mobipocket files which have been DRMed. Also the Kindle will not support PDF file types – not even after you convert the file!
Recounting the 5 Faults of Kindle
James Kara Murat asked:
Who says Amazon.com is only limited to selling books? Today, Amazon has joined the ranks of being one of the major technological innovators. In fact, Sony’s Reader has found great competition from one of Amazon’s newest products: the Kindle Reader.
Its name could have a much stronger impact, considering that “kindle” means “enlightenment,” or the birth of great ideas—and it is, if you’ll learn to look past beyond its many flaws:
1. Being connected has its pitfalls. The wireless connection of Kindle spells both boon and bane for the product. It’s good because you can basically carry your favorite books, blogs, and other whatever reading material literally no matter where you go. The downside is its browser isn’t really its main priority. Rather, it gives so much emphasis on being a book reader. Thus, don’t be surprised if you’re going to meet numerous error messages. The only consolation perhaps is the fact that you the images really don’t appear so awful.
2. It stopped looking good. It’s surprising how critics never failed to mention Kindle’s designs if they’re asked of its disadvantages. It seems like the designers behind the product have lost their touch in creativity. It appears bland and too plain. It doesn’t make any better when pictures started showing everywhere, depicting it as close to being ugly. In reality, though, Kindle may not be equal to Apple in the looks department, but it’s still look like a cool gadget, at least at first glance.
3. It’s flip, not scroll. People are so used to scrolling, no matter how tiring this routine can be. Think of PCs and cell phones. However, you may have to accustom yourself to flipping when you’re using Amazon’s Kindle. Perhaps it’s because it tries to truly imitate a person reading a book. You flip on the pages—you don’t scroll.
4. Convergence doesn’t exist. Why was the iPhone such a huge hit? More than its design, it attempts to merge two of the most important devices today: phone and iPod. Convergence is the buzzword, considering that individuals love anything that will make life much more convenient. Kindle doesn’t seem to possess that, though. It becomes a more advanced ebook reader, with wireless connectivity on the side.
5. It can’t read important file formats. There are certain formats that are only applicable to Kindle. These include .txt and MP3 files. File formats such as Word, HTML, and JPEG are unreadable. If you need to read an important Word file, you still have to send the document to Amazon, who will later convert and send it to you. Even though this is free of charge, definitely, you’ll find the entire process taxing and totally time-consuming. To make matters worse, Amazon and Kindle doesn’t support RTF documents when, in fact, it’s a subset of Word document, which is apparently supported by Kindle.
Despite the many “faults” of Amazon Kindle, it doesn’t take away the fact that it’s a revolutionary gadget. It’s so easy on the eye and comfortable to carry around. And besides, if you’re truly a bookworm, wouldn’t be building your own library and placing it in your bag more than enough?
Who says Amazon.com is only limited to selling books? Today, Amazon has joined the ranks of being one of the major technological innovators. In fact, Sony’s Reader has found great competition from one of Amazon’s newest products: the Kindle Reader.
Its name could have a much stronger impact, considering that “kindle” means “enlightenment,” or the birth of great ideas—and it is, if you’ll learn to look past beyond its many flaws:
1. Being connected has its pitfalls. The wireless connection of Kindle spells both boon and bane for the product. It’s good because you can basically carry your favorite books, blogs, and other whatever reading material literally no matter where you go. The downside is its browser isn’t really its main priority. Rather, it gives so much emphasis on being a book reader. Thus, don’t be surprised if you’re going to meet numerous error messages. The only consolation perhaps is the fact that you the images really don’t appear so awful.
2. It stopped looking good. It’s surprising how critics never failed to mention Kindle’s designs if they’re asked of its disadvantages. It seems like the designers behind the product have lost their touch in creativity. It appears bland and too plain. It doesn’t make any better when pictures started showing everywhere, depicting it as close to being ugly. In reality, though, Kindle may not be equal to Apple in the looks department, but it’s still look like a cool gadget, at least at first glance.
3. It’s flip, not scroll. People are so used to scrolling, no matter how tiring this routine can be. Think of PCs and cell phones. However, you may have to accustom yourself to flipping when you’re using Amazon’s Kindle. Perhaps it’s because it tries to truly imitate a person reading a book. You flip on the pages—you don’t scroll.
4. Convergence doesn’t exist. Why was the iPhone such a huge hit? More than its design, it attempts to merge two of the most important devices today: phone and iPod. Convergence is the buzzword, considering that individuals love anything that will make life much more convenient. Kindle doesn’t seem to possess that, though. It becomes a more advanced ebook reader, with wireless connectivity on the side.
5. It can’t read important file formats. There are certain formats that are only applicable to Kindle. These include .txt and MP3 files. File formats such as Word, HTML, and JPEG are unreadable. If you need to read an important Word file, you still have to send the document to Amazon, who will later convert and send it to you. Even though this is free of charge, definitely, you’ll find the entire process taxing and totally time-consuming. To make matters worse, Amazon and Kindle doesn’t support RTF documents when, in fact, it’s a subset of Word document, which is apparently supported by Kindle.
Despite the many “faults” of Amazon Kindle, it doesn’t take away the fact that it’s a revolutionary gadget. It’s so easy on the eye and comfortable to carry around. And besides, if you’re truly a bookworm, wouldn’t be building your own library and placing it in your bag more than enough?
Amazon’s Kindle is Taking the World by Storm in 7 Ways
James Kara Murat asked:
Kindle caught the people by surprise, but it was a very pleasant entry. In fact, it was welcomed with open arms that, until today, Amazon still has to advise their customers to wait. There are no more left for anyone to enjoy.
What makes Kindle tick? Here are 7 reasons:
1. It gives you wireless connection. If you’re fond of Wikipedia, blogs, and other online reading materials, then Kindle is the one you’re looking for. This feature, though still in its experimental stage, also provides Kindle an edge over its mighty competitor, Sony Reader. You can also skip looking for a Wi-Fi hotspot as you can still browse without any WiFi connection. You can also piggyback on the present networks for cell phone, and you don’t even have to pay a single cent.
2. You can save your books. Do you have plans of reading your favorite novel in your PC rather than in Kindle? That’s actually no problem, as you’re provided with two ways to do that. First, you can make use of an SD card which you can remove from Kindle. You can also transfer the files from your device to your PC with the use of a USB cable.
3. It prevents eye strain. One of the greatest disadvantages of reading books in your PC is the fact that you have to actually squint your eyes to protect your vital part of the body from the glare. Too much of it can definitely cause eye strain. With Kindle, however, utilizes the e-ink technology, which means words appear as if they’re written with ink. You can actually read your favorite news articles or blogs even if you’re under direct sunlight. Moreover, everything appears sharp and very clear.
4. It physical attributes is A+. It may not be the most beautiful device in the world, but still, it’s still so lightweight, weighing only 10.3 ounces. This makes them very comfortable to carry around. What’s more, you can also maximize the sizes of fonts. This is very much helpful for people who are accustomed with reading materials with specific font size.
5. Your choices are varied. In line with its signature books, Amazon’s Kindle has far better books that you will surely enjoy reading in your spare time than its counterpart, Sony Reader. They’re also fairly priced, considering that there’s actually no hassle of sitting in front of your PC and logging into your Amazon account just so you can place an order. Moreover, Kindle can also archive all of your previous purchases just in case you want to re-download an ordered book.
6. It’s compatible with MAC. There aren’t a lot of products that can instantly claim that they can work well with MAC, but Amazon’s Kindle did, and it definitely delivers. Thus, people who are so fond of such types of PCs can also take delight in not only books, but blogs, newspapers, and magazines as well.
7. Kindle is everything-made-easy. First of all, it contains a Home button, which is very important. As you know, you can get drowned of the immense collection of reading materials. You can also create some notes and edit them, which makes Kindle such a perfect partner for college students.
Kindle caught the people by surprise, but it was a very pleasant entry. In fact, it was welcomed with open arms that, until today, Amazon still has to advise their customers to wait. There are no more left for anyone to enjoy.
What makes Kindle tick? Here are 7 reasons:
1. It gives you wireless connection. If you’re fond of Wikipedia, blogs, and other online reading materials, then Kindle is the one you’re looking for. This feature, though still in its experimental stage, also provides Kindle an edge over its mighty competitor, Sony Reader. You can also skip looking for a Wi-Fi hotspot as you can still browse without any WiFi connection. You can also piggyback on the present networks for cell phone, and you don’t even have to pay a single cent.
2. You can save your books. Do you have plans of reading your favorite novel in your PC rather than in Kindle? That’s actually no problem, as you’re provided with two ways to do that. First, you can make use of an SD card which you can remove from Kindle. You can also transfer the files from your device to your PC with the use of a USB cable.
3. It prevents eye strain. One of the greatest disadvantages of reading books in your PC is the fact that you have to actually squint your eyes to protect your vital part of the body from the glare. Too much of it can definitely cause eye strain. With Kindle, however, utilizes the e-ink technology, which means words appear as if they’re written with ink. You can actually read your favorite news articles or blogs even if you’re under direct sunlight. Moreover, everything appears sharp and very clear.
4. It physical attributes is A+. It may not be the most beautiful device in the world, but still, it’s still so lightweight, weighing only 10.3 ounces. This makes them very comfortable to carry around. What’s more, you can also maximize the sizes of fonts. This is very much helpful for people who are accustomed with reading materials with specific font size.
5. Your choices are varied. In line with its signature books, Amazon’s Kindle has far better books that you will surely enjoy reading in your spare time than its counterpart, Sony Reader. They’re also fairly priced, considering that there’s actually no hassle of sitting in front of your PC and logging into your Amazon account just so you can place an order. Moreover, Kindle can also archive all of your previous purchases just in case you want to re-download an ordered book.
6. It’s compatible with MAC. There aren’t a lot of products that can instantly claim that they can work well with MAC, but Amazon’s Kindle did, and it definitely delivers. Thus, people who are so fond of such types of PCs can also take delight in not only books, but blogs, newspapers, and magazines as well.
7. Kindle is everything-made-easy. First of all, it contains a Home button, which is very important. As you know, you can get drowned of the immense collection of reading materials. You can also create some notes and edit them, which makes Kindle such a perfect partner for college students.
Kindle Vs. Sony Ebook Reader Reviews
James Kara Murat asked:
There has been a lot of buzz lately about the brand new e-book reader launched by Amazon. The most popular e-book reader around has been the one launched by Sony.
The price difference
One of the main differences that really stands out between the Sony E-book Reader and Kindle is the vast price disparity. There’s a whopping 100 dollar difference with the Sony reader being priced at 300 USD and Kindle having a price of 400 USD. While the Sony reader promises a host of freebie features like free viewing of PDF files, no internet connection needed, free access to blogs as well as RSS feeds and even a memory card included in the welcome kit, this reader from Sony sure has plenty of upsides to it. However, Kindle isn’t far behind what with the capacity to contain more than 200 titles and an SD card slot that is included with it. However, you do need to pay 1 dollar for every blog and RSS feed respectively which is quite a bit expensive.
The format
While the Sony Reader allows you to view PDF files free of cost, the Kindle charges a 10 cent fee for every PDF file that you would sync into the device. Also Kindle tends to read HTML, plain text formats and images from the SD card but doesn’t do too well with DOC, RTF and PDF formats. But then again even the Sony Reader cannot read DOC formats directly.
E-ink technology
As far as the 6 inch LCD screen display goes in the Kindle, the display uses the revolutionary e-ink technology using ‘Vizplex’ film on the surface. However, both the Sony Reader and the Kindle have used the same technology. The plus side to this technology is that 40% of received light gets deflected and uses reflected instead of transmitted light which makes both devices easy on the eyes.
Printability
There is no need to print any document because Kindle offers portability in taking along all personal documents at anytime in any place, thereby eliminating the need for printing. The 10 cent fee is applicable for wireless transfer of word documents. However, if users do not wish to shell out this fee, free transfers can be leveraged. For this, the file or attachment needs to be sent to ‘name’@free.kindle.com where name stands for the ID used for your Kindle email address. So if the Kindle email ID is smith@kindle.com then attachments need to be sent to smith@free.kindle.com and then the file gets converted and emailed to the associated Amazon account.
Battery life
The Amazon Kindle is by far a better choice when it comes to battery life. You can go for four days at a stretch without any need to charge the Kindle. Besides, this is its good network coverage in almost any area which makes for good portability. Turning pages is as easy at the click of a button which means that even if you are reading the e-book in bed, operating the Kindle is much easier than the Sony Reader.
There has been a lot of buzz lately about the brand new e-book reader launched by Amazon. The most popular e-book reader around has been the one launched by Sony.
The price difference
One of the main differences that really stands out between the Sony E-book Reader and Kindle is the vast price disparity. There’s a whopping 100 dollar difference with the Sony reader being priced at 300 USD and Kindle having a price of 400 USD. While the Sony reader promises a host of freebie features like free viewing of PDF files, no internet connection needed, free access to blogs as well as RSS feeds and even a memory card included in the welcome kit, this reader from Sony sure has plenty of upsides to it. However, Kindle isn’t far behind what with the capacity to contain more than 200 titles and an SD card slot that is included with it. However, you do need to pay 1 dollar for every blog and RSS feed respectively which is quite a bit expensive.
The format
While the Sony Reader allows you to view PDF files free of cost, the Kindle charges a 10 cent fee for every PDF file that you would sync into the device. Also Kindle tends to read HTML, plain text formats and images from the SD card but doesn’t do too well with DOC, RTF and PDF formats. But then again even the Sony Reader cannot read DOC formats directly.
E-ink technology
As far as the 6 inch LCD screen display goes in the Kindle, the display uses the revolutionary e-ink technology using ‘Vizplex’ film on the surface. However, both the Sony Reader and the Kindle have used the same technology. The plus side to this technology is that 40% of received light gets deflected and uses reflected instead of transmitted light which makes both devices easy on the eyes.
Printability
There is no need to print any document because Kindle offers portability in taking along all personal documents at anytime in any place, thereby eliminating the need for printing. The 10 cent fee is applicable for wireless transfer of word documents. However, if users do not wish to shell out this fee, free transfers can be leveraged. For this, the file or attachment needs to be sent to ‘name’@free.kindle.com where name stands for the ID used for your Kindle email address. So if the Kindle email ID is smith@kindle.com then attachments need to be sent to smith@free.kindle.com and then the file gets converted and emailed to the associated Amazon account.
Battery life
The Amazon Kindle is by far a better choice when it comes to battery life. You can go for four days at a stretch without any need to charge the Kindle. Besides, this is its good network coverage in almost any area which makes for good portability. Turning pages is as easy at the click of a button which means that even if you are reading the e-book in bed, operating the Kindle is much easier than the Sony Reader.
How to Use your Kindle?
James Kara Murat asked:
The amazing new e-book reader launched by Amazon, called Kindle is the talk of the town these days. About as small as a paperback book, this device is capable of reading all types of files right from Word docs to HTML to text files as well as .MOBI. Here are a couple of things you need to be aware of while using the Kindle.
Word doc transfers frugally
If you wish to transfer a Word document using Kindle you will need to shell out 10 cents for every file sent. So for all of you who are frugal minded there is a free alternative indeed. For obtaining free transfers of files you just need to send the attachment to ‘name’@free.kindle.com where name stands for the ID used for your Kindle email address. So if the Kindle email ID is joanna@kindle.com then attachments need to be sent to joanna@free.kindle.com and then the file gets converted and emailed to the associated Amazon account. Then simply transfer the file to Kindle via a USB port.
Be in touch with the news
If you’re a busy traveler who needs to be in sync with what’s happening in the world, you can do so easily with the Kindle. It allows you to read through diverse newspapers and magazines via access through the EVDO internet connectivity. You can easily transfer these files onto your laptop for easy reading later! So if you are stuck at an airport or are on a plane you can always be in touch with the news no matter where you are. No need to print because you can directly read the news on Kindle itself!
Search ability
Kindle’s Now. Now is a brand new search functionality which enables you to hunt for virtually anything you wish for. Using a query string you can now search for any topic you want. The search functionality provided by Kindle Now is powered by Mechanical Turn from Amazon which is a distributed work system.
Formatting convenience
Most standard pages follow the 8.5×11 inch dimension format. Transferring them into the reader like Sony’s will mean that you need to format them yourself which can be very tedious and time consuming. Instead, Kindle can do the formatting for you perfectly for a small charge. You just need to send the file to Kindle and Amazon will convert and email the file back to you. Instead of doing the formatting all by yourself this seems like a great utility.
More fonts and faster page access
Now you can avail 6 new font types instead of the regular 3 fonts found in the Sony Reader. The new Kindle has 6 font types which make reading a pleasure. Besides this you can also turn through pages much faster and even their scrolling keys are a great feature.
Easy on your eyes and lightweight
On a sunny day you don’t need to worry about the glare hurting your eyes while reading the Kindle. It has the unique e-ink technology which uses reflected light as compared to transmitted light. Also it has an electronic paper display which is easy on your eyes no matter what the weather is. Besides this it weighs just 10.3 ounces and so is completely lightweight and easy to carry.
Free wireless access provided
Considering that you get EVDO connectivity free of cost, the charge to convert files is a small price to pay. Besides this compared to the host of features Kindle provides the market price of 400 dollars isn’t all that much.
The amazing new e-book reader launched by Amazon, called Kindle is the talk of the town these days. About as small as a paperback book, this device is capable of reading all types of files right from Word docs to HTML to text files as well as .MOBI. Here are a couple of things you need to be aware of while using the Kindle.
Word doc transfers frugally
If you wish to transfer a Word document using Kindle you will need to shell out 10 cents for every file sent. So for all of you who are frugal minded there is a free alternative indeed. For obtaining free transfers of files you just need to send the attachment to ‘name’@free.kindle.com where name stands for the ID used for your Kindle email address. So if the Kindle email ID is joanna@kindle.com then attachments need to be sent to joanna@free.kindle.com and then the file gets converted and emailed to the associated Amazon account. Then simply transfer the file to Kindle via a USB port.
Be in touch with the news
If you’re a busy traveler who needs to be in sync with what’s happening in the world, you can do so easily with the Kindle. It allows you to read through diverse newspapers and magazines via access through the EVDO internet connectivity. You can easily transfer these files onto your laptop for easy reading later! So if you are stuck at an airport or are on a plane you can always be in touch with the news no matter where you are. No need to print because you can directly read the news on Kindle itself!
Search ability
Kindle’s Now. Now is a brand new search functionality which enables you to hunt for virtually anything you wish for. Using a query string you can now search for any topic you want. The search functionality provided by Kindle Now is powered by Mechanical Turn from Amazon which is a distributed work system.
Formatting convenience
Most standard pages follow the 8.5×11 inch dimension format. Transferring them into the reader like Sony’s will mean that you need to format them yourself which can be very tedious and time consuming. Instead, Kindle can do the formatting for you perfectly for a small charge. You just need to send the file to Kindle and Amazon will convert and email the file back to you. Instead of doing the formatting all by yourself this seems like a great utility.
More fonts and faster page access
Now you can avail 6 new font types instead of the regular 3 fonts found in the Sony Reader. The new Kindle has 6 font types which make reading a pleasure. Besides this you can also turn through pages much faster and even their scrolling keys are a great feature.
Easy on your eyes and lightweight
On a sunny day you don’t need to worry about the glare hurting your eyes while reading the Kindle. It has the unique e-ink technology which uses reflected light as compared to transmitted light. Also it has an electronic paper display which is easy on your eyes no matter what the weather is. Besides this it weighs just 10.3 ounces and so is completely lightweight and easy to carry.
Free wireless access provided
Considering that you get EVDO connectivity free of cost, the charge to convert files is a small price to pay. Besides this compared to the host of features Kindle provides the market price of 400 dollars isn’t all that much.





