The KINDLE wireless reading device: a cheap ereader of top quality
Looking at cheap ereaders but want a good quality ereader? Exploding in popularity, the e-reader (also called an ereader, a wireless reading device, an e-book reader, and an e-book reading device or a läsplatta, for our Swedish readers), has made leaps of progress in a few, short years. It's now 2011 and we see that KINDLE still reigns supreme as the world's leading e-book reader, both in terms of sales and of rave e-reader reviews. It's also a cheap ereader. In fact, KINDLE is among the cheapest ereaders on the market. We'll take a look at why so many people are convinced the Amazon KINDLE is the best e-reader out there and we'll see if it's really the best ebook reader for you.
Ladies and gentlemen, the KINDLE e-reader!
The newest KINDLE ereaders in 2011
If you're interested in comparing KINDLE vs NOOK, the quality of e-ink is good to keep in mind. The latest version of Amazon's KINDLE—sometimes called KINDLE 3 or KINDLE third generation—comes in three styles: the basic model with WiFi, the WiFi + 3G, and the DX (all explained below). All the latest KINDLES use the new Pearl e-ink. Pearl is the best e-ink to date and considerably better than the e-ink used on earlier KINDLE models. Pearl is noticeably better than the e-ink used on other e-book readers, such as that used on the newest NOOK e-reader. E-ink looks like ink on paper and is just as easy on the eyes to read. If you read a lot, you'll be glad you got an e-book reader with e-ink.
E-ink readers like the KINDLE e-reader don't cause insomnia the way LCD screens seem to. For those of you who enjoy growing drowsy as you read before going to sleep, the e-ink KINDLE or the e-ink NOOK WiFi might be your best choice. But before decide on NOOK vs KINDLE—or even Sony PRS vs NOOK, for that matter—based on one factor alone, read on.
Why is the cheap KINDLE ereader so great?
A big advantage to purchasing the cheap KINDLE—besides its competitive pricing—is its access to Amazon's huge number of titles. Not only is Amazon the largest online bookshop in terms of the number of titles it sells, it also offers more FREE ebook titles than other bookshops. If you read a lot, you'll find books for KINDLE outnumber the others, despite the fact that KINDLE uses its own ebook format.
All three KINDLE models—the WiFi, the WiFi + 3G, and the DX—allow you to take notes and highlight text by using the built-in keyboard and all of them use buttons to navigate through the device. The WiFi and 3G are cheap ereaders and all three KINDLES have other nifty features.
Learn to read with KINDLE
Your KINDLE e-reader can read English text out loud. Parents: Experience tells us that the read-to-me feature is one good way to help your child learn to read! Choose a book your child wants to read and let him read it while listening to it. He'll get the words in through his eyes and ears at the same time—a very effective learning method!
For those who drive to work, you can turn on KINDLE's read-to-me function and listen while you sit in traffic. It sure makes driving more enjoyable. If you're eyes are bugging out after a long day in front of the computer screen, switch your KINDLE on and let it read to you. Ahhhhh nice! Though one of the cheapest ereaders, KINDLE offers a lot for readers.
Is read-to-me as good as an audio book? Well, it's not as good as the best-read audio books, but it's a very nice function to have. We love it!
Where can I buy ebooks for KINDLE?
All three KINDLE models read only Amazon e-books. This isn't a huge problem, though, as you can easily convert ebooks in other formats to the KINDLE format using the free downloadable software CALIBRE. You'll find that more of Amazon's ebooks are cheaper than at other bookshops, so this extra step might not ever be necessary. Should you choose to buy an ebook from a shop other than Amazon, CALIBRE is a handy tool for quick conversion and the CALIBRE man has an instruction video on the site. (It's a good policy to donate a few bucks to folks like CALIBRE man to thank him for his great product.)
What's WiFi, what's 3G, and what's the difference between WiFi and 3G?
We explain WiFi and 3G on our homepage and tell you who needs which one and why.
KINDLE WiFi—the basic version at $139
The basic KINDLE version is 7.5" high with a 6" diagonal display. It's a slim 0.335" thick and weighs a mere 8.5 oz, making it easy to hold with one hand while reading. Amazon lists its battery life as one month with wireless turned off, three weeks with it on.
Looking at cheap ereaders but want a good quality ereader? Exploding in popularity, the e-reader (also called an ereader, a wireless reading device, an e-book reader, and an e-book reading device or a läsplatta, for our Swedish readers), has made leaps of progress in a few, short years. It's now 2011 and we see that KINDLE still reigns supreme as the world's leading e-book reader, both in terms of sales and of rave e-reader reviews. It's also a cheap ereader. In fact, KINDLE is among the cheapest ereaders on the market. We'll take a look at why so many people are convinced the Amazon KINDLE is the best e-reader out there and we'll see if it's really the best ebook reader for you.
Ladies and gentlemen, the KINDLE e-reader!
The newest KINDLE ereaders in 2011
If you're interested in comparing KINDLE vs NOOK, the quality of e-ink is good to keep in mind. The latest version of Amazon's KINDLE—sometimes called KINDLE 3 or KINDLE third generation—comes in three styles: the basic model with WiFi, the WiFi + 3G, and the DX (all explained below). All the latest KINDLES use the new Pearl e-ink. Pearl is the best e-ink to date and considerably better than the e-ink used on earlier KINDLE models. Pearl is noticeably better than the e-ink used on other e-book readers, such as that used on the newest NOOK e-reader. E-ink looks like ink on paper and is just as easy on the eyes to read. If you read a lot, you'll be glad you got an e-book reader with e-ink.
E-ink readers like the KINDLE e-reader don't cause insomnia the way LCD screens seem to. For those of you who enjoy growing drowsy as you read before going to sleep, the e-ink KINDLE or the e-ink NOOK WiFi might be your best choice. But before decide on NOOK vs KINDLE—or even Sony PRS vs NOOK, for that matter—based on one factor alone, read on.
Why is the cheap KINDLE ereader so great?
A big advantage to purchasing the cheap KINDLE—besides its competitive pricing—is its access to Amazon's huge number of titles. Not only is Amazon the largest online bookshop in terms of the number of titles it sells, it also offers more FREE ebook titles than other bookshops. If you read a lot, you'll find books for KINDLE outnumber the others, despite the fact that KINDLE uses its own ebook format.
All three KINDLE models—the WiFi, the WiFi + 3G, and the DX—allow you to take notes and highlight text by using the built-in keyboard and all of them use buttons to navigate through the device. The WiFi and 3G are cheap ereaders and all three KINDLES have other nifty features.
Learn to read with KINDLE
Your KINDLE e-reader can read English text out loud. Parents: Experience tells us that the read-to-me feature is one good way to help your child learn to read! Choose a book your child wants to read and let him read it while listening to it. He'll get the words in through his eyes and ears at the same time—a very effective learning method!
For those who drive to work, you can turn on KINDLE's read-to-me function and listen while you sit in traffic. It sure makes driving more enjoyable. If you're eyes are bugging out after a long day in front of the computer screen, switch your KINDLE on and let it read to you. Ahhhhh nice! Though one of the cheapest ereaders, KINDLE offers a lot for readers.
Is read-to-me as good as an audio book? Well, it's not as good as the best-read audio books, but it's a very nice function to have. We love it!
Where can I buy ebooks for KINDLE?
All three KINDLE models read only Amazon e-books. This isn't a huge problem, though, as you can easily convert ebooks in other formats to the KINDLE format using the free downloadable software CALIBRE. You'll find that more of Amazon's ebooks are cheaper than at other bookshops, so this extra step might not ever be necessary. Should you choose to buy an ebook from a shop other than Amazon, CALIBRE is a handy tool for quick conversion and the CALIBRE man has an instruction video on the site. (It's a good policy to donate a few bucks to folks like CALIBRE man to thank him for his great product.)
What's WiFi, what's 3G, and what's the difference between WiFi and 3G?
We explain WiFi and 3G on our homepage and tell you who needs which one and why.
KINDLE WiFi—the basic version at $139
The basic KINDLE version is 7.5" high with a 6" diagonal display. It's a slim 0.335" thick and weighs a mere 8.5 oz, making it easy to hold with one hand while reading. Amazon lists its battery life as one month with wireless turned off, three weeks with it on.
KINDLE WiFi + 3G at $189
A step up in convenience from the basic WiFi version is the KINDLE WiFi + 3G. As of this writing, the 3G version costs about $50 more, is the same size as the WiFi-only model, and weighs a light 8.7 oz. Battery life is one month with the wireless off and about ten days with it on.
Do you need 3G?
The free 3G function on KINDLE is not necessary for most people, though it is quite convenient. Open the box, pull out your new KINDLE, and buy an e-book. A minute later, you're reading. No Internet is necessary, as the KINDLE with free 3G works off cell phone signals (you needn't own a cell phone)—and Amazon picks up the tab. You can even browse the Net using KINDLE, but this function varies depending on what country you're in.
So who benefits from the KINDLE WiFi + 3G then? Travelers and people who live outside the range of hotspots. If you travel a lot and find yourself sitting in airports and hotel rooms often, the 3G function is vital. Or if you don't live, work, or play near hotspots, the 3G is a grand option.
Can you use 3G in your country? Can a KINDLE purchased in the US be used abroad?
Most of the US is wired for KINDLE, as you can see on the Amazon KINDLE coverage area map. If you plan to purchase a KINDLE in the US and use it abroad or if you live outside the US, check the KINDLE international coverage area map. In most countries, you should have no problems.
Is the extra cost for the 3G worth it?
Do we recommend the KINDLE WiFi + 3G? Absolutely—and we're thrifty, so we've thought out the advantages. Only $50 more for 3G? Are you kidding? The iPad takes $130 more. FREE 3G? That's pretty insane. You have to pay $15—$30 a month for an iPad 3G plan. For web-data access for cell phones, the monthly charge is around $30—$60. On the KINDLE with 3G, it's FREE. Imagine browsing the Net for free while at the beach, working on your tan. The 3G makes it possible. The KINDLE WiFi + 3G just give-give-gives.
KINDLE DX at $379
The KINDLE DX is the big boy of KINDLES. If you read a lot of blogs, periodicals, PDFs, and magazines, you will probably be happier with the KINDLE DX. It's 3.7" bigger—9.7"—yet it's still only 0.38" thick—about the same as a magazine. At 18.9 oz, it weighs over twice that of the smaller KINDLES. The KINDLE DX has 3G but no WiFi. If you turn off the wireless, the battery will last you about two or three weeks--long enough to last most vacations.
Can I read library books on KINDLE 3?
Library books are problematical. Library books are encrypted by Adobe. Amazon would have to pay Adobe to be able to decrypt them. If you're not a geek and you read mainly library books, the KINDLE is not the ereader for you. Our second favorite line of ereaders—the Sony PRS line—does read library ebooks, as do most other ebook readers. If you have a geek streak, you can always use mobi2kindle; it's a free download, updated to work with KINDLE 3, that will allow you to read library ebooks on your KINDLE.
Can I share my KINDLE books with friends and family?
As of December 2010, sharing e-books with other KINDLE users is possible, though with certain restrictions. Here's what Amazon says about sharing:
Eligible Kindle books can be loaned once for a period of 14 days. The borrower does not need to own a Kindle—Kindle books can also be read using our free Kindle reading applications for PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android devices. Not all books are lendable—it is up to the publisher or rights holder to determine which titles are eligible for lending.
Publishers also have varying restrictions on how many times you can download e-books, so be sure to check each and every time you make an e-book purchase. All of this trouble is caused by something called DRM; remove the DRM, you remove the trouble. And the trouble with removing the troublesome DRM is that it's not legal.
KINDLE in Sweden / KINDLE i Sverige
So if you live in Sweden and read mainly books in Swedish or library books and you don't have a geek streak, we recommend you choose something from the Sony PRS line. Sony makes top-quality e-readers that work in Sweden with Swedish ebooks and Swedish library books.
For a handy comparison of these Sony ereaders, the KINDLE line, and the NOOK, Sony has prepared a comparison chart. Keep in mind they've made the chart to make the Sony stand out as best, but you'll get a fair idea of what each has to offer.
KINDLE covers
Amazon offers a huge variety of KINDLE covers, but their own leather covers—with and without a built-in lamp—are the most popular. They're a bit pricey, but a good cover will help protect your ereader from damage and, if you like to read in darkened places, the KINDLE leather cover with the built-in lamp is far handier than buying a cheaper case and using a clip-on lamp. The KINDLE covers for KINDLE 3 with the lamp run $60. They come in several colors that you'll find linked on either side of this review. The same case without the light seems to have been discontinued and on sale at non-Amazon merchants for about $50. For $10 more, the built-in light is worth it!
A step up in convenience from the basic WiFi version is the KINDLE WiFi + 3G. As of this writing, the 3G version costs about $50 more, is the same size as the WiFi-only model, and weighs a light 8.7 oz. Battery life is one month with the wireless off and about ten days with it on.
Do you need 3G?
The free 3G function on KINDLE is not necessary for most people, though it is quite convenient. Open the box, pull out your new KINDLE, and buy an e-book. A minute later, you're reading. No Internet is necessary, as the KINDLE with free 3G works off cell phone signals (you needn't own a cell phone)—and Amazon picks up the tab. You can even browse the Net using KINDLE, but this function varies depending on what country you're in.
So who benefits from the KINDLE WiFi + 3G then? Travelers and people who live outside the range of hotspots. If you travel a lot and find yourself sitting in airports and hotel rooms often, the 3G function is vital. Or if you don't live, work, or play near hotspots, the 3G is a grand option.
Can you use 3G in your country? Can a KINDLE purchased in the US be used abroad?
Most of the US is wired for KINDLE, as you can see on the Amazon KINDLE coverage area map. If you plan to purchase a KINDLE in the US and use it abroad or if you live outside the US, check the KINDLE international coverage area map. In most countries, you should have no problems.
Is the extra cost for the 3G worth it?
Do we recommend the KINDLE WiFi + 3G? Absolutely—and we're thrifty, so we've thought out the advantages. Only $50 more for 3G? Are you kidding? The iPad takes $130 more. FREE 3G? That's pretty insane. You have to pay $15—$30 a month for an iPad 3G plan. For web-data access for cell phones, the monthly charge is around $30—$60. On the KINDLE with 3G, it's FREE. Imagine browsing the Net for free while at the beach, working on your tan. The 3G makes it possible. The KINDLE WiFi + 3G just give-give-gives.
KINDLE DX at $379
The KINDLE DX is the big boy of KINDLES. If you read a lot of blogs, periodicals, PDFs, and magazines, you will probably be happier with the KINDLE DX. It's 3.7" bigger—9.7"—yet it's still only 0.38" thick—about the same as a magazine. At 18.9 oz, it weighs over twice that of the smaller KINDLES. The KINDLE DX has 3G but no WiFi. If you turn off the wireless, the battery will last you about two or three weeks--long enough to last most vacations.
Can I read library books on KINDLE 3?
Library books are problematical. Library books are encrypted by Adobe. Amazon would have to pay Adobe to be able to decrypt them. If you're not a geek and you read mainly library books, the KINDLE is not the ereader for you. Our second favorite line of ereaders—the Sony PRS line—does read library ebooks, as do most other ebook readers. If you have a geek streak, you can always use mobi2kindle; it's a free download, updated to work with KINDLE 3, that will allow you to read library ebooks on your KINDLE.
Can I share my KINDLE books with friends and family?
As of December 2010, sharing e-books with other KINDLE users is possible, though with certain restrictions. Here's what Amazon says about sharing:
Eligible Kindle books can be loaned once for a period of 14 days. The borrower does not need to own a Kindle—Kindle books can also be read using our free Kindle reading applications for PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry, and Android devices. Not all books are lendable—it is up to the publisher or rights holder to determine which titles are eligible for lending.
Publishers also have varying restrictions on how many times you can download e-books, so be sure to check each and every time you make an e-book purchase. All of this trouble is caused by something called DRM; remove the DRM, you remove the trouble. And the trouble with removing the troublesome DRM is that it's not legal.
KINDLE in Sweden / KINDLE i Sverige
And what about those of us in Sweden? Should Swedes choose KINDLE? If so, which KINDLE? It depends. All of the latest KINDLES work in Sweden. For the DX, which comes with the free 3G, and the WiFi + 3G, check the 3G coverage map.
Remember: The KINDLE reads Amazon's format and Amazon doesn't carry books in Swedish. If you don't mind taking another minute or two to convert your non-Amazon books, you can buy Swedish books and read them on your KINDLE. Use CALIBRE to convert from the Swedish format to the KINDLE format.
Keep in mind that the prices of e-books will be slightly more if you purchase them from Sweden. This is to cover the Internet cost. It's still much cheaper than buying paper-and-ink books. Although connecting to the Amazon site is free, when you surf on KINDLE in Sweden, it costs a couple of crowns per MB.
So if you live in Sweden and read mainly books in Swedish or library books and you don't have a geek streak, we recommend you choose something from the Sony PRS line. Sony makes top-quality e-readers that work in Sweden with Swedish ebooks and Swedish library books.
KINDLE vs Sony PRS vs NOOK
KINDLE covers
Amazon offers a huge variety of KINDLE covers, but their own leather covers—with and without a built-in lamp—are the most popular. They're a bit pricey, but a good cover will help protect your ereader from damage and, if you like to read in darkened places, the KINDLE leather cover with the built-in lamp is far handier than buying a cheaper case and using a clip-on lamp. The KINDLE covers for KINDLE 3 with the lamp run $60. They come in several colors that you'll find linked on either side of this review. The same case without the light seems to have been discontinued and on sale at non-Amazon merchants for about $50. For $10 more, the built-in light is worth it!
KINDLE specs
| Display | Amazon's 6" diagonal electronic paper display, optimized with proprietary waveform and font technology, 600 x 800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi, 16-level gray scale. |
| Size (in inches) | 7.5" x 4.8" x 0.335" (190 mm x 123 mm x 8.5 mm). |
| Weight | 8.5 ounces (241 grams). |
| System Requirements | None, because it's wireless and doesn't require a computer. |
| Storage | 4GB internal (approximately 3GB available for user content). |
| Battery Life | A single charge lasts for up to a month with wireless off. Keep wireless always on and it lasts for up to 3 weeks. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store, web browsing, and downloading content. |
| Charge Time | Fully charges in approximately 4.5 hours via a Kindle power adapter (sold separately). Supports charging from your computer via the included USB 2.0 cable. |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Supports public and private Wi-Fi networks or hotspots that use the 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n (in b or g compatibility mode) standard with support for WEP, WPA and WPA2 security using password authentication; does not connect to WPA and WPA2 secured networks using 802.1X authentication methods; does not support connecting to ad-hoc (or peer-to-peer) Wi-Fi networks. |
| USB Port | USB 2.0 (micro-B connector) for connection to a Kindle power adapter or optionally to connect to a PC or Macintosh computer. |
| Audio | 3.5mm stereo audio jack, rear-mounted stereo speakers. |
| Content Formats Supported | Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, Audible (Audible Enhanced (AA, AAX)), MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion. |
| Included Accessories | USB 2.0 cable, rechargeable battery. Local adapter sold separately. |
| Documentation | Quick Start Guide (included in box) [PDF]; Kindle User's Guide(pre-installed on device) [PDF]. Additional information in multiple languages available online. |
| Warranty and Service | 1-year limited warranty and service included. Use of Kindle is subject to the Kindle License Agreement and Terms of Use. |
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