Amazon Releases Kindle 2
In the US, Amazon.com has just announced the second version of its wireless reader, the Kindle 2, will be released February 24, 2009 and cost US$359.
Kindle 2
3G wireless lets you download books right to your Kindle, anytime, anywhere; no monthly fees, service plans, or hunting for Wi-Fi hotspots (in the US from the Sprint data network). This means you can download books in less than 60 seconds; no PC required. They are claiming the Kindle 2 has a better display and 25% longer battery life. It can hold over 1,500 books. It also has a new Text-to-Speech feature, which means the Kindle 2 can read every book, blog, magazine, and newspaper out loud to you.
I don’t own a wireless reader, but the concept really intrigues me. Unfortunately, the Kindle won’t work in Canada, and Amazon won’t ship a Kindle to a Canadian address (and you need a US credit card to order one). You can get the Sony reader here (Cdn$299). I have played with a Kindle (version 1) and the Sony reader. I liked the Sony better (easier to read the screen and I liked the form factor better – I thought the buttons were in better location).
Looking forward to seeing a Kindle 2 – probably when I’m at ABA TECHSHOW in early April.
the Kindle reminds me of something i saw in an old school Star Trek episode, which is a good selling point… it’s a bit pricey though