New Kindle
I picked up my new kindle this morning and am quite pleased. This item comes in Amazon's hassle-free packaging, which I appreciate more and more each time I receive products packaged in this manner. Just pull the perforated strip at the top and the inner box slides right out. Inside are the basics: The kindle, a quick getting to know your kindle card and the USB cable. Just plug into an open port or power adapter and your kindle will come to life.
After less than a minute using my USB port, the kindle booted up. This new device boots quite quickly. Just choose and confirm your language choice and the kindle completes the boot sequence. It then takes you to the welcome screen where you can connect to Wi-Fi. Available networks will show on the next screen.
If you have an open network or a secure network that doesn't restrict devices, then just choose your connection, enter the password if necessary and you're good to go. My network only allows specific MAC addresses to connect, so I had to skip this until I added the device to the approved list. This is as simple as closing the connection screen and selecting set up later.
The kindle then opens to the User's Guide and walks you through the basics of the device. This takes only a few minutes to complete. If you're already used to the previous generation of kindles, then there will be minimal new information. If you have used older devices, the new ones will allow you to share information via Twitter and Facebook. A full printable PDF User's Manual is available on Amazon. Just navigate to Help ' Digital Products ' Kindle Support ' Kindle Documentation to find materials for this and previous models all the way back to the 1st generation.
First impressions are good. I like the smaller size of this new device and look forward to the kindle touch even more now; which is only 0.3 x 0.2 inches larger. I've been pleased with the two previous generations in most areas. For me, the only issue I've had was ergonomic. I have large hands. To put that into more tangible context, I can reach an octave and a half on a piano. For me the small keyboard has been the only problem area; which will not be an issue for everyone. Yes, the on-screen keyboard may be cumbersome for longer strings of input, but I don't really search all that often. The 5-way controller works out really well and eliminates my accidentally pressing keyboard keys.
The screen quality on this kindle is excellent. The screen is what made me move to the kindle 3 from the kindle 2. It is very crisp. Page transitions are smooth and have less of that... overall screen transition look, for lack of a better description, than the previous versions. They also seem quicker than the previous models.
Plus this is the first kindle that I can actually put in a pocket. I can almost palm the device, which bodes great for the touch. Will I get rid of my kindle 3? Not anytime soon. The 3G is great for traveling and its reception works well even in areas when a cell phone doesn't. Plus it doesn't eat up date from the cell. However, I can tether to my mobile. So if I'm not actually heading out on a major trip, I can grab a new book while I'm out via my mobile and just carry this in my jacket without the need for messenger bag.
All in all, this is a great device for the money and I'm looking forward to the newer ones. My dad has thoroughly enjoyed my old kindle 2. So perhaps once the touch comes out I will be handing off my 3 and 4 to other family members or friends. I like embracing new technology. And yes, I do want newer and cooler stuff all the time. But it's also nice to see that the older devices are not going to waste.
It's great to carry a library in the palm of your hand rather than a handful of books in a shoulder bag. Plus it's easier on the body too. So if you don't need the extra features of the other models, this is definitely the way to go. If you use the keyboard a lot, need 3G or a larger screen, then you might want to consider something different. But for just reading books and taking your library with you while running around, this is great!
If you're purchasing a device primarily for reading, an important consideration is the screen technology. Unlike devices with LCD screens, Kindle e-readers use the latest generation of Electronic Ink ("E Ink") technology – E Ink Pearl – designed specifically to deliver clearer, sharper text that makes reading for extended periods of time more comfortable. Here are some of the advantages to reading on an E Ink device:
Reads Like Real Paper, Even in Bright Sunlight
E Ink screens look and read just like real paper. Kindle e-readers' matte screens reflect light like ordinary paper and use no backlighting, so you can read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room. Unlike LCD screens, E Ink screens have no glare.
Easy on the Eyes
E Ink uses actual ink particles to create crisp, print-like text similar to what you see in a physical book. And Kindle e-readers also use proprietary, hand-built fonts to take advantage of the special characteristics of the ink to make letters appear clear and sharp.
Reads Like Real Paper, Even in Bright Sunlight
E Ink screens look and read just like real paper. Kindle e-readers' matte screens reflect light like ordinary paper and use no backlighting, so you can read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room. Unlike LCD screens, E Ink screens have no glare.
Easy on the Eyes
E Ink uses actual ink particles to create crisp, print-like text similar to what you see in a physical book. And Kindle e-readers also use proprietary, hand-built fonts to take advantage of the special characteristics of the ink to make letters appear clear and sharp.
• Less eye fatigue: Every time your eye switches from a bright screen to a dimmer, ambient room, your eyes have to adjust, which may result in fatigue. With E Ink, the page is the same brightness as everything else in the room so there's no adjustment needed.
• Reduced glare: All E Ink surfaces are treated to be matte like a printed page, reducing glare and increasing legibility.
• Read in any position: E Ink screens have a uniform contrast ratio that does not change with your viewing angle, so you can read in any position.
• Sharp, clear text: E Ink screens have 100% aperture ratio, so there are no gaps between pixels. The blacks and whites on an E Ink screen are uniform, improving image quality.
• Reduced glare: All E Ink surfaces are treated to be matte like a printed page, reducing glare and increasing legibility.
• Read in any position: E Ink screens have a uniform contrast ratio that does not change with your viewing angle, so you can read in any position.
• Sharp, clear text: E Ink screens have 100% aperture ratio, so there are no gaps between pixels. The blacks and whites on an E Ink screen are uniform, improving image quality.
Read with One Hand
Ranging from 5.98 ounces to 8.7 ounces, Kindle e-readers are lighter than most paperback books, and weigh half as much as many LCD tablet devices, making it easy and comfortable to hold in one hand for extended periods of time.
Longer Battery Life
Electronic ink screens also have the advantage of significantly lower power consumption than LCD screens. E Ink screens do not require power to maintain a page of text, allowing you to read for up to a month or two on a single charge versus hours on a tablet or smart phone.
Ranging from 5.98 ounces to 8.7 ounces, Kindle e-readers are lighter than most paperback books, and weigh half as much as many LCD tablet devices, making it easy and comfortable to hold in one hand for extended periods of time.
Longer Battery Life
Electronic ink screens also have the advantage of significantly lower power consumption than LCD screens. E Ink screens do not require power to maintain a page of text, allowing you to read for up to a month or two on a single charge versus hours on a tablet or smart phone.
Reviews with images
Facts to Consider when Buying This Kindle Instead of Others
First off, I received my new Kindle this morning. I previously owned the Kindle Keyboard, but actually really didn't like the keyboard or the way the buttons were pressed together. I'm not a fan of touch screens so I bought this one.There are a few things to know about this particular Kindle that can help you decide if it's right for you...Here is a list of things to know about this Kindle.1. You'll be using an onscreen keyboard with the 5-Way Controller. This is not a problem for setting up WiFi and a little writing but if you are an avid note-taker or do a lot of writing with your Kindle, you might want to opt for the Kindle Keyboard.2. NO AUDIO - If you are planning on listening to audiobooks, Mp3s, or Text to Speech on your Kindle, this is not the device for you. There is not even a headphone jack, so there is absolutely no audio support.3. 2GB! This device has 2GB of storage, which is half of all the others... if you seriously need to keep over 1,400 books or so on your Kindle, you should opt for one of the others, all of which have 4GB. I only keep a hundred or so books on mine and the rest are up in the Amazon Cloud waiting for convenient download.4. There's no 3G version but the WiFi works just fine.5. There is a shorter battery life. Amazon reports the battery life is only one month of reading, compared with the others that clock in at two months. If you are going to be away from electricity for over a month, first of all RESPECT!, second of all, you may want a Kindle that has the 2 month battery life.6. It's lighter than all the other versions. It weighs in at just under 6oz (170g). The closest competition is the Kindle Touch which is about 7.5oz.7. It has 5 buttons on the face at the bottom. In the middle is the big 5-Way Controller button as found on other Kindles. There are two small buttons on either side of this. On the left side, from left to right are the "Back" button and the "Keyboard" button. The "Back" button is the same as on other Kindles. The "Keyboard" button calls the onscreen keyboard onto the screen. On the right side of the 5-Way Controller are (again, from left to right) the "Menu" button, and the "Home" button. The "Next Page" and "Previous Page" buttons are the same as on other Kindles.8. Because of the above 5 buttons, I find it much easier to use than the Kindle Keyboard. On the Kindle Keyboard, the "Back" button was right below the 5-Way Controller, and I accidentally hit it on more than one occasion.9. On the bottom there is only the mini-USB port, the charging light, and the On-Off Button.10. There are not a whole lot of covers available for this Kindle yet. (Amazon's won't be available until the end of October.)As for reading, and as a pure reading device. It is awesome... in fact, without the keyboard, audio, and other features I don't need. This is actually the best one for someone like me who just wants to read.I've already successfully transferred my library, downloaded books over WiFi, and borrowed library books through the Overdrive Library eBooks System. My only small point of dissatisfaction is that there are so few good covers and accessories right now (though there ARE some available that look pretty good).All in all, I believe this is the BEST of all the Kindles currently available. Only consider others if you:a. Really want the touch screen version.b. Need audio.c. Need 4GBd. Need a big Kindle DX.e. Take a lot of notes or do a lot of writing that requires a keyboard.f. Prefer the design of another version.g. Need more than a month's battery power.Hope this helps someone make a good decision!(Brief update: I love this Kindle, but right now the scarcity of good, inexpensive covers for it is a little troubling. The Amazon made leather one with light won't be available until November or so and there are currently no inexpensive ones to use in the interim. I'll just have to use it gently for a month or so.)Update on cases:I mentioned this in the comments section, but I'll repeat it here for people who can't yet find a good case -Checking the specifications for the Kindle, Nook Touch, and Kobo:Nook Touch6.5 x 5 x 0.5 inchesKobo Reader6.5 X 4.5 inchesKindle (4th Generation)6.5 x 4.5 x 0.34 inchesIt looks like the Kobo is about exactly the same size and the Nook Touch is slightly longer. If you need a case but can't find one that you like yet, it may be worth a little hunting to see if a nook or kobo case or cover might fit the bill.
