Archive

Posts Tagged ‘handheld ebook reader’

Amazon Kindle DX Review: Weighing In On Its 489-Dollar Price Tag

October 20th, 2009
Comments Off

Anyone who owns or is considering buying a Kindle 2 has no doubt heard of the recent launch of the Kindle DX. If you are the former, this could be a great time to upgrade and if you are the latter, it could be a tough decision you have to make. When you are looking to spend the kind of money the Kindle costs, you don’t want to leap without looking. But if you do your research beforehand, you can be assured you will get the model that works best for you. And this Kindle DX Review should get you started nicely.

When it comes to the size and capability, the Kindle 2 is the smaller and more compact portable ebook reader. It measures 8″ x 5.3″ x 0.36″, comes with 6-inch diagonal screen, and weighs 10.2 ounces. As far as portability is concerned, the Kindle 2 would be the perfect partner that you can bring with you anywhere you go. And you won’t ever lack for good reading content as its 2G hard drive can store as many as 1,500 books. With its reduced price of 259 dollars, the Kindle 2 is way more affordable than the latest Kindle.

The new Kindle DX comes onto the market with a bigger is better attitude. The unit itself is 10.4″ x 7.2″ x 0.38″, but it boasts a huge 9.7″ screen with an  auto-rotating feature. This means you can switch between landscape and portrait just by turning the device, making it great for newspapers or picture-heavy  kid’s books. But this size means it weighs more as well. Nearly twice as much at a hefty 18.9 ounces.

The Kindle DX has twice the capacity to hold books, boasting of a 4GB hard drive. It can also natively read PDF files which is a huge convenience as the previous models required file conversion. All these features are available at the price of 489 dollars.

Don’t think that just because the Kindle DX is newer and sports bigger numbers that it is the only one you should consider. The Kindle 2 has size to its  advantage. While the DX might be great for reading at home, the Kindle 2 is far more portable. It will also save you a big chunk of change. If you are willing to pay for the extra size and features, the DX is a great piece of technology. But the Kindle 2 still has more than enough to offer most people. If  you are just looking for a way to replace ratty old books or cut down on how many textbooks you’re hauling around, the Kindle 2 has a lot to offer. Whichever  one you decide is right for you, you’re getting a device that will give you the ultimate reading pleasure.

Netbooks Reviewed , , , , , , , ,

Amazon Kindle DX Reviews: What Actual Kindle Buyers Are Saying

October 20th, 2009
Comments Off

If you check out the vast number of Amazon Amazon Kindle DX Review available on the internet, you will find a mixed bag. While the DX has received mostly positive reviews, it is impossible to please everyone and many people  have some complaints. Many problems people have with the DX are personal issues such as the 12 hour battery not being enough to keep up with their travel- intensive job. But for the vast majority of people, 12 hours is more than enough time to read for one day. In order to decide if the Kindle DX is the right portable ebook reader for you, you have to break down the pros and cons.

List down the advantages of the DX and you’ll find yourself with a rather long list. The hype surrounding it during its release had some basis after all. First, the Kindle DX sports a huge screen with an auto-rotate feature, and natively supports PDF documents. All these make for a great device for reading newspapers, illustration-heavy books, tables, charts, and maps. Its 4GB of hard drive is large enough for your entire library and then some. The DX also has the sleek design of the Kindle 2 but with a much improved look and feel, and better placement of buttons.

The Kindle DX still has to contend with some issues though, some of which are not found on the device itself. One big complaint users have is the use of Digital Rights Management (DRM) which Amazon has chosen to implement with the DX. Although widely-used before, DRM is now somewhat an outdated method of protecting material, yet it limits the documents that you are able to access on your Kindle. Users find that many of their files will not work with the DX and so one would be forced to buy most reading content from Amazon.

And if you have a lot of reading material, you will struggle to search through it as the organizational limits of the DX are imposing. If you do manage to fill up that 3,500 book capacity, you may spend most of you time filtering through it looking for the book you want to read. And it is impossible to discuss the DX without mentioning the price. At nearly 500 dollars, many people just cannot afford to buy one.

There is a lot to consider when you look at the DX and wonder if it is worth it. The price buys you quite a lot and will keep even the most avid reader happy  most of the time. But it isn’t perfect. There are some flaws that will likely not affect many people, but the people who are affected may be put off quite a  bit. For the vast majority, the DX is a reader that will do everything they need and then some. Though it may not completely abolish the paper book just  yet, it is an undeniable piece of the future for anyone who loves a good book.

Netbooks Reviewed , , , , , , , ,

Amazon Kindle 2 Review: Why It’s The Most Popular eBook Reader Today

October 20th, 2009
Comments Off

You may not have heard about the Kindle when it first hit the market. Compared to some technologies such as the iPhone and new versions of Windows, the Kindle was a fairly quiet release. If you are an avid reader, you were probably more than a little intrigued. But intrigue grew into popularity with the release of the much-improved Amazon Kindle. And now with the Kindle DX, the most advanced reader on the market, Amazon has become the single most popular maker of ebook readers.

If you don’t own a Kindle yet, you may be wondering what makes the device so popular. Is the technology that phenomenal or is it just all hype? It’s actually a blend of both. While many are sticking it out with the good old book, the Kindle does take reading to a whole new level. Just imagine being able to take your whole library with you anywhere. Its portability and the capacity to hold thousands of books (about 3,000 for the DX, 1,500 for the Kindle 2) is what makes the gadget appealing. Although the new Kindle DX is larger in size than the Kindle 2, both are no thinner than a regular magazine.

While the Kindle 2 has been the standard that other companies are trying to compete with, the just-released Amazon Kindle DX is in a class all its own. It features a large 9.7-inch screen with auto-rotating feature which makes it easier to view PDF files, and has the capacity to hold more books than other portable ebook reader. Simply put, the Kindle DX is the device to beat. Unfortunately, all these features come at a steep price.

The price may be the reason so many people don’t have a Kindle yet. The Kindle 2 is expensive at 350 dollars, but the Kindle DX is really hard to swallow at 489 dollars. For that kind of money, you would have high expectations. But the new DX doesn’t come with a cover, free books and it is very limited in what kinds of files it can view thanks to strict copy protection. The Kindle 2 still offers an array of options, but doesn’t cost nearly so much.

Because it is a fairly new piece of technology, the Kindle is still exploring its marketplace. It offers a great wireless connection to the Amazon marketplace, but it still isn’t available outside the country. This is simply because the Kindle is not yet established. Many people still see it as just something to read books on. But not too long ago, the iPod was only something that played music. And now, you’d have a harder time finding someone who doesn’t own one than someone who does. The fact is that the Kindle really is a revolutionary piece of technology and it has certainly made an impact. It’s only a matter of time before everyone with a bookshelf frees up some space in their room and does all their reading from an ebook reader. And as it stands now, Kindle is perched to be the ebook reader of choice for a long time to come.

Netbooks Reviewed , , , , , , , ,

Reviewing the Amazon Kindle 2 For the Student & the Academic Professional

October 17th, 2009
Comments Off

The Amazon Kindle 2 may be the avid reader’s best buddy nowadays but do you know that it could also be a good partner for students and professionals? This is because this ebook reader device offers an option for students that allow them to quit lugging around their heavy books. Professionals are also starting to realize that the Kindle can be used for reading their work-related documents. But how is the Kindle 2 doing in this role so far? Let’s find out what the pros and cons are in this Amazon Kindle 2 Review.

As these are primarily created for computers, digital versions of text books and other reading materials professionals often use, are commonly in MS Word and PDF format. Here’s lies the catch: the Kindle 2 does not natively support PDF files and this is one important thing that individuals have to consider before going ahead and buying one. Of course, there are ways of converting files to make them readable for the Kindle 2, but the process could be tedious, and the results, hit or miss.

There are some solutions to this. First, you can have Amazon convert your files for you for just a small fee. While it is not expensive, a student looking to convert dozens of books over the course of their studies may find it extremely time consuming and frustrating. And many college students don’t have the money to be nickel-and-dimed. If you’re good enough with computers, you can download programs and convert the files yourself. Again, it requires a bit of a learning curve and still takes time you may not be willing to invest.

But the mere fact that students and professionals are interested in switching to the Kindle for their reading needs must mean that there are benefits to this move. An obvious one is the size and portability. No more heavy textbooks, no more bulky backpacks, no more sore backs. It could also save you money. How, you may ask, when the Kindle 2 costs a few hundred dollars? You’re forgetting that digitalized versions of books are priced lower than their printed copies so while the purchase might cost more upfront, you will get to see the savings over time. And in this digital age, many college professors are giving PDF materials for students to study. Instead of browsing it on the PC, why not on the Kindle?

The decision comes down to weighing what is important to you against your resources. If you don’t have the money or time to convert files, you may be put off by the Kindle. But if you are willing to put in the extra time and effort to get the files converted, you will find a great burden lifted off your shoulders, literally. If you are still torn, you could always consider the new Kindle DX. With native PDF format readers, it might prove the perfect solution for you.

Netbooks Reviewed , , , , , , , ,

How do I Choose the Best Ebook Reader for Me?

October 17th, 2009
Comments Off

It can be hard to choose the best ebook reader for yourself  when the market is growing almost daily. With new readers coming out in all different sizes and supporting all different kinds of files, knowing which one  suits you best may require you to do a little research. But not always about the reader, it is also important to decide what exactly it is you want from an  ereader. While it is easy to get lost in the advertisements that tell you all the great things a reader can do, you could still end up getting one that just  doesn’t work for you.

The first thing you need to do is to consider your budget and try narrowing down your options. You have to take note that you would be spending for at least 200 dollars just to get an ereader. But if you can spend more than that, then that would be better. However, it is not necessary that you focus on the added features of these ebook readers as this might only lead you to buying something that you really don’t need. Stick to a budget and search for a reader that is within that price range.

One of the major things that you have to consider in finding the best ebook reader, is to decide on where you would be using it for. You may have a big screen option such as the Kindle DX and you may find that it may draw some favorable attention. However you may also want to get something that is smaller which you can conveniently carry while you are traveling. On the other hand if you are searching for one that you can use while you are resting at your very own home, then you can get a wider screen of your choice. You may also look into a reader which supports various types of files including PDFs.

Let’s say that you will be using this reader for utility purposes regarding your work or class activities, then you’ll definitely need one that is robust enough to last for a longer period of time. Of course you don’t want your reader to die out on you in a middle of a class lecture. It is somehow like not being able to bring your book with you during class hours. This could also cause a big headache if this happens at work. You may have all the features you need for a reader, but not all offers a battery life that would last for days. The Amazon Kindle 2 can last for about four days without having to charge it, lasting two weeks with the wifi turned off. Its affordable price makes it an ideal choice for students.

It definitely pays to do some research on the type of reader that you think would work for you. Knowing more about the features that you need would surely give you that confidence that what you are getting is the right one for you. You have to keep in mind that some models may provide you various features but they also come with higher price tags that may not fit your budget. In selecting the best ebook reader for you, you have to consider that it matches everything you need, not just because it is the trend.

Netbooks Reviewed , , , , , , , ,

Know More About How To Choose an Ebook Reader

October 17th, 2009
Comments Off

Almost everything in today’s world has gone digital and with the invention of the ebook reader, so has reading. It’s impossible to have all of your favorite  books with you everywhere you go if you’re still using paper books. But with an electronic book reader you can bring hundreds, even thousands, of books with  you. No matter where you are or how often you travel, you will always have a book to read. The problem most people face is deciding which reader is right for  them. The market is still fairly small, but when you are considering spending hundreds of dollars you want to make sure you get the one that is going to be  just right for you.

The cheapest of ebook readers still have yet to breach the sub-100 dollar mark. But you can find some readers for just over 200 dollars. This may be all you need from an  ereader depending upon how heavily you plan to use it. Don’t expect a battery that will last for an entire transatlantic flight, however. If your job  requires lots of traveling or down time, you may want something slightly nicer. You can expect to spend nearly 500 dollars for the higher-end models. The new Kindle DX, for instance, is the biggest and most advanced of  its kind. While many people don’t want to spend that much, you do get a lot more when you pay more. If you’re really looking to go crazy, you can even buy  models like the Flepia for over 1,000 dollars.

Of course you don’t want to waste your money on something that you really don’t need, right? Generally, what you should look into is a device that has long lasting battery life to let you make use of it for a longer period. You could also look for one that has a screen that won’t wear out your eyes. You don’t necessarily have to purchase one which is expensive. They may have more features but what’s important is finding one that’s just right for you.

More often, what is left unnoticed when it comes to its features is the reader’s file compatibility. For example, not all readers are capable of reading PDF files, which is one of the most popular file format nowadays. This would then limit the libraries that you may get your ebooks from. If you opt to use Sony readers, they would have a library which has about a hundred thousand books, while Amazon’s Kindle would allow you to gain access to over 250,000 books.

It doesn’t have to be a difficult process to choose an ereader, you just have to know what to look for. Getting the most expensive model may not be the  wisest choice for you. While the Flepia may come with a really nice touch screen, can you really justify spending about 1,000 dollars for it? That is a question that only  you can answer. No one can make the decision about which one is correct for you except for you. Don’t just look for the one with the most features, the best ebook reader is the one that suits your needs without  breaking your budget.

Netbooks Reviewed , , , , , , , ,

Is The Amazon Kindle Ready to Battle the Sony PRS-600?

October 17th, 2009
Comments Off

The Amazon Kindle is known in tech circles as the ebook reader to beat, according to the Kindle review. With its closest competition coming out with two new e-readers, the Sony PRS-300 and the Sony PRS-600, will the Kindle be finally given a run for its money? Not all details are known of these two new devices to hit the ebook reading industry, but there’s enough data released to keep us intrigued and waiting. First, Sony itself has verified that it is indeed about to release two new e-readers. Then, some actual features were leaked to the public – features that could get Amazon a bit worried.

As a consumer, the price would be your utmost concern. Kindle 2, which is known for being an older model ever since Kindle DX was introduced in the market, is available for about 260 dollars, while the newly released Sony PRS-600 is nearly at the same price. Looking at a marketing perspective, what Sony is trying to do here is to target consumers who are not willing to spend almost 500 dollars to purchase a Kindle DX but are looking for newer options. Sony claims that they would also be identifying themselves with the 9.99 dollars price for both new releases and best sellers, confirming the company’s intention to compete with Amazon. With their pricing scheme, Sony certainly has a lot to offer.

Some parts of the PRS 600 manual have been prematurely leaked, providing a clearer idea of what it can offer. One obvious feature that sets it apart from most is the touchscreen. While this is not the first touchscreen e-reader, others are priced more expensively like that of the 1,000-dollar FLEPia. The advantage of the touchscreen reader is that the space supposedly for buttons and keyboard can now be used to have a larger screen. Or it can make the gadget smaller and lighter. The PRS 600 has a 6″ screen but is only 0.4″ thick and weighs only 10 ounces.

You would probably also be excited to check out if this device indeed has a flexible screen. While Sony hasn’t confirmed on this feature yet but the manual itself states that there are flexible features of the device. This has then lead to various speculations that the device consists of an unbreakable and yet a bendable screen, a great breakthough in technology.

While all the hearsay can certainly spice things up, the facts about both the Sony PRS-600 and the Sony PRS – 300 are also mighty intriguing as well. The PRS-600 allows freehand writing using a stylus, and comes with a dictionary, a library suite compatible for Mac and PC, 380 MB storage capacity which can possibly be expanded, and up to 7,500 pages of battery life. Given its affordable price, the PRS-600 is looking to be one impressive gadget. While the specifics are still incomplete at this time, it does seem like the Kindle could be in for some heavy competition. The Sony PRS-600 and Sony PRS-300 are about to hit the market and they seem to have every intention of doing so with a bang. Is it the end of the Kindle 2 era?

Netbooks Reviewed , , , , , , , , ,

3 Reasons Every University Should Support Electronic Book Readers

October 17th, 2009
Comments Off

The ebook reader has recently threatened to eliminate one of the oldest traditions of the human race: the written word. But is that’s actually a good thing. Books are incredible sources of imaginative stories and fascinating histories, but the fact is that they are severely outdated. Students struggle across campus or from classroom to classroom weighed down with heavy books. Not only can it lead to a kid easily forgetting an important book, but it can even mean health problems. Fortunately, there is an answer in the form of handheld ebook readers. And it is high time that college campuses start supporting these devices more than ever before.

One of the main concerns you’ll have here has to do with one’s health condition. Ever since, students have already been under the burden of carrying heavy books since junior high until they reach college and this can eventually wear them out. Some children may even develop back pains and other issues in the long run. This is one reason why there are some backpack manufacturers who have tried designing their products to be more comfortable for carrying to help lessen strain at the lower back area. If it were only possible for kids to have their books stored on a lighter device such as an ereader, this would have solved their back strain issues without having to worry about carrying all those heavy books throughout the day.

The second reason why ebook readers would be a good substitute for a backpack of books is its practicality. College students wait in long lines every start of the semester just to get the books they need, often trying to get first shot at second-hand but in-good-condition books. Then at the end of the semester, they line up again to get these books sold. With an ebook reader, there would be no need for all those long lines because you can download books wirelessly in minutes. We all know that to the diligent student, savings in time can go a long way in pursuing other important activities.

Another thing that you may look into is the cost of having books compared to having a handy ebook reader. An ebook reader may cost about four hundred to five hundred dollars, however a student may spend about the same amount just buying books. Their book expenses would depend on the major subjects that they are taking. On the other hand, an ebook together with the books downloaded to it would help lessen your long term expenses when it comes to buying books. Instead, it could turn out to be a one time investment, where you don’t have to wait in line for books again and save money too.

If we want our students to have the most learning-conducive environment possible, having textbooks in electronic versions and then equipping them with ebook readers will go a long way in helping them out. No longer will they feel tired from carrying all those books, or stressed out having to sort out which books to bring on what days. Teachers will also reap the benefits of this as they will find students who always have the right reading materials on hand. The value of the digital technology is never put to better use than when it is used as an educational tool. Given these facts, it’s time university administrators realize how electronic book readers can help their students.

Netbooks Reviewed , , , , , , ,