BACKGROUND Launched internationally in October 2009, the Amazon Kindle electronic reading device is now available in 100 countries. Dubbed as the “iPhone” of the reading devices, the Kindle allows you to travel with several e-books at the same time, and gain access to your favourite newspaper or magazine as soon as the printed edition hits the newsstand from virtually anywhere in the world.
THE LOOK The state-of-the-art black-and-white screen resembles the appearance of paper.
THE SET-UP The device comes ready set up – just turn it on and start browsing or ordering books. Kindle ships with a US power adapter and a micro-USB cable for charging from a computer’s USB port. The US power adapter supports voltages 100V-240V.
FEATURES With Amazon’s Whispernet service, you can send your documents directly to your Kindle and read them anytime, anywhere. The built-in PDF Reader allows you to unload the loose documents from your briefcase, and put them all on Kindle and read them on the go.
The Whispernet technology also allows you to download from its Kindle Library, which stocks 360,000 titles ranging from recently published bestsellers to classics. The tool for adjusting text sizes is a plus, and helps minimise straining on tired eyes.
PROS It is lightweight and easy to use, and there is sufficient storage capacity of up to 1,500 titles. With 3G wireless connectivity from virtually anywhere in the world, there’s no need to connect the device to the computer. There are no monthly charges as well since Amazon pays for the wireless connectivity.
CONS You can only access and purchase books through Amazon.
VERDICT The device is very good since Amazon keeps improving the software and providing automatic updates.
WEIGHT 290g
BATTERY LIFE Up to one week with wireless turned on, up to two weeks with wireless turned off
CAPACITY 2GB
DOWNLOAD TIME 60 seconds per book
BACKING UP OF E-BOOKS Yes. Purchases are backed up online in the Kindle book library at Amazon. You can wirelessly re-download books in your library for free.
PRICE US$259 plus shipping
CONTACT www.amazon.com/kindle
Wolfgang Krueger
THE LOOK The state-of-the-art black-and-white screen resembles the appearance of paper.
THE SET-UP The device comes ready set up – just turn it on and start browsing or ordering books. Kindle ships with a US power adapter and a micro-USB cable for charging from a computer’s USB port. The US power adapter supports voltages 100V-240V.
FEATURES With Amazon’s Whispernet service, you can send your documents directly to your Kindle and read them anytime, anywhere. The built-in PDF Reader allows you to unload the loose documents from your briefcase, and put them all on Kindle and read them on the go.
The Whispernet technology also allows you to download from its Kindle Library, which stocks 360,000 titles ranging from recently published bestsellers to classics. The tool for adjusting text sizes is a plus, and helps minimise straining on tired eyes.
PROS It is lightweight and easy to use, and there is sufficient storage capacity of up to 1,500 titles. With 3G wireless connectivity from virtually anywhere in the world, there’s no need to connect the device to the computer. There are no monthly charges as well since Amazon pays for the wireless connectivity.
CONS You can only access and purchase books through Amazon.
VERDICT The device is very good since Amazon keeps improving the software and providing automatic updates.
FACT FILE
SIZE 8 x 5.3 x 0.36 inchesWEIGHT 290g
BATTERY LIFE Up to one week with wireless turned on, up to two weeks with wireless turned off
CAPACITY 2GB
DOWNLOAD TIME 60 seconds per book
BACKING UP OF E-BOOKS Yes. Purchases are backed up online in the Kindle book library at Amazon. You can wirelessly re-download books in your library for free.
PRICE US$259 plus shipping
CONTACT www.amazon.com/kindle
Wolfgang Krueger
