Kyle Williams.com

I haven’t been reading enough lately. So I purchased the Kindle 2 to help change that. I also find the e-reader market interesting, especially when looking at the various features offered by the gadget that go beyond reading books. This post will briefly summarize the primary questions and concerns I had before purchasing the Kindle 2.

The Kindle Screen – Eye strain?

My first reaction to e-readers was concern for screen clarity, and eye strain. I had my doubts that reading on a device would be comfortable in my hands, and on my eyes. However all these concerns were gone as soon as I turned on the Kindle. The E Ink technology is amazing. It would not be fair to demo this by showing you a screenshot of a Kindle screen on your computer. I can only recommend that you demo one in person. If you don’t know anyone who has a Kindle, bug someone at your local trendy coffee shop.

Buying Books and Archiving. What happens to my books if I lose my Kindle?

Anyone familiar with Apple’s iTunes system should have concerns about other commercial digital content providers. With the crappy iTunes system, all the music you download cannot be re-downloaded in the future. So it is your responsibility to back up your music after purchased. Apple does not keep a helpful archive system of the music you own, in case you need to download it again in the future. Amazon’s digital content system is much better. They keep a history in your online account of everything you have purchased (from books for your Kindle, to episodes of your favorite TV show). You can re-download content as needed. I’m not sure if there are any limitations on this, but I have a TV episode in my history that I purchased 2 years ago that is still available for download. If you lose your Kindle, you can de-register the device online, buy a new one, and send all your books over to the new Kindle. The process is very easy.

Reading Comfort

I definitely do not miss holding an actual book, like I originally thought. It is so comfortable being able to lay the Kindle down on my desk, and hit the Next Page button. No more having to hold the book open. There is not much more I can say…the transition has been way better than I expected. Oh ya, and changing the font size doesn’t suck either .

Built in Dictionary

This is so awesome. It is not practical having a dictionary by your side when not knowing words. With the Kindle, you move the joystick to the word and you wait about 2 seconds and the definition comes up. You don’t have to click to get the definition, just move the cursor in front of the word. Very smart.

Kindle Web Browser

First, I want to point out that this device is for reading books. So appreciate the fact that the Kindle even has a simple text browser that is FREE to use on your FREE wireless Internet connection. You can really only browse simple mobile friendly websites. But this does include Gmail, and checking/navigating through email is fast and fairly painless (and again, FREE!). While writing this post, I decided to test out the mobile version of the NHL website (http://wap.nhl.com). The page and images look great. Had no problems navigating the site, checking scores, etc.

Why did I pass on the Kindle DX?

When I first decided to get a Kindle, I immediately pre-ordered the DX. Why wouldn’t you want the newest technology? After some more thought on my desire for portability, and the lack of important new features on the DX, I decided it wasn’t for me. The DX screen is bigger, you can read horizontally or vertically, but that’s basically it. It has a PDF reader, but I rarely read PDFs to begin with. The DX does not have any new features I really care about. The Kindle 2 screen is big enough for me, and the size is friendly – it is neither too small or too big. I would rather save my money, and upgrade when the 3rd generation of Kindle comes out.

Angels & Demons is the first book I bought to read. It took only a few seconds to instantly purchase and download.