Kindle 2 Review of What We Know

Amazon Kindle 2 Review

Review of What We Know

Amazon’s Kindle 2 eBook Reader is official and it looks amazing. Via press conference today Amazon took the wraps off the 2nd generation Kindle. While the photos we saw a few days before were indeed real and tantalizing, the details and capabilities revealed today continue to impress:

Thinner than an iPhone
Improved screen with 16 shades of grey (original Kindle had only 4)
Improved memory holding 1,500 eBooks (original Kindle could store 200)
New text-to-speech capability
600 x 800 ePaper resolution, with no backlight to improve battery life
4 to 5 days reading time with wireless on, up to 2 weeks with wireless off – on a single charge
Built-in Oxford Dictionary for instant access to 250,000 word definitions
Free 3G wireless coverage via Sprint’s WhisperNet
Comfortable Reading: Adjustable type sizes & no glare in sunlight
Bundled with free copy of Stephen King’s “Ur”
$359 price – same as original Kindle

Units ship Feb 24th. Order now from Amazon.

Analysis

We had high hopes for the Kindle 2 and Amazon definitely delivered an attractive and feature-packed eBook reader in the Kindle 2. While price may be a barrier to some, consider the savings from libraries of classic ebooks online like gutenberg.org and the convenience of having an entire library of up to 1,500 titles in your pocket, er, briefcase or backpack.

We love the wireless ability – no wrestling with WiFi hotspots and no fees. This will allow Amazon to push software updates and customers to download books without a computer involved.

We have a feeling there’s going to be a very long line forming at Amazon.com!