Kindle 2 - The Most Popular Gift of Christmas 2009

Choosing the right Christmas gift can be a challenge unless you truly know the person. There are other issues that will pop up such as your Christmas budget, but you can still find some great presents for a good deal. For 2009 the list has been generated regarding the most popular gifts for the Christmas season. Many readers are happy as January continues on because they have the Amazon Kindle 2.

The Kindle 2 was among one of the most popular Christmas gifts for 2009. It was even on the list with such items as the Wii Fit, flat screen televisions and more. So why is the Kindle 2 one of the most popular gifts for the past Christmas season?

The Kindle is the next generation of the eReader devices available online. Kindle was the very first electronic reader people could really sink into with its usability, available books, and more. This second generation eReader has more options than the original device all the while keeping the best features of Kindle.

To begin the Kindle is just a little over 1/3 inch, which is about as thick as a magazine. It weighs in at 10.2 ounces, which is less than the pound a paperback book weighs. Furthermore the Kindle 2 takes less than sixty seconds to download an entire book, with no PC required for the download.

Amazon wanted to please their customers with this next gen device, so they worked on the battery life extending the Amazon Kindle 2 battery life by 25 percent. You can read for several days without the need to recharge.

The library can now hold over 1,500 books based on file size. Additionally the Kindle 2 received an upgrade on its capabilities. It has a new text to speech device, so the Kindle can read newspaper, magazine, books, and blog posts out loud. This new feature will remind you of the audio books on sale at stores, except you will have a good amount in savings.

Are you unsure about a book title? Amazon allows you to download and read the first chapters of a book for free before you buy it. It gives you a chance to see if the book is worthy of the cost. Amazon also has over 350,000 books and other reading media to enjoy for download. The New York Times Best Sellers and other new releases are set at $9.99 for the eBooks.

With all of the benefits discussed above and the ability to download almost any book, it takes the wonder out of why the Amazon Kindle 2 was a most popular Christmas gift for 2009. The price is unbeatable at $259.00 for such features as text to speech.

Matan Josefsberg is a professional writer and a book lover who discovered ereaders about a year ago using the Amazon Kindle and since then decided to review the entire range of electronic book readers available on the market. He is the owner of http://www.best-ereaders.com.

Amazon Kindle 2 Review - Why It's the Most Popular EBook Reader Today

You may not have heard about the Kindle when it first released. 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 Kindle 2. And now with the Kindle DX, the most advanced reader on the market, Amazon has become the single most popular maker of ebook readers.

But is all this popularity well-founded or is it just hype brought on by a new piece of technology? To be fair, it is a bit of both. The Kindle is far from a perfect device and it won't be replacing the paper book just yet, but it does offer the best possible way to take your books, and lots of them, wherever you want to go. That portability is something you just cannot find with normal books. And even though the Kindle DX is big, roughly the dimensions of a sheet of paper but substantially thicker, it can bring over 3,000 books with it. You would need quite a backpack to carry a library that big with you.

The Kindle 2 has plenty of competition from other ebook readers, but the new Kindle DX is in a category all its own. Amazon has built a reader that is an improvement over the competition in almost every way. Whether it is more storage, an easier-to-read screen or the rotating views ala the iPhone, the Kindle DX is unmatched in its features. But it remains unmatched in its price as well.

The cost is probably the primary reason many people don't have a DX and perhaps why many people never will. At nearly $500, you would expect the ebook reader to do, or come with, a lot more. You don't get a cover, you don't get any free books, you can only view in grayscale and you end up with a device that is extremely limited due to copy protection. If you pay so much, why can't you get a few extras thrown in?

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.

Read The Full Amazon Kindle 2 Review & See It In Action!

Visit us to see a video tour of the Kindle 2 and see for yourself if it's the right electronic ebook reader for you!

Popular Kindle Tips

Technology isn't perfect and with devices, there are occasional situations where our gadget seems to be acting up and we find ourselves at a loss as to how to get it working again. This is true even with the Amazon Kindle. While the Kindle technology is great, and it has opened books in a whole new way, sometimes things go wrong.

The internet is flooded with Kindle tips and advice, and these two seem to be the most asked. What do you do when the Kindle freezes? How do you delete files on the Kindle? Here is some information on how to address these questions:

It's probably happened before, your computer freezes. If you own a Kindle this might happen as well. If your Kindle freezes up, relax and take a breath. Try these things before you call Kindle Customer Service.

• Try a soft reset-Press the Alt-Shift-R keys at the same time.

• Try a hard reset-Take the cover off the back, insert a paperclip into the small hole, and hold for 10 seconds.

You may need to try these two things again with the Kindle plugged into its charger if it doesn't work.

The Kindle freezes for several of reasons, but the two most common seem to be:

• Running the charger too far down; and

• A "confused" Kindle because you pressed too many keys rapidly

The Kindle is a fantastic gadget that can do many things, but keep in mind also that it is a computer, and hence, may also be prone to malfunctioning. There is plenty of help out there - from other Kindle owners to Kindle Customer Service.

For more Kindle tips and how to's and more information today's most popular ebook readers, visit us at http://ebookreadersresource.com.

Kindle FAQ: Answers to the Most Popular Questions Regarding the Amazon E-Reader

E-readers, such as the Amazon kindle, are becoming more and more popular. Millions have been sold, and chances are you know somebody with one. If you're thinking of joining that club, you may want to do some research before deciding if this is the right device for you. The following are frequently asked questions about the kindle:

Do you have to buy a kindle in order to read Amazon ebooks?

No! In fact, a lot of people with iPads and other readers get apps so they can download kindle books because the Amazon store has such a large selection (and sometimes ebooks are cheaper there as well).

If you don't have an e-reader at all, you can still read kindle books. Google "kindle PC" or "kindle mac" to find Amazon's download page, and grab the software for free. Most smart phones also have kindle apps. Download one and then when you shop in the online bookstore, just click the tab to have your ebook "sent" to your kindle app (and you can even sync everything so you can read the same ebooks on your computer, phone, and ebook reader).

How much do ebooks cost? Are they less than traditional print books?

You can find a huge range, everything from free or 99 cents to $9.99 and up for new releases from mainstream authors. Self-published or indie authors tend to have lower priced offerings (just browse at Amazon to find loads of $0.99 to $2.99 ebooks in every genre and non-fiction as well), though quality can be hit or miss. Make sure to download the free sample before shelling out any money.

To find extra affordable offerings, try Smashwords.com. It's easy to browse for freebies there too. Whether you're looking for a $3 thriller or a free fantasy ebook, you can find quite the selection there. While it's predominantly a marketplace for indie authors, some mainstream authors are e-publishing older titles where the rights have reverted back to them.

Can I read my kindle in the dark?

No. The screen isn't backlit, so it's more like reading an actual paperback book than a computer screen. This choice was made to emulate the true reading experience and also to keep people from developing the eye strain sometimes associated with looking at computer monitors.

Can you check ebooks out from the library and read them on the kindle?

Sadly, no. Not at this time. The kindle uses a different file format (mobi) than most online library pages offer. The epub format issued by libraries is compatible with Sony readers, iPads, nooks, etc., but you will have to download Calibre or some other software in order to convert a library ebook for kindle use (and it may not be possible at all if the ebook has DRM-digital rights management - a form of protection to keep people from sharing files).

Can you borrow or lend books to friends?

Amazon has recently implemented a lending program, though there are quite a few limitations. First off, you can only lend each title once (ever). Second, this is optional for publishers (and a lot of them aren't allowing it for now). Lastly, lending an ebook means you can't read it yourself during the 14-day period it's on loan.

Can you "gift" kindle books?

Yes. It took them a while to get the program online, but Amazon now lets you email electronic gift certificates for titles in their marketplace. Just make sure the person on the other end wants the book (a general gift certificate may be another choice), so your money isn't wasted.

Can you sell your titles when you're done with them?

No, unfortunately there's no "used ebook market" for kindle offerings.

Can you change font size?

Yes, this is one of the more appealing features about e-readers. If you prefer to read without your glasses or you're just more comfortable with a larger font, it's only a matter of touching a button to increase or decrease text size.

Can you read PDF files on the kindle?

Yes, but you can't adjust the font, so PDFs aren't as reader-friendly as mobi files.

Is paying for the 3G kindle worth the money, and does the service cost extra each month?

There are no monthly fees associated with the 3G kindle. If you travel a lot and like the idea of being able to download books anywhere you can use your cell phone, then you may like this feature. That said, it's not all that hard just to do your shopping when you're somewhere with wifi (home, coffee shop, library, etc.), so if you're looking to save $50, just go with the wifi version.

Can you buy a used kindle and get someone else's ebooks?

Yes and no. You can sell your old model kindle or buy one from someone else, but the ebooks on that device that were purchased from the Amazon store will disappear once the kindle is registered to a new account.

The author maintains a blog on e-publishing. She also posts lots of fun ebook ideas at Kindle Geeks. In addition, she's an indie author who publishes ebook fantasy novels. If you have questions about e-publishing or the kindle, feel free to stop by her sites and ask!

Amazon Kindle DX Vs Kindle 2 - Sizing Up the Two Popular Ebook Readers

Ever since the Amazon Kindle DX became available for pre-order in early May, many Kindle users and would-be owners have been wondering how much of a "makeover" the popular device has undergone. If you're an owner of a Kindle 2 considering an upgrade, or a reading enthusiast undecided on which would be the better fit for your lifestyle, wonder no more.

This comparison is your quick reference guide to what sets the new DX apart from the previous version.

Display

The Kindle 2's 6" diagonal screen is obviously no match for the DX's 9.7" diagonal auto-rotating screen. In addition to being 2.5 times larger than the earlier Kindle's display, the DX also has an auto-rotate feature that allows you to toggle between a portrait and a landscape mode by simply rotating the reading device. This makes it the more suitable gadget for reading newspapers, image-rich books, or any material that contains maps, charts, and tables.

Size of the Device

The Amazon Kindle DX measures 10.4" x 7.2" x 0.38" in overall size while the Kindle 2 is naturally much smaller at 8" x 5.3" x 0.36". While both devices are about as thin as a typical magazine at 0.3 of an inch deep, the DX tips the scales at 18.9 ounces compared to the Kindle 2's 10.2 ounces. If you plan on using your ebook reader "on the go" then the Kindle 2 is the more portable device.

Storage Capacity

The storage capacity is also a major factor to consider. The DX boasts a 4GB internal memory - double the 2GB capacity of the Kindle 2. That's storage for approximately 3,500 books and 1,500 books for the DX and the Kindle 2 respectively.

Built-in PDF Support

With the Kindle 2, reading PDF files are a bit of a hassle as you have to go through the process of emailing your files to Amazon for file conversion - a service that you need to pay for, albeit with a minimal fee. With the Kindle DX, PDF support is built-in, so you can just download your PDF files directly to your device and read them immediately. If you read a lot of PDFs, then the DX is the better option.

Price

Here's the real deal maker or breaker between the two Kindles. The Kindle DX costs a steeper $489, while the Kindle 2 is still priced high at $359. Even for the most avid readers, the price of either of these ebook readers leave a big hole in the pocket. However, students eager to leave behind their heavy textbooks and professionals who usually work with PDF files, will find a way to justify the steep price of the DX.

Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 2 - Closing Thoughts

While the Kindle 2 still packs a punch for its price and features, those looking for the ultimate reading pleasure will find the DX the best choice between the two devices. Like I said, the price is always the deciding factor in the equation so weigh the costs versus your needs and budget before making the ultimate decision.

If this Amazon Kindle DX vs Kindle 2 comparison has you thinking about upgrading, read the full Amazon Kindle DX review here and see this new device in action!

Kindle Cover - 3 Popular Designer Kindle Covers

A Kindle cover is a must have if you have purchased any of the Kindle products. Life happens and the last thing you want is to damage your new wireless reading device. This article will introduce you to three popular designer Kindle covers in case you are having trouble picking one out.

1. Cole Haan Hand-Woven Patent Leather Kindle Cover with Hinge: This cover was specifically designed to fit the new 6" display, 2nd generation Kindle and has been in high demand; those who have waited patiently for it to become available have not been disappointed. Cole Haan is a leader in America's premier luxury goods and did not hold back in designing a well crafted, beautiful and functional cover. It has a goat suede interior and uses the Kindle compatible hinge system so you know your Kindle is always well protected. The exterior is hand-stained, hand-woven leather in light bronze; a truly classy look.

2. Diane von Furstenberg Kayley Canvas Clutch for Kindle: This Kindle cover comes from one of the great names in American fashion. It has an iconic wrap dress with signature prints, Diane von Furstenberg's line of handbags, accessories, footwear and more are both fashionable as they are functional, and now your Kindle can match your style. This berry print cover is made of a cotton canvas to adequately protect your Kindle during transport as well as offering a business card slot so you are always prepared; it fits the 6" display Kindle.

3. Cole Haan Hand-Stained Pebble Grain Leather Kindle Cover with Hinge: Made with the same quality as the Cole Haan mentioned earlier, this cover folds back perfectly and feels very soft as well as sturdy. For those who are willing to spend a little more for their Kindle covers, this is a great one to choose. Some Kindle covers feel a tad bit techy and you want your Kindle to be something comfortable to hold; it is like reading from a leather bound book rather than a piece of technology. Others who have purchased it have said that it is soft and light in your hands, while still being sturdy enough to protect your Kindle.

Above you learned about the Kindle cover, why it is important and how to add a little style to the new addition to your family; your brand new Kindle. Three great options to choose from include the Cole Haan Hand-Woven patent leather cover as well as the hand-stained pebble grain leather cover, and for those who like a little more color, the Diane von Furstenberg canvas clutch is a great option.

There are quite a few others to choose from, if you'd like a few more options visit Kindle Cover.

http://www.squidoo.com/kindle-cover