Kindle Strikes Back at Google eReader

Amazon Kindle 3G with Special OffersJust in…Amazon strikes back at Google’s release of their own branded eReader this coming Saturday with a price drop on the 3G version of it’s Amazon Kindle, now with special offers! 

Just like the wifi version that’s available for $114.00, the 3G version of the Kindle featuring the special offers will feature non-intrusive, tasteful advertisements for major brands.  And, even better, there’s a $50.00 price drop, bringing the price down to $139.00!

This definitely provides stiff competition to Google’s release of the iRivier Story eReader, offering a WiFi only version. 

What do you think…will this make you decide to purchase the Kindle, a trusted device, with a proven record, or will you go for the newly released Google eReader?

 

Sony Reader

Daniel asks…

What do you think of the Sony reader digital book?

I want to get a Sony Reader digital book, however,  I would like to know if you like it, and what other people think of this device.

sony reader

admin answers:

It’s okay, I’d go with the Amazon Kindle though.  I’ve used both, and would say I get more out of my Amazon Kindle.

George asks…

Can you read a Sony Reader Digital Book in the dark?

I am looking at the PRS300R model. Does it have a backlight so it can be read in the dark? If not, does Sony or another company make a digital book reader that a person can read in the dark?

sony reader

admin answers:

Most eInk eReaders simulate actual books, so you will need to get a light for those models in order to read in the dark. It is just like you need book light when reading books in dark. Most readers prefer eInk over backlit models, however, Barnes & Noble does offer the nook in color, and it is backlit.  While I don’t really like the backlighting, many people do, so you may want to look at it.  

I’ve got the Kindle and I just picked up a light designed for my Kindle.

I love my Kindle!  I’m not sure if it helps, but between the Kindle and the Sony Reader, I’ll suggest you to go for the Kindle instead of Sony. The Kindle is better because it has free wireless and text-to-speech function. There are more ebooks you can find available for the Kindle, and books on the Kindle are quite a lot cheaper too.

And in case you don’t know, Amazon has recently slashed prices on the Kindle, and gives you international wireless access and native PDF support… So take the chance if you want it.

Hope it helps :)

Sharon asks…

Is the Sony Reader Digital Book worth the money?

I’m thinking of buying the Sony Reader Digital Book, but I’m not sure if it’s worth the money. I’m an avid reader but I’m not sure if I’m ready to give up regular books. Also, where can you download the “digital” books?

sony reader

admin answers:

If you are in the U.S., I’ll suggest you to go for the Kindle instead of Sony Reader.  See the question above this one. :)

I own the Kindle and I love it!  It is better than Sony Reader because Amazon provides good content support, and the number of books available in Kindle format keeps increasing (right now there are over 800,000 Kindle books). With the Sony Reader, however, many users complain that it is difficult to find suitable books. Other benefits of the Kindle over Sony Reader include the free wireless internet access, and the text-to-speech function.

If you often read PDF, you may want to go for the Kindle DX. The regular Kindle is a little small to use the pdf viewer with much success.

Paul asks…

Amazon books on Sony Reader Digital Book?

Can I buy e-books from Amazon and put the on the Sony Digital Book? Or is that just limited to the Kindle?

sony reader

admin answers:

You cannot buy ebooks from Amazon for the Sony Reader.

Carol asks…

the difference between the sony reader digital book and kindle by amazon?

I just learned that I am getting the Kindle from my husband for christmas.(so excited) Anyway I was looking at the add for target and came across the digital reader from sony. Does anyone know what the difference is??? If so which one is better then??? thanks (although i am keeping the Kindle -its from my husband.)

sony reader

admin answers:

In addition to the advantages mentioned by the other posters, the Kindle has on more major one – the selection available. Amazon currently offers about 800,000 titles in Kindle format, and they’re adding more all the time. The last time I checked, Sony had far less available. With that much selection available, you can pretty much guarantee always having something to read that you will enjoy.

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Kindle? Cruz?

William asks…

amazon kindle…?

does the amazon kindle have an included back light to read in the dark, and are the book prices more expensive than buying them at the bookstore?does it have childrens books also? also,what would you rate the amazon kindle?

kindle

admin answers:

The current “e-ink” display is not capable of adding a backlight. It is an array of pigment filled “balls” that would not transmit light. I have the Sony PRS-505 reader, which uses exactly the same e-ink display, though with a different driver chip (more grayscale shades). Side-light is possible but no readers have that yet.

You just need to use a regular booklight to read in the dark. The good news is you have a big selection of normal booklights. Check out The Kindle Store for Kindle advice and accesory reviews.

The answer to your cost question is “it depends on the books you buy.” If you compare a new-release hardcover book (e.g. Dean Koontz’ Darkest Evening of the Night) you will see the list hardcover price is over $20. The BEST discount price, say at Costco, is still around $16. While the e-book version can be found at $10 to 12 (Amazon is not the only e-book source, even for the Kindle). That’s a big savings.

When the paperback edition comes out the e-book version price will also drop but there is less difference then.

Haven’t looked at the children’s book scene but just browse Amazon to see what Kindle editions they have. I wouldn’t be so keen of having a child handle a Kindle though. It is relatively fragile compared to a real book, though perhaps a bit tougher than a typical laptop. The display CAN be broken if pressed on hard enough.

Joseph asks…

Amazon Kindle???????????????

Can I download newspapers from internet to computer and then put them in the Amazon Kindle?
Where can i find them?

kindle

admin answers:

There are two choices. The first choice is that you can buy newspapers in Kindle version, as you can find in the link below. Newspapers in Kindle version is much cheaper than paper version.

browse Amazon Kindle ebook store
The second choice is to use the Kindle’s web browser and free internet access, to go to news sites like google news or yahoo news.

Both the Kindle and the Kindle DX are good, but if for reading newspapers Kindle DX will be better.

Hope this helps :)

Mandy asks…

Can Amazon Kindle be used with regular wireless home network if traveling oversea?

I love Amazon Kindle but I will be away from USA for some time and was wondering if I would be able to connect Kindle to the network via regular home network via wireless connection.
Thanks for your help.

kindle

admin answers:

From what I understand, the latest version of the Kindle is available in most overseas countries with cellular service.  You can also plug the Kindle to your computer via USB cable and download your purchases this way. You can do this through the Manage Your Kindle link on the Amazon site.  So, either way, your Kindle is the perfect travel companion!

I hope this helps!

Richard asks…

Can the Amazon Kindle work with PDF documents from Adobe Reader?

This has probably been asked already, but I am still unable to find a straight enough answer. So here goes. I am thinking of purchasing an Amazon Kindle and would like to know if the device can handle the PDF documents from Adobe Reader. I have several e-books I want to add to the eReader. I need to know if the Kindle can support these files.

Any assistance/help is most welcome.

kindle

admin answers:

The latest Kindle DX has a larger screen and can support PDF files.  Amazon also has Kindle apps for many smart phones and other devices, including Kindle for PC software.  All are available for free download from Amazon. 

Kindle also supports pdf, and is relatively easy to navigate once you get the hang of it. 

James asks…

AMAZON KINDLE????????????????????????

Is it like the iPad?
My mom might want one for christmas and and iPad is to much..
she wants it for the apps and internet surfing..
does the kindle have that?
or is it just for reading books and such??

Can someone please just tell me everything you can do on the Kindle..
no links please.(:

kindle

admin answers:

I have several eReaders and tablets – I’m always buying the latest one to review the features for this site.

For surfing the internet, instead of the Kindle, you may want to take a look at the Cruz reader.  Kindle is for books – and it does it really well. I get newspapers, magazines and books on my kindle. It does show pictures but very grainy and many newspapers do not include their pictures in kindle content. You can surf the internet, but the experience is definitely not up to par at the present time.

In contrast, the Cruz shows pictures as they are meant to be.

So only get it for her if she loves to read, because Kindle is first and foremost for those who LOVE to read, and it truly is a fantatastic eReader.

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Kindle for Christmas! There is still TIME!

Amazon KindleThat’s right, if you order an Amazon Kindle today, it will be delivered before Christmas!  As a matter of fact, Amazon’s promising that what you order from them today will arrive on or before December 24th.  There’s a reason why people trust Amazon - they keep their word.  So go ahead, order a Kindle for Christmas!

Amazon deal with Covey

In an interesting turn of events, Amazon has made a deal with Steven Covey, the business book writer, for exclusivity for two of his books. This could be an interesting twist in the eReader sales battle!

Read more about the deal here