Just when I was getting into an audio book groove (buying books from Audible), Amazon announces a very exciting wireless book reader called Kindle.
Even if you are NOT a total gadget freak (like I am) and you don’t have room on your Christmas or Hanukkah list for a $400 toy, you have to see what this thing can do. It is completely wireless and computerless; meaning there is no
syncing to your computer (like a Palm or an iPod.) Books are purchased and downloaded directly from the device, anywhere you can get a cell phone signal. The embedded cell phone technology is completely free, you pay only about $10 for those
books you purchase. Also available are popular magazines, blogs, Wikipedia and an embedded dictionary (how cool is that?) For ten cents, you can also email your own documents to the device. Only fault I
could come up with is the lack of PDF support, but I have read that if you convert PDFs to a MOBI format, it all works. Anyway, you gotta see these videos at the Amazon site.
Am I buying one? Not yet .. but maybe … soon.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my American readers. I am cooking a maple-glazed turkey, garlic mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts with shallots.
Yes! The San Diego City Library uses Overdrive Media for audio downloads, with a 21-day checkout. Pretty awesome. Unfortunately, the selection is not as up-to-date as I can get with Audible.
Instead of buying books from Audible, did you know that most public libraries now offer free downloadable books over the ‘net totally free??? Check out your library’s catalog. You’re looking for E-Zone Digital Downloads. I’m a huge fan of public libraries as well as the technology coordinator of a school district.
This looks interesting. The “no syncing” part seems ideal. However, there still is nothing like the feel of a real book in your hands. Sorry, Will
Sony ereader is about $100 less. Maybe when the price comes down.
I’ve always resisted the notion of exchanging paper books for plastic literature. However, the Kindle almost makes me want to make that leap.
Nick Senger compares the Kindle to the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and goes on to suggest intriguing education applications on Teen Literacy Tips.
I’m tempted.
nope and i’m not buying it either. i have a pda i download books on to. didn’t cost me 399 either.