subject: Reasons to upgrade from the original Kindle to the Kindle 2 [print this page] Author: Christina Pomoni Author: Christina Pomoni
The Amazons Kindle 2 is the second-generation e-book, a humble upgrade from the first generation, Kindle. In effect, without introducing anything too extravagant in terms of ergonomics of functionality, the Kindle 2 is an improved device for a variety of other reasons. In particular: Kindle 2 significantly boosts battery life by 85 percent (25 percent longer than the Kindle) and the e-reader can stay without recharging for up to two weeks even with wireless turned on due to its efficient wireless networking management. In contrast, the Kindle could stay only four days without recharging. Kindle 2 features a significantly larger storage that has been enlarged to 7x the original Kindles size, allowing users to store over 1,500 e-book titles at a time. Kindle 2 features a built-in native PDF reader that allows users to read their PDF documents in their original PDF format without conversion. With the Kindle, users had to email PDF files to their personal Kindle.com address or transfer them to their USB. With Kindle 2, they dont need to convert them anymore. Kindle 2 introduces the WhisperSync-bookmarking feature that actually allows users to start reading an e-book on their own Kindle and pick it up on another. This is pretty convenient for people who are busy, running non-stop and being on the go. Kindle 2 launches the Text-to-Speech feature is actually a computerized voice that can read any book to the user in one of the three speech rates features by the device, and in either a male or female voice. This is an excellent feature for visually impaired individuals, but also for students who learn English as the second language. Kindle 2 weighs 10.2 ounces and is only 0.2 ounces lighter than the original Kindle (10.4 ounces). Kindle 2 looks much better than the original Kindle as it has better curves and a more symmetrical design, actually borrowing elements from the iPhone. Kindle 2 features better controls. Instead of a peculiar slider on the right-hand side, the Kindle 2 features a 5-way joystick. Besides, the keyboard is a composite thing and not split into two regions, while the screen can display 16 shades of grey and turn pages 20 percent faster than the original Kindle. For all the above, the Kindle 2 was a necessity in the market. In terms of pricing, the Kindle 2 is slightly cheaper coming at a retail price of $359, while the original Kindle is at $399. Besides, with the Kindle 2 users are not charged with monthly fees for downloading content wirelessly. Other than that, the Kindle 2 comes in white color and downloads content just as fast the original Kindle, approximately at 60 seconds. It looks like the most significant improvement of Kindle 2 over the original Kindle is the addition of Text-to-Speech and WhisperSync-bookmarking features.For some people, upgrade is necessary because the thinner Kindle seems so attractive with its aluminum back panel and iPod like exterior. So its more a matter of appearance and less a matter of a better reading experience. For other people, upgrade is not necessary, especially if English is not learned as a second language. So, at the end of the day, its up to you if youll choose to upgrade to Kindle 2 and be a part of a mass, thrilled audience that is fascinated from a flashier, bookish-oriented device or stick to what your original Kindle and wait for the Kindle 3.About the Author:
Christina Pomoni has acquired her MBA Finance from the American College of Greece. Her advanced familiarity with financial statement analysis, capital budgeting and market research has been acquired through her professional career at high-esteemed organizations. As part of her long journey, Christina has served as an Equity Research Associate at Telesis Securities (EFG Eurobank) and a Financial & Investment Advisor at ING Group. Besides, having lived at Chicago, IL, Boca Raton, FL and Paris, France has helped her, not only to be a successful professional, but mostly to see life under a more creative and innovative perspective.
Since 2005, Christina provides high quality writing services to numerous websites and research companies contributing her knowledge and expertise. Her areas of specialization are Business, Finance & Investment, Society, Politics & Culture. She also has a very good knowledge of Entertainment, Health & Fitness and Computers & Technology.
Christina currently designs the website of her own writing company. Believing that knowledge is the road to opportunity and development, her mission is to promote her already established knowledge to a growing number of visitors and to provide high quality writing services to meet the most demanding customer requirements.
