Kindle

Today I’ve read on Wired that Kindle App has been updated with ability to read comics. Yay! I’ve said, or rather thought, and updated it immediately. And indeed Panel View works great. Reading is pretty smooth. But there is one glitch. I can only read on my phone or in Cloud Reader. No option for tablet. At first I’ve thought that it’s just about my device. But no, some titles, like A Game of Thrones, can be downloaded to tablet. But majority, read - the ones I care about, have only two options mentioned before. So I’m a little bit disappointed, but at least there is some movement in the right direction. And I don’t know if Amazon is doing it because they want to push sales of Kindle Fire, or it’s just publishers will (however I don’t think so), but it really sucks. Oh well, if somebody doesn’t want my money I’ll go elsewhere.

I love Amazon Kindle. This device is almost perfect. However I’ve found one “flaw” recently. We’ve bought additional Kindle (3G) for my wife’s sister and as it was a gift I’ve de-registered it from my Amazon account. Unfortunately it appears that if Kindle is not registered you can’t use 3G (it’s quite logical, Amazon protects their business), but the fact that it can’t be used even for registration is a little strange. I’ve worked for main telecom in Poland and even their ADSL (very poor service) had feature which enabled you to connect to registration page without being registered (as you must be able to create user in order to access the service). With Kindle you must use Wifi, and as I was at my mother’s who has no wireless it wasn’t possible to do so. It for sure isn’t big disadvantage, if you’ll not de-register Kindle when buying it you’ll not face the problem. But if you bought the device on Internet auction (popular way of buying Kindle in Poland) keep in mind that you’ll need Wifi before you’ll be able to use 3G. I find it very strange and irrational.

Yes, my new Kindle is here! And it’s awesome. Browser is even more functional than I thought, I was able to access any page I’ve wanted, of course no flash. Reading experience is great, but I would be able to tell if it really don’t make your eyes tired after reading little more, now I’m just playing with features generally. Keyboard is alright, but if I would have tried to write this post on it I would definitely gone mental. Exchange OWA is working well on this device, in light mode.
Text is clear and I had no problems with reading it. However my wife who is wearing glasses complained that it could be brighter. I can’t tell much at these stage as I’m just beginning my adventure with Kindle, but I’ll try to write some bigger review after week or two. For now I don’t see any disadvantages, but it’s typical with new toys.
Big plus for Amazon for delivering it so fast. When I was ordering it was written on the page that they would start shipping it from 24th of September or earlier, and here it’s 21st and they not only shipped it, but I already have it in my hands:) True professionalism.

Yes, after months of reading about it. After many pros and cons being reviewed in my mind, and after claiming on this blog that I don’t want it anymore:) I’ve finally ordered it from Amazon. Of course 3G option as I would like to have access to Internet anywhere. I must admit that it was mainly the price which made my mind, previously it was horribly expensive (as for me) and wasn’t offering all I want from such device. Now they’ve not only upgraded it, but it’s also reasonably priced, at last. One thing is bad though, I would not have a case:( I was about to order one, but then I’ve glanced on Import Fees and it was more than case itself. So, no way sir, I’m not paying 120$ for the case just because I’m not lucky enough to live in USA and must pay Import Fees. Anyway, I’m very happy and hope that it will arrive soon (however, they will ship it after September 24th:() and in one piece.

I was checking a book I would like to buy on Amazon - How Risky Is It, Really?: Why Our Fears Don’t Always Match the Facts. As delivery from US takes long and is expensive I’ve wanted to check price for Kindle version. It’s easy as Amazon is providing you with such table:

As you can see Kindle (electronic) edition is almost 3$ more than hardcover. Yes, let me say it again, hardcover. Not even a paperback. I don’t see great future for the forests as paper is so cheap that even bits are pricey in comparison. I don’t get it, really. But it was probably some big marketing head who devised this “clever” pricing plan, so I’m for sure not seeing some great idea behind it. Or maybe Amazon decided to support post office. Don’t know. It would remain complete mystery to me I’m afraid.