Today I pre-ordered my Kindle2.
Why
There are lots of improvements to an already intriguing device. It’s lighter, faster, has more memory and even has a new Text-to-Speech feature.
I know there are lots of arguments against getting a Kindle. I resisted myself for a long time. But then I actually played with one for a while and quickly changed my mind. Yes it’s over-priced – but what isn’t these days? Yes, you can find other ways to read books electronically – but you can’t discount the power of the Amazon online store. It is to the Kindle2 what iTunes is to the iPod. And if Amazon opens this up to photographers, self-publishers and more, there’s a new opportunity in a crowded marketplace.
I bought my Kindle2 so I could become familiar with its power, its shortcomings and its possibilities. I want to be on the bleeding edge with my photo marketing, and I think that it’s just possible the Kindle2 will give me a slight advantage over those who ignore it.
You can read more about the new Kindle2 here.
I just wished they finally would bring the kindle to europe, or at least germany. it was rumored for so long. congrats on the preorder. can’t wait to get my hand on one at some point.
I just wished they finally would bring the kindle to europe, or at least germany. it was rumored for so long. congrats on the preorder. can’t wait to get my hand on one at some point.
Interesting take, Scott – I haven’t heard anyone speak about the graphics capabilities (for photos) of the new Kindle before.
I’d really like to see a model where you can sell-on books that you’ve already read and don’t want to keep in your Kindle any more – I don’t think this will do much to recoup the initial outlay, but it might help Amazon’s ongoing commercial model.
Look forward to you taking delivery and talking more about your hands-on experiences.
Interesting take, Scott – I haven’t heard anyone speak about the graphics capabilities (for photos) of the new Kindle before.
I’d really like to see a model where you can sell-on books that you’ve already read and don’t want to keep in your Kindle any more – I don’t think this will do much to recoup the initial outlay, but it might help Amazon’s ongoing commercial model.
Look forward to you taking delivery and talking more about your hands-on experiences.
I really want the kindle to succeed, and even in it’s current iteration, it’s pretty usable. The biggest problem I have is there aren’t enough of the books I’m interested in to make it worth it’s money.
I really want the kindle to succeed, and even in it’s current iteration, it’s pretty usable. The biggest problem I have is there aren’t enough of the books I’m interested in to make it worth it’s money.
They would sell 10x more of these if they knocked $100 off the price and made a dockable non-EVDO version along with the wireless one. Of course they never had trouble selling out of the original, but think of how many MORE books they’d sell. At a $250 price point I’d jump in an instant!
They would sell 10x more of these if they knocked $100 off the price and made a dockable non-EVDO version along with the wireless one. Of course they never had trouble selling out of the original, but think of how many MORE books they’d sell. At a $250 price point I’d jump in an instant!
Photos? In grey-scale? I suppose many photos will work on that screen, but others that won’t be so hot. It’s a cool device for tech-geeks (I am one), and I like the concept, and maybe even their execution. However, just because other things are expensive is no excuse for a high price (well, actually, that’s economics, right? Maybe it IS an excuse!). Note: I don’t think it’s too high – it is ambitious, cool, and has come a long way from the previous model.
I’m not sure how relevant it is to photographers. I think your iPhone, or some other portable media device has much more potential.
Photos? In grey-scale? I suppose many photos will work on that screen, but others that won’t be so hot. It’s a cool device for tech-geeks (I am one), and I like the concept, and maybe even their execution. However, just because other things are expensive is no excuse for a high price (well, actually, that’s economics, right? Maybe it IS an excuse!). Note: I don’t think it’s too high – it is ambitious, cool, and has come a long way from the previous model.
I’m not sure how relevant it is to photographers. I think your iPhone, or some other portable media device has much more potential.
Not impressed. For couple of years now I use iRex Iliad. It is particularly well suited to my purpose (scientific PDF papers), but even 2 years ago it beat the Kindle in most aspects. Touch screen capability, ability to write on documents, larger size/better resolution,… But most interesting part is that its software is released as OpenSource so people have created tons of useful applications. You can even use it as a Wacom-tablet device (with Linux only, but that is what I use), … And no, you don’t need to e-mail stuff to yourself as on Kindle or be restricted in its use in any way. Fully functional wireless either for automatic RSS downloads or ssh-ing whatever you need to/from it from anywhere. @icedsoul photography: it is from Europe (offshoot of Philips ).
Not impressed. For couple of years now I use iRex Iliad. It is particularly well suited to my purpose (scientific PDF papers), but even 2 years ago it beat the Kindle in most aspects. Touch screen capability, ability to write on documents, larger size/better resolution,… But most interesting part is that its software is released as OpenSource so people have created tons of useful applications. You can even use it as a Wacom-tablet device (with Linux only, but that is what I use), … And no, you don’t need to e-mail stuff to yourself as on Kindle or be restricted in its use in any way. Fully functional wireless either for automatic RSS downloads or ssh-ing whatever you need to/from it from anywhere. @icedsoul photography: it is from Europe (offshoot of Philips ).
Oh to be young again – it wasn’t that long ago that 16 shades of gray was a big deal. Please read my post more carefully – I am implying that this is just the beginning. Yes the image quality will need to improve – but there are the beginnings of something worthwhile here.
Oh to be young again – it wasn’t that long ago that 16 shades of gray was a big deal. Please read my post more carefully – I am implying that this is just the beginning. Yes the image quality will need to improve – but there are the beginnings of something worthwhile here.
I am a very pleased Kindle 1 owner. The Kindle 2 looks fantastic and I’d love to have the new screen, I just cannot justify to myself another $359 purchase to replace something that is working fine.
If Kindle 2 has any drawback, it is the lack of the SD slot. I, currently, have a 2gb card in my Kindle and have the ability to swap that out for another. Not sure if this is a deal breaker, but I would miss it.
Also, Kindle 1.0 got a software update today…device to device sync, image zoom, improved fonts, ability to delete content from the home screen and removal of Amazon Now-Now or whatever that was called.
Interesting take on Kindle, Scott.
I am a very pleased Kindle 1 owner. The Kindle 2 looks fantastic and I’d love to have the new screen, I just cannot justify to myself another $359 purchase to replace something that is working fine.
If Kindle 2 has any drawback, it is the lack of the SD slot. I, currently, have a 2gb card in my Kindle and have the ability to swap that out for another. Not sure if this is a deal breaker, but I would miss it.
Also, Kindle 1.0 got a software update today…device to device sync, image zoom, improved fonts, ability to delete content from the home screen and removal of Amazon Now-Now or whatever that was called.
Interesting take on Kindle, Scott.
With the fast pace of technological change in photography, how-to books become obsolete faster than the equipment does. Buying up-to-date photography books for ten bucks a piece sure beats recycling forty dollar books every few years.There will always be space on my bookshelves for serious photography books, but I would love to use the how-to space for something else. How is the selection of photography books for the Kindle?
Personally, I would love to see photography publishers come out with audio books. I suspect I represent a fairly small market share on this point. Being legally blind and a photographer is not as lonely a combination as I had once thought (see http://www.flickr.com/groups/blind_photographers/), bu we are not getting any photography audio books anytime soon.
With the fast pace of technological change in photography, how-to books become obsolete faster than the equipment does. Buying up-to-date photography books for ten bucks a piece sure beats recycling forty dollar books every few years.There will always be space on my bookshelves for serious photography books, but I would love to use the how-to space for something else. How is the selection of photography books for the Kindle?
Personally, I would love to see photography publishers come out with audio books. I suspect I represent a fairly small market share on this point. Being legally blind and a photographer is not as lonely a combination as I had once thought (see http://www.flickr.com/groups/blind_photographers/), bu we are not getting any photography audio books anytime soon.
I think it would be fair to point out that the Amazon link in the post is a referral link, so TWIP gets a kickback from your purchase. This is a great way to support the great work done by the TWIP team, and doesn’t cost you anything over what you would pay by visiting the site directly. And I’m sure you can use the link to buy anything on Amazon, not just the Kindle.
Scott – how about a TWIP Amazon Store? I’d be happy to buy from it.
I think it would be fair to point out that the Amazon link in the post is a referral link, so TWIP gets a kickback from your purchase. This is a great way to support the great work done by the TWIP team, and doesn’t cost you anything over what you would pay by visiting the site directly. And I’m sure you can use the link to buy anything on Amazon, not just the Kindle.
Scott – how about a TWIP Amazon Store? I’d be happy to buy from it.
This link to Amazon which has by the way been present in each and every book we’ve recommended as well as other photo products has never been something we’ve tried to hide.
Not sure why you “think it would be fair” to point out the obvious. In any event, I don’t want to put an Amazon store on TWIPPHOTO-but when you visit our site and glean all our free info you will be marketed to in return. That’s how the world works.
By the way if I were trying to spoof anyone I could hide that link and you’d never know. Now can we stay on topic I’d really appreciate it.
This link to Amazon which has by the way been present in each and every book we’ve recommended as well as other photo products has never been something we’ve tried to hide.
Not sure why you “think it would be fair” to point out the obvious. In any event, I don’t want to put an Amazon store on TWIPPHOTO-but when you visit our site and glean all our free info you will be marketed to in return. That’s how the world works.
By the way if I were trying to spoof anyone I could hide that link and you’d never know. Now can we stay on topic I’d really appreciate it.
The Kindle sounds great. I wish I could buy one. However I do not for a second think it will be a platform for photos until the image quality is much better. Maybe in 1 or 2 generations when it has completely replaced newspapers. Glad you are excited about your purchase Scott, but the impact on photos is a bit of a stretch.
The Kindle sounds great. I wish I could buy one. However I do not for a second think it will be a platform for photos until the image quality is much better. Maybe in 1 or 2 generations when it has completely replaced newspapers. Glad you are excited about your purchase Scott, but the impact on photos is a bit of a stretch.
Armstrongpeople said that to me when I bought the first Kodak (1 megapixel) camera – while I replaced that camera many times – the fact that I had it early and learned how it could impact my work – was worth the money.
As I said – the Kindle2 is but a step on the path – but an exciting one nonetheless!
Armstrongpeople said that to me when I bought the first Kodak (1 megapixel) camera – while I replaced that camera many times – the fact that I had it early and learned how it could impact my work – was worth the money.
As I said – the Kindle2 is but a step on the path – but an exciting one nonetheless!
I am trying to understand why it would be better for photos than a lightweight notebook computer. Please explain. Thanks!
I am trying to understand why it would be better for photos than a lightweight notebook computer. Please explain. Thanks!
Dave you’re missing the point – it’s not that the Kindle is a place to show photos v. a computer it’s that the Kindle is attached to the Amazon site and it gives photographers lots of potential marketing opportunities. As I said in the post, if they open up the Kindle to us to use to sell ebooks, photos, etc., that’s a new potential marketplace. Just as the iTunes store made the iPod a success – the Amazon store has that same potential in connection to the Kindle.
Dave you’re missing the point – it’s not that the Kindle is a place to show photos v. a computer it’s that the Kindle is attached to the Amazon site and it gives photographers lots of potential marketing opportunities. As I said in the post, if they open up the Kindle to us to use to sell ebooks, photos, etc., that’s a new potential marketplace. Just as the iTunes store made the iPod a success – the Amazon store has that same potential in connection to the Kindle.
I think using Amazon as a storefront to sell your art is what Scott finds exciting here, especially when coupled with what a Kindle will probably look like in 5 years time (color screen, faster downloads, etc). They already allow you to self-publish (click the “Self-publish with us” link at the bottom of amazon.com after logging in). Has anyone self-published a photobook this way?
I think using Amazon as a storefront to sell your art is what Scott finds exciting here, especially when coupled with what a Kindle will probably look like in 5 years time (color screen, faster downloads, etc). They already allow you to self-publish (click the “Self-publish with us” link at the bottom of amazon.com after logging in). Has anyone self-published a photobook this way?
I look forward to a Kindle 3. 32-bit color depth and a super-high pixel density.
I’ve spent a small fortune on physical photo books. I’d love to save some money by purchasing the digital versions.
I look forward to a Kindle 3. 32-bit color depth and a super-high pixel density.
I’ve spent a small fortune on physical photo books. I’d love to save some money by purchasing the digital versions.
I looked at the Kindle 1 and the sony units and still am sitting on the fence. I do have a 2nd gen iPod Touch and think it’s colour screen offers many advantages over the book readers for showing photos. A larger screen would be better, but its current size also means that it is always with me. Which is better a dedicated book reader or an iPod with Stanza? Each has technical merits over the other to be sure. For me two main issues lead me to bend to the ipod. It is what I already have, and i will always have it with me.
I looked at the Kindle 1 and the sony units and still am sitting on the fence. I do have a 2nd gen iPod Touch and think it’s colour screen offers many advantages over the book readers for showing photos. A larger screen would be better, but its current size also means that it is always with me. Which is better a dedicated book reader or an iPod with Stanza? Each has technical merits over the other to be sure. For me two main issues lead me to bend to the ipod. It is what I already have, and i will always have it with me.
hi everyone. Will the Kindle 2 work in Canada?
Thanks in advance.
hi everyone. Will the Kindle 2 work in Canada?
Thanks in advance.
This is a great point. I jumped on the digital bandwagon reasonably early, and purchased a 1MP, fixed focus point and shoot camera for $700. The rest is history. (History meaning everyone is a photographer now and far surpassed my ability)
This is a great point. I jumped on the digital bandwagon reasonably early, and purchased a 1MP, fixed focus point and shoot camera for $700. The rest is history. (History meaning everyone is a photographer now and far surpassed my ability)
I think the Kindle certainly does show lots of potential. I am a huge fan of this new design, and the improved screen looks impressive. While I am skeptical of the utility of a 16-shade gray scale display for showing photography, to think what this device may do in the future is very encouraging.
Think of this: self publishing your own photography books online through Amazon, for anyone to purchase wirelessly from their new, beautiful colour screen Kindle 4. I look forward to this with great anticipation!
I think the Kindle certainly does show lots of potential. I am a huge fan of this new design, and the improved screen looks impressive. While I am skeptical of the utility of a 16-shade gray scale display for showing photography, to think what this device may do in the future is very encouraging.
Think of this: self publishing your own photography books online through Amazon, for anyone to purchase wirelessly from their new, beautiful colour screen Kindle 4. I look forward to this with great anticipation!
You’re also talking about a device that is twice the Kindle’s price. Given the extra cost, it should be better.
Fast forward about 2 years- Kindle 4: OLED or similar type 32 bit color screen, magazine size, foldable, virtual keyboard and controls ala iphone. Subscriptions available to all magazines and newspapers and web sites. Read and/or listen to books. This will truly kill print and make Kindle or other reader supreme.
Fast forward about 2 years- Kindle 4: OLED or similar type 32 bit color screen, magazine size, foldable, virtual keyboard and controls ala iphone. Subscriptions available to all magazines and newspapers and web sites. Read and/or listen to books. This will truly kill print and make Kindle or other reader supreme.
Well, you could read books on it, but Amazon will not ship you one, and of course there will be no wireless downloading.
Personally I would love one, but being Canadian, as usual I will have to wait. I read many a ebook on my Handspring Visor back in the day and recently read Scott Sigler’s “The Rookie” on my iPhone. There are “rumors” that Amazon is going to bring ebooks to the iPhone as well, which if done right, I’ll be all over.
Well, you could read books on it, but Amazon will not ship you one, and of course there will be no wireless downloading.
Personally I would love one, but being Canadian, as usual I will have to wait. I read many a ebook on my Handspring Visor back in the day and recently read Scott Sigler’s “The Rookie” on my iPhone. There are “rumors” that Amazon is going to bring ebooks to the iPhone as well, which if done right, I’ll be all over.
the Kindle is a great way to read newspapers, novels, and the like. I’ve owned one from the beginning and rely on it having the latest edition of several newspapers on it everyday I grab it and stuff it into my bag in the morning. I also read the majority of new realases on it and offen have finished one book in a series only to order the next books and start reading it moments later regardless of when or where I was. It excels at immediate content delivery.
It can show decent graphs and some basic graphics.
I have even read a couple of photographic technique books on it.
In no way does it work to show detailed photos. Of course it will get better. But many seen to be missing it’s strengths.
It’s great at real time long-form text content delivery.
And you pay a discounted price for your use only of the content. Want to share, buy the full price book.
If you sell usage rights to a photo, you would not want the buyer to resell or give those rights away to someone else when there were finished using the photo.
You not buying a book, but the personal rights to the content.
the Kindle is a great way to read newspapers, novels, and the like. I’ve owned one from the beginning and rely on it having the latest edition of several newspapers on it everyday I grab it and stuff it into my bag in the morning. I also read the majority of new realases on it and offen have finished one book in a series only to order the next books and start reading it moments later regardless of when or where I was. It excels at immediate content delivery.
It can show decent graphs and some basic graphics.
I have even read a couple of photographic technique books on it.
In no way does it work to show detailed photos. Of course it will get better. But many seen to be missing it’s strengths.
It’s great at real time long-form text content delivery.
And you pay a discounted price for your use only of the content. Want to share, buy the full price book.
If you sell usage rights to a photo, you would not want the buyer to resell or give those rights away to someone else when there were finished using the photo.
You not buying a book, but the personal rights to the content.
People seem to be missing the point about the Kindle.
It’s great for long-form text content delivery.
I grab it in the mornings as I leave knowing it has the latest editions of the newspapers (and a couple of magazines) that I read.
I also know it has most of my current books I’m in the middle of. (If you think it doesn’t have enough content, I’m not sure if you’ve actually checked Amazon for it’s depth of content).
I have often finished off one book in a series only to immediately purchase the second and continue reading regardless of the time or where I was.
Again, it’s is great for long-form text delivery.
As far as the “I don’t wont it until I can share books.”
You can now… any public domain content can be passed around. Just plug your Kindle into a USB or email it to your friends Kindle…. Want to share a purchased book? But the full price physical version. You’re paying a discounted rate for personal use of the content…. you’re not buying a ‘book.’
If you licensed a photo to a company for it’s use… would you want it to resell or give it away to another company when it was finished looking at it? The Model is built around real-time content delivery. They’re not selling ‘books’ only the content.
As a photo viewing device? Use your iPhone…
… but I have read three photographic technique books on it (with gray scale version of the pictures that were next to useless) but I bought the text for the text….
Of course it will get better…. of course the iPhone may be a tablet in the future…
And, like most, I have been guilty of perpetually waiting for the next ‘better’ version of a gadget.. but if you want to quick and convenient delivery of newsprint, novels, instructional text, and the like… this is the device.
I have owned most eBook readers (Loved my Rocket eBook at the time) and still think the Sony is more impressive hardware… but it means nothing when the Kindle has offers Amazon and Wireless delivery.
People seem to be missing the point about the Kindle.
It’s great for long-form text content delivery.
I grab it in the mornings as I leave knowing it has the latest editions of the newspapers (and a couple of magazines) that I read.
I also know it has most of my current books I’m in the middle of. (If you think it doesn’t have enough content, I’m not sure if you’ve actually checked Amazon for it’s depth of content).
I have often finished off one book in a series only to immediately purchase the second and continue reading regardless of the time or where I was.
Again, it’s is great for long-form text delivery.
As far as the “I don’t wont it until I can share books.”
You can now… any public domain content can be passed around. Just plug your Kindle into a USB or email it to your friends Kindle…. Want to share a purchased book? But the full price physical version. You’re paying a discounted rate for personal use of the content…. you’re not buying a ‘book.’
If you licensed a photo to a company for it’s use… would you want it to resell or give it away to another company when it was finished looking at it? The Model is built around real-time content delivery. They’re not selling ‘books’ only the content.
As a photo viewing device? Use your iPhone…
… but I have read three photographic technique books on it (with gray scale version of the pictures that were next to useless) but I bought the text for the text….
Of course it will get better…. of course the iPhone may be a tablet in the future…
And, like most, I have been guilty of perpetually waiting for the next ‘better’ version of a gadget.. but if you want to quick and convenient delivery of newsprint, novels, instructional text, and the like… this is the device.
I have owned most eBook readers (Loved my Rocket eBook at the time) and still think the Sony is more impressive hardware… but it means nothing when the Kindle has offers Amazon and Wireless delivery.