Amazon Kindle 2 tempts me all over again
I love absorbing new knowledge which is why I read about 2-3 new business books per month. Check that, I listen to about 2-3 new books per month.
The reason I prefer listening to audiobooks rather than reading physical hard cover or paperback books is that I can multi-task when listening to an audiobook. I usually listen during the drive time to a client's house or when I'm out running or walking. Yes, it's a little more challenging to stay focused when doing two things at once but I still manage to get the overall message of each book I listen to.
Will the Kindle 2 change my reading habits?
This is why I am once again struggling with Amazon.com's announcement of the new 2nd generation Kindle, aptly named Kindle 2. The Kindle 2 looks 100% better than the first generation Kindle (which I always thought was ugly). It has a longer battery life, more storage and is overall thinner and lighter than its predecessor.
And the Kindle 2's built-in cell phone with 3G wireless technology that requires no wi-fi hotspot, monthly fees, data plans or contracts just makes it that much cooler.
In other words, I want one.
Will Text-to-Speech be the deciding factor?
Yet, I'm worried that I will never really use it because I listen to books more than I read them (score one for the iPod). Perhaps the Kindle 2's new Text-to-Speech feature will be the deciding factor for me. When I first heard about this new feature I was very skeptical. I kept hearing the computer voice from the 1980s film War Games ringing "Would you like to play a game?" in my head.
But shortly after the announcement of the Kindle 2 I watched a demo video of the new Text-to-Speech feature and I must say, I am very impressed with how smooth the computerized voice is. I might even go as far to say it is tolerable or even acceptable. I'm embedding the YouTube video below so you can take a listen for yourself. If you are not reading this on the Noobie web site, here is the direct link to the video on YouTube.
Can I love a Kindle 2 like I love the iPhone?
Ah yes, the purchasing debate continues. This reminds me of the same struggle I experienced when the iPhone was first introduced a year and a half ago. Those that see me at local events know how that one turned out. I love the iPhone and have never regretted purchasing it. Would I have the same reaction to the Kindle 2? Stay tuned.
9 comments for this blog post so far...
February 12, 2009 at 10:59 am
Michelle Hartz
I’m a bookworm. There’s nothing like the feel of a book in my hands. But I can see the benefits of having a Kindle 2.
Part of me really wants one.
The other part of me is skeptical. For some books, the price seems high, when the paperback is cheaper. And I borrow a lot of books from the library. Which would put me back to square one, toting a book around with me. I know my library offers some eBooks, but it always seems that they’re not the ones I want to read. If there were some library program for the Kindle, I think I’d be hooked.
February 12, 2009 at 11:06 am
Patric Welch
@Michelle: What a brilliant idea! A Kindle library. You walk in with your Kindle, load up a book, read it and return it to the library where they wipe it clean and put on a new book.
Can I steal your idea and use it for an upcoming Technology I’d Like To See (TILTS) blog post?
February 16, 2009 at 9:11 pm
Marla
I too have been back and forth on the Kindle2. I love the easy of carrying dozens of books in my hand. And to have the ability to listen to them makes me all a quiver. I know how much fun I have with my Vlingo speech to text to send email, so now its time for the technology to talk back to me. Let me know what you decide.
February 17, 2009 at 6:14 pm
Patric Welch
@Marla: The more I think about the Kindle 2 the more I think I may get one. If for no other reason than to get first-hand experience on how it feels and operates.
February 18, 2009 at 7:21 pm
marla
Mr. P. You must let me know what you think. I’ve been put on a technology diet by my mean husband, but I may have an outlet if I can make some money on the side - hint hint.
February 18, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Michelle Hartz
@Patric Of course you can use the idea! But, with the wireless connection, it seems so inconvienient to walk into a library to get a book. How about accessing your library from the Kindle, like the store, and then you can “borrow” a book for a limited number of days?
February 23, 2009 at 10:26 am
Patric Welch
@Marla: A “technology diet”. I love it! Of course, I never want to go on one but I love the term anyway!
February 23, 2009 at 10:01 pm
Marla
P. This diet thing is tough. And its really challenging to find how I can make so addl bucks and still fulfill my home life. I homeschool our 12 year old for 7th grade and its a huge weight. I’m looking into charter school for next year.
March 01, 2009 at 10:05 pm
Marla
Hi Patric, I saw the founder of Amazon on the Daily Show - that’s what I watch for my news show for the day followed by Chelsey Lately, it keeps me truly informed. Anyway, the best comment he made to help you finally make the decision to buy is “with the Kindle you can read in bed with only one hand” and my goodness with the Kindle2 your fully handsfree! What else do you need? Oh and today in Best Buy my son and I were transfixed with a compluter that was all touchscreen $1199.00, I tell you if my husband hadnt been with us… This diet is KILLING me, I want a Belkin charger for my Zune player - heck, I actually want the new 120g Zune, I have a 30g that only has about 3g free, and I’d be fair, I’d give him the old little bitty 30g; I’m a giver after all.
Oh well, enough for this blog.
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