Jennifer Aniston owns a Kindle

You can imagine, this is a big news within the “Kindle Community“! Even when they say that it’s not a news.  

This is not really news, it’s just note-worthy. US Magazine has snapped Jennifer Aniston with her very own Kindle becoming the the first(?) celebrity to own a Kindle.

Well, here it’s, may be is not a really news, it’s just note-worthy… I, Ctitanic, own a Kindle too!

Kindle Software version 1.04

Yesterday my Kindle was updated automatically by Amazon to version 1.04. I have not noticed anything new or different. But I have to say that I’m extremely happy to see an update process so well thought. I left my Kindle in standby in my bed and went to our kitchen to drink a glass of water, and when I came back I noticed that there was a different standby picture shown on it, I exited the standby mode, checked the version number and there it was a new version. Do you want something simpler than that?

My Kindle got updated

Yes, Yesterday I turned on the wireless connection to look for information in the Wikipedia, once I finished reading there I turned off the connection, pressed Alt+Aa to lock my Kindle and after few minutes my reader went by it self into a update procedure. I did not have to do anything. The ROM version now is 1.01

Update for Kindle Software coming

Amazon is updating the software in the Kindle and will be done all via kindle’s wireless  connection.

We’re constantly working on improving your Kindle user experience. When we make improvements to the Kindle software, we’ll send you information about the update via e-mail. Please refer to the links below for more information about Kindle updates. The most recent version of the Kindle software is Kindle 1.0.4 released February 2008.

Kindle software update to 1.0.4

The Kindle’s first update was just announced. The most recent version of the Kindle software is Kindle 1.0.4 released February 2008.

Automatic Wireless Updates

Kindle is designed to automatically check for and download updates when one is available. If an update is available, Kindle will download and install the update the next time the wireless connection is activated and Kindle goes into sleep mode. During the update, you will see screens that show the update progress. The update should take less than 10 minutes and is complete when Kindle displays the Home screen. Do not power off or reset the Kindle until the update is complete.

To manually activate the wireless Kindle software update:

1. Set the Kindle Power and Wireless switches to the “ON” position.
2. Check the Whispernet status indicator at the bottom of the screen to ensure you are connected.
3. Put Kindle to sleep by holding down the [ALT] key and pressing the [AA] key.

Updating Kindle Without Wireless Connectivity

If you are unable to update Kindle via the wireless connection, you can download the update to your computer and transfer the file to Kindle via the USB connection. The update process will take approximately 10 minutes. When the update is completed successfully, Kindle will automatically restart and delete the update source file from your Kindle memory to maximize your available storage space. If you are unfamilar with using Kindle’s USB connection, please see the Using Kindle with Your Computer Help page.

To manually install the Kindle software update:

1. Click here to download the Kindle software update file.
2. Set your Kindle power switch to the “ON” position.
3. Connect Kindle to your computer using the included USB cable.
4. Use your computer’s file browser to copy the file “kindle_1.0.4_full.bin” from your computer to Kindle’s root directory or the SD card. Do not place the file into one of Kindle’s folders.
5. Check the USB activity indicator on the Kindle cursor bar. When the silver cursor stops flashing, the file transfer is complete and you can safely disconnect Kindle from your computer.
6. Use your computer to unmount or eject your Kindle and disconnect the USB cable from Kindle and your computer.
7. Press the Home key and then select “Settings” from the Home menu.
8. From Settings screen, select “Update Your Kindle”. Please note that this menu option will be grayed out if the most recent update has already been installed.
9. Select “Ok” when prompted if you want to perform an update.

Verifying Your Software Version

The current version of your Kindle software is listed in the Kindle in your Kindle settings. The most recent version of the Kindle software is Kindle 1.0.4 released February 2008.

To check the software version installed on your Kindle:

1. Set your Kindle power switch to the “ON” position.
2. Press the Home key and then select “Settings” from the Home menu.
3. View the version listed at the bottom of the Settings screen. The version listed should be “Kindle 1.0.4 (144750018)”.

Source: Amazon

About Sony PRS-500 by a Kindle Owner

This weekend I had the chance to check the Sony PRS-500 eBook Reader. It’s not a secret that I have been reading my Amazon Kindle for around a month already so it’s impossible to have a new reader in my hands and do not compare it with what I already have. First of all, I have to say that the Sony design is impressive, like all Sony designs, if you compare it to Kindle this one looks like a well designed toy, nothing more. But… Looking good is not the most important thing in gadgets. The search functionality in the Kindle, the capability of writing short notes and the overall software usability is a lot better in the Kindle.

After checking the PRS-500 I do not have any doubt that the formula proposed by Amazon where the eBook Reader can be used without connecting it to a PC is the way to go. And another point is “Searching”, when you are reading and when you are in a library, one of the tasks that you more often perform is searching. You search for words or topics within your library, you search for words in the book you are reading, you write notes, you highlight sentences or paragraph and often you look for those notes during your research. You can’t do any of that in a Sony Reader but you can in a Amazon Kindle.

Recently I was reading an article of Steven King about his Kindle where he wrote that the Kindle Keyboard was not that good but for him was enough because the Kindle was for reading not for writing. And I fully agree, but the fact that the Kindle has that little keyboard makes it one of the best readers in the market.

But this comment is about the Sony PRS-500 so let me end it with few pictures of this wonderful eBook reader.

Amazon Kindle Cases from Waterfield Designs

WaterField Designs announces three protective cases for the Amazon Kindle: the Kindle SleeveCase, the Kindle Travel Case and the Kindle Slip Case—all custom-fitted to the Amazon Kindle dimensions. Each stylish case offers protection and accessibility, while maintaining a light look and feel.

The Kindle SleeveCase protects the Amazon Kindle with: high-grade neoprene; impact-resistant plastic to protect the screen; a sturdy, black, ballistic nylon shell; and a lightly padded closing flap. A rear, open-top pocket stows items such as the USB cable and ear buds. A subtle grey-black checked fabric trims the bottom of the case.

The Kindle Travel Case is designed with padded, internal compartments to keep the Kindle, the power adapter, the clip light, and any additional accessories tangle-free and organized. Self-locking zippers on a front pocket and on the main compartment ensure that contents don’t spill out. Available in six vibrant colors, the water-resistant case maintains its thin, compact shape, even when fully packed.

The Kindle Slip Case sports the same vibrantly colored, water-resistant material on its exterior as the Travel Case; a lightly padded, scratch-free liner; and impact-resistant plastic to protect the screen. In the Slip Case, the Kindle remains secure while still sliding in and out easily. The open top provides quick access.

[Read more]

Readius Ebook Phone Hybrid

One of the features that I liked most of Amazon Kindle was the anytime connectivity to Amazon Kindle Store, where I can buy books from my own reader. Well, here is a new and interesting concept made by the Dutch company Polymer Vision that is set to launch mid 2008, according to news posted at wired.com

The Readius is essentially a cellphone with a roll out 5″ e-ink display. According to Reuters, it “will go head-to-head with Apple’s iPhone and Amazon’s Kindle”. The Readius certainly has a stupid enough name to compete with the Kindle, but an iPhone rival? Apple managed to get a full scale computing experience into a box with one button. The Readius has eight buttons, and you’ll need to do all the setup on a computer: email, audio books, RSS feeds and podcasts. None of this is configurable on the go.

Unboxing my Kindle

I just got my Amazon Kindle and of course, I took a lot of pictures of the “unboxing” ceremony.

I wrote some comments in some of the pictures explaining what I was seeing on that moment.

Stephen King has a Kindle

Recently Stephen King, one of the best known American writers, wrote a very good article about his recently bought Kindle.

Will Kindles replace books? No. And not just because books furnish a room, either. There’s a permanence to books that underlines the importance of the ideas and the stories we find inside them; books solidify an otherwise fragile medium.

But can a Kindle enrich any reader’s life? My own experience — so far limited to 1.5 books, I’ll admit — suggests that it can. For a while I was very aware that I was looking at a screen and bopping a button instead of turning pages. Then the story simply swallowed me, as the good ones always do. I wasn’t thinking about my Kindle anymore; I was rooting for someone to stop the evil Lady Powerstock. It became about the message instead of the medium, and that’s the way it’s supposed to be.

And did I mention that you can also look up definitions of words that puzzle you as you read? My definition of Kindle: a gadget with stories hiding inside it. What’s wrong with that?

Stephen King test-drives the Kindle

I still have not got my Kindle

A few weeks ago I posted about my findings of how much behind in time is Amazon serving Kindle orders. Things have not got better now they are behind more than a month and one week. I ordered mine in December 13th, so probably I will see mine in about 10 days. In another words as of today They are serving orders placed between December 4th and 5th.

This is bad news for users like me but in another hand it shows how popular is the Amazon Kindle.

Smartphone and PocketPC Magazine responded my Open Letter

 Smartphone and PocketPC Magazine answered my Yesterday Open Letter about having their subscription available for Amazon Kindle.

Hi Frank,

Thanks for the email.

Hope you really aren’t giving up on print! Print magazines need print customers to be viable. Many people prefer the physicality of print media.

If magazines become only electronic, they really become a different animal and should be rethought so they best are suited for the media in question. Also, like many publishers, we are geared towards producing print. It would be hard to be competitive in the electronic world as we are constituted.

Having said that, I just contacted Amazon through Customer Service link and asked them what needed to be done to sell our magazine via Kindle.

Thanks

Hal Goldstein
Exec Editor/Publisher
Smartphone & Pocket PC magazine
www.PocketPCmag.com

A really good news. like I said to Hal, at this moment the amount of companies selling magazines for Kindle is small but if you check  that list, you will find that we are talking about companies like Time, Forbes and Fortune. To have a magazine like Smartphone and Pocket PC Magazine in that short list within those giants and taking in consideration the profile of those reading eBooks could represent a huge increase in subscription sales and prestige.

Open Letter to Magazines

Kindle has been in the market for a little more than a month and the list of Magazines that has joined the subscription list at Amazon though small it’s growing. Today I received my monthly subscription to Consumer Reports and that reminded me that the bookshelf where I keep all issues of this magazine together with other magazines like National Geographic, Smart Phone and Pocket PC Magazine and PC Magazine, it’s full. I could recycle them but I collect them. And it’s not just that I collect them it’s that sometimes I use them as material when I’m doing some research. So, looking at my magazine bookshelf I decided to send the Editors of these magazines this letter:

Whom it may concern:

I’m a current subscriber of your magazine which I love and been subscribed for the last 5 years. But it’s time to move on and use the new technology available. I recently bought the Kindle, the eBook reader from Amazon, and I would like to see your magazine added to the list of magazine subscriptions available for download into my Kindle.

I know that you offer an online subscription but the point is that you need a PC to access it while using the Kindle you don’t need that. Magazines are sent to each subscriber using the wireless connection available in each Kindle. And each magazine is DRM protected so files can’t be freely copied.

I love your magazine but it’s occupying a valuable space in my house and  going digital I can keep hundred of issues in my Kindle. And not only that, going digital using this new Amazon service your company will help to save our planet using less paper.

Please, add your magazine to Kindle Magazine Subscription list at Amazon!

Amazon Magazine Subscription List

Regards,

Frank J Garcia
Current Subscriber
Microsoft MVP on TabletPC and UMPC
http://www.ultramobilepc-tips.com

I know that many of you are interested in this topic so I’m planning to post back the answer of each of the magazines contacted by me. I also invite you to do the same with your subscriptions. Remember, you are helping to save a tree by going digital!

Amazon almost a month behind in Kindle orders

According to all the data that I was able to get from current Kindle owners, Amazon has not shipped any order placed for a Kindle after November 24th. From the data posted by owners at Kindle Korner Yahoo Group, the last owners to receive the Kindle got them on December 11th, so Amazon has not shipped a Kindle in more than 10 days! I contacted Amazon regarding this situation and all I got was the usual canned answer: They do not have any information about when more Kindles are going to be shipped.

It seems to me that Amazon was not enough prepared for this release and sellers at eBay are using this situation to have their units sold for more than 1000 dollars.

Did I say that I ordered a Kindle?

If I did not now I did. I ordered a Kindle. And people that know me also know what I mean. I ordered about a week ago but these 7 days have been to me like 7 months. Today I contacted Amazon to see if I could get from them a EST (Estimate Shipping Time)… God, I love canned answers!

Hello again from Amazon.com.

Unfortunately at this time we do not have a specific shipping or delivery date for your Kindle order.

Currently we do not have enough devices on hand to immediately fulfill the number of orders we have received, but we are working very hard to prepare and ship these orders as soon as possible.

We do not have access to information regarding the number of devices we currently have, expect to receive, or how many orders were placed before yours. Due to this, I am unable to provide a shipping estimate.

We’ll certainly do our best to get your Kindle out to you as quickly as we can. You will receive an e-mail with an estimated delivery date as soon as we are able to fulfill your order.

We definitely appreciate your interest and I apologize for any frustration caused by this situation.

I hope you found this information useful. Our goal is to help you get the most out of your Kindle experience. If you need further information, please contact customer support at 1-866-321-8851.

Thank you for choosing Kindle.

Did you buy a Kindle after they ran out of stock? If you did it and already got it, how long it took to get it to your hand from the time when you put the order?