When taking a look at the Amazon Kindle, it is important to
have a starting point. The Kindle happens to have many variations but in order
to see what all of those really have to offer, it is best to see where it all
must have come from. Here we look at the original Amazon Kindle, the most basic
of them all.
Bare-Bones Version:
An Entire Library in Paperback Dimensions
The bare-bones version of the Amazon Kindle provides all of
the essentials for an e-reading experience. As with most e-book readers, the
basic Kindle aims to put a library at your fingertips within the dimensions of
a typical paperback book. At 6.5" x 4.5" x 0.34" (166 mm x 114
mm x 8.7 mm) and a weight of only 5.98 ounces (170 grams), any person's entire
e-library containing thousands of books, newspapers, magazines and whatnot can
easily fit within one's pocket. It would be best though to keep it somewhere
safer to reduce the risk of damage as one's pocket is not reliable storage. Users
can use up to 1.25 GB of this e-book reader's 2 GB internal memory, which is
quite generous for various printed media. Should that internal storage fill up, users
can tap Amazon's free cloud storage for all downloaded or purchased Amazon
content.
Basic Version Equals Basic
Connectivity
The older versions of the Amazon Kindle can directly connect
like advanced cellular phones (free 3G protocol) to the Amazon Kindle store,
Wikipedia, and other relevant websites. Unfortunately, the new basic Amazon
Kindle no longer has the Free 3G connectivity that made it convenient for users
to purchase content from Amazon.Com. Instead of 3G connectivity, this new basic
version has Wi-Fi to connect to Wi-Fi hotspots and get access to the Amazon
website and the rest of the Internet. In many ways, it is a bit inconvenient
because one has to go to a Wi-Fi hotspot to get new e-books. However, one
doesn't have to worry about Amazon deleting books from one's Kindle without
consent.
The basic Amazon Kindle has the E-Ink Pearl display that
allows users to read their various e-books just like paper, even in bright
sunlight. This technology reduces the glare and eye strain associated with
reading on a backlit LCD screen. The uniform contrast ratio also allows reading
at any angle, something that typical LCD screens would not allow. The new basic
version also simplifies navigation with a five-way controller. With the
five-way controller plus page-turning buttons, fingerprints on the screen are a
non-issue. However, the lack of a keyboard makes typing terms on the search
fields or making notes rather difficult. Imagine having to use the navigator to
type in letters and numbers; even a cheap cell phone can beat the basic Kindle
in terms of entering text quickly.
Battery Charging is
Minimal at Best
Given the E-Ink display, Amazon claims that the basic Kindle
has a battery life that can last up about 1 to 2 months. Compared to a tablet
or a laptop, battery charging is minimal at best with the user only having to
plug in every month or so. Users can charge the Amazon Kindle through its USB
2.0 micro-B connector into a computer, an AC to USB power adapter, or a USB
adapter that can be plugged to a car's cigarette lighter.
Other Issues and
Verdict
The basic Amazon Kindle also lacks the capacity to convert
text to speech and read audio books, and so this device would not be beneficial
to the visually impaired. The unit only comes with a USB cable, and so one has
to purchase an AC to USB adapter separately. Concerning formats, the unit
supports the proprietary AZW format as well as TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, and
PRC. Formats such as HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG and BMP require
conversion. Otherwise, the ease of setup and the price point of just $79.00
makes it a very attractive e-book reader to purchase. Overall, if one is just
looking for an alternative to bringing hard copies of books by Ayn Rand,
Gabriel Garcia Marquez and such lot, the basic Amazon Kindle does cover a lot
of ground.
Technical Specifications:
Display: 6.00"
E-Ink Pearl
Size: 6.5"
x 4.5" x 0.34" (166 mm x 114 mm x 8.7 mm)
Weight: 5.98
ounces (170 grams)
System Requirements: None
Internal Storage: 2.0
GB (1.25 GB available for user content)
Cloud Storage: Free
and unlimited for all Amazon content
Connectivity: Wi-Fi:
802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11n; WEP, WPA, and WPA2 support
Supported Content Formats: Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively;
HTML, DOC, DOCX, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion.
Documentation: Quick
Start Guide, Kindle User Guide (pre-installed), online information in multiple
languages.
Warranty: 1-year
limited warranty and service. Optional 2-year protection plan for U.S. customers
sold separately.
Included Items: USB
2.0 cable, Quick Start Guide
