Best Reviewed
eBook Readers
- Best e-book reader Amazon Kindle *Est. $110
- Best touchscreen e-book reader Barnes & Noble Nook Simple Touch *Est. $100
- Color e-book reader Barnes & Noble Nook Color *Est. $200
- Tablet computer/e-book reader Apple iPad 2 *Est. $500
- Best iPhone e-reader app Stanza *Est. $0
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- Sharp, crisp text and images
- Wireless 3G connectivity
- Large ebook store
- Integrated web browser
- 2 GB of memory can store 1,500 ebooks
- No memory-expansion slots
- No on-board lighting
- Limited file format support
- Available in white only
The Amazon Kindle 2 ebook reader impresses reviewers with a plethora of advanced features, a slim design and unmatched ease of use. Of particular note is the device's free wireless connectivity, which allows users to not only surf the Internet with the integrated web browser, but also to purchase and download books from the enormous Amazon ebook store. While experts dismiss the web browser as unimpressive, the ability to acquire new titles instantly puts the Amazon Kindle 2 ahead of the rest in reviews. However, the Kindle 2only offers limited file support, so PDF and ePub files cannot be read without converting the files first. So while it's fast and convenient to download ebooks from Amazon.com, Kindle 2 owners have precious few alternative options. For better file format support -- and the addition of a touch screen and expandable memory -- experts point to the Sony Reader Touch Edition PRS-600 (Discontinued).
Most professional review sites test the last generation of the Amazon Kindle 2. In October, Amazon released a new generation that is available internationally and swaps Sprint 3G coverage for AT&T's network. Otherwise, the latest generation of the Kindle 2 is identical to the version it replaced, so few reviewers conduct an extensive retest of the e-reader. The exceptions are PC Pro and the Australian edition of Gizmodo.com, both of which provide detailed reviews of the latest generation. Since the new Kindle 2 is so similar to the previous generation, older reviews from TopTenReviews.com, CNET and PCMag.com are still useful. Amazon.com also hosts more than 7,000 individual user reviews.
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Our Sources
1. PC Pro
Reviewer Stuart Turton is impressed with the Kindle's hardware and crisp display, but he can't overlook the limited file support, which leads to a rating of three stars (out of six). Turton also rates the ebook reader on features, value and performance.
Review: Amazon Kindle International, Stuart Turton, Oct. 23, 2009
2. Gizmodo.com
The new version of the Kindle receives praise for free 3G connectivity and fast book downloads, but Nick Broughall doesn't think it's a "necessary purchase for booklovers." His main complaints include a slow screen refresh rate and limited file support.
Review: Amazon Kindle International Edition Review, Nick Broughall, Oct. 28, 2009
TopTenReviews.com compares the Amazon Kindle 2 to both its predecessor and competing models, granting it the site's Gold award and ranking it first in its top-10 list of e-readers. In a rundown that includes a video demonstration of the Kindle 2, Brian Thomas assigns ratings based on features, content, value and technical support.
Review: Amazon Kindle 2, Brian Thomas, Not Dated
4. CNET
Following CNET's review formula, David Carnoy runs down the Amazon Kindle 2's design, features, display technology, specifications and performance in a direct, no-nonsense manner. The result is a balanced, thorough and nicely comparative review, complemented by photographs of the Amazon e-reader and a brief video overview. An overall rating allows for comparison to other e-readers.
Review: Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device (U.S. Wireless), David Carnoy, Feb. 24, 2009
Lisa Gade compares the Amazon Kindle 2 to its predecessor and to competing models from Sony before delving into an analysis of the Amazon Kindle 2 's features and overall performance. Photographs and a video review provide visual evidence of the device's design and capabilities. Gade doesn't decisively recommend one specific e-reader over another, but indicates that the Kindle 2 is the best choice for those who want wireless connectivity in their e-reader.
Review: Amazon Kindle 2, Lisa Gade, Feb. 26, 2009
Editor Dan Costa compares the Amazon Kindle 2 to the original Kindle and to the Sony Reader PRS-700, which is now discontinued. The Amazon Kindle 2 gets PCMag.com's Editors' Choice award, but Costa would like to see a touch screen and more file format support in the future. A video review is also included.
Review: Amazon Kindle 2, Dan Costa, Feb. 9, 2009
7. Amazon.com
More than 7,000 users review the Kindle on Amazon.com, giving the e-reader an overall rating of four stars (out of five). While some of these reviews are for previous Kindle versions, the site is still helpful for gauging customer satisfaction.
Review: Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Contributors to Amazon.com
BrightHand.com has a nicely detailed explanation of e-reader technology that will be boring to those in the know, but interesting to anyone new to e-ink and other e-reader capabilities. J.R.'s conclusion that the Amazon Kindle 2 is the best ebook reader on the market is tempered by realistic descriptions of the model's shortfalls.
Review: Amazon Kindle 2 Review, "J.R.", March 2, 2009
9. CNET
Few reviewers bother to retest the latest, international version of the Amazon Kindle 2 because it is nearly identical to the version it replaced. Still, John Falcone at CNET has a helpful overview covering exactly what's changed in the latest generation.
Review: Amazon Kindle Wireless Reading Device, John P. Falcone, Oct. 9, 2009
This is one of the most detailed and lavishly illustrated virtual tours of the Amazon Kindle 2 available, but PC World's evaluation focuses on a now-discontinued Sony e-reader. Testing on all aspects of typical e-reader use, Melissa Perenson clearly identifies the differences between the two readers and names one as the best performer in each category. When it comes to overall usability, she declares the Kindle 2 the top ebook reader.
Review: Amazon Kindle 2 vs. Sony Reader Face Off, Melissa J. Perenson, April 22, 2009
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