Comments on: Comparing Kindle 2 with Kindle's iPhone app

As an owner of both a Kindle 2 and an iPhone 3G, CNET's Nicole Lee sets out to compare and contrast Amazon's e-book reader and its application for Apple devices.

[Sandpiper532]

No one has talked about my reason for wanting a Kindle - I am old, have arthritis and my eyes aren't as good as they were. I think that the Kindle would be the answer to holding open a paperback which sometimes I find difficult. The ability to adjust the size of the font solves the other problem. I might just buy one for my 66th birthday which is coming up.

[mszd]

Go for it, Sandpiper. I have a KIndle, and (as well as arthritis) and the Kindle is lighter and easier to hold. And there's lots of free ebooks to download in the KIndle format via manybooks.net. Have a happy birthday!

[Jerrnan]

Sandpiper532: Good for you. I am 75plus and we just got the Kindle2 and love it. And, I can read it without any difficulty. Of course, with my glasses. I'm amazed that a lot of people will want to read books on a small screen on a phone. I woould never do that nor is it attractive to me. Again, I think you would really enjoy reading on the Kindle2. Jerry ([e-mail]).

[wdboyd]

Kindle has the potential to own and redefine the whole domain of reading, but it will have to extend its reach into other aspects related to the reading experience. Here are some ideas for that:

http://www.innovationinpractice.com/innovation_in_practice/2009/01/the-lab-innovating-the-kindle-with-task-unification-january-2009.html

[amaechi]

What would you say to people that have been reading entire books on handhelds since Palm's glory days? I like that you tried to provide nuance and personal choice in your recommendation, but you didn't go far enough. There are people, like me, who don't mind, and in fact prefer, to read on the "small screen". Granted i'm not a voracious reader; I've only bought about 100 books over 7 years, but I've read them all on handhelds. And my eyesight is still holding up.

[Zoobie]

I think they don't mention it because, beyond a few faithful, most of us tried (and didn't enjoy) reading on a Palm (not to mention that most people don't carry around a Palm anymore). I picked up "Les Miserables" from Guttenburg.org and tried to read it on a Palm--and then went and picked up the book at the library. Then, after lugging several books around Europe for a 2 week business trip, I bought the Sony e-reader and love it. I know it's not for everyone (it doesn't make financial sense if you don't read much), but those who have bought a Kindle or e-Reader are quickly converted.

[Berke.h]

Amaechi,

I too once read most most of my material on my Palm. I liked it because I could carry tons of text in my pocket, not because I preferred the small screen. And I absolutely didn't prefer the backlit screen which was tiresome on my eyes.

No matter who says what, Kindle will always win over the backlit screens, because that's what our bodies push us towards: Longer reading with less eye-straining.


Now, if Amazon released Kindle Nano, with a screen quarter of the current size, the argument could be totally different.

[golfzilla]

Like Amaechi I read lots of books on a Palm back in the day. I don't have an iPhone, but I do have an iTouch and will be more than willing to give it a whirl. My preference is for audiobooks, but old style reading still works.

[Markus2008]

Get the price to $99 and it will dominate...

[Berke.h]

I agree, that will be the time the masses will switch to e-book format and millions of trees will be saved from being cut down.

[TV James]

Also, if I can checkout ebooks from my local library (even for a tiny price), I'm there. Our library already offers ebooks, but I like to read in bed. If I could get all the same books on the Kindle that I now have stacked on my nightstand, I'd buy a Kindle - and no doubt end up spending more on books from Amazon at the same time.

[cardfan1212]

Actually you can send samples to your kindle or iphone app. Whenever you browse a kindle book, that option is there. So even if you don't own a Kindle you can use this app to check out samples for free. Assuming of course you own an iphone or ipod touch.

It complements my Kindle 2 pretty well and the iphone makes for shortterm reading or browsing of books i might want to read and reading downloaded samples.

[mattmchugh.com]

Wow. This is huge. This is Apple and Amazon essentially seizing complete control of the electronic book market.

So you can buy Kindle-formatted books and read them on the iPhone ? and vice-versa. Buy the content and read it on the device of your choice. Even switch back and forth. This is a huge, huge partnership beneficial to both parties and consumers (those rich enough to buy both toys and still afford books and publisher-set prices, that is).

This all but guarantees no other players will be able to make a blip in the market for years. Bring it on, Google Android. Let's see what you got


-- mm

[ibeetle]

Complete control? How is that? The Sony eBook readers series have out sold the Kindle (estimated sense Amazon does not release number) 1.5:1 and Stanza has out sold the Kindle nearly double that at 2:1.

The Kindle has not dominated anything. And now that publishers are raising eBook prices, and forcing Amazon to disable features the up hill climb for the Kindle has become a bit steeper.

[TV James]

Not to mention there's nothing stopping Amazon from releasing a Kindle for Android.

[MarkHernandez]

Very well written article Nicole. This is the kind of reporting style that the rest of the e-news and e-magazine sites should follow. This kind of reporting makes me want to return to read more from CNET, rather than other sites we have all come to know which have a reputation of having poorly written articles solely for the purpose of getting clicks. Thanks again.

[-fjtorres-]

At this point, shouldn't we be asking the obvious question:
Where is Kindle Reader for Windows?
Is it waiting for Windows 7?

[Berke.h]

I don't think there would be enough market for Windows version of Kindle (the software). Book reading is a lenghty process and it's mostly done sitting down on a comfy couch, in bed, or in commute. Not on an computer chair looking at an eye-straining screen.

That's why the Kindle (the device) wins.

[TV James]

@berke.h - but with a laptop or tablet PC, the comfy bed awaits. My wife and I watch all the shows our Comcast DVR eats on the laptop laying in bed.

[Berke.h]

Yep TV James, that's very true, but it unfortunately doesn't change the fact that backlighting can be painful on your eyes (just as it is for my case at the moment).

If you stretch it a bit, Windows laptop on an e-ink display with the Kindle software would be heaven. (or simply the kindle itself) :)

[-fjtorres-]

Hey, Berke; I've been reading ebooks quite nicely on my aging HP TC1000 for years. Just pick a decent color scheme and tweak the backlight to minimum and its good for up to five hours at a sitting.
I am eagerly awaiting the new ASUS t91 net-tablet which will do me even better at a third less mass.
PC reading has its uses; You get color and support for every single ebook and document format under the sun.
In fact, every single ebook format *except* Kindle can be read on Windows.
Which is why I ask; it really is only a matter of time.

[amats123]

Excellent article with an assessment that is right on. I also waited a year for the new kindle 2 and own an iphone 3G. The Kindle iphone app sync ability is just another reason to buy a Kindle 2! Fantastic product. I am not sure what the argument on the price of the Kindle 2 is - yes, if the dropped the price the adoption would be exponential. But if you buy a lot of books from amazon, the Kindle pays for itself quickly ( huge savings and no shipping costs, plus you get it immediately.

The kindle is great for serious readers and if you start multiple books at the same time, you will find it even more valuable. I Love my iphone but it is too tedious for any serious long term reading. The iphone has other qualities and uses. The two together are great! Highly recommend the Kindle 2 if you read often and even if you own an iphone. The battery life on an iPhone is a drawback but is a strength on the Kindle, not to mention saving space on your iphone for a library on the Kindle as well as periodicals/newspapers and other great features. I cannot wait for new kindle content - more periodicals please!

Kudos again on the review.

[disambiguated]

You can purchase Kindle books directly on the iPhone/iPod Touch via the Amazon Mobile app, available for free in the App Store, then download them via the Kindle reader app. No need to much about with Web browsers.

[lowgatl]

Amazon Mobile app does not support kindle purchases at this time, you can only save to a wishlist to purchase from a computer.

[Berke.h]

Well done Nicole!

I really enjoyed this article, it was what I was thirsty for after just learning about the iPhone kindle app.

It's great that non-kindle owners can access the great Amazon e-book library. I was truly thrilled.

Now Amazon, please Unleash the Kindle to overseas. Embrace the market inertia instead of holding back because of publishers' restrictions or whatever. Many people are craving for Kindle out of the United States.

[myles taylor]

I just can't stand eReaders in general. I've never tried the Kindle, granted, but to "try" something like that I'd have to dish out a lot of money. I tried the iPhone apps but I couldn't get used to them.

I know a lot of people disagree with me on this, obviously or the Kindle wouldn't be a success, but I need to read my books on good old paper. To top that off, I can't justify spending money on a book to read on a screen. If I could purchase the book and get a digital copy as well or vice versa, maybe, but I collect books and I don't get the appeal of purchasing something like a book for an eReader. Movies I can understand but books are books. The whole thing confuses me.

Like I said, I seem to be in the minority, so that's fine.

[geneven]

I've been reading books on computers for 20 years, it's fine. I find my Nokia N810 is all I need; it's not a phone, just a small handheld computer, it cost me a bit over $200, and it's great. I'm reading Jane Austen's Emma at the moment, plus the daily news, all at no cost. And it does Skype and email and most other things a full-sized computer would do.

[zmonster]

Anyone who spends $350 on this piece of garbage is nuts.

[cardfan1212]

So says the non reader :)

[sweaty_taco]

I read books and I agree. People are nuts.

[blusky08]

Yeah, it's nuts.

Each book is unique, and reading a book is a both a visual and tactile experience.
Plus, you can't legally loan or give an ebook to a friend! The publishing companies must love this.

[scottfillmer]

great review of both the kindle and the iphone app, I saw it first thing this morning and not having purchased the kindle yet (but it is on the way) I was interested to see how I could use both of them together, great move by Amazon.

[fishion]

love it. getting closer and closer to a true hitchhicker's guide...

http://blogs.amctv.com/scifi-scanner/2009/03/hitchhikers-guide-amazon-kindle.php

[psionbeta]

I like this very much, because I have an iPhone and don?t want to buy another device. But I?ll need to get a fully adjustable stand for my iPhone so that I can read a book without having to get carpal tunnel syndrome. There?s one I saw at http://www.nimblesource.com/podium that I guess I have an excuse to buy now.

[zyxxy]

I want the kindle reader software on the alwaysinnovating netbook.
I think that would be the perfect combined device for my use.

[ericbrownv9]

So far I've read Neuromancer, Dune, and The Great Gatsby on my G1 phone with the program "TextonPhone". I'm 27 and have reasonably good eyesight with my glasses on, so the reading experience is just fine. What I really love is the fact that I have my book, my phone, my email, my web browser, and basically every other communication/media need in one device.

And I've definitely used the G1 to laze around the house reading... it works reasonably well, but I could see something the size of Kindle being a little more natural to handle.

[Logotrope]

The Kindle provides a pleasurable reading experience. For text-based books, I don't see any problems with it beyond the fact that I can't easily flip back to passages I read several chapters ago to check on something. By contrast, I've never enjoyed reading on PDAs.

The problem that remains for Amazon to solve, however, is just what you mention--how to deal with graphics-oriented books. The limited gray-scale and the image sizing create a real problem when it comes to enjoying books that include lots of art or photos.

[mpwatkins13]

Question for Nicole if she follows these comments: You write "the e-ink screen creates the illusion of a reading a real book." I find that the dark gray display background of my new Kindle 2 detracts from the reading experience compared to a real book. Does the display background not bother you at all?

[Nicole Lee]

I really do think it looks and feels like a real book, and have read for hours on it. But your mileage may vary. Like a real book, it's better if you have a bright light source when you're reading it though.

[mpwatkins13]

Thanks Nicole. I really like many of the Kindle 2 features, so I'm giving myself time to get used to the display.