6/24/10

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Comment

those people talking on the text to speech recognition sound like the people off NPR radio haha

Compared to other text-to-speech services, it really is. It has more natural voice inflections.


Also, I greatly prefer the male voice to the female one; for some reason the female one sounds a lot more modulated and, frankly, annoying.
 
The idea is to replace books.


She hardly showed any of the useful features. Its basically a book thats connected to the web, so you can download books cheaper than buying them, then read them on this. It also supports mp3.
 
You can search and shop the Kindle Store wirelessly right from your Kindle DX, allowing you to click, buy, and start reading your purchases within a minute. The Kindle Store offers the same great Amazon.com customer experience you're used to, including customer reviews, personalized recommendations, and low prices. We auto-deliver your selections wirelessly, so the next time you hear about a great book, just search, buy, and read.


If you are out of wireless coverage, such as traveling overseas, you can download books to your PC or Mac and transfer via USB to your Kindle DX.

Kindle 2 Review from Consumer Reports

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Custommer Comments

I don't get why everyone wants a back light, you want the kindle to be like a book as much as possible, so get a book light, or just use a light like you would with a normal book

Actually the coolest feature is the Internet fuction, where I can even access facebook! And for those who want a backlight: that's what gives you eyestrain in the first place, cuz it's like reading off of a computer screen which is EXACTLY what Amazon was trying avoid.

I have my K2 and I love it! I have read so many free books, both new and public domain that I think the cost of the K2 is totally worth it. You can also get books from other sites too, you are not just confined to Amazon. Feedbooks, Manybooks, Smashwords and Beanbooks are all places you can get books. Either direct download from wispernet or onto your computer and add them to your device with the USB cord.

Kindle, Nook, Sony Daily Edition Side by Side

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Кindle DX- has bigger screen, Sony 900 has more features in a smaller package-zoom, handwriting notes. So if size is an issue- get Sony, if you need bigger screen-DX.


Better still- try to find them in the store or friends hands, so you can touch and look and make your decision then. Good Luck.

6/16/10

The Passage: A Novel (Kindle Edition)

Amazon.com Review


Amazon Best Books of the Month, June 2010: You don't have to be a fan of vampire fiction to be enthralled by The Passage, Justin Cronin's blazing new novel. Cronin is a remarkable storyteller (just ask adoring fans of his award-winning Mary and O'Neil), whose gorgeous writing brings depth and vitality to this ambitious epic about a virus that nearly destroys the world, and a six-year-old girl who holds the key to bringing it back. The Passage takes readers on a journey from the early days of the virus to the aftermath of the destruction, where packs of hungry infected scour the razed, charred cities looking for food, and the survivors eke out a bleak, brutal existence shadowed by fear. Cronin doesn't shy away from identifying his "virals" as vampires. But, these are not sexy, angsty vampires (you won’t be seeing "Team Babcock" t-shirts any time soon), and they are not old-school, evil Nosferatus, either. These are a creation all Cronin's own--hairless, insectile, glow-in-the-dark mutations who are inextricably linked to their makers and the one girl who could destroy them all. A huge departure from Cronin's first two novels, The Passage is a grand mashup of literary and supernatural, a stunning beginning to a trilogy that is sure to dazzle readers of both genres. --Daphne Durham

Dan Chaon Reviews The Passage

Dan Chaon is the acclaimed author of the national bestseller Await Your Reply and You Remind Me of Me, which was named one of the best books of the year by The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, San Francisco Chronicle, The Christian Science Monitor, and Entertainment Weekly, among other publications. Chaon lives in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, and teaches at Oberlin College. Read his review of The Passage:
There is a particular kind of reading experience--the feeling you get when you can’t wait to find out what happens next, you can’t turn the pages fast enough, and yet at the same time you are so engaged in the world of the story and the characters, you don’t want it to end. It’s a rare and complex feeling--that plot urgency pulling you forward, that yearning for more holding you back. We say that we are swept up, that we are taken away. Perhaps this effect is one of the true magic tricks that literature can offer to us, and yet it doesn’t happen very often. Mostly, I think, we remember this experience from a few of the beloved books of our childhood.
About three-quarters of the way through The Passage, I found myself in the grip of that peculiar and intense readerly emotion. One part of my brain couldn’t wait to get to the next big revelation, and I found myself wanting to leapfrog from paragraph to paragraph, hurtling toward each looming climax. Meanwhile, another part of my brain was watching the dwindling final pages with dread, knowing that things would be over soon, and wishing to linger with each sentence and character a little while longer.

Finishing The Passage for the first time, I didn’t bother to put it on a shelf, because I knew I would be flipping back through its pages again the next day. Rereading. Considering.

Certain kinds of books draw us into the lives of their characters, into their inner thoughts, to the extent that we seem to know them, as well as we know real people. Readers of Justin Cronin’s earlier books, Mary and O’Neil and The Summer Guest, will recognize him as an extraordinarily insightful chronicler of the ways in which people maneuver through the past, and through loss, grief and love. Though The Passage is a different sort of book, Cronin hasn’t lost his skill for creating deeply moving character portraits. Throughout, in moments both large and small, readers will find the kind of complicated and heartfelt relationships that Cronin has made his specialty. Though the cast of characters is large, they are never mere pawns. The individual lives are brought to us with a vivid tenderness, and at the center of the story is not only vampires and gun battles but also quite simply a quiet meditation on the love of a man for his adopted daughter. As a fan of Cronin’s earlier work, I found it exciting to see him developing these thoughtful character studies in an entirely different context.
There are also certain kinds of books expand outwards beyond the borders of their covers. They make us wish for encyclopedias and maps, genealogies and indexes, appendixes that detail the adventures of the minor characters we loved but only briefly glimpsed. The Passage is that kind of book, too. There is a dense web of mythology and mystery that roots itself into your brain--even as you are turning the pages as quickly as you can. Complex secrets and untold stories peer out from the edges of the plot in a way that fires the imagination, so that the world of the novel seems to extend outwards, a whole universe--parts of which we glimpse in great detail--and yet we long to know even more. I hope it won’t be saying too much to say that there are actually two universes in this novel, one overlapping the other: there is the world before the virus, and the world after, and one of the pleasures of the book is the way that those two worlds play off one another, each one twisting off into a garden of forking and intertwined paths. I think, for example, of the scientist Jonas Lear, and his journey to a fabled site in the jungles of Bolivia where clouds of bats descend upon his team of researchers; or the little girl, Amy, whose trip to the zoo sets the animals into a frenzy--"They know what I am," she says; or one of the men in Dr. Lear’s experiment, Subject Zero, monitored in his cell as he hangs "like some kind of giant insect in the shadows." These characters and images weave their way through the story in different forms, recurring like icons, and there are threads to be connected, and threads we cannot quite connect--yet. And I hope that there will be some questions that will not be solved at all, that will just exist, as the universe of The Passage takes on a strange, uncanny life of its own.
It takes two different kinds of books to work a reader up into that hypnotic, swept away feeling. The author needs to create both a deep intimacy with the characters, and an expansive, strange-but-familiar universe that we can be immersed in. The Passage is one of those rare books that has both these elements. I envy those readers who are about to experience it for the first time.

6/13/10

Clear LCD Screen Protector for Amazon Kindle 2 E-Book Reader


Technical Details


Expect better quality than any other screen protector.

Shield against dust, scratches, and waterproof.

Ultra Thin and 100% transparent. Invisible protection for your device

Self Adhering surface and leaves no sticky residue when removed

Ultra Thin and 100% transparent. Invisible protection for your device.
 
The item title says '3 Pack'. I received only 1 pack and the shipping cost me more than the product.


The product package says on the 'Features':

1) Washable and Reusable - Not Ture. Once you wash it, it is useless.

2) Dust Repelling - not ture!

3) Finger print free - not true!

4) Bubble Free - Not true also.

It is cheaper and easier to buy a regular LCD screen protector and cut it to size.

This product is a rip off!
 
Clear LCD Screen Protector for Amazon Kindle 2 E-Book Reader

M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle

Technical Details


Lightweight and compact booklight works seamlessly with most of M-Edges covers for 2nd Generation Kindle

Light stows in many M-Edge covers and easily pivots up to allow for optimal light positioning.

Powered with 1 AAA battery that provides more than 20 hours of use without dimming (battery not included)

Optical lens spreads light evenly over Kindle screen, and Super Bright LED light bulb never needs replacing

High and low light intensity settings allow for tailored screen illumination

The M-Edge e-Luminator2 booklight is the ultimate accessory for the Amazon Kindle. Based on the input of loyal M-Edge customers, this custom designed booklight has been developed to work seamlessly with most of M-Edge's jackets for the Amazon Kindle (2nd Generation). The powerful light features a super-bright LED light bulb which provides ample illumination for the Reader's screen while a mirrored reflector and optical quality lens disperses the light uniformly.The light is powered by a standard AAA battery (not included) with endurance enough for more than 20 hours of operation without dimming.The light is operated by a three position switch with two light intensity settings.A flexible and resilient steel neck allows the user to position the light in the desired direction.Perhaps the most impressive feature of this light is that it is designed to be stored via a slim support arm sized to match a pocket sewn into the back of many of M-Edge Jackets for the Amazon Kindle. The light pocket is conveniently located behind the Kindle and does not interfere with the use of the eReader. When in the storage position, the light is located conveniently in the jacket so you can easily bring your light while on the go.

This review is from: M-Edge e-Luminator2 Booklight for Amazon Kindle (Fits 6" Display, 2nd gen)


I'd been using a Mighty-Bright with my old and new Kindle. I liked it a lot, but have an m-edge cover for the new one and was lookiing forward to the convenience of having this one live alongside the Kindle in the case. When it showed up the other day, I slipped it into the slot and immediately loved the ergonomics of having it disappear in the case.
But then I went into a dark room and turned it on. It's not nearly as bright as the mighty bright. Some people seem to thing that's a feature, calling it a nice SOFT light. I just find it to be a very DIM light. It doesn't light up the whole screen anywhere close to evenly or brightly enough for my tastes.
The other problem is with the switch - it doesn't have a very positive feel and it's very easy to accidently leave on when you think you're turning it off (by pushing it past the center "off" position to the other "on" position) or to turn on when folding the flexible arm back into the case. Twice already, in just a few days, I've accidently turned it on as I was putting it away, didn't notice I'd done so, and came back later to find a dead battery.
The concept and design are great, but the implementation leaves a bit to be desired. Quite a bit, IMHO. I wanted to like this light because of the obvious convenience, but will probably continue using the mighty-bright until and unless they improve the brightness and the switch.
Edit - after using the light for a few days, I'll lighten up a bit (NPI). I prefer the lighting produced by the mighty bright and its firmer switch, but this one is adequate. I've read with it and I'd prefer it brighter, but this is good enough. The switch is poorly designed, but works adequately as long as you're careful with it. (Which having left it on a couple of times, I am now). I'll still probably use the mighty bright when I need a portable light at home (not often, but occasionally) but this is good enough to be my primary travel light, given its great convenience. If they can figure out a way to make it brighter (maybe two batteries and a second LED, like the mighty bright? - should still be able to fit it inside the case pretty easily and the extra weight of another battery wouldn't be noticable) and redesign the switch, I'd recommend it highly. As it is, its probably good enough but could be a lot better.

M-Edge Platform Leather Kindle Jacket (Fits 6" Display, Latest Generation Kindle), Smooth Black

Technical Details


Designed for Latest Generation Kindle with luxurious, rich smooth black 100% genuine leather

Front flips over and closure tab tucks in to serve as bookstand for upright, hands-free reading

Solid front & back construction with plush grey interior for maximum device protection. Jacket allows access to all ports and buttons.

Compatible with the M-Edge e-Luminator2 booklight (sold separately)

The M-Edge Platform Jacket is offered in 12 genuine leather colors. This Jacket also comes in 5 synthetic leather colors

Product Description


The Platform Jacket for the Amazon Kindle (2nd Generation) is the ultimate for sophisticated on-the-go eReader users. Whether in the office, at a business meeting, or at home, the Platform Jacket provides refined and stylish protection of your Kindle 2 in a superior case. The Platform Jacket introduces a new stand-up design, which allows you to read your Kindle upright, hands-free, while still offering full surface protection in a lushly padded case. The soft grey interior ensures your Kindle will always be cushioned in comfort.
This smart case with classic lines includes a loop for your pen and interior pockets for storage of notes, business cards, and other essentials. Even while closed, you will find access to all ports, so you never need to remove your reader for charging. The M-edge Platform Jacket is a sleek case that will protect your eReader from scratches and dings. It is the perfect solution for the user with a fashionable, active lifestyle. Specifications Compatibility - Amazon Kindle (Fits 6 Display, Latest Generation Kindle) Weight - 8.5 oz Dimensions - 9 in. x 6.25 in. x 1 in.

6/11/10

The Host: A Novel [Paperback]

In this tantalizing SF thriller, planet-hopping parasites are inserting their silvery centipede selves into human brains, curing cancer, eliminating war and turning Earth into paradise. But some people want Earth back, warts and all, especially Melanie Stryder, who refuses to surrender, even after being captured in Chicago and becoming a host for a soul called Wanderer. Melanie uses her surviving brain cells to persuade Wanderer to help search for her loved ones in the Arizona desert. When the pair find Melanie's brother and her boyfriend in a hidden rebel cell led by her uncle, Wanderer is at first hated. Once the rebels accept Wanderer, whom they dub Wanda, Wanda's whole perspective on humanity changes. While the straightforward narrative is short on detail about the invasion and its stunning aftermath, it shines with romantic intrigue, especially when a love triangle (or quadrangle?!) develops for Wanda/Melanie. 10-city author tour. (May)


Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

XXXX The Host XX
Just like Twilight is a vampire story for people who don't like vampire stories, The Host is a sci-fi novel for people who don't like sci-fi. Ultimately, this is a very human story about love, friendship, loyalty and family. It's moving and unique.
Truthfully, I wasn't expecting to like it much. I read the excerpt available on Stephenie's website a few months ago and wasn't overly impressed, but because it's SM and I'm a big fan of the Twilight series I decided to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did! I found the storyline compelling and fascinating from the outset - unlike other readers, I did not find the beginning slow at all (or any part). I thought the entire novel flowed very smoothly. I enjoy quieter moments in stories because those are often when you really get to know the characters and it makes the action sequences more meaningful. Once again, SM has created characters we can relate to and care about.
I've read some of the negative reviews and all I can say is that everyone has different taste. I didn't find this story lacking in any way - it's very different from Twilight but in my opinion just as good. In fact, thematically, I think it's better. We have a much stronger herione this time and get to explore a friendship between two women (Melanie/Wanderer). And while Wanderer is peaceful and self-sacrificing, no one could argue that she isn't a very strong herione who chooses to do things because they are right and ethical. For those who thought Bella was such a rotten roll model, Wanderer should make them happy. Even though this is considered an adult book, it's perfectly suitable for teens.

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella (Twilight Saga)

"Meyer has, like one of her vampires, turned into something rare and more than merely human.... People do not want to just read Meyer's books; they want to climb inside them and live there." -Time
"Piles on the suspense and romance." -USA Today
"A literary phenomenon." -The New York Times
"[Stephenie Meyer is] the world's most popular vampire novelist since Anne Rice." -Entertainment Weekly

Product Description

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits. In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.