New technology could really affect the way you learn, get your news, and relax.

• In late 2007, Amazon’s Kindle redefined electronic books. Not only did it have an E-ink screen (which doesn’t strain your eyes like LCD screens), but it also included high-speed wireless connection so you could download new books directly from anywhere in the U.S., at no extra cost.
• Now, Amazon has released the Kindle 2. There’s no major redesign, but it is faster and a bit more polished than the original.
• If you’re already a Kindle owner, no dire need to upgrade just yet. But if you’re buying your first ebook, this is a good place to start.

Facts & Figures

• The Kindle’s Eink screen uses small shape-shifting ink-like capsules to form print-quality text that doesn’t strain your eyes at all.
• The Kindle 2 features accident-proof buttons, a thinner body (.36 inch), more built-in memory (2 gigabytes), a joystick navigation button, 4x higher screen quality, better battery life, and a robotic voice for the option to listen as an audiobook.
• The Sony Reader is Kindle’s only real competition, though it’s $30 more and doesn’t have Kindle’s favorite feature, wireless connection.

Best Quote

“The new Kindle 2 is less of a revolution, and more of a refinement.” – Seth Porges, bloomberg.com

Tags: Amazon.com, Kindle