1) Internet Browsing: Although the browser that comes with the Amazon Kindle isn't the most advanced, it's actually very useful in some circumstances. If you have a 3G Kindle model then you'll never have to pay for accessing the 3G network – very handy for checking emails or simple websites if you're away from home without a Wi-Fi connection!

2) MP3 Player: The Kindle comes with a headphone jack so that you can also use it as an MP3 player. Perfect for listening to music without having to carry around an extra device, or even listening to any audiobooks you buy.

3) Text To Voice Reader: The Kindle features a text to speech option that'll read eBooks aloud if you need it to. Although it doesn't sound completely natural, it's still a very useful function to have for a number of situations.

4) Dictionary: The Kindle comes preloaded with a dictionary that means looking up words is a lot faster than it has been with traditional books. And, if you want to find out more, you can also access Wikipedia to learn more about what you're reading.

5) Note Taking: If you're a student, or just an avid reader, who often wants to take notes then you can finally do so without ruining the book! The Kindle has various features that help you add notes, bookmark points of interest, or highlight sentences and passages that you want to come back to later.

6) Subscriptions To Newspapers And Magazines: A number of traditional print products are now available as digital subscriptions on the Amazon Kindle. Although you do have to pay for this service, it's extremely convenient and you may even get access to the publications before they hit the news stands!

7) Back Up Books You Already Own: The Amazon Kindle and it's associated software can also be used to back up books you already own, from physical into digital form. Some books are available to download for free, though you'll have to pay for others.

Read PDF Files: Some books are now provided in PDF format for reading on an eBook reader. More importantly, PDF is also universally used for sharing documents and reports over the internet. These aren't even available to read in traditional book form, so having a device such as the Kindle that lets you read them away from the computer is a major benefit.

9) Shop For New Books: As well as letting you read books, the Kindle is the perfect place to shop for new ones! You can access the Kindle store through Wi-Fi and 3G (depending on the Kindle model you own) and get them delivered straight to your Kindle from all around the world!

10) Organize Your Book Collection: Although you can organize and search through your physical book library, it's not nearly as easy as doing it on the Kindle! The Kindle comes with search functions that let you find things fast, or you can organize and personalize the way you store your books based on a number of different criteria.

Features Of The Kindle DX

* High contrast e-Ink Pearl technology,
* Screen does not tire eyes and is easy to read in sunlight,
* Large 9.7 inch display,
* 10.4 x 7.2 x 0.38 inches in size,
* Weighs 18.9 ounces,
* Includes 3G coverage (no monthly contract) in over 100 countries and territories,
* Download books from the Kindle Store in under 60 seconds,
* No PC required to use, though can be connected if needed,
* 2 – 3 weeks battery life with wireless off,
* 7 day battery life with wireless on,
* Space for up to 3,500 books,
* Built in PDF reader,
* Text-to-speech feature,
* Supports the following file formats: Kindle (AZW), PDF, TXT, Audible, MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC, HTML, DOC, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion.

Pros Of The Kindle DX

The larger screen means you'll get a lot more text on the page, making the DX far easier to read and easier on the eyes. It also means that books are displayed more as they were intended to. Although this doesn't always matter, when it comes to things like poetry, layout is key to getting the feeling of the words on the screen. The Kindle DX is perfect for this.

The newest Kindle DX also has far better contrast than any of the other previous models. This takes it one step further into being just as easy and as comfortable to read as a real book – something that Amazon pride themselves on with all their Kindle models.

Cons Of The Kindle DX

Because of its large size and extra features, the Kindle DX costs a lot more than the regular Kindle. In fact, it costs around twice as much as the 3G + WiFi version of the Kindle! This is certainly not within the price bracket of most casual users.

In fact, the high price of the Kindle DX means that it is barely cheaper than buying a more multifunctional device such as the iPad 2. The latter can perform a huge range of different functions through the use of apps, where the former is for reading. However, it's important to bear in mind that, as an eBook reader, the Kindle DX still has the edge in terms of the screen being easy on the eyes, readable in sunlight and more like a "real" book.

Other complaints include the fact that the buttons on the Kindle DX are considered to be small, despite the fact that the device as a whole is far bigger. This is because the screen takes up the biggest area on the device. Some users have also stated that its size makes it heavier and less easy to hold while reading than the standard Kindle.

Conclusion

In short, the Kindle DX is much like the original Kindle but bigger, and better, at displaying a wider range of eBooks and files. It doesn't come cheap, so it's definitely for those who are truly serious about their eBook readers. That said, Amazon have an excellent track record of good quality eBook readers and fantastic support to match the price tag.

Another benefit of using a Kindle case is that many are designed in a "book style". You'll find it natural to open up the case and hold it in two hands if you like to use books that way. If not, you can simply pull the cover back and use the Kindle in one hand.

A Selection Of The Most Popular Kindle Cases

If you want to get a good quality case that'll not only keep your Kindle protected, but will last for a good period of time, then it helps to take a look at the best rated cases available.

Kindle Lighted Leather Cover: This is the bestselling case for Kindle, and comes in a huge variety of colors: black, orange, brown, pink, blue, green and red. It has a sleek look, made from leather with a suede interior to keep your Kindle protected at all times. Even better, it includes an LED reading light that hides away when not in use. The light doesn't require any batteries, it simply draws power from the Kindle device.

Acase Classic Kindle 3 Leather Case: If you're looking for something a little cheaper than the leather cover above, this is the next best thing. It also features a stylish and robust black leather exterior, and suede inside to prevent any scratches. This case comes with the added benefit of an included screen guard to protect the Kindle screen.

Marware Eco-Vue Leather Kindle Folio: This Kindle case has the added benefit of being made from lightweight eco-friendly leather. Thankfully its eco credentials don't distract from the style, and this case will fit your Kindle perfectly. It even comes with a unique hand strap on the back to make it as easy as possible to hold your Kindle while reading.

Do Waterproof Kindle Cases Exist?

Many people love to read books in the bath. With an expensive gadget such as the Kindle this becomes a lot more risky! The good news is that cases do exist to keep your Kindle safe, whether you're in the bath or lounging around beside the pool!

TrendyDigital WaterGuard Waterproof Case for Kindle: This case is available in a few different color schemes to match your style. It's designed to fit all generations of the Kindle perfectly, and you'll still have access to the keyboard and navigation buttons. It's resistant to sun damage, and also protects your Kindle against dirt, frost and sand.

As you can see from this small selection, there's a Kindle case available to suit all styles and needs. It's well worth paying a little extra now for a case that'll keep your Kindle in good condition for years to come.

The Benefits Of Added 3G

Amazon state that the main reason for the 3G connectivity is so that you'll have the ability to browse the Kindle store and download both free and paid eBooks from 100 different locations around the world. Amazon have exceptionally good coverage on their 3G network. Whether you're just away from home without a Wi-Fi connection, or you're traveling abroad, you'll always have access to new eBooks to read. This is very useful for true book lovers!

Another benefit is the fact that you can use the free 3G connection for purposes other than downloading new Kindle eBooks. You can open up the experimental web browser and check your emails if you have no other way of doing it. Bear in mind that the Kindle wasn't made for web browsing – the browser is a little clunky – but it's still better than nothing in an emergency!

If you're reading on your Kindle away from a Wi-Fi connection then you may find it useful to quickly look up information. For example, you may want to find out more about a certain author on Wikipedia. The 3G connection means this is possible in many more locations than with the Wi-Fi only model.

All of this connectivity is completely free for life! For just $50 more you'll avoid the need for being tied down to costly data plans, as you would with devices such as the iPad 2, and can connect from countries all around the world. To do so on your cell phone could cost a small fortune, but it's all included within the price of a 3G Kindle.

The Drawbacks Of The 3G Option

For a start, adding 3G to your Kindle is going to cost you an extra $50. Given that the Wi-Fi version already costs over $100, this could be a lot for many users to pay out. However, on the flip side, you should remember that you'll never need to pay for a 3G data plan – connecting to Amazon's 3G network is free for life! If you use it enough, that $50 will be well worth it.

The only other disadvantage is the fact that having 3G connectivity switched on will drain your battery a lot faster. Thankfully you can turn it off when you're not using it to conserve power.

Conclusion

Whether or not you choose the 3G Kindle really is a personal choice. Many users have stated that they would not have had a use for the 3G version had they paid the extra cash. However, if you're the kind of person who travels a lot and is frequently out of the range of a good Wi-Fi connection, then 3G will mean you can always browse and download from the Kindle Store.

Features Of The Amazon Kindle

* High contrast e-Ink Pearl screen to replicate real paper,
* Read in bright sunlight,
* Battery life of up to two months with wireless turned off,
* Stores up to 3,500 books,
* 7.5 x 4.8 x 0.335 inches in size,
* Wi-Fi Model weighs 8.5 ounces, Wi-Fi + 3G model weighs 8.7 ounces,
* Wi-Fi only and Wi-Fi + 3G models,
* 3G + Wi-Fi model comes in black or white,
* Includes experimental web browser,
* 6 inch diagonal screen size,
* Text-to-speech feature,
* Native PDF support.

Pros Of The iPod Kindle

The native support for PDF files means that you can view them on the Kindle exactly as they were created on a computer – very useful for people who regularly need to read PDF reports and documents away from their computer screen.

The display on the Kindle in general is also known to be very high quality since the latest update. When compared to the Nook or other eBook readers, you'll notice the difference in contrast. This is essential at improving the reading experience and helping you to forget that you're reading from a screen at all.

As with real books, the Kindle means you can lend your purchased eBooks to someone else who owns a Kindle. They can have your book to read for up to two weeks, before it goes back to you. Some publishers restrict the use of their eBooks in this way, but it's still an extremely useful feature that has won over many people who weren't sure about the Kindle.

The Kindle also comes with other features such as an MP3 player and an experimental web browser. While these are certainly not the best quality features, the fact that the Kindle has them will be useful in certain situations. For example, if you need to check your email but are away from Wi-Fi you can take advantage of Amazon's free 3G coverage, all around the world!

Cons Of The Kindle

There are some general drawbacks to e-Ink technology. Due to the way it works without a backlight, replicating the natural display of paper, it isn't fast at loading pages and you'll see a brief black screen when you turn the page. You'll also find it quite slow to browse through pages of eBooks. Thankfully Kindle have extra search and navigation features to make things easier. And, when compared to other eBook readers using similar technology, the Kindle is actually very fast.

Although the Kindle comes with a good storage capacity compared with other eBook readers on the market, you cannot expand this with external memory cards. This could be a drawback to some users who have a large library of files that they wish to store on the Kindle. This probably won't be a problem if you only use your Kindle for eBooks and newspapers.

Conclusion

In short the Kindle is still top when it comes to eBook readers. Amazon provide excellent support, and a huge range of both free and paid books in the Kindle Store. However, the device you ultimately choose will depend on exactly what you're looking to get out of it. If that means an experience as close to reading a paper book as possible, the Kindle is for you.

So how do the ads display on the Kindle? Amazon say that the ads won't interrupt your reading at all. Ads will only be shown at the bottom of the home screen (so not while you're reading), through a "special offers" menu that you can choose to view, and on screensavers when you leave your Kindle idle.

What Kind Of Ads Can You Expect To See?

Amazon are pushing the Ad Supported Kindle on the premise that the ads will even be desirable, based on the fact that they'll be special offers relevant to you. Some of the examples of potential ads Amazon give are:
* "$1 for a Kindle book, choose from thousands of books"
* "$10 for $20 Amazon.com Gift Card"
* "Save up to $500 off Amazon's already low prices on select HDTVs"
* "Spend $10 on Kindle books and get a free $10 Amazon.com Gift Card"

Amazon also say that users can download a free Kindle app (AdMash) that will help users to pick relevant screensavers, so that they only get the kind of offers they really want.

Cons Of The Ad Supported Kindle

It goes without saying that having ads display on the screen is never ideal. The beauty of the original Kindle is that it is so simple. It is designed for reading without distraction, so you can easily forget that you're reading from a screen and get lost in the ebook just as you would with any physical book. Many people say that ads detract from the simplicity of the Kindle.

The fact is, you're saving a small fraction of the price for a Kindle to have ads on the device for the lifetime of its ownership. Think about how often, and for how long, you'll be using the Kindle and whether the small savings really make up for the fact that this Kindle comes with ads.

Pros Of The Ad Supported Kindle

Although the Kindle has come down in price a lot since the first generation was released, its cost still puts a lot of people off ever buying it. Any saving, even a relatively small saving of only $25, is going to make it more accessible to a wider range of people.

Most people who have reviewed the Ad Supported Kindle have even stated that the ads aren't intrusive at all, and come more in the form of useful and useable coupons rather than random ads. For people who shop regularly at Amazon, you may even benefit from the special deals that come through your Kindle! The ads don't appear anywhere when you're reading, so they will never disrupt your reading experience.

A more long term benefit of this new Ad Supported Kindle is that Amazon may continue to lower the prices of its Kindles and eBooks when they know just how much extra revenue they can make by including ads on the device.

Conclusion

Whatever you think about the ads, the truth is that the new Ad Supported Kindle is Amazon's bestseller – outselling the models that cost $25 more for the benefit of being ad-free. Check the reviews and you'll see that most of them don't even notice the ads, suggesting that Amazon have done a good job to ensure they don't intrude on the reading experience.

Using The Amazon Kindle Store

The Kindle Store works in much the same way as the standard bookstore on Amazon. You can search for specific book titles and authors, browse bestseller lists, or look at the latest books according to category and genre.

You can then buy the title you've chosen using Amazon's "1-click" service. If you've never used it before, Amazon will guide you through the setup so that future purchases can be made a lot more easily. Just select which device you want to send the book to (your Kindle or apps on other devices) and it'll be delivered within 60 seconds!

If you're shopping on your computer and are outside the 3G network with your Kindle then you won't be able to receive the book immediately via Wireless. Instead, simply select the option to deliver it to your computer. You can then transfer it to your Kindle via USB at a later time.

Using The Kindle Internationally

The beauty of the Amazon Kindle is that you can use it to browse and buy a number of eBooks while you're away on vacation. As long as you have a Kindle that supports the global 3G network, you'll be able to access the Kindle store from 100 different countries and territories.

Shopping while you're abroad is as easy as shopping at home. Just make sure you switch on your Kindle's 3G connectivity and connect to the Amazon store as usual. Your details will have already been stored from previous purchases to make downloading as quick and easy as possible.

Returning eBooks

Just because eBooks are digital doesn't mean you can't return them! Thankfully the Amazon Kindle store has a 7 day returns policy. As long as you contact customer service within 7 days, they will refund your original purchase and you'll no longer have access to that book on your Kindle.

Buying Kindle Books Outside Of The Kindle Store

You can buy books for the Kindle from a number of other locations, as long as you're sure that your Kindle can read those files. At present, the latest generation of Kindle can read the following file types:
* Kindle (AZW),
* TXT,
* PDF,
* Audible,
* MP3,
* Unprotected MOBI,
* PRC,
* DOC,
* JPEG,
* GIF,
* PNG,
* BMP through conversion.

Getting eBooks For Free (Legally)

The good news is that there are a number of ways to legally get hold of free eBooks to read on your Kindle! The Kindle store, for a start, has a whole section of free eBooks for you to choose from, and this is one of the easiest ways of downloading them.

There are also a number of third party websites, such as Project Gutenberg, that list free eBooks for you to download legally. You can download them to your computer and copy them over to the Kindle either through the USB connection or using your Kindle email address to transfer it over a wireless connection.

All of Amazon's Kindle apps are free to download from the Amazon website, and mean that even people who don't own a Kindle can still read Kindle eBooks! If you wish to buy any Kindle books, all you need to do is sign up for an account through Amazon and purchase in the same way as you would with any other item on the Amazon website.

Kindle For PC, Mac, iPhone And iPad

Amazon have created applications for reading Kindle books on both Mac and PC. The app is simple to use and makes use of the full size of your screen for reading eBooks.

If you own an iPhone or an iPad then don't think you're limited to Apple's own eBook reading app. In fact, go to the app store and you'll find Kindle available to download for free, helping to expand its use even further.

Shopping For New Books

Not only do the Kindle apps for PC, Mac, iPhone and iPad mean you can read your Kindle books in different ways, you can also buy them through these apps, too! Search for and download free samples of books you may be interested in reading, and buy the full version if you like it. Or buy from the Amazon.com website – the choice is yours.

Whispersync Between Devices

The best thing about using the Kindle app on all of your devices is that it's so easy to switch between them when you're reading books. As soon as you load the apps, they'll automatically download any new eBooks you may have purchased on another device. For example, if you buy an eBook on your Kindle iPhone app and then later open up Kindle for PC, your new eBook will be there waiting.

Even better, the Whispersync feature means that the furthest read page will automatically be updated. You won't need to remember where you got up to on the last page you were reading from – the Kindle apps will automatically do it for you!

Why Would You Want To Read Kindle eBooks On Other Devices?

At first thought it may seem pointless to buy Kindle eBooks if you don't own the Kindle itself. However, the truth is that many of the Kindle eBooks are very competitively priced – some are even free – making them more affordable than digital eBooks. There's also a huge convenience to getting your eBooks delivered instantly, instead of having to go out to the store or waiting for items to be delivered! All in all, it's a very smart move by Amazon to make their products available in these ways!