The focus now is going to be finding out what the new Kindle Touch models have to offer. For those of us with a a Kindle 3, is it a good upgrade path? Or would we be better advised to choose an Amazon Kindle Fire tablet?

The way I look at it, the Kindle Fire isn’t a Kindle as we know it – it’s a tablet. A true Kindle in my eyes is an electronic book reader. That’s why I’m going to get both, a Kindle Touch and a Kindle Fire. They’re two separate devices.

Kindle Touch Features

So what does the new Kindle Touch have to offer? Is touch functionality a gimmick or is it going to improve the Kindle experience? It certainly looks pretty impressive.

The fact that the handset is smaller than existing Kindle 3G models is pretty cool. It’s also lighter than the current model. What worries me is that the way I hold my Kindle, I often touch the screen. I wonder if this will cause a problem with the Kindle Touch models.

Its appearance looks cleaner than existing models. The lack of keyboard makes it appear more book-like. From looking at the videos available on Youtube, it appears to have all the standard Kindle features with the addition of a touch screen.

Order the Best Price Kindle Touch Now >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Which Kindle Touch?

Being a current Kindle 3G owner, when I get a Kindle Touch, I’m not going to buy the 3G model. I think it’s a pretty neat feature but I don’t think I’ve ever really needed the 3G functionality. I’m certainly not against it, but on a personal level, the Wi-Fi only version will be adequate for my needs and it means I’ll be able to save a bit of cash when I finally get the chance to buy one.

Cheap Kindle Touch

You can save $40 if you choose the Special Offers version of the Kindle Touch or Kindle Touch 3G. On a personal level, I would pay the extra to get the non-Special Offers model. Being bombarded by advertising that I can’t turn off or control is not something that interests me. Admittedly, I’m sure it’s quite easy to get used to the offers popping up on screen and you never know, perhaps one of the deals will be of interest to you.

Techcrunch asks: Why No Kindle Touch Or Fire For EU, UK? Their belief for the lack of Kindle Fire and Kindle Touch in the U.K. being,

They don’t have the content. This is almost certainly it. [...] They’ve spent years developing relationships and clout [...] in the US, and Bezos can be confident that they’re providing not just a good tablet experience, but a huge selection of content along with it. Clearly he’s not confident they can do the same in the EU.

ZDNet ponders the question: Kindle Fire, Touch not available to Europe: Blame U.S. legal concerns?

Their hypotheis is that,

it may be due to U.S. cloud and legal concerns regarding the Silk browser [...] [T]he tablets cannot be sold in the European market because the cloud-based browser would be in breach of European data protection laws. Though data would reside in an EU-based datacenter, because Amazon is a U.S. headquartered company, the data would still be vulnerable to U.S. law.

My theory, for the lack of U.K. release information, is that it simply isn’t a priority for Amazon. Sure there are millions of customers who would love to own these products all over Europe. However there is a huge market, in Amazon’s home country who are desperate for the Kindle Fire and Kindle Touch devices. The logistics of the release of multiple products in multiple markets at the same time is perhaps just too much for them. So rather than risking falling flat on their face, simply concentrating on the one major market, the U.S, makes the best business sense. It’s not that Amazon doesn’t love their European customer base, they just love their U.S. customers more. Why not? We know that Americans are much more prolific internet shoppers. Amazon are simply following the money.

Amazon have finally released a new Kindle. The beauty is that they’ve brought out FOUR new models! The Kindle Fire tablet is the one that offers the sexiest features. It has a full color screen and also boasts touch functionality. This is a Kindle on steroids. It is up there with the big boys and is in the mix with the Nook Color and iPad 2. The low price is sure to attract a number of people who have not yet ventured into the tablet market.

The Amazon Fire is a full multimedia device and offers more than just the reading functionality of the Touch Kindle 4. If I’m honest, I’m a big fan of the “reading” Kindles. At the same time, since it is relatively cheap, I’m going to be ordering the Kindle Fire as soon as I can. The annoying thing for me just now is that the Amazon site tells me that they won’t ship outside the U.S. So as far as I’m concerned, if you’re in the States just now, you’re one of the lucky ones!

Kindle Fire Price

Part of the huge attraction of the new Kindle tablet device is its price. At $199, it is way cheaper than iPad2 and Blackberry PlayBook and is also cheaper than one of its main would be rivals, Nook Color.

What Does it Offer?

First things first, the screen size of this model is 7″ diagonally across the screen. It doesn’t have a keyboard like previous versions. Nor does it need one since it offers touch functionality.

Content is a huge part of Amazon’s strategy. They’ve already enticed a host of big magazines to publish on the Kindle Fire. Some of the biggest titles, including GQ, Vanity Fair and Wired are more than just a print magazine. They also offer audio, video and other interactive content.

On top of magazines, the Kindle Fire can be used for movies, TV shows, music, apps and games. The Amazon Silk web browser will help to take surfing the Web on Kindle from a painful affair with the Kindle 3 to a pure joy on this latest tablet version.

It makes sense to compare this latest addition to the tablet market with iPad 2. The price is much lower, the device is smaller, it doesn’t have a camera nor does it have 3G connectivity. It’s pretty easy to argue that iPad 2 is the better device but for me, it’s the low price of the Kindle Fire that makes it appear such great value.

Not only does it have a full color screen but it has been designed so that you don’t have to be sitting directly in front of the Kindle to see it. This means that it’s easy to share the screen with a friend.

The Out of Copyright collection has grown to over two million titles. These are freely available to all Kindle owners. This is the reason that I got into reading electronically in the first place. I realized that by investing in a Kindle, I’d be able to get free books for the rest of my life!

Kindle Fire Caution

Until now, the Amazon Kindle has been famed for it’s huge battery life. Of course, the Fire doesn’t use electronic paper so its battery life is much shorter. It only gives between 7-8 hours of continuous use before it needs to be re-charged. This is in the same ball park as the other tablets on the market.

Kindle Fire Release Date

Delivery of the Kindle Fire is on a first come first served basis. They will not start shipping until November 15. It seems clear that the demand for this budget tablet is going to be huge. We’re also going to be moving into the Christmas buying period. It’s clear that if we don’t want to be kept waiting, the sooner we order, the better. If you live outside of North America – then you’re just going to have to wait until it goes on sale in your region.

 
Latest Update (September 4th 2011): Amazon are reported to be releasing the Kindle 4, which will feature a touch screen in October 2011.

Amazon will release a tablet computer running on the Android operating system along with two updated Kindle devices by October.

Source: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/179614/20110713/amazon-tablet-release-date-set-october-updated-kindle.htm

Visiting the Amazon website regularly is one way to stay up to date with the latest developments regarding their new color Kindle reader which we shall hopefully see later in 2011. However at the moment there is no solid information regarding the Kindle 4 release date.

The 4th generation device may well be available for early pre-order weeks before it is ready to ship. If you would like to be kept informed with a message direct to your Inbox, just fill in your email address to the right. I check the Amazon Kindle website on a daily basis to ensure that I’ll be able to order my color Kindle DX as soon as it comes on sale. As soon as I place my order, I’ll then send an email to let you know that you too can get your hands on a brand new Kindle.

Of course, the idea here is that by selling a cheaper Kindle hand held reader, Amazon will be able to sell more products to users of this device. If you are interested in customizing your Kindle reader then unfortunately you cannot change the screen savers with this discount version.

However, if you are looking for the cheapest way to start reading with the Amazon Kindle, this model might be worth a closer look.

I was actually reading a newspaper article the other day that was suggesting it would make financial sense for Amazon to actually give the Kindle 4 reader away FREE when it comes out. This may well make business sense, but unfortunately, I don’t see it happening.

This is the sort of thing that I am expecting the next Kindle DX to be able to display. The larger screen size will mean it is better able to show case all kinds of artwork.

Reasons to Buy a Color Kindle DX

The reason that I think this is a good idea is because if I simply upgrade my current model, the one I have now becomes obsolete. Of course, I could give it away to someone, but most of my family and friends already have Kindles. My new plan involves me keeping it for myself as my portable Kindle and then using the newest Kindle DX for my “luxury” reading.

As far as pricing goes, the Kindle DX is still quite a bit more expensive than the smaller models. The way I am justifying it in my head is as follows: If I buy a smaller Kindle 4 when it comes out, then the money that I paid for my 3rd generation version will have, to a certain extent, been wasted. However, getting a Kindle DX, while more expensive, means that I will still go on using my smaller Kindle 3 as well as be able to read with a larger and hopefully color DX reader.

Where to Buy a Kindle DX

You can get brand new Kindle DX readers from Amazon. They also sell some refurbished models. For cheaper places to purcase from, you might want to take a look on eBay. Since this electronic reader costs more than $350, there is a chance that you can make a decent saving. For my own peace of mind, I am going to get mine directly from Amazon. Also, because I want to get hold of a color DX reader as soon as they are released, this option makes the most sense.

As you can see in the image above, a Kindle DX with a color screen is going to be amazing for reading comic books and graphic novels as well. The question is going to be less about what the Kindle DX is capable of doing, and more about which comic books are going to be available?

Hopefully publishers are going to take advantage of the new technology that is being released in the near future. What size color Kindle do you want?

18.7 Megapixels, full HD movie and the metering system borrowed from Canon’s 7D all look impressive. For anyone wanting to upgrade from say a 450D or an 1000D, you are certainly going to notice the difference.  For anybody new into the DLSR market, you’ll be blown away if you’re used to the compact market.

For the price, this camera certainly leads the way in quality over the competition. The camera performs very well in low light conditions and is a general all rounder for a range of different photography subjects.

The build is good for the price but personally for my liking, it has a bit too much plastic. The ergonomics of the camera aren’t fantastic if you have large hands and the buttons can be slightly too small on the back. It would be handy if Canon included the rotator wheel that is present on Canon’s semi pro and pro cameras. On the plus side, 18.7 MP is a lot of resolution to play with. For a discount Canon 550D you should be looking to find the body for under $700.

Camera review contributed by professional photographer, Carl Glancey.

Kindle Screen Rotation

By the end of this section, you will know exactly how you can change the alignment of your Kindle screen. It is a really simple operation and means that you can read horizontally or vertically. Changing to horizontal alignment is useful for reading PDF files. With the smaller 6″ reader, reading a full PDF page vertically makes the text really small. However if you change to horizontal alignment, you can scroll through your PDF without having to move left or right.

The first thing that you have to do is to press the A_A button, next to the space bar. Do this when you are on the Home page or while you are reading a book. You then get the option to choose how you want to align your screen. Just use the 5 way controller to select your desired alignment.

For reading PDF files, in this case, The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss, I usually align my Kindle horizontally. This mean I can see the full width of the pages without having to scroll left and right. Also, the text size becomes large enough to read easily.

Kindle Dictionary

The Kindle dictionary feature is another really cool option. While reading a real book, I hardly ever took the time to look up a dictionary while I was reading. But the Kindle makes it so easy to do. Best of all, it hardly takes any time so really doesn’t interrupt the flow much at all.

All that you have to do is use your 5 way controller to move the cursor to the beginning of the word that you want to check. When you get there, a short definition of the word appears at the top (or bottom) of the screen. If you want a more detailed explanation, just press the enter button.

It will be interesting to see what features the Kindle 4 offers.

Thinking of finally getting that first prime lens for your Canon camera system then the cheap Canon EF 50mm F/1.8 II is the lens you should choose.

50mm being a fantastic choice for portraits on a crop sensor camera (450d, 500d, 50d, 7d) as with the crop factor into account this is like an 80mm lens.

The build quality is what you’d expect from a lens that costs the amount this lens does. It’s made from plastic and doesn’t feel like a pro lens but the quality for this price can not be argued. It’s also light as a feather and takes no room in your camera bag. The bokeh (basically the blur from the out of focus parts of the image) is very pleasant and colour replication is good. Like you would expect it isn’t pin sharp wide open at 1.8, but when you stop it down to f4 onwards it hits the spot.

This lens will knock the socks off the standard kit lens you got with your camera. I used this lens myself when I was starting out.

Article contributed by professional Surrey wedding photographer, Carl Glancey

iPad2 Release Date

On the 11^th of March 2011, iPad 2 was officially released. So you are now able to order it from a number of retailers including directly from Apple, through the Amazon webstore as well as many more outlets. The question you should be asking is now, when is it coming out? But rather, is it in stock?

iPad vs iPad 2

This table shows a comparison of the size and weight of the first and 2^nd generation models. Of particular note is the depth of the new model. It is over 30% slimmer. It looks good!

iPad 2 Review

iPad 2, what is it good for? Absolutely nothin’! Despite my love of the Edwin Starr song, the same cannot be said of iPad 2 as it can of War. This latest tablet offering from Apple is more than just a great looking gadget, it has loads of functionality to offer as well.

I use my Kindle electronic book reader daily and am a huge fan. But if I really want to show off, it is the iPad 2 that has the most wow power!

Now let’s take a look at what iPad 2 actually offers us. First up is the fact that it is now smaller, lighter weight and thanks to its dual-core A5 chip it faster too. From watching movies to surfing the internet is now a slicker experience. The speed that it wakes up is sensational. There is no wait while iPad 2 boots up. In this respect it is much more like iPod touch than a MacBook.

Watching videos on iPad 2 is one of the most impressive features that it offers. The 9.7″ screen is large enough for you to get sucked right into the action. 10 hours of battery time should be long enough that you never run out of battery life before you arrive somewhere you can recharge.

A special Smart Cover is designed to work seamlessly with iPad 2. It comes in two styles, polyurethane and leather designs. This is not included in the price but they are not too expensive. They attach to the tablet magnetically and when the cover is in place, iPad 2 automatically goes to sleep. Then as soon as you open the cover, it wakes up.

FaceTime, which makes use of the front and back cameras is one of the big marketing points of iPad 2. In many ways it is similar to Skype, which I am sure you know. However FaceTime only works between Apple devices such as iPad 2, iPhone 4, the new iPod touch or Mac over Wi-Fi. You can watch a video on the Apple website showing a demo of the application. It certainly looks impressive.

I really like the Maps application. You require a 3G version to get the most out of this feature. The built in GPS means iPad 2 always knows where it is even if you don’t. It can act like a car navigation system and provide you with route details. There is even a feature that can show you real street views to help you recognize your destination as you are arriving.

iPad 2 Scam?

My introduction to iPad 2 came long after I had been using the Kindle electronic reader. So I find it somewhat amusing that Apple are boasting a 10 hour battery life considering the battery on the Kindle 3 lasts for a whole month! But the fact of the matter is that electronic book readers and tablet devices are not really the same thing. The Amazon Kindle really has just one use, reading books. Whereas iPad 2 can do much more besides.

I feel that choosing to purchase a Kindle is a much easier decision to make. Do you read books? - Yes. Would you like an electronic book reader? Yes. => Buy a Kindle.

Having a reason, other than just being cool, is very important if you are thinking about purchasing iPad 2. What do you want to do with it?

I would suggest that its mobility and video viewing capabilities are two of the most useful features that it provides.

Best Price iPad 2

The big question is where to find a cheap iPad 2. Unfotunately Apple do not offer their educational discount on iPad devices. You may be able to get a slight reduction if you are able to purchase via your educational institution. However the regular reduction that teachers and students can get on iMacs and iBooks does not apply.

The price offered on the Apple website itself is obviously the best benchmark. Price is not the only issue, you have to be happy with the reputation of the seller. Therefore it is probably easier to place trust in the larger vendors such as Apple and Amazon.

In conclusion, if you want do not own the original iPad and would like to enter the world of tablets, then the reasonable price along with the slick and powerful performace of iPad 2 might just be enough to tempt you.