MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Kindle 2 Announcement on Amazon Front Page

Elsi · 02-10-2009, 12:31 AM

My question is with recharging. The Amazon site says that it charges through the USB port -- in four hours. Is that four hours during which I would not be able to use a K2? Will the K2 be able to distinguish between the USB for data transfer and USB for power? Today, I keep the antenna turned off except when I have the Kindle plugged in; looks like I'd have to change the way I do things if I were to get a K2. I think I'm going to wait. My assessment:

Positive:
* I like the next generation eInk with faster refresh rate.
* Longer battery life.
* Power switch on top edge of unit -- though this isn't a big deal for me.
* Hinge mounting system.
* Smaller page-turn switches mean less likelihood of accidental turn -- though this isn't an issue except when I hand the Kindle to someone else. Remains to be seen if they are comfortably placed.

Neutral:
* No SD slot. I don't need one since I don't use my Kindle for MP3s, Audio books, or digital pictures.
* I guess that more memory is a reasonable alternative to replaceable (SD card) storage. Not a big deal for me 'cause I only have 120 or so books on my K1 and I'm still have 81MB free. It looks like I'm using about 55% of the built-in memory.
* 16 shades of grey will result in better-looking book covers and illustrations. I don't care to carry digital pictures on my Kindle, so again, it's not a significant improvement.
* The TTS option sounds cool and may open the device to visually challenged users, but it's of very little value for me.
* While I'd like folders and the folder levels to be displayed in the listing of the books, it's not a deal breaker for me.
* Same network as K1.
* Book selection & prices the same as K1.

Negative:
* Although thinner, it's larger than K1.
* Uglier -- definitely.
* Previous Page button only on left edge of unit -- I have same complaint with K1.

Unknowns:
* Can I use the Kindle while it's charging?
* How easy will it be to use the new keyboard with the round keys?

Without a compelling reason to purchase a K2, I'm going to sit tight with my K1s for now. Of course, if I decide I need a 4th Kindle, I'll order whatever is current. But, I can't find a good reason to move to the next release for now. It's definitely *NOT* the next generation.

02-10-2009, 12:31 AM	#142
Elsi Wizard Posts: 2,366 Karma: 12000 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Texas, USA Device: Kindle; Sony PRS 505; Blackberry 8700C	My question is with recharging. The Amazon site says that it charges through the USB port -- in four hours. Is that four hours during which I would not be able to use a K2? Will the K2 be able to distinguish between the USB for data transfer and USB for power? Today, I keep the antenna turned off except when I have the Kindle plugged in; looks like I'd have to change the way I do things if I were to get a K2. I think I'm going to wait. My assessment: Positive: * I like the next generation eInk with faster refresh rate. * Longer battery life. * Power switch on top edge of unit -- though this isn't a big deal for me. * Hinge mounting system. * Smaller page-turn switches mean less likelihood of accidental turn -- though this isn't an issue except when I hand the Kindle to someone else. Remains to be seen if they are comfortably placed. Neutral: * No SD slot. I don't need one since I don't use my Kindle for MP3s, Audio books, or digital pictures. * I guess that more memory is a reasonable alternative to replaceable (SD card) storage. Not a big deal for me 'cause I only have 120 or so books on my K1 and I'm still have 81MB free. It looks like I'm using about 55% of the built-in memory. * 16 shades of grey will result in better-looking book covers and illustrations. I don't care to carry digital pictures on my Kindle, so again, it's not a significant improvement. * The TTS option sounds cool and may open the device to visually challenged users, but it's of very little value for me. * While I'd like folders and the folder levels to be displayed in the listing of the books, it's not a deal breaker for me. * Same network as K1. * Book selection & prices the same as K1. Negative: * Although thinner, it's larger than K1. * Uglier -- definitely. * Previous Page button only on left edge of unit -- I have same complaint with K1. Unknowns: * Can I use the Kindle while it's charging? * How easy will it be to use the new keyboard with the round keys? Without a compelling reason to purchase a K2, I'm going to sit tight with my K1s for now. Of course, if I decide I need a 4th Kindle, I'll order whatever is current. But, I can't find a good reason to move to the next release for now. It's definitely NOT the next generation.