why the heck would you upgrade?

[matt314159]

I've never owned a k1 or k2, but from my reading, as far as I'm concerned, two reasons:
- Pearl screen: 50% better contrast, w/ better-designed fonts that appear bolder and darker. I hope this translates into more easy readibility in marginal light conditions.
- Webkit-Based browser appears to blow the basic browser out of the water.

That said, I mentioned in another thread, AFTER placing my k3 preorder, I picked up a k2i for $100 shipped on eBay just to test it out. I guess everyone with upgraditis is dumping the old model to make way for the new? I couldn't pass up the good deal. So I'll have the k2 to compare with the 3g+wifi k3 when it comes. If I don't think it's a significant enough improvement, I'll send it back. I kind of think the pearl screen is going to clinch it for me, though, if it really does have 50% better contrast.

[brecklundin]

one problem on upgrading is because Amazon keeps fiddling with the form factor the associated bits need replacing as well. Consider the cover you paid $40-$60 for now you will get around $20 is you are luck and a new cover is another $40-$60 so there is that $60-$80 swing in added cost....so your $139 reader is no over $200...so unless you can get over $200 for your old device and accessories you are again tossing funds into the ocean from the end of the pier...

Also the K3 might have a nice screen and potentially huge improvement in the d-pad vs. that nasty joystick we have on the K2's then consider the numbers are moved off the keyboard and are now under the SYM menu...not even the ALT combo like on the DX family...and I dunno about you but I use numbers enough when typing to this to be a big downer.

For new buyers or those looking to add a relatively in expensive additional reader for the $139 price plus a cover, then sure it's an easy decision but as an upgrade, I would want the 3G version since I do use it...the deal is not really that worth it to me...oh, on the positive side is the doubled internal memory, still that doesn't matter that much to me...yet.

I am waiting, first because I don't find the K3 that compelling when all things are considered and second because we haven't even seen a working review or device.

[danachee]

Originally Posted by krazy4katz

I have a K1 (since Jan '08). Although I love it, I am upgrading to the $189 version because I want:

1. Collections! K1 owners did not get that upgrade
2. Better screen contrast -- not that important to me, but in low light it probably helps.
3. Faster -- not important for page turning, but for dictionary use etc.
4. 16 shades of grey -- nice for images!
5. The ability to search within 1 book for a keyword rather than the entire library. That is another feature never pushed to the K1.
6. Longer battery life when connected to the internet (either wireless or 3G).

I probably will trade my K1 into GreenEarthExchange after a few weeks of playing with the K3, just to recoup some of the money I spent, but not sure yet.

k4k

I'm also a K1 owner, and my main reasons are your 1 and 5. Also, after 2.5 years, my battery will soon need replacing (yeah, I know, I could just buy another battery :-)). Since I keep my toys for awhile, and companies stop pushing upgrades to them, I feel its a better deal to get the k3 than an older/cheaper k2. Hopefully I'm purchasing longer upgrade support by doing this.

[Blackterrier]

I'm upgrading because I have the K1 and current firmware updates don't include it. Another reason is the decrease in size along with the improved technology. I never thought the K2 was enough of an improvement to justify the cost, but the K3 does, especially with the $139.00 price tag on the wifi version. Also, my husband has been reading more, and, well, lets just say, I'm possessive of my Kindle. I plan on keeping the K1 until it breaks and stops working.

[PaulGuy]

Originally Posted by Juliette

That too. I was forgetting about the Pearl Screen. Quite interesting! (is the difference so remarkable?)

Yes, it is much better. Good looks in this video. Use higher resolution and watch full screen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs755bLrOvg

[brecklundin]

Paul,

Nice video but it doesn't seem to add any support to the issue of the display being improved contrast wise. I did notice there is a new setting for "Typeface" which looks to allow difference default font weights...that has to be super handy and make the reader better for everyone. Thanks for the link to the video...

[matt314159]

I dunno, to me it looked more contrasty in the video, the background seemed whiter.

[carld]

Originally Posted by matt314159

I dunno, to me it looked more contrasty in the video, the background seemed whiter.

Comparing the video to my K1, the K3's background is *much* whiter.

[PaulGuy]

Originally Posted by brecklundin

Paul,

Nice video but it doesn't seem to add any support to the issue of the display being improved contrast wise. I did notice there is a new setting for "Typeface" which looks to allow difference default font weights...that has to be super handy and make the reader better for everyone. Thanks for the link to the video...

Maybe your monitor needs cleaning.


Honestly I think the video gives a better representation of the screen than most of the still shots but it really has to be seen in person to really get it. The low light performance is unbelievable. I can read it in lighting conditions long after the old screen would have been worthless without additional lighting.

[matt314159]

Originally Posted by PaulGuy

Maybe your monitor needs cleaning.


Honestly I think the video gives a better representation of the screen than most of the still shots but it really has to be seen in person to really get it. The low light performance is unbelievable. I can read it in lighting conditions long after the old screen would have been worthless without additional lighting.

this is what I've been wanting to hear! In fact I would have settled for, "it's a little better"...I notice on my PRS-300 (supposedly a comparable screen to the k2) I need a bright light to read comfortably on. Previously, a 40w bedside lamp would have been plenty, now it simply doesn't cut it and I need a brighter light.

[brecklundin]

Originally Posted by PaulGuy

Maybe your monitor needs cleaning.


Honestly I think the video gives a better representation of the screen than most of the still shots but it really has to be seen in person to really get it. The low light performance is unbelievable. I can read it in lighting conditions long after the old screen would have been worthless without additional lighting.

Then perhaps your understanding of "proof" is flawed...

While it's a so-so video and at least demonstrates a working K3, there is no reference device. Hell, there is only one K3 in the shoot so there is also no evidence the new panel is even consistent from device to device. This means, at the current microsecond in time, it's IMPOSSIBLE to substantiate the claim about the new panel. I have no doubt it's true but at the same time you are using WAG to support your claim with no facts in place and blinders on, it's not a done deal until these devices are out in the wild as well as we see several together at the same time under the same light as well as compared side by side. The video you offer as "proof" does neither was my point. But hey, this is MR where critical thinking is no longer a requirement when offering "proof".

[PaulGuy]

Originally Posted by brecklundin

Then perhaps your understanding of "proof" is flawed...

While it's a so-so video and at least demonstrates a working K3, there is no reference device. Hell, there is only one K3 in the shoot so there is also no evidence the new panel is even consistent from device to device. This means, at the current microsecond in time, it's IMPOSSIBLE to substantiate the claim about the new panel. I have no doubt it's true but at the same time you are using WAG to support your claim with no facts in place and blinders on, it's not a done deal until these devices are out in the wild as well as we see several together at the same time under the same light as well as compared side by side. The video you offer as "proof" does neither was my point. But hey, this is MR where critical thinking is no longer a requirement when offering "proof".

Wow you're a serious guy! The dirty monitor was a joke. I never offered the video as proof of anything. I thought it presented the look of the screen fairly accurately compared to my own experience with the Graphite DX. Honestly I don't care who buys a new K3. Bezos certainly isn't paying me. But I had a DX, have a K2i, have a nook, and had a prs-505. So personally feel I know what a first generation eInk screen looks like and in my experience the Pearl DX it is significantly better.

[Stingo]

I thought the only difference would be slightly darker fonts. I compared my friends DXG with my DX side by side at a restaurant. I was floored. The DXG background is lighter and the text is crisper and darker. This is the first e-reader that beats my old 505. For me its all about the best experience for my eyes. No comparison, the new screans win hands down.

[matt314159]

I can't wait to see the difference. These things are almost impossible to get right in photos and videos, and the one photo i saw comparing the dxg to the dx left me underwhelmed. But from personal accounts I've read, they seem to indicate the difference is very noticeable.

[ThomasC]

My only intention on this thread was to question why one would upgrade an already very good E-book reader, like the k2i or Dxi.

My K2i and Dxi work great, incl G3 reception, so I don't have a need for Wifi. My Dxi works great but I have to admit that I had to install a helvitica2 font hack to bring it up to the same standards as my k2i contrast.