Now that I’ve had a few days to actually use the device and I’ve read my first book on it (David Maraniss’s Rome 1960: The Olympics that Changed the World) I finally have some real world experience on which to base a proper review of the device.  I love it.

I truly enjoyed having the built-in dictionary available for a few of the more obscure words that Maraniss tossed in to the story.  Similarly, I’m a big fan of the ability to annotate a story.  There is a reference in Rome 1960 to another story, Pitch Invasion, that seems pretty cool.  Being able to search for that book directly from the device was great.  It not actually being available was a minor setback, but such is life.  Normally in that situation I’d write something on the scrap of paper I’m using as a bookmark and then hope I remember to look it up at some point.  The Kindle shortens that cycle and helps me actually remember to find the things I’m looking for.  That may become an expensive change for me, but I’m willing to accept that risk.

The battery life has been incredibly impressive.  People I’ve seen over the past few days keep asking me how long the battery lasts.  I honestly cannot give them an answer as I haven’t run it out yet.  I haven’t even managed to get it below 50%.  I keep the radio off unless I’m actively downloading something to help extend the battery life and it seems to be working out quite nicely.

I have but one complaint.  The forward/back buttons are a little difficult to click.  They redesigned those keys because folks complained they were too easy to press accidentally.  I think that they went too far in their efforts.  It isn’t really a problem, but it does require a rather forceful and purposeful action to turn the page.  That is probably what they wanted, but it is a bit annoying to me.

Also, I’m not sure why they made the keyboard area so big.  Make the device smaller or the screen bigger with that much real estate to work with.  But that isn’t too big a deal.

No complaints about the device otherwise.  I’m not certain that it is a compelling upgrade from the K1, but it is certainly a quality product.

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Amazon has finally announced the much awaited update to their Kindle eReader product.  The new one is thinner, lighter and has improved battery life, download speeds, button layout and an upgrade to a 16-shade display from the current 4 shades.

The price remains the same ($359) and it will continue to operate on Sprint’s data network, so no love for the folks outside the USA.  They expect to start shipping the devices on February 24, and I would expect that there will be reasonably long waitlists, just like when the original version was released.

I’m actually somewhat concerned that it might be too thin to feel natural in your hand while reading.  That’s one thing I really like about the original.  I guess I’ll have to wait a couple weeks to find out.

The file formats supported remain pretty much the same, too, which is not so impressive.  I had hoped that would get a bit better.

They’re going to sell a ton of these, including one to me, but it isn’t clear that they are revolutionary or even really a significant upgrade over the original model.  It will basically be all about the screen.  Hopefully I’ll know more very soon after February 24th.

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For folks looking at the Amazon Kindle but a bit put off by the $360 price tag, there is a coupon that can knock an extra $50 off the price: OPRAHWINFREY.

I like the device.  A lot.  I’m tempted to finally get one instead of lusting after my wife’s but I’ve also heard rumors of a next gen model so I might hold out for that.  Still, the $50 off deal is a pretty nice savings on a great eBook device.

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It had to happen sooner or later, I’m bringing you more insane news about the Apple iPhone. This news is a little different though, and might bring a smile to the face of anyone who has been trying to get their hands on the new iPhone in the past weeks.

For some reason, Amazon.com has the new phone listed on their site, despite not actually being one of the 2 distribution partners of the phone, or actually having any in stock. It could have been an overenthusiastic developer, or just a way to get even more traffic to their site.

There were already some rumors out there of Apple adding multiple resellers over time (including Radio Shack), so perhaps this is a sign that something will change when Apple is finally able to produce enough of them to go around.

Amazon.com iPhone 3G page

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My deal of the day today is for the Asus Eee 900.

The version on sale is the 900 20G, which means you get a 900MHz Intel chip, 8.9" display, Linux pre-loaded, 20GB SSD (spanned between 2 drives), 1GB ram, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, webcam, card reader and several USB Ports.

As always with Asus, this machine has already been replaced by the upcoming Eee 901 which comes with an Intel Atom chip, but costs $200 more.

These machines come with all the required Windows drivers in the box, so if you manage to find XP you’ll be able to replace the Linux OS.

The $100 rebate is valid till the end of the month and can be found here. The machine is currently in stock and ready to ship.

Product page: Amazon.com

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Perfect timing from Amazon (and AT&T), right before the 3G iPhone launches they are working hard to sell their current stock of smartphones.

There are some amazing deals here, including the tilt for just $80 (after a $100 rebate). Other deals include the Blackberry Curve for -$75 (yes, MINUS $75!) and the Blackjack II for -$49.99.

If the iPhone isn’t your thing, then there is bound to be at least one smartphone that’ll fit your needs.

Check out the list of all smartphones on sale at Amazon.com

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If you search for "Netflix" on Amazon (I wanted to see whether they carry the Roku Netflix player), you’ll find a surprising result in the number 2 spot; The ultimate rip off. Perhaps Amazon and Netflix are not best friends forever?

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My nifty Amazon price drop tracker just popped up and alerted me to a $40 price drop on the Kindle. Not only did they shave a bit off the price, they are also shipping them for free with 2 day delivery.

Great news for first adopters of the Amazon Kindle! You just lost $40. Unless of course you purchased one in the past 30 days, in which case Amazon will gladly refund the price drop.

Product page: Amazon Kindle

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It’s either a sign of customer service, or desperation, but Jeff Bezos himself has posted another of his letters to the main page of Amazon reminding you that you can order his revolutionary Kindle.

It’s taken them 5 months to get production up to speed but they are finally at the stage where you can order, and actually get one the next day, instead of having to wait 7 weeks.

Now, why can’t Nintendo mange the same with thier Wii?

Kindle purchase link

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Basically everything except the iPhone is on sale today only for a penny. Two year contract, etc. required. Some of them have rebates, so the price may end up a credit to you after rebate, though others require a rebate to get to the penny price. Grab a Blackberry or a Tilt or some other cool new toy for your travels, but do it today.

Happy Shopping!

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