How to Tell the Difference Between the Kindle and the Kindle 2

On February 9, 2009, Amazon introduced the second generation Kindle: the Kindle 2. The Kindle 2 is a step-up from the first Kindle in a lot of modest ways. This article will help you tell the difference between the two Kindles. Also, if you scroll down, you'll see that in the Resources area I've got links to other articles about the Kindle 2, as well as to Amazon's page to buy the Kindle or the Kindle 2!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Weight - Kindle 2 is lighter, weighing in at 10.2 ounces. The Kindle weighs 10.3 ounces.

2. Overall Design - Amazon was inspired by the look of wireless phones, and incorporated that into the design of the Kindle 2. The Kindle is boxy and, frankly, ugly. The Kindle 2 is slim and smooth like an iPhone.

3. Screen Display - The Kindle 2 screen can now display 16 shades of gray and it can turn pages 20% faster.

4. Technology - The Kindle 2 has Amazon's new text-to-speech technology, where any book, blog, newspaper, etc can be read out loud to you. The Kindle 2 also has Whispersync Bookmarking, which allows you to pick up reading on a separate Kindle 2.

5. Controls - The first Kindle had a slider to move from line to line. Kindle 2 has a joystick.

6. Battery Life - The Kindle 2 has a 25% longer battery life than the first Kindle.

7. No Monthly Wireless Fee - Amazon doesn't charge a monthly wireless fee for the Kindle or the Kindle 2. Both models use 3G technology to download books, etc.

Resources

• Kindle - starting at $248.00
• Kindle 2 - $359.00
• Live At The Amazon Kindle Event