The 2nd generation Kindle from Amazon is now official and is available for pre-order for $359PHP 21,068INR 30,425EUR 342CNY 2,613. Oprah surely did help boost sales of the e-book reader. Although the upgrades are not that record-breaking — 2GB storage for up to 1,500 books, 25% more battery life, better display — it sure doesn’t hurt that this model is thinner (9mm) and lighter (289 grams). 
The best new feature I guess would be Read to Me which is a text-to-speech feature that reads the e-book (and blogs, magazine, newspaper) for you.
But then again, this is one of those gadgets we’ll never get to see or use in the Philippines. Well, unless Amazon changes their business model and unlock the Kindle from Sprint’s 3G network.
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Mindanao Bob says:
The Kindle can be used in the Philippines! I know a number of Kindle users here. Yes, you cannot use the wireless connectivity here, because the network is not available. However, you can buy and download to your PC, then transfer to the Kindle via USB.
Abe Olandres says:
@bob – wow, I didn’t know that part where you can sync the Kindle to your downloaded ebooks on your PC. Now that you mentioned it, looks like the Kindle 2 might be my next purchase (to get me back to reading books again!).
Miguel says:
The email-dependent features won’t be available though, like document conversion.
Hope they could make it use WiFi.
BrianB says:
Kindle is a groundbreaking device that will save trees and people’s eyes. It will definitely improve to put bookstores out of business. The books could get cheaper as well since bookstores usually get 50% of the cover price. I’m sure we’ll eventually have 5-dollar books out. One dollar on each book could go to the author with the publisher and Amazon splitting the difference… or so in my dreams.
issai says:
i would like to get my fiance one! he has tons of books and loves books so much. i love it for one reason, no more paper! Save our trees! Eventually, it might kill bookstores, which is sad, I like going to bookstores.
Philippine Yobbo says:
I sure hope hope CD-r King makes a product similar to kindle. That would be really cool!
Mindanao Bob says:
@Philippine Yobbo – If CDR King makes one it will still be 349. Pesos instead of Dollars, though!
Milo says:
If you can’t use the connectivity here in the Philippines then 359 USD plus tax and shipping is overkill. You are better off with a PSP and dowload bookr e-book reader software to get the Kindle’s functionality.
I would rather wait for a 400 usd netbook/tablet pc that Asus would be releasing soon.
issai — it would never kill bookstores.
broadwaybaby says:
I’ve had my Kindle for over a year now. I live in Manila and yeah, it sucks that I can’t get the whispernet feature but I can always buy and download books from Amazon.com and transfer it to my Kindle.
I’ve also ordered the Kindle 2 for my mom. It’s sad that they removed the SD slot and threw out the removable battery. But the Text-to-Speech will benefit my mom a lot.
Before you get excited, you should know that Amazon cannot ship the Kindle outside of the US. You have to get it while you’re in the US. I got mine when I was doing my internship in New York City.
And you need a credit card issued by a US bank with a billing address in the US in order to buy the Kindle and Kindle books.
RE: CD-R King’s version of the kindle
Unless the book publishers will give them rights to sell the books, it will be pretty useless. Sure there are plenty of free ebooks out there, but most are classics, what if you wanted a NYT bestseller? Lots of ebooks (from Amazon, Sony) are DRM-controlled.
Reading in netbooks, iPhone, PDAs, iPod Touch, etc. doesn’t compare to a digital book reader simply because DBRs uses e-ink technology that doesn’t strain your eyes. It’s pretty much like reading a paperback. There’s no backlight. And the battery lasts a while.
I don’t think it will kill bookstores either. :D Not everyone can afford a Kindle. And this really is targeted for the bibliophiles.
Chris Kindle says:
Just came across your blog on Google. Interesting post, you bring up a few good things to think about. Good luck with the blog.
bulate says:
i don’t think kindle and other e-book readers will be bookstore-killers. nothing still compares to the experience of having to read books/mags/news made from paper. but being able to carry practically an entire library of 1,500 books is really amazing for any bookworm. :)
Patrick says:
I’m split between these 2 seemingly opposing camps. I started reading ebooks again on my Palm but I still prefer reading an actual book. There’s something about holding a real book and flipping the pages that ebook readers simply can’t match. Honestly, I even like the smell of new books. :D
But yes, I also like the convenience of being able to carry several books in just a lightweight portable device. But Kindle is still too expensive just for an ebook reader. They need to lower the price a little bit more.
blued888 says:
I’m pretty sure that the Kindle will work in a somewhat offline mode and will not be totally crippled without the wireless connection. It will just be a bit harder to get the files into the Kindle.
What’s attractive about the Kindle is the touted “electronic paper” display. I’ve heard that it’s an E-Ink brand. I’ve asked people and they seem to say that it indeed somewhat appears like paper, which is certainly a good thing because reading on a CRT or LCD monitor gives you more eyestrain that reading book paper.
Tom Kindle says:
Hi there, just came across your blog doing a search on Google for Amazon Kindle Product Reviews. My personal opinion is that the Kindle really blows away the Sony Reader and all other products out there, and the Kindle 2 will be Amazing! Can’t wait for the Feb. 24th release date!!!
Kindle 2 Here says:
I have been watching the news about this so I have been looking around for the best site to visit. Yours is great. Thank you.
Revue S. Kindle says:
The Kindle 2 is distinctly more smashing than the first Kindle, especially if you’re inclined to forgive the battery and want of a memory-expansion alternative. And while it’s not without its defects and oddities, the Kindle 2 is a more enticing device now, and the total feel of reading, buying, and even listening to electronic books has taken a gracious step up.
Tien Vergara says:
I’m thinking of buying either a Kindle or a Sony e-reader. Problem is, both are not available here, and are not shipped here from either Amazon or Sony.
Anyone among those with e-readers now selling? So you could upgrade to the newer models? :-)
Please do let me know.
Thanks!
Xavier Padilla says:
I just got a Kindle! And you can download books in the Philippines via 3G with no extra charge.
Get the international edition.
Kindle 2 User says:
You can now download books from Amazon using your Kindle 2 in the Philippines, free of charge! Your Kindle 2 uses the 3G/GPRS/Edge network of local network providers. Amazon pays for the access. All you have to pay is the purchase price of the ebook you are buying.
tien vergara says:
actually there is a $2.00 charge for downloading outside of the u.s. it is imbedded in the price of the ebook you will download.
josiKat says:
a number of pretty good ebook readers are now in the market, and am thinking of getting one. does the kindle rank supreme or are the ipad, the sony reader, and the B&N nook giving it a run for its money?
jun tajanlangit says:
can someone tell me where i can get my kindle fixed here in the philippines. i cant use my kindle using usb.
yaoi_mazter says:
Hi! anyone here knows where I could buy a kindle case here in manila?
thank you
MarkLest says:
does anyone know where to buy a kindle 2 charger here in Manila?
thanks
MarkLest says:
..or a pc connector
Limchris says:
My mom recently won in an ebay auction a Kindle 2nd generation 3G wireless and she’s going to send it to me. I hope it works… Kindle 2 was compared to a sony ebook reader. And Kindle won, hahaha.
chris says:
Hi!
am in the US and planning on getting the wifi-kindle. question, would i be able to purchase books when i get back to the philippines? will there be difference in choices of books? registration of the device? will there be a difference i order and send it to the philippines ? US kindle vs Philippine Kindle ?
sorry been searching for clear cut answers in the net but couldn’t find any.
Thanks
Chris
yaoi_mazter says:
hi chris!
yes, you can still purchase books using 3g or wifi but there will be difference in book choices if you register under SE Asia…there are kindle books that are not being offered in our region for some obscure reason(which is frustrating as hell)!
ordering kindle and sending it over here is not a good idea since phil customs will require an arm and a leg before they release it to you^_^
I got this one —Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G, 6″ Display, White – 2nd Generation last year and it was great but now Amazon’s offering the Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, Graphite, 6″ Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology at $189 which makes me deeply regret not waiting for the 3rd gen…sigh!
hope i was able to help^_^
yaoi_mazter
chris says:
hi yaoi_mazter,
thanks for the info helps a lot! planning on getting the wifi one..
will there be any issues if i register for the US store.. and use my local (phil) credit card to purchase books in amazon? or would you need a US credit or will it be blocked?
oh.. so the 3G version works in the phil also, and free? hmm.. interesting..