Deals, Bargains and Advice in Electronics

The Amazon Kindle has been the big boy on the block for a while now, as you might know from reading the Amazon Kindle 2 reviews, but with the release of the Sony 600 and its little brother, the Sony PRS-300, there may be a challenger coming to town. While the details are  still a little sketchy, a few things have been confirmed. Most recently the device itself was confirmed by Sony. However, some leaked details gave a little  bit more information about what they offer. And some of the things these new ebook readers claim to do may have Amazon sweating a little.

The first thing most people are going to notice is the price. The Kindle 2, the older model now that the Kindle DX is out, still runs for about 260 dollars.  However, the brand new Sony PRS-600 is purported to be releasing at about that same price. The aggressive pricing clearly shows that Sony is looking to get in on  people who still aren’t will to shell out almost 500 dollars for a Kindle DX, but who want something newer than the Kindle 2. Sony also states that they will be matching  the 9.99 dollars price for new releases and best sellers, further proof of their willingness to compete with Amazon. For the money Sony is asking, they certainly  appear to be offering something quite significant.

One of the features worth looking into with Sony’s new electronic book readers is the touch screen feature. The only other e-reader where this feature is found is the 1000-dollar FLEPia. The touch screen allows you to take advantage of additional space where buttons would usually take up. This indicates that the device would then be lighter and a bit smaller. The screen is about 6 inches in size, and a mere 10 ounces. Its thickness is about 4 inches. It is compact, yet is more advanced compared to other readers that you may come across.

Another rumored feature that has made the Sony Reader more anticipated is the possibility that it has a flexible screen. Although nothing has been confirmed by Sony about this, the manual does mention that the device has many flexible parts. One of the theories being floated around is that it may have a bendable and unbreakable screen, which would certainly be a breakthrough technology.

Speculation is all well and good, but it is the hard facts that have people intrigued about the Sony PRS-300 and Sony PRS-600. The Sony PRS-600 comes with  freehand writing via a stylus, a built-in dictionary, a library software suite that supports both Mac and PC, 380mb of storage with possibility for expansion  and a battery life up to 7,500 pages. That’s all very extraordinary given the modest price. While the details are still not entirely fleshed out by Sony, it is  clear that Amazon is going to have some competition. With the Sony PRS-600 and it’s little brother the PRS-300 getting ready to hit the market, potential  buyers might just be holding out a little longer on that Kindle 2 they’ve been watching.

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The ability to natively read PDF files is one of the more important and useful features that the Kindles 1 and 2 lacked. In the Kindle DX, Amazon finally addressed this issue. But what of the 1st and 2nd generations of the Kindle? The problem of course, remains. Load a PDF file into your device and nothing turns up. There are two answers to this. The first involves sending an email to Amazon with the file as an attachment and asking them to convert the PDF into a file readable by the Kindle. The second is a do-it-yourself Kindle PDF conversion.

One thing you should know about the Kindle is that while it does not recognize PDF files, it can read PRC files. So what we’re essentially doing here is to convert the original documents into files that are recognized by the device. If you’re using a PC, the Mobipocket Creator is one of the programs that you can use for the conversion process, while if you’re Mac user, you can use Stanza. The end result is the same.

The conversion process that you would need to go through using the Mobipocket Creator is a relatively simple one. Just open the program, select the import file option, then browse your PC and click on the PDF file you wish to have converted. Then select the HTML created and click on the build button. Depending on the file size, the build process can be done quickly enough, and in the end you get the file format that you need. Errors may come up during the conversion process but you can just ignore these. The file you get may be readable on the Kindle but it’s not a perfect copy and some elements may be lacking like a table of contents.

The process is even simpler in Stanza. You simply pick the file, then choose export book as option. Amazon Kindle is one of the options listed.

You should note that these file conversions are not always perfect. As stated earlier, you will not get a table of contents standard with the conversion. The  program comes with the option to create one, however. If your PDF is large or you need it to be properly organized, it might be worth your time to build a  table of contents yourself. You may also experience some clunky conversion sectors, but they shouldn’t make the document illegible. If everything goes  smoothly, you should end up with a viewable Kindle PDF document.

There is always the option of e-mailing your documents in to have them converted, but it can be expensive over time and takes a while for the document to get  back to you. If you’re more interested in doing it yourself, these are just two programs that have the ability to convert the files. There may be other  programs, even better programs, but you will have to do some searching to find the one you like the most. If you are just looking for a Kindle PDF conversion, these programs make it easy enough  for anyone to handle.

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Technorati Tags: amazon kindle, Computers, ebook reading device, electronic book reader, how to convert pdf for kindle, kindle pdf, kindle pdf conversion, portable ebook reader, technology

The advent of the digital age has definitely made this world a more convenient place to live in. For instance, even the most avid reader would balk at the thought of bringing his favorite books with him wherever he goes. But with an electronic book reader, you don’t only bring your top five books, you get to take the whole library with you. It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling or just having a cup of coffee at the nearby café, your books go with you everywhere. However, owning an ebook reader could cost you a few hundred dollars, and if you want to get your money’s worth, you should definitely get one that is best for you.

The cheapest of ebook readers still have yet to breach the sub-100 dollar mark. But you can find some readers for just over 200 dollars. This may be all you need from an  ereader depending upon how heavily you plan to use it. Don’t expect a battery that will last for an entire transatlantic flight, however. If your job  requires lots of traveling or down time, you may want something slightly nicer. You can expect to spend nearly 500 dollars for the higher-end models. The new Amazon Kindle DX, for instance, is the biggest and most advanced of  its kind. While many people don’t want to spend that much, you do get a lot more when you pay more. If you’re really looking to go crazy, you can even buy  models like the Flepia for over 1,000 dollars.

Of course you don’t want to waste your money on something that you really don’t need, right? Generally, what you should look into is a device that has long lasting battery life to allow you to make use of it for a longer period. You could also look for one that has a screen that won’t wear out your eyes. You don’t necessarily have to purchase one which is expensive. They may have more features but what’s important is finding one that’s just right for you.

More often, what is left unnoticed when it comes to its features is the reader’s file compatibility. For example, not all readers are capable of reading PDF files, which is one of the most popular file format nowadays. This would then limit the libraries that you may get your ebooks from. If you opt to use Sony readers, they would have a library which has about a hundred thousand books, while Amazon’s Kindle would allow you to gain access to over 250,000 books.

It’s really not that much of a challenge to find the best ebook reader for you. All you have to do is to get more information about the device before purchasing it. If you think getting a device with a higher price would do you best, think twice. If you are looking for a pleasant touch screen feature you may opt to purchase a Flepia although the thousand-dollar price tag may be too steep just for that feature alone. The decision is yours. You’ll just have to make the right choice. By not focusing on the features but the use, you’ll definitely find one that can meet your expectations and your budget.

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Technorati Tags: amazon kindle, best ebook reader, Computers, ebook reading device, electronic book reader, handheld ebook reader, kindle, portable ebook reader, technology

With the introduction of the ebook reader and the advanced technology it brings, many wonder if this could perhaps be the end of the written word as we know it. On the contrary however, ebook readers have taken the reading experience into a whole new level, and in the case of students for instance, the use of ebook reading devices can make students’ lives easier. If they have all their books conveniently stored as ebooks in their devices, they need not lug around heavy books all the time and can instead, focus on the business of learning. College students especially, can have the most benefit from using portable ebook readers.

The first reason is simply because of health concerns. From junior high all the way through college, students have to bear the burden of several classes-worth of books, some of those books being considerable in size. This can be a major problem as it can lead to a kid being physically worn out by the end of the day or developing back problems later on. The problem is so severe that some companies have designed their backpacks after heavy-load camping packs to help reduce lower back strain. If all of a kid’s books were on a light ereader they would never forget one and they wouldn’t have to lug around 50 pounds on their back all day.

The second reason why ebook readers would be a good substitute for a backpack of books is its practicality. College students wait in long lines every start of the semester just to get the books they need, often trying to get first shot at second-hand but in-good-condition books. Then at the end of the semester, they line up again to get these books sold. With an ebook reader, there would be no need for all those long lines because you can download books wirelessly in minutes. We all know that to the conscientious student, savings in time can go a long way in pursuing other important activities.

Cost is another great, if not obvious, reason to make the switch. While a 400 to 500-dollar ebook reader may not seem like a savings, it pales in comparison to what the typical student will spend on books. Depending on their major, some students may even spend that much on just one book! The ebook reader offers the opportunity to cut back on long term spending by making one investment. And nothing is worse than waiting an hour in line to sell your hundred dollar book back only to get nothing more than lunch money in return.

Students already have a lot of things to think about and falling in line just to buy their books just adds to their time lost. With the help of technology, one can make use of an electronic device without having to carry all those heavy books all the time. Students don’t have to stress themselves out wondering if they got the right book and at the same time, have more energy to study. Having ebooks handy would also benefit the teachers in a way that they do not have to worry if their student have the reading materials they need as these ebooks are available in countless digital copies. With all of these benefits, having ebook readers implemented as a must-have for campuses is something to look into.

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Technorati Tags: amazon kindle, Computers, ebook reading device, electronic book reader, handheld ebook reader, kindle DX, portable ebook reader, technology

Aside from being a revolutionary gadget that is taking reading to unexplored levels, the Kindle DX now has another important role: that of a savior to the ailing newspaper industry. Subscription plunged to such low levels that even the most respected papers have had to fold-up or make huge cuts in the budget, laying off people, removing other sections of the paper, or even coming out less frequently. Some of the bigger organizations such as the New York Times now publish online versions of the printed paper, and most of them have also taken to having digital versions that can be read through the Kindle.

Some say that the change is a good thing for the newspaper industry. The printed paper has been around since Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick published its first, and last, edition in 1690. Now that the digital age has revolutionized almost every other aspect of human life, the paper is simply falling into place. Many people see the trend as inevitable and think that it would be unwise if papers were to resist. Instead, opting to go where the momentum leads them may allow papers to get to readers more easily and with less waste. Hopefully, this will entice people to pick up their subscriptions again.

Still, some may say that it would be a mistake for newspapers to depend on the Amazon Kindle DX. Many newspapers have already made steps to get published online, read free by anyone who visits their site, and earn through online advertisements. What they are doing now is trying to earn additional profits by offering subscription for the Kindle editions of the paper — the same content people can read free online. There are analysts who think that this is a waste of resources which could only serve to exacerbate the industry’s situation. Whether we admit it or not, newspapers may not be that needed anymore as more and more trained reporters are being replaced by bloggers, who do blogging, a form of pseudo-journalism.

Still, it would be interesting to see how readers will react if more publishers come up with newspapers in Kindle DX format that subscribers can receive on a regular basis. Will this perhaps reignite interest in newspapers in general, and turn around the deteriorating fortunes of the newspaper industry? With the Kindle considered as a revolutionary device in the world of reading, as touted by most Amazon Kindle DX reviews, it could possibly improve the state of the newspaper industry. One thing that the papers are doing to give added value to Kindle subscribers is to offer live updates, making news more accessible, even without a computer or internet connection. Just imagine waking up in the morning, turning on your Kindle DX, and then finding fresh news.

There really is no way to tell if the Amazon Kindle DX will save the newspaper industry, but right now it may be the only chance they have.

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Technorati Tags: amazon kindle, amazon kindle dx, Computers, ebook reading device, kindle DX, portable ebook reader, publishing, technology

The Amazon Kindle DX is a technologically advanced gadget that comes with many “firsts” but it still fails to impress everyone. Just try reading Amazon Kindle DX Review and you’ll find that users find it lacking in some areas. Many Kindle owners would agree that being able to read for a continuous 12 hours is more than enough but those who are constantly on the go and bring their DX along, find the 12-hour battery life too short. It’s all a matter of finding whether the Kindle DX is the right portable ebook reader for you. Let’s talk pros and cons of the DX.

The pro list is a big one. The DX boasts so many features, it’s impossible to list them all in a short article. One thing the Kindle does very well is live  up to what it claims. The screen is huge and perfect for easy-on-the-eyes reading anywhere. It can hold more books that most people can even think of and  other documents as well. Offering you a rotating screen, the Kindle DX is perfect for reading newspapers or kid’s books with a lot of pictures. The DX also  boasts an improved design over the Kindle 2, making it easier to hold without accidentally hitting buttons.

But there are still issues, many of which aren’t exactly the fault of the device. The biggest complaint that many users have is the DRM (digital rights  management) that Amazon has chosen to use. DRM is widely considered an outdated practice of material protection and unfortunately limits the kinds of  documents you can use on your Kindle DX. You are forced to buy from Amazon and you may find that many of your reader files will not work.

Another major concern with the DX is its lack of organizational capability, meaning it’s difficult to find what goes where if you have a large library. The last and perhaps one of the biggest issues with the DX is its price tag that many interested individuals simply find too steep.

All that taken into account, it’s time to take a step back and consider if the Kindle DX is worth having. True, it is one of the most expensive gadgets around given the fact that it’s more of a hobby gadget than necessity, but the features that also come with it as an ebook reading device certainly can’t be easily dismissed. It may have its share of flaws which are quite off-putting for some, but these flaws do not affect 100% of buyers. The bottom line is, the Kindle DX may not be for everyone just yet, but for most of those privileged to own one, their purchase was worth the price.

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If you currently have a Kindle 2, you might have heard the recent news that the Kindle DX is now out. If you don’t have a Kindle yet, this could be a great  opportunity to finally get your hands on one. But when it comes to spending so much money, you are probably hesitating because you don’t know which one is  right for you. Fortunately, it is easy to decide once you have gone over what the two different products have to offer, and this Amazon Kindle DX Review will show you just that.

The Kindle 2 is the older of the two units and as such, has slightly less to offer in terms of size and capability. It is a smaller device that measures 8″ x  5.3″ x 0.36″ with a 6″ diagonal screen. At only 10.2 ounces, slightly more than half a pound, it is a perfect handheld ebook reader. And when you consider that its 2GB hard drive can hold roughly 1,500 books, it’s hard to  imagine you would ever find yourself without a good book at your side. The Kindle 2 sells for 259 dollars right now, making it way more affordabe than the Kindle DX.

Now enter the new Kindle DX. So what does it bring to the table besides its steep price? For one, it takes reading to a whole new level by its bigger size at 10.4″ x 7.2″ x 0.38″ and an impressive 9.7-inch screen that auto-rotates. Go from portrait to landscape mode by just turning the device in your hand. This makes it a great device for reading newspapers and books that come with illustrations, and looking over charts and maps. With that size though, it also tips the scale at 18.9 ounces, nearly twice that of the Kindle 2.

It still isn’t nearly as heavy as the 3,500 books that could fit onto its 4 GB hard drive. In addition, you get a native PDF reader, one of the biggest complaints about the Kindle 2 being that it didn’t have one. But all these upgrades come at a price, meaning the Kindle DX is a 489-dollar ebook reader, which many people may just find to be too much.

Just because the Kindle DX is the newer version doesn’t necessarily mean it is the better one. It may have plenty of features the Kindle 2 doesn’t, but the Kindle 2 has size on its side. The DX works well at home, but the Kindle 2 still wins out in terms of portability. The price difference may be a head-turner as well. While the DX has a lot more to offer, the Kindle 2 is still a great ebook reader and costs quite a bit less. For many people, the Kindle 2 may have all the features they need. It still replaces crumbling old books or the dozen textbooks in your backpack. Whichever one suits you best, you cannot really go wrong with Amazon’s ebook readers.

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Technorati Tags: amazon kindle dx, amazon kindle dx review, Computers, ebook reading device, handheld ebook reader, kindle dx review, kindle review, portable ebook reader, technology

With the latest Bond film being planned for release next year, here are some great spy gadgets that will satisfy anyones spy fantasies. Shame they don’t come cheap though.

Land Rover Defender 10 (£67,850) - This car may not look wonderful, however, it could take a punch, or anything you want to throw at it really. The 4×4 beast of a car has armour plating on the sides, front and rear all capable of withstanding 5.56mm plus 7.62 mm rounds. Plus, with the added protection of bullet proof glass, you can be sure you won’t be shot during the school run. If you’re fretting about the odd mine or grenade on the road, you can have peace of mind because the bottom of the car is grenade and mine proof.

Tornado Night Vision Goggles Generation 2 (£3,162.50) - They may be a little expensive, however, you won’t be tripping over anything during the night with these on. If you like boys toys, Tornado Googles are for you. These goggles are state of the art and come with one night vision tube and convieniently 2 eye pieces. Also, there are different lenses available if you want to zoom in. All of this power can run on 2 AA batteries. The perfect Christmas gifts?

Taser C2 (£248) - This one of those gadgets for non UK residents really as it is illegal in the UK, unless you’re a policeman. The Taser C2 allows you to fire a C2 cartiridge at your target zapping them with electricity, giving you time to get away. The powerful lithium battery that it comes with can manage up to 50 zaps, plus, the entire gadget can fit in your pocket.

Spy Camera Glasses (£89.99) - Some covert cameras now, they are normal sun glasses, however, these come with a 1.3 megapixel camera attached. The sunglasses also include 1 GB of memory which can store up to 1000 pictures. That’s not all, you can also take photos without even touching the glasses by using the remote control that’s provided as standard.

All these gadgets are must haves for any James Bond wannabes. The only problem is that you won’t look like 007 driving in the Land Rover.

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Technorati Tags: covert cameras, land rover, night vision, night vision goggles, non-leathal weapons, spy gadgets, taser

Unlike mobile phones, laptops and other devices, the ebook reader industry started off rather inconspicuously. In fact, when the first Amazon Kindle launched, it did so without much fanfare. But with Oprah gushing about the Kindle being her “new most favorite thing in the world,” in addition to the release of the improved Kindle 2, people’s curiosity eventually paved the way for the Kindle to really take off big time. This catapulted Amazon to ebook reader fame, and further cemented its hold on the market with the Kindle DX release.

But there are plenty of products out there with hype on their side, is the new DX another one or is it the real deal? Honestly, it is a bit of both. The Kindle DX is just the beefier big brother of the slightly older Kindle 2 and while they are both great technology, they may not be poised to replace paper books just yet. What they do offer, the Kindle 2 especially, is great portability. And with the ability to hold thousands of books in something only as big as a thin hardback book, the appeal is obvious. You would need a library on your back to carry around what the Kindle can.

The Kindle 2 has plenty of competition from other handheld ebook reader, but the new Kindle DX is in a category all its own. Amazon has built a reader that is a step above the competition in almost every way. Whether it is more storage, an easier-to-read screen or the rotating views ala the iPhone, the Kindle DX is unmatched in its features. But it remains unmatched in its price as well.

The price of the Kindle DX is a whooping 489 dollars. This is probably why many people, even those who think highly of the Kindle and the ebook technology, are hesitant to get a Kindle DX. It doesn’t even come with any freebies like a bestseller or two, and since you would still need to purchase a good cover for it, your costs could extend well beyond the 500-dollar mark. At the very least, couldn’t Amazon just have added a cover into the package?

Because it is a fairly new piece of technology, the Kindle is still exploring its marketplace. It offers a great wireless connection to the Amazon marketplace, but it still isn’t available outside the country. This is simply because the Kindle is not yet established. Many people still see it as just something to read books on. But not too long ago, the iPod was only something that played music. And now, you’d have a harder time finding someone who doesn’t own one than someone who does. The fact is that the Kindle really is a innovative piece of technology and it has certainly made an impact. It’s only a matter of time before everyone with a bookshelf frees up some space in their room and does all their reading from an ebook reader. And as it stands now, Kindle is perched to be the ebook reader of choice for a long time to come.

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Technorati Tags: amazon kindle 2, amazon kindle 2 review, Computers, ebook reading device, handheld ebook reader, kindle 2 review, kindle review, portable ebook reader, technology

The new technology advances in noise reduction headsets has reached the point where it is now a useable and viable choice for consumer products. Headphones made by Bose were probably the first broadly marketed product with effective noise canceling technology and broad consumer appeal.

Noise reduction headphones are now produced by many manufacturers and there are a multitude of models and types now available. And rather than being out of the price range of the normal consumer, prices have fallen to the point where effective and useful products can be found in most people’s price range.

Being able to wear a headset and have the background noise nearly completely disappear is an exceptional experience. The idea behind noise canceling technology is that your headset has a tiny microphone included that monitors the ambient noise that surrounds you. The included circuitry then immediately reverses the wave of the bothersome outside noise and play back a canceling wave that reduces or does a very good job of highly eliminating the background noise.

While your mileage may vary, you will find that the various models all do a good job in some areas while they may not meet your expectations in others. Headsets that totally cover your ears and provide an additional physical barrier to noise may do a better job than those that rely only on the noise canceling technology to work.

Most models offer the option of being able to plug in your laptop or MP3 player or use them on a plane’s audio system so that you both get the reduction of background noise and can listen to music or other audio at the same time. However, the headset can be used on their own to just supply reduction in the background noise in loud or noisy situations.

An additional branch that the technology is taking is in making ‘comfortable’ headphones that can be worn while sleeping. These are made of soft material and would be an ideal for a long plane ride and a long nap at the same time. These sleep headphones often are used by those who listen to subliminal or sleep music and want headphones that are extremely comfortable.

Since the headsets use active electronics to create the noise cancelling effect, they all need a power source. This is usually a triple A battery but models are available with many different options. They are also packaged with various options to allow connection to different audio sources.

You will want to consider trying noise reduction headsets if you frequently fly or travel long distances or if you are exposed to work or other situations with high levels of background noise. The difference between a pleasant quiet experience and the noisy irritating times of the past will quickly convince you how effective and essential this technology is.

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