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Review: Kindle Wireless Reading Device by Amazon

Featured Article, Reviews - by sheese - November 7, 2008 - 20:32 e - Be first to Comment!

I read a lot, I write a lot, and I am in front of my computer a lot. While most of my work (and some of my entertainment) requires me to be stationed in front of my computer, I do like to escape it and take my work elsewhere, like on my couch or bed. Yes, my laptop helps, but it’s not quite as portable as the new and innovative Kindle Wireless Reading Device.

In my mind, books are meant to be read pretty much anywhere, and while holding something in your hand! While we can read electronic books stationed at a computer or laptop, it just doesn’t feel right if we do it for too long. The Kindle allows users to read books, news, blogs, and more in this natural way.

What is Kindle?

The Kindle wireless reader by Amazon is a well-designed device that allows users to read full-length (or shorter!) books wirelessly. Its overall design–size, “grippability”, and wireless features–all support reading in a natural way, whether it’s curled up on the couch, in bed, or on a bus.

Its screen is sharp and high-res, and there isn’t any backlighting to interfere with reading in sunlight for example, so readability is fantastic. The Kindle is also very lightweight and easy to use. You don’t have to find “hotspots” in order to connect to the Internet. Wireless connectivity is similar to that of a cell phone, except you don’t have to pay for the wireless service. Kindle books can be downloaded directly from and to the Kindle through Amazon’s service. You can literally order a book through Amazon and start reading it within a minute–it’s automatically delivered wirelessly to the Kindle. Most Kindle books are 9.99 and less. There are also blog, news, and magazine subscriptions to download to your special device. Check out all the electronic paper options you have here.

With the Kindle, you can subscribe to your favorite magazine, whether it’s Time or Reader’s Digest, read many popular full-length books, turn on your Kindle in the morning and start reading your favorite newspaper right away, and stay up to date with the latest posts on your favorite blog.

Kindle can read books in Mobipocket or text formats, HTML docs, Audible.com’s audiobooks, and includes some MP3 support as well. So, you are not only limited to Amazon’s marketplace for material to read through your Kindle.

Kindle automatically saves your place in your book, and you can also bookmark or highlight parts that you’d like to return to later. If you lose your Kindle or it breaks, you can always re-download your purchases (Amazon keeps them stored). A fully charged Kindle lasts for longer than you’d expect–days, in fact. No computer is needed in order to use the Amazon Kindle. There’s a built-in dictionary that can be handy as well.

Besides its functionality and portable design, the Kindle won’t wow you with color or video, yet it’s rather pricey (currently selling for $349), so keep this in mind. It does what it sets out to do very well, however.

For more information, user reviews, or to buy: Kindle: Amazon’s Wireless Reading Device

Video Demonstration of Kindle

The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft

Featured Article, Upcoming - by sheese - October 11, 2008 - 21:05 e - Be first to Comment!

The Hardy Boys has been one of the most beloved series of books for teens. Tom Cruise and Ben Stiller are set to play the crime investigator duo in a major motion picture in 2009. A line of posters, magnets, and cards are also upcoming, promoting a revived interest in the series.

The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft for the PC features celebrity voice talent: Jesse McCartney and Cody Linley, mini-games and puzzles, a full mystery story line, and more. The Hardy boys’ home, the Bayport Police Station, and other locales from the series have only been left to the imagination…until now!

More information or to buy: The Hardy Boys: The Hidden Theft

Review: de Blob

Featured Article, Reviews - by sheese - October 10, 2008 - 20:54 e - Be first to Comment!

In this unique game for the Nintendo Wii, players take on the role of a colorful fireball super hero, de Blob, as they literally paint their way through challenges and levels. Chroma City has been taken over by INKT Corporation, who have leeched the city’s color and who are determined to keep the city in a bleak black-and-white state indefinitely. It’s de Blob to the rescue!

As de Blob, players meet the Professor, the leader of the Color Underground. He explains that de Blob is to paint the different areas of the city (such as the hotel district and beach resort) and liberate Raydians (inhabitants who have become Graydians) against a timer, which shows how long they have before INKT tracks them down. As players paint the trees, buildings, and other areas of the city, gradually the sky turns back to blue too. Players mix colors, avoid water, use a compass to find objectives and challenges. As players color, music plays along accordingly, and funky patterns are released.

The game is unique and fun, although it won’t appeal to absolutely everyone. Recently, Nintendo seems to have been trying to reach non-gamers with their releases, and although de Blob plays well and looks great, it’s not necessarily going to appeal to hard-core gamers. This is more of a family game.

More information and to buy: DeBlob.