My favorite is my phone. I never knew how much fun it could be, the new cell phones.

No paper smell, no ability to underline select passages, no book to add to the library shelves - I don't get it.

P.S. Thank you Raw Muse for the recommendation - 'Mozart's Letters, Mozart's Life'

Maybe it's me but I don't get the fascination with Kindle.

Of course, being a designer of books and book covers I may have an aversion to something that could make me obsolete!

Will LGF be available on the Kindle?

re: #2 Susan2

You're welcome. That book should be a must read for every musician.
I think there will be Kindly in my future.

Can I drop a Kindle without wrecking it?

re: #2 Susan2

No paper smell, no ability to underline select passages, no book to add to the library shelves - I don't get it.

P.S. Thank you Raw Muse for the recommendation - 'Mozart's Letters, Mozart's Life'

You can underline passages. You can add notes. You can search books for phrases. You can instantly download related books. You get a FREE 24/7 wireless internet connection. One Kindle can hold thousands of books.

This thing is awesome.

I was going to spend my tax return on a bunch of books. Now I'm tempted to get a Kindle. What's the price tag?

re: #6 Sleepyone

Can I drop a Kindle without wrecking it?

They do make a pretty indestructible one, I think.

Will this make our library's obsolete?

What's the price tag?

Never mind- it's $359.

re: #11 Shug

What's the price tag?

$359

How do the designed pages look? Are there designed pages? What about the cover? Is it designed? What about the folios? Are they the same with every "book"? What about the front matter? Back matter?

Design?

Kindle

Will Kindle 1s be cheaper now, I wonder?

re: #7 Charles

You can underline passages. You can add notes. You can search books for phrases. You can instantly download related books. You get a FREE 24/7 wireless internet connection. One Kindle can hold thousands of books.

This thing is awesome.

The idea of finding phrases is intriguing, but I've been collecting books for 25 years. That's a hard habit to break.

And in case anyone's interested, you can now put in your pre-order at Amazon.com for the Caprica Pilot DVD, which is released on April 21!

/So Say We All!

Charles, will LGF be available on Kindle?

re: #4 Wishing

Will LGF be available on the Kindle?

Kindle has a browser built in, and LGF is readable on it. You can also subscribe to LGF on the Kindle.

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

Our page at Amazon has an LGF-bashing review by a creationist.

I'd get one if I could afford it right now... I'll wait a bit.
Everyone who has one that I know however raves about it, and it's not the usual geek gadget love rave either, they honestly love it. Jerry Pournelle didn't think he was going to like his, but he did once he started using it.

Alison and Robert's Grammy Winning song.

Goodnight Lizards.

Wow, they really improved the exterior design over the first version.

What's the return policy if you realize you suddenly don't want a book you've already downloaded?

Sorry. For me a book is a tactile thing. I have to look at it and turn it over in my hands. I want to see the design and see the designer's name on the back cover or the flap. I want to browse through the pages and look at the layout. See the chapter openers. See the copyright page as designed by a print designer.

I love technology but I'm not ready to embrace a Kindle yet.

re: #20 Charles

Kindle has a browser built in, and LGF is readable on it. You can also subscribe to LGF on the Kindle.

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

Our page at Amazon has an LGF-bashing review by a creationist.

It figures. Have to go thumb that one down as "not useful" if you have an amazon acct. folks

Be careful...

I use my Kindle every day. I read so much that it's probably already paid for itself.

Also, Kindle books are significantly less expensive. Sometimes a LOT less expensive.

re: #20 Charles

Kindle has a browser built in, and LGF is readable on it. You can also subscribe to LGF on the Kindle.

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

Our page at Amazon has an LGF-bashing review by a creationist.

It says the cost for LGF is 1.99...how long is that for? Day, week, month?

re: #20 Charles

Kindle has a browser built in, and LGF is readable on it. You can also subscribe to LGF on the Kindle.

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

Our page at Amazon has an LGF-bashing review by a creationist.

Is the browser realtime, or do you download links and then read?

If Kindle got the Weather Channel, Fox News, and ESPN, I might get one.

re: #25 Sleepyone

I've got a serious interest in all things techie - but I'm with you when it comes to books. I need the tactile fix.

Is there any ability to put your own choice of text on it, say, just from a text file? Is there a list of currently available (and soon expected) titles?

KINDLE

re: #24 Sharmuta

What's the return policy if you realize you suddenly don't want a book you've already downloaded?

You can download samples of every book.

And yes, it's droppable. This page has a video of a drop test:

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

re: #34 Wishing

Interesting- the price of version 1 is the same as the new one, so there's no incentive to get the older model. Hmmm.

re: #30 Walter L. Newton

Is the browser realtime, or do you download links and then read?

Real time.

re: #33 bofh

Is there any ability to put your own choice of text on it, say, just from a text file? Is there a list of currently available (and soon expected) titles?

Yes, you can put PDFs and other text files on it. It also plays MP3s.

For some of you not familiar with this device, there was a previous thread on Kindle, where Charles answered a lot of questions about the device.

SAVE THE TREES - STOP GLOBAL WARMING - BUY A KINDLE
/Al Gore

I think the new version looks much slicker than the first.

re: #32 Susan2

I've got a serious interest in all things techie - but I'm with you when it comes to books. I need the tactile fix.

Yeah. I've been into books for decades and a book designer for 18 of those years. Needless to say that my shelves groan with the weight of real books. I need to have a physical object in my hands. Even though Kindle may be the future I don't think physical books will ever be replaced entirely.

Books for me aren't just their contents or text. It's the object itself.

re: #36 Sharmuta

Interesting- the price of version 1 is the same as the new one, so there's no incentive to get the older model. Hmmm.

This may sound odd, but the thing I most want is a basically portable browser, that can connect to WIFI hot spots for free. And I have that in my PSP. All my links in the PSP are to mobile versions of the major websites (CNN, Fox, BBC, even Amazon) and that works fine for me to get weather, news, general reading material.

Plus the SONY movies look great, the MP3 is fine and you can even put you own movies and TV shows on it.

I don't even own ONE game for it. I don't like games.

But it works for my needs and it's around 170 dollars.

It uses Sprint EVDO on the backside for delivery to my understanding, and their 4G where it's available. It's like having a free internet portal everywhere you go.

I'd like to merge the functions of my iPhone with the capabilities of the Kindle.

re: #43 Walter L. Newton

This may sound odd, but the thing I most want is a basically portable browser, that can connect to WIFI hot spots for free.

The Kindle uses Whispernet -- no need for hot spots. You can get a good connection almost everywhere. No fees.

re: #42 Sleepyone

Yeah. I've been into books for decades and a book designer for 18 of those years. Needless to say that my shelves groan with the weight of real books. I need to have a physical object in my hands. Even though Kindle may be the future I don't think physical books will ever be replaced entirely.

Books for me aren't just their contents or text. It's the object itself.

Good evenin y'all - hope everyone is doing well.
I have a question - is there a Kindle (the exsiting or the newer model that has some sort of voice recognition or something that will audibly read the book to you?

Thread is slow. Gotta go. Time to sleep.

re: #44 Thanos

It uses Sprint EVDO on the backside for delivery to my understanding, and their 4G where it's available. It's like having a free internet portal everywhere you go.

Right - it's based on the Sprint EV-DO network.

re: #43 Walter L. Newton

I'm mainly interested in it because I'm a book lover. The idea of getting books instantly at a fraction of the cost interests me. Plus any of the concerns I've had over making notes or flagging a point of interest have been eased. There will be times when I still might have to head to the library and read a book the old fashioned way to save some money, but this product excites me for just the book reasons alone.

re: #49 Sleepyone
What, was it something I said?!?
/
good night!

whatever it is, as soon as I splurge, something cooler comes out the next week

re: #46 Charles

The Kindle uses Whispernet -- no need for hot spots. You can get a good connection almost everywhere. No fees.

No additional fees. You buy the Kindle, you have access? Now, you are talking about the new version, or both. I ask because I was looking at the Kindle ad on Amazon a few months ago, and I couldn't even see anything in the specs about web browsing, and that would be the feature that would get me to possibly buy in to it.

So does it make for good Kindling?

re: #42 Sleepyone
Opps - I'm not here often enough to avoid posting errors. My comment - hoping books will never be replaced entirely as I plan to retire on my 1st edition copies - that and social security!

I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it
I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it
I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it
I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it
I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it
I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it
I want it, I want it, I want it, I want it

Need I say more?

re: #53 Shug
Yup, always. And it seems to be something I never thought about and - now that it's out, I can't imagine doing without it!

re: #7 Charles

You can underline passages. You can add notes. You can search books for phrases. You can instantly download related books. You get a FREE 24/7 wireless internet connection. One Kindle can hold thousands of books.

This thing is awesome.

Does it vibrate?

re: #55 So?

You can Kipple on it.

My birthday is Feb 24.
This would be a perfect gift!
Except we've got 2 cars to repair . . .

re: #53 Shug

whatever it is, as soon as I splurge, something cooler comes out the next week

Technology races ahead. Think what's coming in the next ten years.

Eventually someone's going to put up blimps that make the ntwk ubiquitous.

We've come a long way since the Commodore 64

re: #54 Walter L. Newton

No additional fees. You buy the Kindle, you have access? Now, you are talking about the new version, or both.

Yep, buy a Kindle, you get access to Whispernet with it. The browser is on both the old and new versions - it's not going to replace Firefox, but it works very well for reading websites.

re: #51 Sharmuta

I'm mainly interested in it because I'm a book lover. The idea of getting books instantly at a fraction of the cost interests me. Plus any of the concerns I've had over making notes or flagging a point of interest have been eased. There will be times when I still might have to head to the library and read a book the old fashioned way to save some money, but this product excites me for just the book reasons alone.

I still prefer to hold a book in my hand, even though I read and watch almost everything else on the computer screen.

But unlimited internet access could convince me to look into it. Of course, I would have to save up or wait until I pop some new programming piece meal (some is coming up).

re: #63 Shug

Remember when video games were words?

re: #61 reine.de.tout
Hey reine! Early Happy Birthday and say, ya know if you buy a kindle you could always have car repair manuals downloaded to it!
:)

re: #66 Sharmuta

Remember when video games were words?

Zork?

My house is about 1/3 filled with books, on shelves, or in boxes.
This may be my future.

re: #66 Sharmuta

I remember playing Zork on a 128k Mac. Keeping the mental 3d map in your head was interesting.

re: #69 rawmuse

My house is about 1/3 filled with books, on shelves, or in boxes.
This may be my future.

Sounds like my place.

re: #66 Sharmuta

Remember when video games were words?

GORF

re: #66 Sharmuta
No Sharm - I don't. Musta been before my time!
/ducks to avoid incoming!

re: #20 Charles

Kindle has a browser built in, and LGF is readable on it. You can also subscribe to LGF on the Kindle.

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

Our page at Amazon has an LGF-bashing review by a creationist.

yes, and one positive review by moi.

re: #66 Sharmuta

Remember when video games were words?

Or just characters

What is the max SD card?

re: #55 So?

So does it make for good Kindling?

Nope, the plastic produces deadly fumes, and does not contain allot of fuel for the flames to consume. Books, on the other hand...

re: #64 Charles

Yep, buy a Kindle, you get access to Whispernet with it. The browser is on both the old and new versions - it's not going to replace Firefox, but it works very well for reading websites.

Last question for you. Am I just missing something, or have they downplayed this on their ads? I swear, that's the first thing I look for when I heard about this thing months ago.

Do you have a good link to all the features. I must be spacing out, because I saw nothing about browsing.

I saw the fact you could get LGF, but that appeared to be a download (like the books).

re: #71 CynicalConservative

The other 2/3rd are filled with musical instruments.

re: #68 CynicalConservative

Zork?

Your lamp went out.

The coolest thing about the Kindle - let's say you're reading in bed, and you finish a Jeffrey Deaver "Lincoln Rhyme" novel. Want to read the next one in the series? Jump onto Amazon, buy it (usually at 30-50% discount) and start reading in less than a minute, without even getting out of bed.

re: #74 reine.de.tout

yes, and one positive review by moi.

I tried to add a review, but it won't let you if you haven't purchased anything lately.

re: #74 reine.de.tout

yes, and one positive review by moi.

Thank you for that!

re: #79 rawmuse

The other 2/3rd are filled with musical instruments.

Got me there, just buried in books here.

re: #79 rawmuse

Home Sweet Home.

re: #76 Wishing
Uh, hi Wishing! What's an SD Card?

re: #80 Walter L. Newton

Your lamp went out.

Reboot? Been way too long.

re: #65 Walter L. Newton

I was hesitant at first about that too- I like the feel of a book. But now I find, when I lie down to read, that's it's actually quite cumbersome. I'm not a spring chicken anymore, and lying in a strange position to read hurts after a few minutes. I'm spending more time trying to get comfortable than I am reading. This looks like the solution to that problem.

Plus I can keep up with LGF while I'm out and about? I think I'm sold.

re: #69 rawmuse

My house is about 1/3 filled with books, on shelves, or in boxes.
This may be my future.

Yes, this is my house too.
I have a stack of books to take to the used bookstore - I have a couple of hundred dollars worth of "credit" there that I will never use. But I want the books to be in somebody's hands, not discarded.

re: #81 Charles

The coolest thing about the Kindle - let's say you're reading in bed, and you finish a Jeffrey Deaver "Lincoln Rhyme" novel. Want to read the next one in the series? Jump onto Amazon, buy it (usually at 30-50% discount) and start reading in less than a minute, without even getting out of bed.

I gotta admit that would be great.

re: #78 Walter L. Newton

Last question for you. Am I just missing something, or have they downplayed this on their ads? I swear, that's the first thing I look for when I heard about this thing months ago.

Do you have a good link to all the features. I must be spacing out, because I saw nothing about browsing.

I saw the fact you could get LGF, but that appeared to be a download (like the books).

The browser is currently labeled 'experimental', but it works quite well. They don't advertise it, but it's there.

Hey guys, (especially Charles, since you know a lot about this) - do you think this Kindle 2 will sell out fast? I want to buy it and I'm wondering - is it worth buying before the announcement? I want to wait until the announcement before I buy it so I can potentially add a cover (im assuming there will be a sleek new cover) - im just worried about it getting sold out the first hour (since the first Kindle sold out in 6 hours)

I'm so jealous, Charles! I want one so bad. I spend tons on books. I've been waiting for the new version. I figure I can cut my the amount I spend on books in half, at least. Also, a Kindle would make traveling easy - no more having to lug 3 books on the airplane. I'm a book person, too, but most of the books I don't want to keep forever. A Kindle would de-clutter my house!

I'm dying to know what is new.

re: #86 realwest

Uh, hi Wishing! What's an SD Card?

Adds space to put more books on! Like a camera card?

re: #74 reine.de.tout

yes, and one positive review by moi.

I just read it and dinged it up as being "helpful".

re: #92 nbenhaim

I'd bet it'll go fast, I'm looking to buy a copy of it for my dad (and my mom wants one too), so we are going to jump on it ASAP.

Me? I'll have to wait for mine :'(

re: #89 reine.de.tout
Well you could always donate them to your public library too - especially if you have more credit at the Used Book Store than you'll ever use.

Unfortunately I don't think the Kindle is available here in Canada. Sucks for us tech junkies. But I do a lot of reading on my Palm Zire. Since I read a lot of science fiction it is rather fighting that I read over 90% of it on a PDA. :)

/get them from Baen books, super cheap in new release, and about half the cost of paperbacks.

re: #94 Wishing

Adds space to put more books on! Like a camera card?

Bugzackly SD Card

I think I saw some 16 gig cards somewhere the other day, it was a "wow" moment.

re: #94 Wishing
Ah, thanks! (shoulda known that's what you meant!).

re: #88 Sharmuta

I was hesitant at first about that too- I like the feel of a book. But now I find, when I lie down to read, that's it's actually quite cumbersome. I'm not a spring chicken anymore, and lying in a strange position to read hurts after a few minutes. I'm spending more time trying to get comfortable than I am reading. This looks like the solution to that problem.

Plus I can keep up with LGF while I'm out and about? I think I'm sold.

Well.
I read in bed every night.
And I take a book to the gym with me to read while I'm walking the track or on the elliptical or the treadmill - this would be easier than a book to have with me, because I have trouble keeping the pages open in the book I'm treading the machines.

re: #99 Thanos

Bugzackly SD Card

I think I saw some 16 gig cards somewhere the other day, it was a "wow" moment.

Here you go. 16GB SD card - $32.

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

re: #59 HelloDare

Does it vibrate?

re: #60 jaunte

You can Kipple on it.

No dirty talk in here. unless you wanna download some erotica.

re: #99 Thanos

Bugzackly SD Card

I think I saw some 16 gig cards somewhere the other day, it was a "wow" moment.

Charles, what is the largest SD card it will take? (that info is never on the ads!)

re: #97 realwest

Well you could always donate them to your public library too - especially if you have more credit at the Used Book Store than you'll ever use.

I'll check and see if they take books.
LSU has a book sale every year, too. I need to check that out.

re: #104 Wishing

Charles, what is the largest SD card it will take? (that info is never on the ads!)

I have an 8GB card in mine.

re: #63 Shug

We've come a long way since the Commodore 64

I miss the Commodore 64. It was the first computer I ever had as my own. I still remember choosing it because it had so much more memory than the VIC 20.

Trivia: To this day, the Commodore 64 still holds the record as the best selling single model of any computer (Of course, its difficult to beat, as it's tough today to sell the same single unmodified model for almost a full decade).

re: #106 Charles

I have an 8GB card in mine.

Do you know if it can handle the 16?

Can't pre-order until it's announced officially by Amazon tomorrow, right? If you order now, it would be for the old one.

Another very cool thing - all your purchases are backed up at Amazon. If anything ever happens and you lose something, just download it again. No charge.

re: #108 Wishing

Do you know if it can handle the 16?

Haven't tried it, but I don't think it would be a problem.

re: #110 Charles

Another very cool thing - all your purchases are backed up at Amazon. If anything ever happens and you lose something, just download it again. No charge.

Hmm...how could u lose it off the Kindle? Swiped SD card etc?

re: #101 reine.de.tout

Well.
I read in bed every night.
And I take a book to the gym with me to read while I'm walking the track or on the elliptical or the treadmill - this would be easier than a book to have with me, because I have trouble keeping the pages open in the book I'm treading the machines.

Yep- I walk down the street reading at times when I can't put a book down. Hard on windy days to keep on the right page. I think a Kindle will actually make reading more enjoyable even if I do like the feel of books in my hands at this point. And really- since it's all I know (the feel of a book) I can't say if something else would be better because I haven't compared.

re: #105 reine.de.tout
Well I'd be surprised if they didn't - every time I've moved, I carefully go through my boxes and boxes and boxes of books and usually take 2-3 BIG boxes of books to the local public library and they always seem glad to get them - I know the digital age has changed that somewhat, but public libraries are always underfunded and if they can get good, decent shape used books it can help them deal with the chronic shortage of funds.

Also - you can connect it to a computer via USB, and transfer files back and forth like a disk drive.

re: #66 Sharmuta

Remember when video games were words?

Infidel.

If I look hard enough, I may be able to find that one (it was on a 5.25" floppy). It was back in the DOS 2.x days. The plot was that you were an archaeologist in a pyramid, and suddenly the workers (muslims) abandoned you, in the dark. You had to find your way out of the pyramid.

re: #112 Wishing

I don't know about Amazon, but one retailer of e-books has e-verification so it only works on your personal devices. Another retailer has no protection at all. Depends on the company.

I love physical books too. But the ability to have thousands of books in one compact little package is pretty incredible.

re: #116 Ward Cleaver

Infidel.

LOL!

Bet you'll need 10 of the things for War and Peace...:)

I may have to get a kindle (or similar) because I insist on buying books with insufficient indexes for my needs.

In which case, I will probably always buy the dead tree version, first.

Can a kindle print?

re: #107 gmsc

I miss Raid over Moscow...

I'm sold. Tax return can't get here soon enough now.

re: #66 Sharmuta

Remember when video games were words?

Infocom always had what I though was the best ad for their text games. It showed a picture of an active brain, and the headline was: "Our games are so advanced, they require the best graphics technology available."

Here's some '70s and '80s computer nostalgia pages for all of you:

Atari Archives
Atari Magazines

(both sites have much more than just Atari things. They have complete magazines, books and more!)

Sorry but as a rare book and manuscript curator and lover. I cannot embrace the Kindle.

re: #119 Sharmuta

LOL!

Ironic, huh? I'm not kidding about the game, by the way. This was back around 1989. I never got that far with it, just feeling around and picking up stuff. Wish I could find it now. It may be in a box of junk up in the attic.

My mom has one, she dropped it and caused some minor damage but they took care of her and sent her a new one right away! good customer service.

I haven't seen if the new one has a slot or anything for an SD card, in fact it looks like they did away with that feature

re: #122 Macker

I miss Raid over Moscow...

I'd forgotten about that! I used to be a master at that game.

Remember during the election, when Obama was all full of piss, vinegar, and promises to end the war in Iraq so we could focus on the real war in Afghanistan and Pakistan and make it a top priority? Remember his oft repeated promise to send at least two combat brigades and desperately need resources to Afghanistan?

Well, now that we've been duped into electing him, not so fast . . .

Obama Re-Thinks Afghanistan Troop Surge

President Barack Obama is asking defense strategists to review the upcoming troop surge in Afghanistan.

Up to 30,000 U.S. troops are readying to deploy to the country over the year, and senior Democrats and Defense Secretary Robert Gates are beginning to question the endgame.

About 17,000 Marines and Army soldiers were set to deploy to Iraq last week, but Gates postponed their deployment after questions from the president.

/too bad we don't have a 30 day return policy on Presidents

re: #66 Sharmuta

Remember when video games were words?

Yes. When I was a model rocket geek in high school a number of the other guys in our club were UH computer science majors and some weekends we would go to the UH computer lab and play a Star Trek game that was all text...it ran on an IBM 360 and the terminal that was used was a teletype gizmo with a typehead like a Selectric typewriter.

Al Gore would not have been happy with all the dead tree we ran through that thing!

re: #7 Charles

You can underline passages. You can add notes. You can search books for phrases. You can instantly download related books. You get a FREE 24/7 wireless internet connection. One Kindle can hold thousands of books.

This thing is awesome.

My dad loves his Kindle, and he's not a tech type. He travels quite a bit and can get his newspapers on it I think. I may get one for my husband. hmmm I'd have to open a new amazon account so he wouldn't see it in our shopping cart :-)

re: #126 Ward Cleaver

I remember Oregon and another game whose name escapes me. It was a fantasy game with caves, and I remember a giant oyster that we could never get open, but felt sure a giant pearl was inside of it. (The "we" being my grandfather, his geek friend and myself. This was when the geek friend's computer took up a large area of his basement.)

Now we can walk around with mini-computers. My- how times have changed!

Alas! Someone stole my iPod Touch, and I have put off replacing it as I am not sure it is the right thing for me. I wonder if the Kindle would be a better fit for me. I want to surf the web, get news, weather, sports, download some music, etc. Any thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated. I guess what I want is an internet machine with music capabilities. Not sure about the books, though reading on my MacBook is a pleasure. I, too, am a techie! And a Trekkie. ;)

re: #20 Charles

Kindle has a browser built in, and LGF is readable on it. You can also subscribe to LGF on the Kindle.

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

Our page at Amazon has an LGF-bashing review by a creationist.

Can we see a picture of LGF on a kindle?

re: #81 Charles

Kindle + Google = no privacy

re: #113 Sharmuta

Yep- I walk down the street reading at times when I can't put a book down. Hard on windy days to keep on the right page. I think a Kindle will actually make reading more enjoyable even if I do like the feel of books in my hands at this point. And really- since it's all I know (the feel of a book) I can't say if something else would be better because I haven't compared.

I remember when magazines first started publishing online versions. I had trouble reading them, because I missed the feel of the magazine in my hands. But I got accustomed to it.

I think this will feel similar to a book, in that it's held in your hand.

I think I'm sold - I just checked out a couple of authors I like to read, and their books are listed as having "kindle" editions.

For years, I read e-books on PDAs, and I kept wearing them out. Obviously, these things were made for me. I love e-books, and they're finally catching up.

I have a Sony Reader, and I love it and recommend it highly. I can get almost (not quite) any book via e-book, and I love the thing.

Obviously, I didn't get a Kindle because I already had a Reader. The new version of Kindle looks better than the original, fat model - perhaps more well thought out in re ergonomics. Sony had that down, but Kindle was a wee bit klunky. Of course, Amazon delivery is way easier than Sony, which is a huge plus for the Kindle.

re: #131 Colonel Panik

A Selectric, huh? ^That's interesting. ;p

re: #128 Defector01

I haven't seen if the new one has a slot or anything for an SD card, in fact it looks like they did away with that feature

I doubt it. The SD card slot on the Kindle 1 is in the same place as the battery. I'm sure the new one takes SD cards too.

re: #127 dapperdave

My mom has one, she dropped it and caused some minor damage but they took care of her and sent her a new one right away! good customer service.

That's another plus - Amazon has awesome customer service. That's why they get most of my disposable income.

But the biggest changes may be inside the device. The new Kindle likely uses the new Broadsheet microchip from Epson and E-Ink, which makes the display technology for the Kindle. E-Ink’s chief executive, Russell J. Wilcox, described the technology to me a few weeks ago, saying that it breaks the screen into 16 pixel sets and can update them in parallel, allowing for faster screen refreshes and a generally more responsive screen. He added that the technology was somewhat analogous to putting a better graphics card in a computer and would help e-readers become better full-featured devices.
NT Times story on Kindle

This story talks about the *what's new* stuff.

re: #124 gmsc

I don't know if anyone has any interest in this, but I'll post it anyway.
Abandon ware Games

DOS Games Emulator also available here.

re: #125 Afrocity

Sorry but as a rare book and manuscript curator and lover. I cannot embrace the Kindle.

Here's a newer book that will scare you to death if you think about all of the ramifications. Digitizing entire libraries is part of the plot line...

I want one of these sooo badly, but I just can't justify the price... it's almost a full mortgage payment.

Guess I'll have to stick with paperbacks, unless I can find a used one.

Army training manuals on a Kindle...

re: #139 Sharmuta

A Selectric, huh? ^That's interesting. ;p

I ra^ther doubt it.
;)

re: #130 Killian Bundy

As a military wife, I'm thrilled to hear that Obama may not send 30,000 more of our people into Afghanistan. Now that Kyrgystan's gonna kick us out of there, we don't have a good way to supply them among lots of other problems.

The words on a page of a book -- and the feel of the pages -- give me pleasure.

This motorized monstrosity that Henry Ford is pitching will never take off, who would want to buy such an obnoxious thing. I'll stick to making buggy whips, thank you very much. That'll be a secure profession for generations to come, mark my words.

re: #146 Dustyvet

Army training manuals on a Kindle...

They would need to shield the Kindle for EMP.

re: #149 wee fury

The words on a page of a book -- and the feel of the pages -- give me pleasure.

My Reader is so much like a book, I've put it face down to mark my place once or twice.

re: #145 irish rose

I want one of these sooo badly, but I just can't justify the price... it's almost a full mortgage payment.

Guess I'll have to stick with paperbacks, unless I can find a used one.

That's not a bad thought, I'm betting there will be a lot of used Kindles on Ebay as people upgrade.

re: #143 JHW

I don't know if anyone has any interest in this, but I'll post it anyway.
Abandon ware Games

DOS Games Emulator also available here.

Damn, they've got Infidel!

re: #149 wee fury

The words on a page of a book -- and the feel of the pages -- give me pleasure.

Well, here's the thing. I buy a lot of books that I mark up as a I read. Ruining the book. Better if I could print out hardcopy on demand, mark that up. Or, mark up online. I like the concept. But frankly, I'm dubious that the kindle is the right way to go about it, rather just do it at the workstation, on a generic laptop, whatever.

:Head North: -Enter

*You have reached mouth of a cave. What would you like to do next?*

:Enter Cave: -Enter

*You are in a large cave. Behind you is the exit. What would you like to do next?*

:Exit Cave: -Enter

*You are in front of a mouth of a cave. What would you like to do next?*

Ah- the good old days.

I was originally resistant to the Kindle but the new one looks much better designed. Although there are still things I would prefer a real book for, Kindle would be great for books on current events that will soon become dated and that I don't want to pay for a hardcover for.

I still can't get over the name though. As I've said before it makes me think of Fahrenheit 451.

re: #145 irish rose

I want one of these sooo badly, but I just can't justify the price... it's almost a full mortgage payment.

Guess I'll have to stick with paperbacks, unless I can find a used one.

I read so much - and because e-books cost less - I've actually saved enough in the last couple of years to pay for the Reader.

Here is hoping you find a wallet full of money, return it, and get a reward, then buy yourself a Kindle. :D

re: #156 Sharmuta

:Head North: -Enter

*You have reached mouth of a cave. What would you like to do next?*

:Enter Cave: -Enter

*You are in a large cave. Behind you is the exit. What would you like to do next?*

:Exit Cave: -Enter

You know that the Infocom version of Zork is available free for the PC. I run in a DOS window. I have it.
*You are in front of a mouth of a cave. What would you like to do next?*

Ah- the good old days.

re: #157 Colonel Panik

I was originally resistant to the Kindle but the new one looks much better designed. Although there are still things I would prefer a real book for, Kindle would be great for books on current events that will soon become dated and that I don't want to pay for a hardcover for.

I still can't get over the name though. As I've said before it makes me think of Fahrenheit 451.

Don't read Rainbow's End linked above then...

re: #156 Sharmuta

I'll try this again. Zork (by Infocom) is available free for the PC. It runs in a DOS window. I have it on my PC.

Amazon would sell a lot more of these if they would lower the price, I'm thinking.

re: #156 Sharmuta

ahh yes, I remember that and then the big step "Leisure suit Larry"

re: #161 Walter L. Newton

*You are in an apartment in Golden. In front of you is a parrot in a cage. What would you like to do next?*

:What?: -Enter

re: #163 dapperdave

ahh yes, I remember that and then the big step "Leisure suit Larry"

You need to google Infocom and some of their game names. A number of them have been released by Broderbund (sp?) to public domain.

Anyone here planning to upgrade and have a used Kindle they'd like to unload?

re: #157 Colonel Panik

I was originally resistant to the Kindle but the new one looks much better designed. Although there are still things I would prefer a real book for, Kindle would be great for books on current events that will soon become dated and that I don't want to pay for a hardcover for.

I still can't get over the name though. As I've said before it makes me think of Fahrenheit 451.

Which is the temperature at which book paper burns; that is how Bradbury got the title.
Given how few people read, especially anything difficult, there will be no need for books to be burned.

re: #164 jaunte

LOL!

/No offense to Walter or Maisey.

re: #168 Sharmuta

Zork needed more parrots, as I recall.

re: #165 Walter L. Newton

Thanks I'll check it some time.

re: #166 irish rose

If I had an old one, I'd sell it to you. I think the eBay idea is your best bet, or older, used ones might turn up on Amazon too.

re: #157 Colonel Panik

Now that movie kicks serous ass! Been a while since I've seen it though...

re: #167 Kosh's Shadow

Which is the temperature at which book paper burns; that is how Bradbury got the title.
Given how few people read, especially anything difficult, there will be no need for books to be burned.

Unless Bambi bankrupts the coal industry...

Charles, I understand your enthusiasm for this gadget. It's neat in the extreme.
I may even buy one. That said, I don't trust it.
Given the state of the world today this kind of tech is hyper vulnerable to a cyber "Fahrenheit 451" scenario.
Yes, paper can be burned, but it can't be erased by the stoke of a key.

Btw: nethack was one of the first open source over the net collaborative programs.

re: #165 Walter L. Newton

Two pages of Zork at this site. Maybe i'll give it a shot.
Classic PC Games

re: #164 jaunte

*You are in an apartment in Golden. In front of you is a parrot in a cage. What would you like to do next?*

:What?: -Enter

Strangle parrot...

Parrot screams - WHAT!

You know, the very first program I ever wrote was a text adventure game for the Vic-20 called "The Midway." It actually fit in the 3.5k of the standard V20. It had 10 locations and you had to find where a bomb was hidden on a carnival midway and you had one hour to do it.

My second game was called "Encounter" for the C64, and you can still find a ROM image of it on some websites and run it in a C64 emulator.

re: #156 Sharmuta

:Head North: -Enter

*You have reached mouth of a cave. What would you like to do next?*

:Enter Cave: -Enter

*You are in a large cave. Behind you is the exit. What would you like to do next?*

:Exit Cave: -Enter

*You are in front of a mouth of a cave. What would you like to do next?*

Ah- the good old days.

Zork?

re: #143 JHW

I don't know if anyone has any interest in this, but I'll post it anyway.
Abandon ware Games

DOS Games Emulator also available here.

Anyone remember Atari's Yar's Revenge? I was really, REALLY good at that one.

re: #174 USBeast

Charles, I understand your enthusiasm for this gadget. It's neat in the extreme.
I may even buy one. That said, I don't trust it.
Given the state of the world today this kind of tech is hyper vulnerable to a cyber "Fahrenheit 451" scenario.
Yes, paper can be burned, but it can't be erased by the stoke of a key.

Every book you buy is backed up at Amazon. If you happen to pass through a time-warping electromagnetic field and it wipes out everything on your Kindle, just go to Amazon and download it all again. No charge.

So if I purchase LGF on the Kindle how does it work offline? I travel a lot and it would be ideal to sync up with the website, including article comments, before getting on a plane so I can read while in the air.

re: #177 Walter L. Newton

"You had to find where a bomb was hidden on a carnival midway and you had one hour to do it."

That sounds very cool. I think someone stole your plot line and put it on a bus.

re: #156 Sharmuta

:Head North: -Enter

*You have reached mouth of a cave. What would you like to do next?*

:Enter Cave: -Enter

*You are in a large cave. Behind you is the exit. What would you like to do next?*

:Exit Cave: -Enter

*You are in front of a mouth of a cave. What would you like to do next?*

Ah- the good old days.

Hey, if you long to play Adventure again, play the original 350-point version online here!

Here's a few others, all classics from the early days!

I'm a Hunt The Wumpus nut myself.

Hello Night Lizards! We are Permafrost Free in Near Iowa.

so, does Kindle have a zoom feature that would allow my vision-impaired Dear Ole' Dad to read? Are the functions easy enough for him to figure out without getting frustrated and throwing the device across the room?

How are you-all and what are we talking about?

This Kindle thing seems so cool. I wish I was a reader.

re: #174 USBeast

Charles, I understand your enthusiasm for this gadget. It's neat in the extreme.
I may even buy one. That said, I don't trust it.
Given the state of the world today this kind of tech is hyper vulnerable to a cyber "Fahrenheit 451" scenario.
Yes, paper can be burned, but it can't be erased by the stoke of a key.

Also, the EVDO transmitter / receiver doesn't have an ESN etc. built into it, so they can't track you like they can triangulate a cell phone.

re: #184 ggt

Hello Night Lizards! We are Permafrost Free in Near Iowa.

so, does Kindle have a zoom feature that would allow my vision-impaired Dear Ole' Dad to read? Are the functions easy enough for him to figure out without getting frustrated and throwing the device across the room?

How are you-all and what are we talking about?

Kindle, text adventure games, end of the world.

re: #172 Macker

Now that movie kicks serous ass! Been a while since I've seen it though...

Yeah, it's been longer than I care to think about since I last saw it. I think I was in high school, maybe even junior high. Amazing how many of the electronic gadgets predicted in that movie came true.

Evening/Morning Lizards. Here is a pretty good Picture of the Kindle 2

re: #173 CynicalConservative

Unless Bambi bankrupts the coal industry...

Back when I was listening to NPR, I heard an interview with a guy working with a project to re-fill Kosovo's (IIRC) libraries. Seems a lot of the books were burned as fuel during their last troubles.

He said it took one average paperback to heat a can of soup.

re: #180 Charles

Every book you buy is backed up at Amazon. If you happen to pass through a time-warping electromagnetic field and it wipes out everything on your Kindle, just go to Amazon and download it all again. No charge.

That is assuming that those of us who love truth, justice and the American way will be in charge of things. Given the state of the world, that's a big assumption.

But will the Kindle open the Pod Bay doors?

re: #186 Thanos

Good to know. I don't want my work for the evil Darwinist conspiracy getting out. /

A quick search of completed listings on ebay for the original kindle show them starting at about $315 going up to $400+. Considering that, this new version at $359 doesn't seem like a bad deal.

re: #192 Shug

But will the Kindle open the Pod Bay doors?

Not if it's connected to HAL!

If I finish a book when traveling . . . I leave it in the airport for someone else to read. When at home . . . I donate the books (some of them) to the local libraries. I couldn't do this with a Kindle.

re: #190 ggt

Back when I was listening to NPR, I heard an interview with a guy working with a project to re-fill Kosovo's (IIRC) libraries. Seems a lot of the books were burned as fuel during their last troubles.

He said it took one average paperback to heat a can of soup.

That's so painful.

re: #196 wee fury

If I finish a book when traveling . . . I leave it in the airport for someone else to read. When at home . . . I donate the books (some of them) to the local libraries. I couldn't do this with a Kindle.

Well you could... once!

re: #187 Walter L. Newton

Kindle, text adventure games, end of the world.

did Chicken Little register as a hatchling? mmm, not used to walking on chicken shells.

re: #196 wee fury

If I finish a book when traveling . . . I leave it in the airport for someone else to read. When at home . . . I donate the books (some of them) to the local libraries. I couldn't do this with a Kindle.

Hardback hoarder here.

Does it happen to be lighted? The only thing that will make me give up honest to god paper is if it lights itself, I'll finally be able to read Lovecraft with all the lights turned off!

re: #199 ggt

did Chicken Little register as a hatchling? mmm, not used to walking on chicken shells.

Huh?

Good evening, lizards. If the Kindle could read to ya, like a book on tape, it would be the greatest for my hubby. He is dyslexic. He has an ipod but he really doesn't use it much. I think it's a hassle for him but those books on tape/cd cost a fortune.

re: #194 pink freud

A quick search of completed listings on ebay for the original kindle show them starting at about $315 going up to $400+. Considering that, this new version at $359 doesn't seem like a bad deal.

We're in the middle of a recession, and three hundred and fifty nine dollars buys a lot of ramen noodle.

That said, I might be persuaded to buy one if Amazon would knock about a hundred bucks off the price.

re: #202 Walter L. Newton

Huh?

"The end of the world" discussion you referenced. sorry, it's late.

I should also mention Sony's software interface was so buggy (they've improved it) and poorly supported that I (and lots of other people) use Kovid Goyal's (very smart Physics grad student at Cal Tech, very nice guy) reverse engineered, and much better, shareware version (Calibre). He actually provides support on his site and also via MobleRead.com. I definitely paid for my shareware.

re: #204 irish rose

Hey- please check your email.

re: #198 Walter L. Newton

Well you could... once!

Right. The entire Kindle could be donated. . . then I could start buying books again. :-)

re: #196 wee fury

Good point, maybe we can start a kindle file sharing network? sorta like p2p!

re: #203 Pvt Bin Jammin

Good evening, lizards. If the Kindle could read to ya, like a book on tape, it would be the greatest for my hubby. He is dyslexic. He has an ipod but he really doesn't use it much. I think it's a hassle for him but those books on tape/cd cost a fortune.

audible.com

I think President Obama should include Kindle bailouts for all readers. Free.

re: #209 dapperdave

Good point, maybe we can start a kindle file sharing network? sorta like p2p!

I would suspect that that would be illegal.

re: #207 Sharmuta

Hey- please check your email.

Heh.
Must be the jugs.

re: #195 Colonel Panik

Not if it's connected to HAL!

re: #211 Cattt

I think President Obama should include Kindle bailouts for all readers. Free.

Heh. Makes more sense than most of the junk in the porkulous bill.

Ready for another dose of terror:

Obama team outlines 'new realism' for Afghanistan

In the first major foreign policy speech from the new administration, the vice-president, Joe Biden, told a security conference in Munich that the strategic review on Afghanistan under way in Washington would "make sure that our goals are clear and achievable".

Notable by its absence in any of the speeches from the American team was any mention of building democracy in Afghanistan. Instead, the emphasis was on creating sustainable security to try to prevent the Taliban from extending their grip on the country.

"Obama's objectives will be much more moderate," said a senior European policy-maker involved in discussions with the Obama team. A senior Nato official said Washington's emphasis on Afghanistan was shifting to "being much more realistic", adding: "It doesn't need to be a democracy, just secure."

re: #212 Walter L. Newton

I wondering about that...never mind.

re: #211 Cattt

I think President Obama should include Kindle bailouts for all readers. Free.

The Obama version is called the Swindle

re: #213 irish rose

Heh.

re: #149 wee fury

The words on a page of a book -- and the feel of the pages -- give me pleasure.

Upding for the avatar!

I have mixed feelings about electronic reading. I like the ability to do word searches. I like to be able to download old books from google books that I know I wouldn't be able to buy. And the portability of a kindle would be nice (considering the weight of the bags I take on an airplane since it is always so hard to determine which ones to take -- so I take a bunch). On the other hand, I do so love the real books. So while I would like a kindle, I definitely would never forsake the real thing. In my prior life I was a librarian, and to this day closed stacks in a library frustrate me no end, because often the most interesting things are found when wandering along the stacks on the way to look for something.

Meanwhile I expect the books here on our book-breeding farm to keep multiplying. I know that somewhere, at some time, we did actually buy or were given them, but they still seem to multiply on their own.

re: #210 ggt

Thanks, I saved that for him. I think he just finds it's a hassle to go to his pc and then have to transfer to the ipod. It sounds like the Kindle can go on the internet by itself. That's what I think he'd like, if there was an audio component. He'd probably like to be able to go on the web too.

re: #218 Shug

The Obama version is called the Swindle

Amen.

re: #218 Shug

The Obama version is called the Swindle

It costs just $782b, and it takes all the books you have.

re: #211 Cattt I wouldn't be surprised to see Obama using a Kindle when a teleprompter isn't available!

re: #221 Pvt Bin Jammin

Thanks, I saved that for him. I think he just finds it's a hassle to go to his pc and then have to transfer to the ipod. It sounds like the Kindle can go on the internet by itself. That's what I think he'd like, if there was an audio component. He'd probably like to be able to go on the web too.

Audible is pretty easy AND their customer service phone number is staffed by Americans who REALLY help you.

re: #180 Charles

I have the Sony E-Book reader. I'm also a 'I want to hold a real book and feel it", I hate reading pdf's on my computer because it's so 'un-tactile'. What I have found having the Sony, and I'm sure it is similar to the Kindle, is that the 'E-Ink' looks so much like 'paper' that I could adapt to it. It's not back lit, it goes where you want to go and if you are reading in your room at night, it's just as likely to be hard to read as a paperback would be if you didn't turn up the lights.

I totally like the fact that I have hundreds of books in the Sony reader, just like Kindle owners also have.

This is not technology that 'feels technological'. It feels like a book.

It feels like paper.

If you are a "I don't like reading a computer screen" kind of person, then we are on the same page. I have found that the E-Ink devices do NOT look like a computer. They look like some kind of weird 'paper'.

The advantages of Kindle and Sony E-Readers far outweigh the argument "I don't want to use a computer because..." They make it palatable.

I have hundreds of Technical E-Books AND the print versions of the same books. I use the E-Books to look stuff up. I use the print versions to read chapters.

With an E-Book reader tat is E-ink based, I've stopped reading / using the paper books.

re: #224 realwest

I wouldn't be surprised to see Obama using a Kindle when a teleprompter isn't available!

With Alinski's book loaded, I'm sure.

re: #31 Timbre

OT

Nice avatar. I have the 22 inch Paragon ride and when I get my settlement from disability, I plan on buying a pair of hi-hats and a couple of crashes. The ride is a noisy bastard!

re: #227 CynicalConservative

Along with the communist manifesto.

re: #227 CynicalConservative Well he probably has Alinsky's book memorized - nah, he'd just use it the way he uses a teleprompter - someone writes out what he is to say and he reads it!
Just. Like. That.

re: #218 Shug

You crack me up. Kiss Shug Jr for Auntie Shar again, would ya?

re: #214 gmsc

LOL. Love it. My all time favorite Apple commerical.

re: #230 realwest

Well he probably has Alinsky's book memorized - nah, he'd just use it the way he uses a teleprompter - someone writes out what he is to say and he reads it!
Just. Like. That.

True true.

re: #227 CynicalConservative

With Alinski's book loaded, I'm sure.

Alinsky, Chomsky, Tariq Ramadan...

re: #225 ggt

Audible is pretty easy AND their customer service phone number is staffed by Americans who REALLY help you.

Sounds great! I will really have to give this some serious thought.

I am used to getting customer service from afar from my internet provider but I have to say I had to call Citi Bank Online Bill Paying services and was surprised...they are also outsourcing. Banking info gone out of country kind of wigs me out.

re: #231 Sharmuta

fo sho

re: #81 Charles

That does not sound like a good thing. I already buy entirely too many books. I think the Kindle could get me into more trouble than Paypal. Luckily (?) I don't think that it is available in Canada.

OT- I skipped the open grammy thread, but I'm thrilled to learn just now that Jennifer Hudson won an award. Good for her, and may God continue to help her through her very trying time.

re: #238 Sharmuta

OT- I skipped the open grammy thread, but I'm thrilled to learn just now that Jennifer Hudson won an award. Good for her, and may God continue to help her through her very trying time.

Who?

re: #233 CynicalConservative

True true.

Hack the thing and send him this to read:

I resign effective immediately!

OT: Is a White House take over of the census constitutional?

MSNBC reports that:

The Capitol Hill publication Congressional Quarterly yesterday reported that the White House, responding to minority groups' concerns about Gregg's commitment to funding the census, has decided to have the director of the Census Bureau report directly to the White House.

Why am I expecting ACORN to get the census contract?

In Article I, Section 2 the US Constitution orders that "The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct."

The Congress, by law directed that:

"The Secretary [of Commerce] shall perform the functions and duties imposed upon him by this title, may issue such rules and regulations as he deems necessary to carry out such functions and duties, and may delegate the performance of such functions and duties and the authority to issue such rules and regulations to such officers and employees of the Department of Commerce as he may designate."

As I read it, the Director of the Census must, by law, be within the Department of Commerce and under the direction of the (Senate approved) Secretary of Commerce who then reports to the president. Am I missing something?

Correction: From reading through Title 13, Chapter 1 it appears obvious to me that the POTUS has no role in the census whatsoever beyond, with Senate approval, selecting the Secretary of Commerce and, also with Senate approval, selecting the Director of the Census who "shall perform such duties as may be imposed upon him by law, regulations, or orders of the Secretary." Hhmmm... No president mentioned.

The Secretary of Commerce is the only authority the law recognizes. Since as commenter Laird points out, the Constitution did not place the census function in Article II - the Executive branch but in Article I - the Legislative branch, it is not at all within the President's reach unless the legislature places it there.

I think that interpretation is supported by phrasing such as this taken from Subchapter 1 section 9 "No department, bureau, agency, officer, or employee of the Government, except the Secretary in carrying out the purposes of this title, shall ..."

The Secretary of Commerce does not even report his findings to the President, but rather is instructed to 'publish' them. It looks quite clear to me that any incursion by the White House after those two Senate approved appointments is clearly against the law.

More on the unConstitutional 0bama census heist at Ace.

I got hooked on e-reading back in the late '90s, mostly reading copyright free material (here's a good source) on a Palm Pilot.

Having a compact, lightweight device to read volumes of text on is damn handy, and there's something about carrying around "The Iliad" in your back pocket that is just too cool.

What I appreciated most about this was that on insomniatic nights, I could easily read that back-lit little bugger in the dark while lying in bed.

Those of you who can afford this Kindle, and the Amazon service that goes with it: You suck and I hate you.
/just kidding there

re: #204 irish rose

We're in the middle of a recession, and three hundred and fifty nine dollars buys a lot of ramen noodle.

That said, I might be persuaded to buy one if Amazon would knock about a hundred bucks off the price.

I'm right there with you, irishrose. I'm in the cynical conservative camp ...I love my hardbacks. Most of my reading these last few years is all dry academic stuff (did you know there's a niche for therapists who specialize in suicidal five-year-olds?) ...and many of my school books run over a hundred bucks a piece. I've had to cut back on my brain-candy reading a lot, but I still chase James Lee Burke for his autograph. My most prized one is a first edition of 'The Lost Get Back Boogie' ...valued at 850 last I checked.

re: #238 Sharmuta
Her Superbowl National Anthem performance was possibly the best I've ever heard.

we all got the misty eye and goosebumps on that one

re: #239 CynicalConservative

Jennifer Hudson- of Dream Girls fame and rejected American Idol contestant. Or, as I sometimes (lovingly) call her, JHo.

Charles DESERVES a new toy!

re: #244 Shug

I think getting the boot from American Idol was the best thing that could have happened to her.

re: #238 Sharmuta

OT- I skipped the open grammy thread, but I'm thrilled to learn just now that Jennifer Hudson won an award. Good for her, and may God continue to help her through her very trying time.

I was glad, too. I really enjoy her singing, too, so hopefully it wasn't a sympathy award but even if it was, that's okay with me.

It didn't start until 8:00 pacific time so it's still on here.

re: #212 Walter L. Newton

I would suspect that that would be illegal.

p2p is legal. Sharing copyrighted material - not so much.

Bram Cohen - author of BitTorrent, bless him and more power to him.

BitTorrent is responsible for more than half of all activity on the Internet.

re: #234 Colonel Panik

Alinsky, Chomsky, Tariq Ramadan...

Pocket Obama.

re: #245 Sharmuta

Jennifer Hudson- of Dream Girls fame and rejected American Idol contestant. Or, as I sometimes (lovingly) call her, JHo.

Ahh, part of Americana that I don't follow. Thanks for the link.

re: #251 CynicalConservative

JHo in Dream Girls

Just saw this, It seems Obama's gloomy message may be backfiring on him...Ya think?

[Link: www.washingtontimes.com...]

One
Big
Ass
Mistake
America

re: #248 Pvt Bin Jammin

I was glad, too. I really enjoy her singing, too, so hopefully it wasn't a sympathy award but even if it was, that's okay with me.

It didn't start until 8:00 pacific time so it's still on here.

It may have played a part, but girl's got pipes, so I think she earned it.

Also - Amazon may announce tomorrow that books formatted for the Kindle will be available on the iPhone and other mobile devices:

[Link: www.macworld.com...]

re: #216 Kragar (proud to be kafir)

Obama team outlines 'new realism' for Afghanistan

These guys are so clueless, I am in constant awe. What next.

re: #249 Cattt

p2p is legal. Sharing copyrighted material - not so much.

Bram Cohen - author of BitTorrent, bless him and more power to him.

BitTorrent is responsible for more than half of all activity on the Internet.

I know, that's what I meant. If you purchase a e-book from Amazon for the Kindle, I can bet dollars to donuts they don't want you bittorrenting it around the world.

But I don't think you can do that with the Kindle books anyway. I suspect the purchases to your unit are tagged as being for you unit, and even if you managed to get the file off of you unit, it wouldn't run on another one (unless someone finds some software/hardware hacks)

re: #251 CynicalConservative

She won an Oscar for her role in Dream Girls- she's the real deal. A real singer in a world of Britneys and other posers.

re: #253 Marvo76

Just saw this, It seems Obama's gloomy message may be backfiring on him...Ya think?

[Link: www.washingtontimes.com...]

Perhaps we should just say "we told you so" - is it too soon? - to all the unhappy hopey changey libs who are tired of waiting for the oceans to stop rising.

re: #256 Charles

Also - Amazon may announce tomorrow that books formatted for the Kindle will be availble on the iPhone and other mobile devices:

[Link: www.macworld.com...]

I've noticed in the Aps store, there are quite a few books for sale but I've been hesitant to buy any thinking it would take forever to read a book on an iPhone

I'm guessing the kindle is more user friendly in terms of reading speed, page turning, etc

One of my problems with cyber books is their veracity. Once a book is published, printed and in the hands of readers no one can say that what was said wasn't. It's there, on paper.
Cyber books do not and cannot have that sort of permanence.