nice update to a solid often over looked reader
934526
overall this is a wonderful reader. you don't have to pay extra to get a version without ads. sony has been in the ereader business long before it was mainstream.  the new improvement in adding the wifi to its reader and bring the price down to 149 is long over-dued and in my opinion is the main reasons that has kept it from competing well and being as well known as the other big name readers we all know now. this version is made in a feather light weight plastic and rubber and a touch of metal instead of the aluminum that the others were. the touch screen is very responsive and you can change which way for the swipe. there are more options of fonts and sizes than before. the multi language built in dictionary, notation, search on google and wikipedia are well implemented. the online reader store experience is decent and has the usual best sellers at about the same prices as all other online sellers.

the sony reader store itself has always been a bit quirky and at times difficult and slow. the web estore is fast but it only lets you see the books; to buy the books, you either go online thru the ereader itself or the desktop app. the desktop app has been the vain of my existence but probably because i run it on a mac however even when i run it on the windows side, i still have the program freeze or hang. the new desktop app has an annoying feature: you can't delete books that are purchased. it wouldn't be a big deal but it imported my library 5 times and now i have duplicates that i can't get rid of and uninstalling the program didn't help.

the great thing is about this reader is that you can bypass the sony reader store and buy your books from any other online seller that sells books that are multi-format that are epub. if you buy a book that has an adobe drm epub format, make sure you buy it with the email address that you signed up for in the adobe id. the sony reader is linked to that singular email and adobe id. this also means you can shop around to find free books and sales without being locked in like others-kindle, kobo and nook. pdfs and word docs look great and need no special conversions. you just make the document to fit a 6 inch paper while on the computer before transferring.

in the box is the reader, stylus and micro usb charger. there is no cover for this in the box. the user manual is preloaded in the reader but there is a quick start guide on paper. the stylus is plastic with a rounded tip. although the tip isn't small enough to fit the reset button and there is no place to put the stylus and the clip on it isn't wide enough for clipping onto the reader but they are only minor quirks for me.  if the internal 2gb isn't enough for your tastes, you can put in a microsd card up to 32 gb for all the books, pics, mp3, audio books you like.

the web browser is quick and has the major news, facebook, email links one needs with pinch zoom functionality. there's no way to watch video / youtube as there's no flash but this is an ereader first.
4369146
This book shows the author's continued growth. While he was already solid he shows that he isn't content to sit on his laurels and keeps improving his craft. I continue to look forward to his future work. I like that he does a good job of juggling the rewards for having read previous books with making each book accessible to a new reader. If you choose to start with this volume he gives you what you need to know to feel your place. But if you choose to go back and start with previous volumes that will deepen your rewards. I hope he continues to find that balance.

This book is a pleasant way to spend some down time. However, the standard disclaimer for any review does apply. It is rated based on others of its type and genre. It's meant to be a page turner detective book and it is very good at that.
3757545
I don't think I really needed a new Kindle, but I am glad I picked this one up. I like that they brought the buttons back and the fact that the display flips when you turn the device upside down is helpful when reading on a crowded subway.  The screen is easier to see than the earlier paperwhite I have, and it's smaller and lighter.  All in all a great step forward.
1675846
I really like this device after getting used to reading on it - in fact, I will only buy books that can be read on this.  The next generation of color Kindles (which I read the digital ink folks are working on)and larger Kindles and E readers (Wall Street Journal 4-11-09) will be a vast improvement if you want a larger size to display full pages.  I like the portability of the paperback size so there will probably be two sizes available by December.  Look for ads to appear on larger readers if you purchase newspapers and magazines (WSJ).

A big potential advantage for Kindle is the free internet browser but I can't imagine Sprint will allow a full blown free service over their airwaves.

Amazon needs to make a deal with Google to make their huge free library available as they do for Sony Reader.  They have over 500,000 free public domain books available.  Buy the Kindle Cookbook on Amazon to learn to access free public domain books from several other sources.  Most of these books are classics.

After thinking this is the way of digital books, Amazon just made their content available to IPhone and Touch users which muddies the waters as to the future of the Kindle as a stand alone reading device.

Having seen Kindle books on a IPod Touch, you may wish to consider this alternative rather than purchasing the expensive Kindle if you just want to access books occasionally.  On the IPod or phone, the color makes a big difference, pictures are brilliant, the books are actually very readable and there are other formatting features that make this work.  Plus you get the rest of the good stuff on these devices.  For less money.  Just depends on your preference.

Minor complaint - battery life is not what is claimed if you keep wireless on.  The processor is too slow to fully use the internet feature.  But this is minor.

Overall, this is clearly the future of books like it or not.  The technology will eventually take books the way of music - E readers will be the next IPOD for storing your library.

Enjoy.
1847252
It's been about 5 months since I've gotten this device. I've been holding back on reviewing because I wanted to see how well it held up. The answer: Very well.

I held off for years on getting an e-reader, citing my love for paper books and worry about the closure of bookstores. Well, I still love paper books, and most bookstores in my area are closed so that's no longer a concern. In July, I gave in and bought an e-reader. First and foremost in my decision was whether or not there was a keyboard because I dislike touch screens. I also dislike having one button to press over each letter/number when I want to type something. Not counting where I'd rather shop - Amazon or other bookstores - the main reason I picked the Kindle was because of the keyboard. I have not regretted it for a second. Everyone I know with a Kindle Keyboard (KK), as they are now called, prefers them to the other models for similar reasons. That's why I'm a bit dismayed that as of today, it looks like they're discontinuing the KK model. I bought the 2-year warranty, so I should be okay should something happen to mine, but now I'll have difficulty buying a KK for others who would enjoy it.

Anyway, this isn't meant to be a lament over the lack of KK love.

What I love:
-- the keyboard (already stated)
-- the screen with e-ink technology. I've heard people say they can get a glare, so I've tilted and experimented to see if it's true. If I hold it at certain awkward angles (that prove difficult to read comfortably), I can get one. Since I'm not interested in tilting until my eyes strain, I have no problem. It's not the same for everyone, so ymmv.
-- free books: There are so many free classics and public-domain books that at times it was a little overwhelming. I've learned to pace myself, but I am so thrilled that I've been able to re-read classics I've loved, and read classics everyone else has read but I haven't, and discover new classics. For the non-classics: If you visit the Kindle forum (scroll down), you'll often see posts by other Amazon customers listing free and discounted books - these sometimes include established titles, sometimes newcomers, sometimes indie authors, and occasionally popular titles.
-- the page turn buttons on each side, perfect for reading one-handed when you're multitasking.
-- the keyboard. Oh, wait I mentioned that
-- Customer support - I've had nothing but positive experiences with them

What I don't like:
-- I dislike nothing about this (except that it is being phased out).

What took getting used to:
-- Seeing a "percentage read" instead page numbers. However, in many books you can see page numbers by pressing the menu key and looking down where the percentage usually is. This isn't the case for all books, though. I'm used to it now, but it was a little strange at first.

It's been 5 months and I'm still giddy over this thing.

Whatever Kindle you end up getting, I suggest a cover. The screen protector was more of a pain than not having one, but a cover is a must-have, especially if you're taking it out of the house or have kids or pets.
4244660
I love this. Books and skeuomorphic design are nice and all, but there are better ways. As a nigh-compulsive reader who combines reading with as many other activities as possible, hooray for an ereader case that props itself up while I eat (or paint my nails or whatever). When not propped up, the case is a little thicker than my more conventional cover, but I haven't really noticed that in a problematic way.

It's not real leather, and the edges have worn/flaked a tiny bit in a couple places, but nothing noticeable if you aren't looking for it, and certainly nothing major.
4412292
Easy to use interface and a good clear reading display makes this a very nice device for my reading pleasure. It's nice to have a library of reading material at my finger tips. The slim compact design is much easier to carry and handle than the traditional paper book. If you enjoy reading this is a good way to make it an easy and convenient way to read.
3309547
As an avid user of Microsoft Office programs, I was interested in the new version of Word, after the more than adequate changes made to Word 97 with Word 2000.  While Word 2002 doesn't totally break the mold from pervious versions of Word, I'm glad it didn't.  Microsoft has already got a great product, with only a few egregious things that needed some fixing and altering.  First off, the look of Word 2002 is more classic and softer to the eyes with soft hues of gray and white.  Words in the menu bar are spaced out more, and highlighting is done in lavender as opposed to black.  Language tools have also been improved.  Basic (stress on basic) word translation, can be done within the program, from English to Spanish and French - a useful tool when composing documents in various languages and that translation dictionary is not as handy as it could be.  Spell checking is more seamless, and some foreign languages can now be detected automatically.  Word count has its own toolbar now, which is very convenient.  With a click of a button (not a click of a toolbar, et cetera), automatic features can be turned on and off.  Task panes aren't as obtrusive as I thought they might be, and are actually useful once you get accustomed to them.  The Clip Art gallery gets its own task pane, although I prefer clip gallery version 5 (with Office 2000) to the new version packaged with Office XE.  The obtrusive and marginally helpful office assistants (no new ones have been added to Office XE) have been exiled to the menu bar, but can reappear with a click of the mouse.  Now, questions can be typed into an "Ask a Question" box in the menu bar.  More intuitive, and streamlined, Word XE is a pleasant and effective update of an already fully functional program.
3626448
I was pleasantly surprised to see this new volume after the fairly disappointing ones lately. Only a few instances of Stupid Idiom Eve, excellent pacing, some rather nice bits with Summerset, and all in all, a pleasant, fast-paced personhunt.  I also appreciated the lack of slice and dice which we have been offered lately. One minor glitch--right after the shooting at Madison Square Garden, Eve doesn't call Leonardo at home with Bella because she doesn't want to worry him (like he wouldn't hear about the shooting on screen), but then suddenly Leonardo is also at Madison Square Garden with Mavis. Ah well. This one isn't up to the really tip-top volumes (which pretty much ended with NEW YORK TO DALLAS), but it's definitely an improvement over recent past ones. I loved Eve's observation of Bella's already rather keen social sense--and yes, some children do have it that early. I was very happy with this book, and hope the improvement continues.
3248038
Another good chapter in the new series with new attributes.
4768668
We own the 2008 version of this book, so I was excited to get the new version to see how it compares. I've attached a picture of the two side by side, and you can see the books are the same size, with a new cover.
As with the previous edition, the characters are arranged in alphabetical order. The font size is quite small, as there is a ton of information crammed into this book.
It is not exactly the same content. Going page by page, I could find characters that in in the old book but not the new, and vice versa. Certain characters (The Flash, Harley Quinn, The Joker) get two-page spreads, while most pages have 4-6 characters each. Lots of info, lots of pics.
For a DC fan (or general comic fan) this book will certainly be interesting. Due to font size and sheer volume of text, I would estimate it would be appropriate for kids age 9 and up (or younger precocious readers, or ones really into the subject matter and willing to work for it).
I'm glad to have the new edition, but won't be parting with the 2008 edition.
640260
Easy to read with update language.  I do wish that the chapters (jiz) were marked for the 30 chapters. Otherwise it's a nice way to keep up on your reading while away from the house.
2188074
I have to admit I think this is a bit over priced but after purchasing it I think the changes are a welcome addition for frequent readers.  The screen is very good and even though the specifications are similar to the Voyage to my eye it seems to be slightly better which could be the result of the 4 additional LEDs.  As someone that has had every Kindle model I think I can make a fair comparison and even though the price is high it is considerably less than I paid for the original Kindle.  Like anything if you want to be an early adopter of the latest version you are going to pay a premium.  I was a bit surprised that they didn't have any type of offers for Prime Members or some add on bonus like 6 months of Kindle Unlimited but I am sure the intent is to keep the various models differentiated by price.

My biggest surprise was just how well it fits in one hand so it is very easy to read in bed or in a recliner and very easy to use either right or left handed.  I prefer to use it in my left hand and there is a nice balanced feel where you can advance the pages by using the buttons.  I am not saying the Voyage is hard to use but the Oasis just fits in your hand much easier and the page turn buttons are a nice addition so you don't have to touch the screen to turn the page. Overall I like the feel and of the physical buttons on the Oasis more than the pressure sensitive ones on the Voyage and they respond instantly.

One option that would be nice is if the cover was an optional accessory to keep the price down but I have to admit as far as Kindle covers go it is very high quality compared to the others and the leather looks very nice as you would expect for a premium price.  I know that a number of people complain about the ads but to be honest that has never bothered me because they don't interrupt your reading and are easy to ignore.  Given that I have had my Voyage for almost two years and it is still working perfectly after frequent use on travel I am sure I didn't need to upgrade but I think there are enough changes to make this a worthwhile addition to the Kindle family and I am able to pass on my Voyage to one of my family members.  If you are happy with the Voyage or Paperwhite I am not sure there is a pressing reason to upgrade unless you want to have the latest version or feel that one handed reading is difficult with your current model.  Given the changes I don't believe you will be disappointed if you make the decision to purchase the Oasis but the decision would be much easier if it was at a lower price.
3601273
First off, read J. Mark Bertrand's review in his Bible Design and Binding blog (here: [...]).  He is, in my opinion, absolutely spot on, right down to his suggestion that this be a thicker book with a larger font.

The layout is nice, overall.  I like what the single column format does for poetic sections.  Cross references are down the center, leaving the text in the outside part of the page, which will be flatter.

There is absolutely no wasted space on these pages.  There is very little margin.  Text goes to within a centimeter of the edge of the paper.  No room for notes in this Bible.

The font size is right at the bottom edge of what these 55 year old eyes can comfortably read.  I recommend that you download the pdf of the sample pages from the publishers website and check it out first.

There are no maps in the back.

The cover is "genuine leather".  I want to know what animal that is from -- it's thin and very stiff.  Will it soften up eventually?  Time will tell.

------edit to add-------

A year and a quarter later, the text block has separated from the cover completely in front, partially in back.  It's gone back to Crossway.

And I still want to know what kind of leather the cover's supposed to be.
3078928
I have read both the old version and the new one. And even done a comparison now, by rereading some of the old chapters and the new parallel - I was curious.

An URGENT REQUEST first: Out of respect for readers, I would appreciate knowing precisely what "updating" means. In this case, it means shortening the original by about 50 to 100 pages by streamlining it a lot (an estimate just looking at print size, amount of text on page and page numbers), and adding a few smallish things to make it flow. For other books, it may just mean adding one scene, or an epilogue. Please, be very clear about it - it is my money!

Next:
I like these 80-ies types books, Judith Krantz, etc. and I do not mind rereading them now. So much juicier, so much less p.c., with flesh and blood people who manage to be accomplished and happy to some degree while being fallible and messed up and making horrible mistakes. And some of the oversized guts and glory stuff of ultra-rich people is fun too, from time to time.
Just so other readers know where I come from.

Now to the book itself:
I love the character and growth of the Glitter Baby herself. She works for me very well, I can easily connect to her. In both versions. SEP made the new one a bit better, as to her motivations, just a shading that was good, more modern, less victim to a small degree.
I can respect Jake, although he is a hard man, and quite unpleasant in a lot of moments. However, for me to believe in his "breakthrough" and HEA, I would need a bit more showing of how he has changed and moved on from his traumata. This was all too much a "quick fix" at the end for me. I would not trust him not to fall back into very destructive behaviour that hurts the heroine, again.
So unfortunately, the HEA does not really work for me.
A minus, but not a total dealbreaker.

Which brings me to the book's immense flaw:
I feel that SEP never actually has the courage to bring justice for Belinda. She is weak, and in her own way, quite evil by allowing truly evil people to do horrendous stuff to innocent children and to take relentless revenge over years for despicable motives. She actually stands by and profits from it, never for a moment giving up her luxury life. And the ending shows her forgiven and happy. Unbearable. And she so much dominates the book, she ends up being the main character, or very close to it.

This does not work for me as a romance, it does not work as a women's fiction, neither now nor then.
This book would have better stayed where it was than be re-written and getting a second chance at a wide public who loves SEP. Which I do.

I give two stars for the lovely Glitter Baby, and for some wonderful secondary characters and scenes (the whole rock bank passage, Kissy) but this is a deeply flawed product.
4588051
It is quite hard to find readers like this available in the US so I wound up ordering one from China. It is a full Android tablet but lacks Google Play. I had no problem side loading the Amazon App Store and some other apps. Since getting it I have used limited apps--primarily running Moon+ Reader. I have drop box running along with it in order to sync page positions with my tablets and phone (plus it gives another way to install books and apps). I also installed Fora Dictionary to work with it. Built in buttons work for page turning. The lighted screen works fine. It covers the entire screen and I can read easily on night on the lowest of several light settings.

Built in apps such as email and web browser work, but it is not the greatest for web browsing due limitations of the ink technology. It does work great for what it is intended for--ebook reading with the option of using your own apps as opposed to the built in apps.

Others have rooted this and installed Google Play. As it now does what I need I'm not sure if I will do this, but it is good to know that the option is available. Adding more will reduce battery time unless aggressive with apps to control this and I'm not sure it is worth the bother. With WiFi kept constantly on so far the battery life is far less than listed by the manufacturer but it uses a standard cable, making it easy to charge with any of my phone chargers. I have been using it for several days, often at night with light on, without having to recharge it yet, making battery life satisfactory regardless of how many days I wind up getting out of it.

Update:
At some point after writing the review I did root it and add Google Play. It was easy to root. Since that time there have also been updates to the operating system. I do think that either the "updates" or the addition of Google Play has led to a significant drop in battery life, with limited improvement from apps to limit battery use. I am tempted to get rid of Google Play and possibly go back to an earlier operating system if I can find the files to see if battery life improves to how it was when I first got it.

For now I'm treating it much like an Android phone or tablet--recharging daily to be safe when left on, otherwise turning it off and then restarting when using it. Compared to a Nook, which I also have, the biggest disappointment is battery life, but its other advantage out weight the need to charge more often or turn it off.

I am primarily using Moon+ Reader as it synchs well with my other devices (phone and tablets), but it is nice to have the option of using whatever apps I want. It comes with a version of FB Reader which is inferior to the current and a simple update didn't work. I might try removing the built in version of FB Reader and see if I can then do a fresh install of the version from the app store, but as Moon+ is working so well I haven't bothered, not knowing if changing a system app will cause any other problems.
524053
Pretty much the same as the last book, but he pictures make it more interesting to read.  It is updated a bit to include recent marketing trends.