To use Text-to-Speech, first open the book, periodical or document that you wish to read. Then press the text key (“Aa”) on the keyboard. You will see an option to turn on Text-to-Speech.
By default, Text-to-Speech starts reading at the beginning of the page currently displayed. To start reading at a particular spot, move the cursor where you’d like the reading to begin before starting the Text-to-Speech feature. With Text-to-Speech, the screen pages will automatically turn to stay in sync with the Text-to-Speech voice. To change the voice and speed of Text-to-Speech, press the Text key [Aa] to activate Text-to-Speech controls. The shortcut key to play or stop Text-to-Speech is holding down the Shift key and pressing the [Sym] key.

This is the text the kindle is reading, both with a female and male voice.

Dear Listener,

This is a recording of the Amazon Kindle’s text to speech function. I am making Kindle read something that I wrote to be sure that no copyright infringement can be claimed, even if I think its a stupid complaint. I mean, get real. Does this sound anything like an audiobook to you? Its not bad for what it is, but its not going to take the place of audiobooks. Just my two cents.

Peace,
Kindle Junkie

Last time I had a shipping day estimate from Amazon, I received my Kindle even before the predicted ship date.  So it’s just a matter of days before we have the Kindle DX in our hands. Then we will see if it is worth the extra cash.

I like the idea of being able to read native PDF files with the Kindle DX. I also think that there is going to be a future in e textbooks. One thing I am enjoying with my current Kindle is the light weight portability, and the lack of clutter. All of my book shelves are full and I don’t want to make room for more. I also have been doing a lot of cleaning and organizing, and it was a lot of work dusting all of those books on the shelf.

At least with the Kindle I can still read whatever I want, without having another book, I have to physically store somewhere in my house. Plus, if you are reading several books at the same time, the Kindle will keep your place on each book. So it’s easy to switch books according to your mood.

The Kindle DX should have all of the benefits of the Kindle, with a few more added advantages. Although the Kindle still has the compact size and more compact price. For those who pre-ordered a DX the wait is almost over.

When I purchased my first iPod I wasn’t sure how useful it was or if I would even use it. Once I figured out how to use iTunes and discovered free podcasts, I was hooked. I fell in love with my iPod and spent a large amount of time at work, explaining to my co-workers what they were missing out on.

Since then iPods have gotten better and better and cheaper and cheaper. What can easily be purchased now for a low price would of been the most amazing technology ever compared to my first iPod mini with its clunky size and shape and monochrome screen.

My point about the iPod compared to the Kindle is that what once started out as an expensive niche gadget, is now an affordable mainstream gadget that almost everyone has. From school kids who are lucky enough to have parents who buy them high tech toys, to just about all adults from young to old.

If you are in a group, try taking a casual poll and see how many iPod owners are present. Most people have one, and many are on their 3rd or 4th iPod. Even my Dad, who just discovered how to buy songs on iTunes, and makes CD’s for me with a mix of 50’s and 60’s music with some Motown and country thrown in, has decided he needs an iPod.

Currently the Kindle is still a fairly expensive niche gadget. It is already an amazing product and with each new addition are improvements. The price is still fairly high and it’s not completely main stream yet. But, everyone I show my Kindle to, does decide, that they want one as well. Including my Mother which shows that the Kindle encompasses all generations just like the iPod does.

It’s very likely that within the next 5 years the Kindle will be as ubiquitous as the iPod. They will get better and better, with improved features and a lower price point. Once Kindle text books become mainstream, the Kindle will become a part of everyday life just like how everyone has a cell phone or a computer.

I am not the only one to share these feelings today I was reading the Motley Fool and I stumbled across, The Kindle & iPod Correlation, which pretty much echoes my sentiments. Just like the iPod when the Kindle really takes off, there will be imitators and competitors. But the competition will only make the Kindle better.

Ask any school kid if they would like an iPod or a Zune and the vast majority will choose the iPod. Just the same way most will choose a Kindle over an Acme Reader. This begs the question, if Kindles will become better and less expensive should I hold off on purchasing one?

Many people will, many people won’t. It really depends on if you would benefit from owning one. I love knowledge and learning. There are so many great books out there, and shopping and browsing the Kindle store makes finding, previewing, and ultimately purchasing books, the easiest most convenient experience ever.

I’m also a tech person and like gadgets, so being an early Kindle owner suits me perfectly. My only regret with my Kindle is I don’t get to use it as much as I like. I don’t have a long commute because I now work at home. I also don’t have as much leisure time as one would think, for someone who works at home.

When I get a chance I will spend some leisure time with my Kindle. Plus it’s invaluable for trips and times when you have to wait. Such as flights, waiting rooms, DMV lines, or getting your vehicle serviced. I hope to soon, have those leisurely mornings in bed browsing the Kindle newspaper, or purchasing, reading, and finishing a Kindle novel while lying on a beach.

Unfortunately Amazon has been out of stock, and behind with shipping Kindle’s since Oprah made Kindle her favorite gadget in October. The good news is that the Kindle, as of today,  will ship in 5 to 7 weeks. Which means that it is just a few weeks before the Kindles will be shipping right away. Which is what we’ve wanted all along.

I didn’t have to wonder long because he answered my question in the second paragraph of the review.  Here’s a quote from the beginning of the review:

This is less a “pros and cons” review than a hopefully useful commentary about the Kindle compared with other eReaders and what it means for the eBook industry. (I believe that everything has changed with the Kindle’s creation.)
For many years I have been an avid reader of eBooks using almost every eReading device on the market. So as an early-adopter of techie gadgets I had been anxiously awaiting Amazon’s Kindle since its first rumors. So I immediately purchased it both out of curiosity and hoping for a better “next generation” eBook solution. In case you’re wondering whether I’m “that” Steve Gibson, I probably am — I’m the guy who gets Google’s first three or four links when Googling my name.

You can read the rest over at the Amazon site. The Kindle really seems to be the device of the future.

Now that the holiday season is winding down. It’s becoming a little easier to get a new Kindle
there is still a wait but now it’s down to 8 to 10 weeks instead of 11 to 13. So if you’ve got some Christmas money and still didn’t get that Kindle you wanted.

You’ll be able to order a new Kindle from Amazon for 359$ and you’ll receive it in a couple of months. No matter what your holiday wishes are. The Everything Kindle team would like to wish everyone a safe, happy and prosperous New Year. May your days be filled with learning and growing and enjoy the company of those you love.

But besides that the best deal would probably be to put your order in now for a new Kindle for 359$, shipping after Christmas.

Due to heavy customer demand, Kindle is sold out. Please ORDER KINDLE NOW to reserve your place in line. We prioritize orders on a first come, first served basis. This item will arrive after December 24. Note that Kindles cannot currently be sold or shipped to customers living outside of the U.S.

If you had your heart set on a Kindle don’t despair. There are still options. Keep checking back for deals on refurbished Kindles, reserve your new Kindle for 359$, and shipping with in 3 months, or browse the gently used and like new section, for Kindles shipping now  starting at around 500$

***   Refurbished Kindle Update   ***

Amazon is offering used and Refurbished Kindles on their site again!. However, this is only for the first generation Kindle, or Kindle 1, and the second generation Kindle, or Kindle 2. . There are no refurbished Kindle DX available right now. The refurbished kinle DX is now in stock too! You can find used Kindles starting at $199.00,  refurbished Kindles for $149.99,  Refurbished Kindles 2 for $219 and refurbished kindle Dx for $399.99 ____________________________________________________________________________________________

*** New Update ***

Seems the refurbished Kindle 1 models are sold out! Wow, that only took a few days.. Refurbished Kindle 2 models (or second generation Kindle) are still available, but who know for how long. If you are thinking of buying one better hurry before they go out of stock again.

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*** New Update ***

The refurbished Kindle 1 is in stock again. So refurbished kindle and refurb kindle 2 models are again in stock, as is the refurbished kindle DX

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Image via Wikipedia

Refurbished Kindles In Stock Shipping Now For 329$

I don’t  know how long these will last but if you have your heart set on a Kindle for Christmas there are some refurbished ones in stock shipping right away. Plus instead of waiting 11 weeks and paying 359$, or getting it now and paying 400+, you can get your refurbished Kindle now for the bargain price of 329$.

In case your wondering if a refurb is just as good as a new one. Here is what Amazon had to say:

Official factory refurbished Kindle from Amazon. 30 day return policy, 1 year manufacturer’s warranty. All new packaging, documentation, and included cover, charger, and usb cable. Cannot be sold or shipped to customers outside of the U.S.

Sounds like a good deal to me. Happy Holidays everyone.

]]> http://canadareaderpalace.ca/44/refurbished-kindles-in-stock-for-329/feed/ 0 http://canadareaderpalace.ca/34/best-deals-on-kindle/ http://canadareaderpalace.ca/34/best-deals-on-kindle/#comments Mon, 01 Dec 2008 08:56:06 +0000 Jesse http://kindleereader.com/34/best-deals-on-kindle/

Are you looking for an Amazon Kindle for Christmas? Thanks to Oprah and an unexpected rise in the popularity of the Amazon Kindle there is now an 11-13 week backlog on the Amazon Kindle shipping.

If your heart is still set on getting a Kindle before Christmas, don’t worry. You can still find some Kindles in stock shipping now  on Amazon. Some are refurbished and some are new ones that people either decided they didn’t want or bought to sell.

Check out the deals on Amazon of Kindles in stock.

You can also find Kindles on ebay for around 400$ which is just a little over the 359$ price tag on Amazon. So if you or a loved one have to have the Kindle for Christmas browse these deals on ebay.