Despite the rave reviews that the Kindle 2 is getting, Amazon Kindle 1 users are not as happy upgrading from the Kindle 1 to the Kindle 2. For some of them, making the switch was a downright frustrating experience.
Granted, the 2nd generation device was definitely a step-up in the looks department but there were other issues to deal with that didn’t make for a pleasant and smooth transition. Here are some of these concerns:
Kindle 1 content cannot be downloaded directly from the computer to the K2. Owners of the original Kindle who are storing a lot of their content on their computers should be aware of this: for you to be able to transfer your files to the new device, you’d need to have Amazon reformat all these files specifically for the Kindle 2 and then download them again to the device.
Amazon cannot always keep a copy of your book, newspaper, or magazine in their server. In some instances, the book may be “pulled” for some reason hence, reformatting it for the newer Kindle is no longer possible. Also, those who are receiving regular subscriptions to newspapers and magazines should be aware that Amazon can only backup these types of content up to 6 days.
The Kindle 2 does not have a slot for an SD card. If you have tons of content stored and organized into different SD cards for your K1, sad to say that because of the absence of a card slot for the K2, you won’t have as much freedom to organize your files. Even with the Kindle 2’s huge storage capacity, the fact remains that it is not “unlimited” as external memory would have been.
Be ready to miss the “Jump Ahead” and “Jump Back” feature. Due to certain formatting issues, this very useful application in the original Kindle is not available in the latest one. Now this wouldn’t have mattered so much if only the Table of Contents worked all the time but unfortunately, many users have found out that it doesn’t. That leaves you to go through entire chapters page-by-page if you want to jump to say, Chapter 18 from Chapter 3.
The Kindle 2 doesn’t have a user replaceable battery. What it has is an extended warranty for an additional $65. But then with this, you’d need to send in your Kindle and Amazon would replace it – the device and not just the battery. Care to spend more time downloading all your content again?
The display isn’t that friendly on the eyes. I’ve come across various reviews that complain of the Kindle 2’s screen not being readable. Some attribute it to the “white” screen that’s actually more grey than white, while others claim that it’s not really as glare-free as they have thought it would be.
There are no discounts for Kindle 1 owners who wish to upgrade. Some Kindle 1 owners think that the least Amazon could have done is give some special discounts or a trade-in deal for those who already have a Kindle but want to try the newer version. But the $359 Kindle 2 price tag is applicable to all – original owners don’t even get a free cover.
Despite these issues, the Amazon Kindle 2 remains to be the most popular ebook reader that’s taken the art of reading to new heights. However, original Kindle owners, especially those heavy users of the device, thinking about upgrading to the newest version should be aware of these hurdles. There are always hurdles to overcome when upgrading from one device to another so these shouldn’t scare you or prevent you from buying the new device. You just need to be aware that moving from one device to another isn’t a totally smooth transition.
If you feel like taking your upgrade a step higher and get the latest Kindle to hit the shelves, check out first the full review of the Amazon Kindle DX and see it in action!
