BookOffers.com.au » Kindle

New Australian Kindle 3 Launch – BookOffers Buyers Guide

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 22:29:28 +0000

Amazon will start selling two new versions of the Australian Kindle from Friday July 30 including a new low cost Australian Kindle for USD$139. The new low price point should enable a whole new segment of the Australian book buying public to enjoy the benefits of switching to an eBook Reader.

The new $139 Australian Kindle will offer WiFi only rather than the 3G connectivity of the updated Australian Kindle $189USD both of which will offer higher contrast screens, crisper text and are smaller and lighter than the Kindle 2 they replace.

“I predict there will be a 10th-generation and a 20th-generation Kindle. We’re well-situated to be experts in purpose-built reading devices.” Jeffrey P. Bezos, Amazon’s chief executive “At $139, if you’re going to read by the pool, some people might spend more than that on a swimsuit and sunglasses,” Mr. Bezos said.

BookOffers predicts that the Australian Kindle will be the hot Christmas gift for 2010 as at under $150 and with the proliferation of WiFI networking in a huge number of homes, the tipping point will have been reached for eBook Readers. It should be interesting to see how the two Australian competitors the Bebook and Kobo respond.
Here are the details of the new Australian Kindle 3 models

Australian Kindle – WiFi

$USD139
WiFi only – connect to any WiFi network
6 inch screen with higher contrast & crisper text than the Kindle 2
Smaller and Lighter than the Kindle 2
Stores up to 3,500 books
USB connectivity

Here is the direct link to the Australian Kindle 3 WiFi

Australian Kindle – 3G

$USD189
Wi-Fi & 3G connectivity – works anywhere your mobile does + connect to any WiFi network
6 inch screen with higher contrast & crisper text than the Kindle 2
Smaller and Lighter than the Kindle 2
Stores up to 3,500 books
USB connectivity

Here is the direct link to the Australian Kindle 3 WiFi +3G

The new Australian Kindle 3 is on sale now and shipping commences August 27. Get your order in first to secure your position in the queue when they ship!

Australian Kindle Software Update – New Features

admin — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 07:19:37 +0000

Amazon has just rolled out a software update for all Australian Kindle owners. Its good to see some social media integration, security features and more font sizes for the visually impaired.

The features included in this update are:

Collections
Organize your books and documents into one or more collections

PDF Pan and Zoom
Zoom into PDFs and pan around to easily view small print and detailed tables or graphics

Facebook & Twitter Posts
Share meaningful book passages with friends on Facebook and Twitter directly from your Kindle

Password Protection
Password protect your Kindle when you’re not using it

Popular Highlights
See what the Kindle community thinks are the most interesting passages in the books you’re reading

More Font Sizes & Improved Clarity
Enjoy two new larger font sizes and sharper fonts for an even more comfortable reading experience

To get the new software on you Kindle do the following

Turn your wireless on
Navigate to the home screen and click on “Sync and Check for Items” on the Kindle menu.
The software update will download in the background and install the next time your Kindle goes into sleep mode.
The update should take less than 10 minutes to complete.

Read the BookOffers Kindle Buyers Guide for more information on the Australian Kindle

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 06:48:36 +0000

The Kindle DX got a refresh today with a lower price of $US379, and a 9.7-inch screen with 50 per cent better contrast. It also happens to come in a graphite finish. Shipping starts on July 7th.

It features

All New, High Contrast E-Ink Screen: Our graphite Kindle DX uses our all new, improved electronic ink display, with 50% better contrast for the clearest text and sharpest images
Beautiful Large Display: The 9.7″ diagonal E-ink screen is ideal for a broad range of reading material, including graphic-rich books, PDFs, newspapers, magazines, and blogs
Read in Sunlight with No Glare: Unlike backlit computer or LCD screens, Kindle DX’s display looks and reads like real paper, with no glare. Read as easily in bright sunlight as in your living room
Slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines
Books In Under 60 Seconds: Get books delivered wirelessly in less than 60 seconds; no PC required
Free 3G Wireless: No monthly payments, no annual contracts. Download books anywhere, anytime
Long Battery Life: Read for up to 1 week on a single charge with wireless on. Turn wireless off and read for up to two weeks.
Carry Your Library: Holds up to 3,500 books, periodicals, and documents
Buy Books Once, Read Them Anywhere: Kindle books can be read on all your devices. Our Whispersync technology saves and synchronizes your Kindle library and last page read across your Kindle(s), PC, iPhone, Mac, iPad, Android phone, and BlackBerry device
Social Networks: Share your passion for reading with friends and family by posting meaningful passages to Twitter and Facebook directly from your Kindle
Global Coverage: Enjoy 3G wireless coverage at home or abroad in over 100 countries. See details. Check wireless coverage map.
Built-In PDF Reader: Carry and read all of your personal and professional documents on the go. Now with Zoom capability to easily view small print and detailed tables or raphics
Auto-Rotating Screen: Display auto-rotates from portrait to landscape as you turn the device so you can view full-width maps, graphs, tables, and Web pages
Read-to-Me: With the text-to-speech feature, Kindle DX can read newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you, unless the book’s rights holder made the feature unavailable
Large Selection: Over 630,000 books and the largest selection of the most popular books people want to read, including 109 of 112 New York Times® Best Sellers, plus U.S. and international newspapers, magazines, and blogs. For non-U.S. customers, content availability and pricing will vary. Check your country.
Out-of-Copyright, Pre-1923 Books: Over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are available to read on Kindle, including titles such as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, and Treasure Island. Learn more
Low Book Prices: New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases from $9.99.
Free Book Samples: Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy

Here is a direct link for the new Kindle DX Graphite. Be very careful to purchase the correct Kindle DX for Australia

Australian Kindle DX – Price Cut to USD$379

admin — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 05:16:53 +0000

After the recent price reduction on the standard Australian Kindle, the Australian Kindle DX has now been reduced from USD$489 to $379 a huge 23% saving. The new Kindle DX international edition also sports a new display with up to 50% better clarity than the model it replaces and a new graphite enclosure.

Make sure you follow this link to buy the Australian Kindle DX to ensure you get the correct version for Australia.

Read the BookOffers.com.au Kindle Buyers Guide now for extensive coverage of the Amazon Kindle.

The New Moleskin Kindle Cover

admin — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 05:14:43 +0000

Moleskin have just released a new Moleskin Kindle Cover which makes it easy to take notes whilst reading. Here is the product information from Amazon

From Moleskine, the legendary manufacturer of books-yet-to-be written, comes the newest analog-digital hybrid tool: the Moleskine Kindle cover. The features and style of this cover are classic Moleskine: sleek rounded corners, strong elastic band, and the iconic smooth black cover. The cover protects and cushions the Kindle device, in a silhouette that’s instantly classic and contemporary. It’s a simple design beloved by writers, artists, and readers for over a century.

Inside, contrasting microsuede lining adds an extra layer of protection, while it echoes the familiar cream-colored pages of a Moleskine notebook. Four double-stitched corner elastic bands hold the device in place and allow access to all buttons and inputs.

Included in every cover is a package of two reporter-style Volant notebooks, created exclusively for the Kindle and designed for the reader who enjoys jotting notes and insights (and who is constantly reaching for a Moleskine notebook). These slim notebooks feature a smooth black cover, rounded corners, and blank ivory pages inside. The notebook slides into a pocket on the inside cover of the case. Additional refills may be purchased separately.

Signature simplicity and style, made exclusively for Kindle by Moleskine® (fits 6″ Latest Generation Kindle)
Slim profile cover with elegant black hardcover jacket, rounded corners, iconic black elastic closure, and subtle embossed logo on back
Interior features plush suede lining and double-stitched corner elastic straps to keep Kindle in place
Includes a Moleskine® reporter-style plain notebook opposite the Kindle
Allows complete access to all ports and buttons

Don’t have a Kindle? Make sure you read our BookOffers Australian Kindle Buyers Guide, our Top 5 Accessories for the Australian Kindle, read our frequently updated Australian Kindle Questions and Answers and enter for your chance to Win An Australian Kindle.

Australian Kindle Charger by Amazon

admin — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 21:53:19 +0000

Amazon has just released a great new standalone charger for the Australian Kindle.

Priced at USD$19.99 is the must have accessory for every Kindle owner.

It is compatible with both the standard Australian Kindle and the Australian Kindle DX and comes with a USB cable and Australian wall plug. You can use he USB cable as a spare which will come in handy for people who use their Kindle whilst traveling either domestically, internationally or to and from work.

I have the spare cable plugged into my work Mac and my other on the home Mac to make sure I have a full charge all the time. Using the Kindle for Mac software which synchs with the Kindle it also means that I can read my books on my Mac or the Kindle and they are always synched to the exact same location within the book no matter what I am reading on.

The Australian Kindle Charger is now available from Amazon for USD$19.99.

Kindle For Mac Now Available

admin — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 04:23:45 +0000

Amazon.com,have announced that the Kindle for Mac application is now available for free download. the announcement follows on from the Kindle for PC and Kindle from Blackberry announcements that now have the Kindle on every major computer and smartphone handset.

Kindle for Mac is missing a number of features such as including full text search and the ability to create and edit notes and highlights however Amazon states that these will be available in the near future.

Kindle for Mac is available now as a free download for OSX 10.5 and above systems.

Win an iPad – Terms & Comditions of Entry

admin — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:23:39 +0000

1. Information on how to enter and prizes form part of these conditions of entry.
2. Entry is open to residents of Australia who are current members of BookOffers.com.au or ebookguide.com.au. Employees and their immediate families of the Promoter, participating outlets and agencies associated with this promotion are ineligible to enter.
3. To enter, entrants must complete the Online Entry Form found on BookOffers.com.au during the promotional period and provide their name, & email address.
4. Only one entry per BookOffers.com.au or ebookguide.com.au member is allowed per entry period. Where more than one entry is lodged by the same person or address, only the entry received first will be deemed valid.
5. This is a game of chance. Skill plays no part in determining the winning entries.
6. Cancellation of BookOffers.com.au or ebookguide.com.au membership during the promotional period and up to and including the date of draw will void entry.
7. The Promoter reserves the right to verify the validity of entries. The Promoter reserves the right to disqualify any entrant for tampering with the entry process or for submitting an entry which is not in accordance with these terms and conditions.
8. Promotion commences 1 March 2010. Entries close 5pm AEST on 30 June 2010.
9. The entry determined as the winner will win 1 copy of each specified in the prize conditions.
10. The draw will take place at 6pm on June 30 2010 at 48/450 Elizabeth St Surry Hills NSW 2010. All entries received in the promotion entry period will be placed in a barrel and one winner selected at random.
11. The Promoter will notify the winners by email only (to their registered BookOffers.com.au or ebookguide.com.au email address) and publish their name on BookOffers.com.au and ebookguide.com.au within 5 working days of the draw taking place.
12. The Promoter’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Prize is not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash.
13. The Prize is 1 Apple iPad 16GB with WiFi . Total prize pool value is estimated to be USD$499.($600 AUD) Refer to this website for exact prize details – http://www.apple.com/au/ipad/
14. In the event of any prize/s being unclaimed by the more than 5 business days subsequent to the draw, further judging will take place to determine replacement winner/s. Winner/s in any replacement judging will be notified by email as soon as practical and their name/s published on BookOffers.com.au and ebookguide.com.au.
15. Prize values are the recommended retail values as provided by the suppliers and are correct at the time of printing. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for any variation in the value of the prize.
16. The Promoter accepts no responsibility for late, lost or misdirected entries.
17. Any costs associated with accessing the promotional website are the entrant’s responsibility and are dependent on the Internet service provider used. Any contact details entered incorrectly on the website shall be deemed invalid.
18. The Promoter is not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or lines, computer on-line systems, servers or providers, computer equipment, software, technical problems or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any web site, or any combination thereof, or any other technical failures, including but not limited to any injury or damage to participants’ or any other person’s computer related to or resulting from participation in or down-loading any materials in this competition
19. If for any reason this competition is not capable of running as planned (including but not limited to) infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorised intervention, fraud, technical failures or any other causes beyond the control of the Promoter which corrupt or affect the administration security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this competition, the Promoter reserves the right in its sole discretion to cancel, postpone, or amend this competition.
20. The Promoter shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever which is suffered (including but not limited to indirect or consequential loss) or for any personal injury suffered or sustained, as a result of accepting and/or using the prize except for any liability which cannot be excluded by law.
21. The Promoter collects entrants’ personal information in order to conduct the promotion. If the information requested is not provided, the entrant may not participate in the promotion. By entering the promotion, unless otherwise advised, each entrant also agrees that the Promoter may use this information, or disclose it to other organisations that may use it, in any media for future promotional, marketing and publicity purposes without any further reference, payment or other compensation to the entrant. Entrants’ personal information may be disclosed to relevant Governmental departments. A request to access, update or correct any information should be directed to the Promoter at their address set out below or by writing to admin @ BookOffers.com.au
22. The promoter will publicise the competition on the main page of BookOffers.com.au or ebookguide.com.au as well as on various other Australian Competition websites. No TV, radio, or print media advertising will be done.

23. The Promoter is RAM Internet Marketing 450 Elizabeth St Surry Hills; ABN 42509066448. NSW LTPS/10/01755

Did You Win An Australian Kindle? – Ian Teoh Did

admin — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 10:34:47 +0000

Congratulations to Ian Teoh from Melbourne for being the lucky winner of our Australian Kindle giveaway that ended on February 28. He was quoted as saying

“Wow, fantastic. Thanks so much”

Your Australian Kindle is on the way from Amazon.com

Didn’t win? We have an Australian Apple iPad to giveaway on June 30 so as long as you remain on the BookOffers.com.au mailing list you are in with a chance to win. Not a member? simply signup at the top right of the page for your chance to win.

Australian Kindle or Apple iPad?

admin — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 07:24:27 +0000

Following the launch of the Apple iPad recently the Australian eBook Reader market has been blown wide open. It now represents a serious challenge to Amazon’s lead in the Australian eBook Reader market. It is also clear the world of books is undergoing its most profound structural shift since around 1439 when German goldsmith Johannes Gutenberg began to use movable type.

The incumbent Australian Kindle, along with the BeBook, are the two current contenders in the Australian eBook Reader market. However the Australian iPad pricing, and shipping dates, are still not known and the iBookstore has no release date yet for Australia.

So the question is – should I buy an iPad, Kindle or BeBook? It comes down to what you want most out of your device. For our keen readers the best option for at least the next year or so is the Kindle.

Why? Well the iPad will ship without the iBookstore in Australia, although we know that Apple Australia is working closely with publishers to get books into the Australian store as quickly as possible. It remains to be seen if this will be the case anytime in 2010. It took Apple 18 months to get the Australian iTunes store live so it may take the same for the Australian iBook store.

Here are a number of further reasons why the Australian Kindle is still the best Australian eBook Reader

Amazon also has the lead in the number of books available – currently standing at over 330,000 books in the Australian Kindle store. Apple is likely to ship with nowhere near the range that Amazon has at its disposal.
Amazons ebooks are cheaper – with titles generally around the $9.99 to $13.99 USD price. Apple is letting the publishers set the price and they are likely to set their prices at around $15-$20 per book.
The Kindle is a much cheaper option to get your feet wet with ebook readers – at only USD$259 it is not nearly as big an upfront cost as the iPad at an (estimated) cost of around AUD$599 for the cheapest model
The screen – the screen on the Kindle is great to read on, no back lighting to fatigue your eyes and it is a dedicated device made for reading only.
Free 3G access – the Kindle has free wireless delivery, the iPad will be available with data plans from the Australian phone companies that will add substantially to the total cost over the years you own it.
Annotation & commenting on the screen – both features that the iPad book reader application is missing

The flipside to this line of argument is that the iPad can do substantially more than the Kindle, which is a one function device. BookOffers expects the Australian iPad to be a huge seller (we will be giving one away to subscribers as soon as they launch). For the time being if you are looking for the best eBook reader experience, then for Australians (The US will get the iBookstore immediately) the choice is simple – the Australian Kindle is likely to remain the best choice for Australian eBook Readers for the foreseeable future.

Make sure you read the BookOffers Australian Kindle and Kindle DX buyers guides. Our favourite is the Australian Kindle DX with its extra large screen, and make sure you signup for our free email newsletter and go in to the draw to win an Australian Kindle.