Maybe you want to try out the Kindle, but you don’t want to take the plunge and buy a Kindle yet! There is an easy way to try out the format and programming of a Kindle without making your purchase yet (although you will probably want to once you try it!).

If you have a computer or a smartphone, then you can try out a Kindle by reading a Kindle book in a flash. Here are the options for trying out the Kindle on a device you already own -

Kindle for PC

Amazon offers a program that allows you to read Kindle books on your PC. Just download their software on their site, set up an account if you don’t already have one, and start shopping for your favorite book titles! You will be able to read the Kindle books on your computer screen with most of the functionality of a Kindle. Unfortunately, you cannot experience the e-ink screen, but it will at least give you an idea of what it’s like!

Kindle for Mac

This works the same as the Kindle for PC application. Just download the Kindle application for your Mac on the Amazon website and go!

Kindle for iPad

Already have an iPad, but want access to Kindle books? Just download the Kindle application for iPad and give it a try. Kindle and iPad have been considered competition for one another by many, but they are truly different devices. The iPad has more uses, but the Kindle itself is considered and much better reader because of its e-ink screen. However, you can still try out Kindle books on the iPad, and you might decide you want both!

Kindle for Android/Kindle for iPhone/Kindle for Blackberry

Amazon has also developed Kindle applications for Android phones, the iPhone, and the Blackberry. You can download these applications via your application manager on your phone. Just go to whatever type of marketplace your smartphone has, search for the Kindle application, download it, and start reading Kindle books on your device!

While these applications certainly do not give you the full “Kindle experience,” you can at least give the Kindle book format and store a try. Beware, once you give it a try, you might get hooked!

The Kindle 3 is here, and for only $139, it’s a steal! With its lightning fast download time, high definition surround-sound (how cool is that!), and several other new features, the unit takes reading to a whole new level of experience.

This newly remodeled reader is thinner, lighter, faster, and makes reading easier than with any previous Kindle model.   Weighing in at only 8.5 ounces, the sleekly designed electronic reader is lighter than a paperback book.   It is only 1/3” thick and feels great in the hand.  This new model is the thinnest Kindle yet.

Kindle 3 uses the latest electronic ink technology to create crisp, clear text that has a 50% greater contrast than before.  The screen isn’t backlit, so reading is comfortable, even in bright sunlight.  The addition of this feature means that Kindle users can read for hours with no eyestrain.

In the new model, pages can easily be turned with either hand, a great new feature for any of you who get tired of pushing that “next page” button. Also, this model displays text in eight different font sizes.

This Kindle also has the longest battery life yet.  Users can read up to a month without recharging.  This makes the new Kindle the perfect companion at home or on the road.  With built in WiFi, users can purchase the latest books, magazines, and blogs practically anywhere.

Storage capacity is remarkable on the new Kindle. The unit can store up to 3500 books and documents with no problem.

If you are looking to upgrade, Amazon makes it easy to switch from one Kindle to the next. Click here to go to Amazon and check it out now!

I love the fact that my Kindle syncs over 3G. I can take it just about anywhere and download just about anything! But for those of you who might not have the best 3G coverage or who lives outside the US or travel internationally, you may be tied to your computer to download your books.

The new Kindle with wi-fi offers the perfect solution! Now you can update your Kindle anywhere that has a wi-fi signal with these new models. There are two separate models – one with wi-fi only and one with wi-fi and 3G (which is still free!).

Also, the price has been lowered again. Amazon must know the Kindle has a lot of competition these days, because they just keep dropping their prices – $139 for the Kindle wi-fi, and $189 for the Kindle wi-fi plus 3G.

These new Kindle models also have a few of the features that Amazon brags about with the recently released Kindle DX Graphite -

They have better, easier to read fonts than the Kindle 2 or original Kindle DX.

They can now store up to 3500 books – double the capacity of the last model.

The screen has 50 %better contrast.

My favorite new feature, since I always forget to plug mine in – a battery life up to one month (4X better than the previous models).

A tweaked web browser for use with wi-fi (trying to compete with other tablets?).

What do you think? Will you be upgrading, or holding out for the Kindle 3 (which we will discuss in more detail next week)? Leave us a comment!

Check out our review of the top Kindle DX covers and cases.

With the economy the way it was this past year, many people are wanting to stretch every dollar. If you’re looking for Kindle deals and bargains, below we highlight five ways to score an Amazon Kindle and books for cheap!

1.  Amazon – Want free books? Start at the source – Amazon.com! Check out this Free Kindle Book List. Seriously, they are free!

2. Craigslist – This is how I got my first Kindle. Someone was looking for some extra cash and was happy to sell it to me for a great price!

3. DealNews – I just got turned on to Dealnews recently. It has so many great deals on consumer electronics, including quite a few for the Kindle, Kindle books, and Kindle accessories!

4. Local Classifieds and Newspapers – You never know when someone down the street might have upgraded to a Kindle DX and wants to sell their old one! Check out your local paper (maybe you can even read it on your Kindle like I do!).

5. eBay – No doubt eBay is the powerhouse when it comes to online auctions. There are plenty of Kindle to be had on eBay, but as always, you take a risk when buying a used device.

6. Sign up for Audible.com – If you join Audible.com’s AudibleListener® Gold plan, you can get $100 off any Kindle at Amazon! The only catch is that the plan costs $14.95/month, but if you listen to books as much as I do, it might be worth it.

Any other deals out there? Let us know in the comments!

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1. Rapid Wall Charger – This charger works for all Kindles new and old. According to reviews, it even charges faster than the original! Comes in US and International versions.

2. Kindle Car Charger – Need to keep that Kindle charged on the go? Here is a great way to charge it while on your way to the beach.

3. Kindle Essential Kit – Want to get the whole package? This includes a wall and car charger, and saves you money on both.

4. Solar Power Boost! – Why not unplug altogether? This is such a cool device. Just sit it in the sun and let it charge your Kindle.

Anyone else have experiences with these products or know about a better one? How about a crazy story about how you broke/lost your Kindle charger? We would love to hear it! Leave us a comment below!

In an interesting twist, The Discovery Network has sued Amazon.com over the technology it uses in the Kindle. Apparently, Discovery claims that the Kindle violates a patent filed several years ago by Discovery for an electronic reading device. However, most experts are saying that the suit has little merit and will probably not result in any type of win or compensation for Discovery.

This does however, strengthen the notion that the Kindle is growing significantly in popularity, despite its competitors!

Check out more about the new Kindle DX Graphite here.

Need a waterproof cover for your Kindle? Click here.

• 50% better contrast than the original DX
• Same great no-glare e-ink screen
• Auto-rotating display
• New cool graphite color

Check out more about the new Kindle DX Graphite here.

Need a waterproof cover for your Kindle? Click here.

The ebook readers war is hot hot hot, and we as consumers benefit all the way to the bank. Ca-ching!

If ever there was a time to snatch up the Kindle from Amazon, now is the time.

Essentially if you’re looking for a digital reader that has free WIFI built-in, is portable, has no distractions such as video games or email, the Kindle might be the device for you.

1. Read a steamy novel from Jackie Collins (for the ladies)
2. Let your child discover the wonder of digital reading by lending him or her your Kindle device
3. Share your Kindle with a neighbor and let them gawk at it for a few minutes
4. Play a game
5. Score a free copy of an ebook at your local library
6. Protect your device with a series of Kindle waterproof covers and keep it safe
7. Tell your significant other you’re on “ME” time and take your e-reader to the beach (sans stress)
8. Get caught up on an Oprah Winfrey book-of-the-month club selection
9. If you can’t tear yourself away from business reading at the beach, then try a blog such as The New York Times or The Huffington Post
10. Business reading at the beach not your cup of tea? Boing Boing or Tech Crunch might be more your style
11. Order a subscription to the Reader’s Digest, this mag never disappoints for leisure reading
12. Upload that juicy biography you’ve been dying to take a peek at, try Bill Clinton or Barack Obama

As you can see there are loads of ways to have fun at the beach with your Kindle. Happy beach bumming!