Electronics & Computers Deals here!Does the new Kindle have better contrast?
Contrasting contrasts: The Kindle on the right is the new global-wireless model.
(Credit: Sarah Tew/CNET)When the Kindle 2 was first released, we reported on the small controversy over how dark the text and images appeared on the screen compared to the original Kindle. Held side by side, the original appeared to have better contrast and the text appeared slightly darker--and slightly easier to read.
Well, when we reviewed the new AT&T-powered version of the Kindle 2, which Amazon calls "Kindle Wireless Reading Device (6" Display, Global Wireless, Latest Generation)," we noticed that the text appeared darker on this model than on the older Sprint-powered Kindle 2. It's not a huge difference but it's definitely noticeable (see photo above).
While that's a good thing, we're not sure when Amazon made the transition to the slightly improved screen. It very well could have showed up on later revs of the Sprint-powered Kindle or it may have appeared with the introduction of the international AT&T-powered version. Alas, repeated e-mails to an Amazon PR spokesperson have gone unanswered, so we haven't been able to get official word from the company on what it did--or didn't do--to the screen.
When the initial controversy flared up, some Kindle owners wondered whether a firmware upgrade would remedy the contrast issue. We still don't know the answer to that, but we're hoping Amazon will clarify the contrast question for us (if it does, we'll update this post), especially with Barnes & Noble's Nook shipping within the month.
In the meantime, you can read our full review of the AT&T-powered Kindle and if you happen to have compared this model with the Sprint-powered Kindle and noticed a difference between the black levels, please post a comment.
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Hunkered down in New York City, Executive Editor David Carnoy covers the gamut of gadgets and writes his Fully Equipped column, which carries the tag line "The electronics you lust for." He's also the author of "Knife Music," a novel. E-mail David. Follow David on Twitter.
You clearly have never used a second-generation Kindle. The screensaver is random, showing different images or authors at any given time.
And yes, there is a difference. The model on the right does seem to look richer and darker than the other Kindle.
Oh, and one more thing, the Kindles are not 'powered' by Sprint or AT&T. They are connected through these carriers but, last time I checked, the Kindles are powered by eLectricity.
If you look at the background, it's darker on the right and so is the Amazon log on the 'dark' Kindle - it's clearly darker - while the logo on the left side Kindle is almost fading into invisibility, and so are the letters on the keyboard and on the buttons - better contrast on the right. You don't need to be a forensic expert to conclude that the 'apples to oranges' side-by-side comparison is very unconvincing.
I hope that the Amazons make the Kindles increasingly crisper and maybe they are doing that but these 2 pictures aren't the evidence they are in fact doing it.
And if we look at the AmazonKindle logos ABOVE the screens on the two pictures, it is obvious that the right logo has deeper contrast than the left and therefore we can assume the picture has been digitally altered, Perhaps not intentionally, maybe unequal calmera settings, lighting, etc, but definitely a poor A/B comparison.
seaweednorth has a point. A lot of us are waiting for colorized e-book readers, so we can read COMICS on them. Just imagine how Marvel and DC would profit of digital subscriptions and such.
Well,I hope so.
http://www.prlog.org/10409092-muscle-might-review-does-muscle-might-really-work.htm
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by NYGooner
November 12, 2009 12:20 PM PST
- My Kindle 2 (bought very soon after they came out) died about 2 months ago and Amazon replaced it. The screen/contrast on the new version is noticeably darker and easier to read than on the original. I've confirmed this by comparing the screen to my wife's Kindle 2 - so clearly they improved the screen at some point in the last 6 months and just didn't tell anyone. Whatever happened, I'm pleased with it!
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