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In The UK:A few forward-thinking libraries in the UK have started offering ebook downloads as
an alternative to borrowing physical copies of books, and the local public's reaction
has been one of overwhelming enthusiasm.
Brits have been eagerly joining up to the new scheme. Free downloads that last for 14
days before self-deleting can be had either in the library or at home, and transitioned
onto your Sony Reader, iRex iLiad, or that new hotness, B&N's nook.
Naturally, the proprietary-format Kindle isn't invited to this party. We've already seen
a similar initiative in the USA, and can only hope this kind of convenience becomes
mainstream before too long.
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The only thing better than unannounced functionality is an automatic, surprise
refund on your purchase. With the international version of Amazon's 6-inch Kindle
you get both. Several readers who ordered the $279 international Kindle have received
the following email:
Good news! Due to strong customer demand for our newest Kindle with U.S. and
international wireless, we are consolidating our family of 6" Kindles. As part of this
consolidation, we are lowering the price of the Kindle you just purchased from $279
down to $259.
You don't need to do anything to get the lower price--we are automatically
issuing you a $20 refund.
This refund should be processed in the next few days and will
appear as a credit on your next billing statement.
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By "strong customer demand" we assume that Amazon means "we're trying to stay
competitive with the $259 Barnes and Noble Nook," but that's just a hunch. A
hands-on at the Gadget Lab also reveals the inclusion of web browsing thought to
have been disabled.
For the most part it is disabled but Amazon does let you browse to the English
version of Wikipedia and nowhere else. The hands-on also notes "dead slow" 3G
performance and Amazon's decision to ship the international Kindle with a US power
plug regardless of destination. Weird.
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