Amazon just released Kindle for PC . Mac version coming soon. No Kindle required - Perfect for the netbook or laptop traveler!

I downloaded it on my iMac and it runs fine under Parallels Desktop. You can access and download the archive of books you've purchased, but not your existing "samples". When you go to the Kindle store to download a new sample it asks you where you want it sent, to your Kindle or Kindle for PC.

I just downloaded the book I am currently reading and when I opened it my current place came up and it will sync automatically with your Kindle if you alternate using your computer and kindle. I'll have to test that. Also, you can see your notes and annotations on the side, which is a nice feature.

Pretty cool technology, Leslie! It's up & running on my PC Netbook now - I noticed that you have to exit out of a book before it logs in the most recent page read on the other device. Still, a great feature. Love the Kindle, too.

Thanks Leslie. For Kindle users a few ? please; How does (if you have the kindle 2 intl version) work on board, overseas? Do you use the daily newspaper download feature using the 3G net or use USB cable with your/ship's computer..thanks

Hi Wes, Happy Veteran's Day! I haven't dealt w/ using my Kindle overseas, yet. Next year. The intl version may be problematic & more $. As long as I can rely on some downloaded books, I'm happy.
Editing to add: I have a micro USB Cable plus power adapter for charging.

Michele, thanks so much for your Veteran's day
well wishses,especially meaningful in light of the extraordinarily moving Ft. Hood memorial
ceremony yesterday...for the first time since I retired in January, wished I was back in uniform
saluting the fallen/injured and their families.
Amazing Grace at the end choked me up...

Re; Kindle 2, in light of Barnes and Noble releasing their ereader (Nook) at the end of the month for $259; a few weeks ago Amazaon lowered the price for the Kindle 2 to $259. Now, Amazon refers to this as the Kindle 2 as the newer
Kindle (pls see below taken from the Amazon site
today):

A Newer Kindle is Now Available
Due to strong customer demand for the newest Kindle, we are consolidating our family of 6" Kindles. The new Kindle has 3G wireless that works in the United States and also globally in over 100 countries. We will continue to fully support Whispernet for all U.S.-only Kindles. You can buy used and refurbished versions of the U.S.-only Kindle on this page.

Michele, also pls see thread below, I started on CC Silversea...some nuggest of information on use of the Kindle at sea..esp
like the suggestion of offering a drink to
a fellow passenger to borrow their laptop to download the daily NYT if the ship's computers
won't allow this.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1088601

Leslie--

What does it cost to download the kindle to the pc/mac? It looks like it is free, but I can't believe that. Unless the money is made with the books purchased.

You're so welcome, Col. It must really hit home with you witnessing this heartwrenching tragedy of your fellow soldiers. Such an honor to "thank you & Ida" for your service to our country. Interesting, your thread on CC. I love the ROLS' Drink Plan! I will be anxious to hear how you & Ida like your new Xmas present! You'll be able to give it a good work out on the Spirit!

Diane - Kindle for PC is free - you have to buy the books or subscribe to papers, magazines etc. from them to use it so that is where they make their money.

There are some things they still need to work on in the PC version.

Here's a good article from one of the many kindle blogs talking about some pros, cons, reactions to the PC version release:

click here

I don't have the international version, but I think it uses AT&T which would pose a problem for me here in the mountains. The Sprint Whispernet works OK at my house. I guess if an AT&T cell phone works on a ship then the intl kindle would work? You can always download and sync.

Thanks Leslie