Kindle 2: Linux eBook from Amazon
Kindle eBooks have been around since the '90's, and although sales are still uncertain, Amazon has now upped the ante by not only releasing version 2, but also publishing parts of the Linux source code.
Linuxdevices.com has taken a closer look at the device. First of all, it looks good and is thinner than Kindle 1.While the display hasn't changed that much, the device now has 16 gray shades which help greatly with contrast adjustment. Pages turn 20% faster and thanks to the new user interface, turning the page, making notes and skipping pages has become a lot easier.
Hardware:
The SoC (System on Chip) is a Freescale I.MX31 processor, based on ARM11 architecture with a 532 MHz tact. Kindle 2 has 32 MByte RAM and 2 GByte memory with 1.4 available to the user. Large enough for 1.500 books, says Amazon. The original SD slot of its predecessor has been replaced by a mini USB 2.0 port and a 3.5 mm audio line-out has been added. Improved battery performance should keep the device running for four to five days.
Presently aimed exclusively at the US market, Kindle 2 will cost 360 USD, with downloads available via the 3G wireless Whispernet.
Source Code:
The source code for Kindle 2 can be downloaded here. The 138 MByte TAR.GZ archive contains a U-Boot 2.6.22 Linux kernel, Alsa, Busybox, Powertop, Gstreamer, Bootchart and other popular open-source programs. Developers are calling attention to the short boot-time and energy saving functions of the device. More information on Kindle 2 can be found here.
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.
-
What Open Source Pros Look for in a Job Role
Learn what professionals in technical and non-technical roles say is most important when seeking a new position.
-
Asahi Linux Runs into Issues with M4 Support
Due to Apple Silicon changes, the Asahi Linux project is at odds with adding support for the M4 chips.
-
Plasma 6.3.4 Now Available
Although not a major release, Plasma 6.3.4 does fix some bugs and offer a subtle change for the Plasma sidebar.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 First Release Candidate Now Available
Linux Torvalds has announced that the release candidate for the final release of the Linux 6.15 series is now available.
-
Akamai Will Host kernel.org
The organization dedicated to cloud-based solutions has agreed to host kernel.org to deliver long-term stability for the development team.