That certainly didn't last long. In less time than it takes for a New Jersey teenager to unlock the bejeezus out of his iPhone, "reverse engineer" Igor Skochinsky has hacked Amazon's Kindle. The digital book reader uses proprietary .AZW files (only available on Amazon.com, naturally) based on the format Mobipocket uses for its own eBooks. The trick being that you can read Mobi eBooks on just about any PDA, smart phone, or computer you own, while the much-hyped $399 Kindle is Amazon-only.
Well, Mr. Skochinsky has fixed that little problem for you. Google his name and find his blog, and he'll tell you exactly how he unlocked the Kindle so you can read the electronic book of your choice, no matter which format it's in.
If you're thinking that might void the Kindle's warranty, you're right. We wouldn't be able to cover those kinds of mods, either, though an unmodified Kindle would definitely be eligible for a SquareTrade warranty, new or used. Which might come in handy, because if Amazon's offering one, we sure can't find it.
And while we applaud Mr. Skochinsky's pioneering spirit, we also have to point out that, on average, the eBooks available on Amazon are often cheaper than what you'll find on Mobipocket. A lot cheaper. Like, half-price. If it's a toss-up between paying $10 for I Am America (and So Can You!) and paying $19, we're very sorry Mr. Cobert, but our patriotic duty is clear.
Amazon Kindle warranty, Amazon Kindle insurance
