Amazon.com has brought yet another way to read to its readers’ Kindle computer apps, this time seeking to bring exact copies of select titles to consumers. Certain titles are now being offered via the reading apps for PC and Mac under Kindle Print Replica; titles that are available will be indicated by the bracketed phrase, “Print Replica” at the end of the title in the Amazon store.
As a Print Replica title is downloaded, the exact word count per page is preserved, allowing for finding key information on specific page number locations, a vital tool for utilizing research tomes and textbooks where all users need to be able to reference the same page number. As textbooks lend themselves so well to the Print Replica format, many Print Replica books are available for rent and the price is determined by the length of time needed for the rental period, between thirty days and one year.
Obviously, not all titles will be available as a Print Replica, as not all volumes rely on the strict adherence to visual preservation. Those readers who prefer to read their digital editions while utilizing the ability to enlarge the font will be disappointed, as the font size is fixed in order to maintain the word count per page and page numeration. However, as Kindle Print Replicas are created in a way similar to a PDF file, panning and zooming are still viable reading options, along with other features that are unique to Kindle ebooks such as annotating and highlighting text.
Overall, Print Replica titles are a rather unique reading experience when it comes to what is familiar with the Kindle experience. Text-to-Speech is not enabled on these titles and downloading can take a little longer than receiving a typical ebook via the Whispernet, and this format is not available on a handheld reading-specific device, but as far as venturing out with a new reading product that can offer users exact page number comparison with the ease of navigating the text on a screen, Amazon has unleashed an awesome new digital experience.
Mercy Pilkington is a Senior Editor for Good e-Reader. She is also the CEO and founder of a hybrid publishing and consulting company.
