Hacking the Kindle 2, USB Charger for Kindle 1

One of the most popular features of the Kindle that is missing from the Kindle 2 is the ability to set up custom Screen savers. Some people just wanted different artwork or photos of their family, others didn't like seeing the instructions for the screen saver mode all the time, while others added text that identified their Kindle and how to contact them if it was found. This feature was "undocumented", but was built in and only required a keystroke to activate. Removing custom screen savers only required removing a few files in a system directory (which only contained your custom screen savers) and restarting your Kindle. The Kindle 2 no longer has this capability (just one of many features that were removed - either they were overly concerned about tightening down the code or had too many support calls. Now a clever programmer has figured out how to restore that feature in the Kindle 2, but it does require modifying the Kindle's firmware, which may void the warranty (unlike with the original Kindle) and could result in a dead Kindle 2 if not done properly. Nevertheless, a brave group over on Mobile read have already ran the fix (which can be removed when your Kindle needs to be upgraded) and report no problems. First, read this entire thread, then get the latest version of the patch. Make sure you know what you are doing, before you start. If you are not comfortable at the DOS prompt and don't know both what a system file is and how to see them, you are probably better off skipping this one and waiting for Amazon to give the feature back (make sure you tell them you want it back, too, as they'll only do so if enough people complain). For your images, both PNG and JPG are ok (no TIF or BMP). For best results (and no speed delays), size them to 600x800 before copying them to your Kindle.

The second hack has even more risk of killing your Kindle. A lot of people want to be able to tether their Kindle's to their computer, much as you can do with a cell phone, gaining them unlimited free internet access from anywhere Sprint Mobile works. Not only illegal, it is unethical to do so - plus Amazon both knows where you live and has your credit card on file, along with your agreement to the Kindle Terms of Service (which allow them to charge you for internet access other than associated with Kindle purchases). What Jesse Vincent has figured out how to do, however, is sort of the opposite: how to use your computer's internet connection instead of Whispernet. It makes little sense to use this with the basic web browser - after all, if you have your computer and it has internet access, why use the stunted browser of the Kindle? But, if you are in area that doesn't get Whispernet coverage, this hack lets you Kindle think that it does - giving you access to samples and one-click buying from the Kindle and allowing you to use the Save for Later feature that cannot be accessed from the Amazon web site. I'd pay heed to the ample warnings on his blog though - messing around with the Kindle in debug mode, other than as directed by technical support, can break your Kindle and require a trip to Amazon for repair (and they may charge you for it, since this is outside the TOS and warranty). But, if you are familiar with linux, comfortable with the command line and either have a Mac or can translate his directions to Windows (the notebook/desktop PC must have it's networking modified to allow the access, as well, just as with a cell phone, but it is a reverse connection from most tethering setups), then have at it.

Many people have reported that they are using a standard USB charger for their Kindle, but Amazon has warned against doing so, as the USB port wasn't designed for that amount of current. After seeing pictures of iphones and other USB phones that melted or caught fire while charging, that's not a scenario I want to risk. What Alan over at SnarkBytes has done is a little different - he modified a USB cable to charge the Kindle using the standard charging port (which is the same charging tip as used by many Sprint phones). His blog explains in detail what you need to do, how to do it and includes a disclaimer not to blame him if it doesn't work, kills your Kindle or your USB port. It's probably a fairly safe thing to do (if you don't mess up the wiring), but I'll stay with my Gomadic USB Charger (these come in coiled, straight and retractable models; more charging options here). I especially like their Universal Charging Station, as it lets me use a single charger for four devices at a time (and it charges all my handheld devices, if I rotate them around, as few of them need daily charging, reducing phantom power loads from having a half-dozen chargers plugged in). Unlike some organizer boxes for charges, which just hide all the clutter and lock your power bricks inside an overheated box together, the Universal Charging Station has a single (small) power connector and four different spots to plug in devices. It comes with one tip (you can order more on the Gomadic web site), as do most of their chargers/USB cables - with a little planning you probably won't end up needing extra tips at all. There is also a travel version of the 4-way charger and a 4-way car charger available directly from the company.