What you didn't know: Where EV-DO isn't available, Kindle connects via a second protocol called 1xRTT, which is an older 144Kbit/sec. standard. The addition of 1xRTT increases the number of locations where you have wireless access.

What you knew: Kindle's Search feature lets you find words or phrases on Wikipedia, the Kindle Store and the Web.

What you didn't know: Kindle gives you access to an experimental and free service called Kindle NowNow, which is a search engine powered by actual humans. You send any question, and a human being will research it for you, then send the best three answers, usually, Amazon says, within five minutes.

What you knew: Kindle's wireless service works only in or near the U.S.

What you didn't know: You can buy books from anywhere in the world from your PC, and sync to the Kindle.

What you knew: The Kindle can read only four text-document file formats: .AZW (Kindle-specific), .TXT, .MOBI and .PRC. In addition, every Kindle gets its own e-mail address for receiving Amazon-converted Word, HTML, TXT, JPEG, GIF, PNG, and BMP files for 10 cents per document. You send the original to your Kindle's address and your device receives the converted document (only e-mail addresses you authorize can send to your Kindle).

What you didn't know: If you have Amazon send converted documents to your regular e-mail account instead of your Kindle account, the conversion is free. You then have to download the attachment and sync via USB.

What you knew: Amazon keeps a copy of all your subscriptions online so, if you upgrade or replace a Kindle, you won't lose purchased books, newspapers or magazines.

What you didn't know: The Kindle also automatically and wirelessly backs up online all your notes, bookmarks, clippings and even "last location read."

What you knew: Kindle is an e-book reader.

What you didn't know: Kindle is also an audiobook reader and MP3 player, and has both speakers and a headphone jack. Amazon lets you buy audiobooks directly from Audible.com by going to a dedicated Web site where you can download and install Kindle-specific software for connecting to and buying from Audible.com. You can listen to music while reading, although only in "shuffle" mode.

What you knew: The Kindle comes with a built in dictionary -- The New Oxford American Dictionary.

What you didn't know: If you prefer another dictionary, you can buy it from Amazon.com, then tell your Kindle via an option setting that the new dictionary is now your "preferred" dictionary for instant lookups.

What you knew: You can subscribe to newspapers and magazines.

What you didn't know: Your subscriptions arrive hours or, in the case of some magazines, days before print subscribers get theirs.

What you knew: Newspaper and magazines are not retained permanently by default on Amazon's Your Media Library. Amazon's contract with these content providers typically allows just seven issues, although the number varies.

What you didn't know: You can download periodicals to your PC or Kindle and retain them forever. Amazon can't retain them beyond seven issues, but you can.