Update, October 2010: There’s now a way! The old post is below.
Based on what I’ve seen around the web so far, Amazon has removed the Alt+Shift+0 shortcut that would let you set any image as a new screensaver image on the Kindle 2. For now, at least, it looks like custom screens are one area where Kindle 1 owners hold an edge.
This is unfortunate, because customizing your Kindle with new screens is a nice feature. Not only does it allow you to make the Kindle feel more personalized, but it has practical advantages, too. You can create the ebook equivalent of a bookplate–a “please contact me if this is lost” message–or a list of shortcut reminders to use as a reference. I hope Amazon didn’t really remove this feature entirely, as that would seem like an example of the company locking down their device against what should be a pretty harmless modification.
I’ll keep looking around for some news of a hack or workaround, but for the time being, it looks like you’re stuck with the default images.
(Kindle 1 owners, just click here to start adding your own images!)
Feb 28, 2009 @ 22:55:31
Unfortunately it’s not only a dropped feature, but Amazon is telling customers that personalizing their screensavers “would be considered an alteration and would void your warranty.”
Obviously a ridiculous stance from the “Earth’s Most Customer-Centric Company” as they like to say.
Personally I’d much prefer to see a picture I picked and enjoy rather than the moldy pictures they force on me, in fact some are downright ugly, causing a cringe while waiting for the Kindle to wake up.
Mar 02, 2009 @ 17:54:07
I sent them a nasty email about this. I’m quite convinced the response will be immediate and satisfactory.
Mar 08, 2009 @ 11:32:28
Microsoft and Apple don’t get to dictate what my desktop wallpaper is on my PC and MacBook. Amazon.com shouldn’t dictate what my Kindle2 displays when it’s sleeping.
Mar 08, 2009 @ 16:50:52
You can modify the kindle 2 to allow custom screensavers
http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?p=380345
This program will allow you to set a directory to put your images in. However it is NOT supported by Amazon, and they would claim it voids your warranty. However, I can confirm that you can add and remove this hack easily.
All the hack does is change the pathway that the kindle looks at for screensavers, nothing else.
Mar 08, 2009 @ 18:37:05
@John Martin: I saw that too, but today I came across this clarification by Amazon customer service. It looks like they don’t consider that a warranty violation after all. Good!
statement by Amazon CS on Amazon forums
May 12, 2009 @ 10:01:52
http://www.blogkindle.com/2009/03/kindle-2-screensaver-hack/