Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device

First let me say that I have had my Kindle since mid April of this year. When I first got it (as it was a birthday gift) I was not sure how easy it would be to use, or if I would every get used to reading on the electronic screen.

Let me just say, that within 10 minutes of using this device all of my apprehensions melted away. I am now addicted to using the Kindle any chance I get (an average of at least 5 hours a day). The E-ink screen is so much easier to read than a traditional back lit option. The built-in dictionary has made it easier for me to conquer more prosaic works by providing easily accessible definitions. With the wireless option off, I have found that the device can go without a charge for an entire week.

Don't get me wrong, there are a few things that I wish Amazon would change in the design. For instance, the location of the on/off and wireless buttons are a little inconvenient, and the consequence of having such large previous/next page buttons on each side is that you inveritably lose your place at times. Also, the original reading case the Kindle comes with is flimsy and precarious at times, don't try any truly acrobatic positions with it. However, almost all of these problems can be solved if you purchase a good alternative reading case. M-edge Genuine Leather Executive Case for Amazon Kindle (Black) I would recommend this one.

Most importantly, however, I would mention the built in wireless delivery of books to the Kindle. That feature cannot be understated. Yes, its instant gratification, and it probably a bad thing for my generation, but that is the number one selling point with me. Well that and the fact that you can carry an entire library with for just 10.3 ounces. And did I mention that there are six sizes to which you can adjust the text?

The bottom line is that you should get the Kindle, it will pay for itself within 2 months, I promise.

I have had my kindle for about a month now, and use it every day. I consider it my "friend", in the sense that it is always there when I need or want it. I'm recently retired, and my activities are limited because I have a severe medical problem for which I'm awaiting surgery. In any event I have much more time and have started to read all those books that look interesting but used to pile up on my shelves unread.

Regarding the product I have a number of complaints which many other reviewers have mentioned.
It falls out of its cover, so the cover must be redesigned so the kindle is secure when held.
The placing of the buttons is not as good as I would like, especially the "back" button, because when you hit that mistakenly you go back to the menu and it's hard to find your place.
I also hit the next page and last page buttons inadvertently way too often.
The other thing I dislike is the difficulty of navigating through newspapers and magazines.

However I love my kindle. For anybody who reads a great deal, it is not a bad price because the kindle versions save a lot of money per item, and it would not take a long time to get the cost back. It will need to come down in price to be attractive to a larger audience, though.
So in sum I love it but recognize that there are problems that need more work.

The first time I saw the Sony electronic book a little over a year and a half ago, I tried it out at the display at Boarders bookstore. I promptly showed it to my husband and told him I did not want anything like it. Since I read a lot, I receive books for most of my gifts from family and friends and I didn't want a "surprise" Sony book showing up as a Christmas gift. Then a year later I saw the Kindle on the front of Newsweek magazine and the story sparked my interest. I then spent six vacillating between ordering and not ordering one. I looked at the video demonstrating the Kindle many times and read many of the reviews, pros and cons. Two the features I found appealing are the ease of ordering new "books" through the wireless network - no more downloading through my PC like iTunes - and the ease in which the font can be changed - I am a young "senior citizen" and am looking at future needs. Finally I took the plunge and ordered my Kindle. I had second thoughts as I waiting for it to arrive. I was concerned that I would no longer have the feel of the paper in my hands while I read. The day my Kindle arrived, it sat on the kitchen table, unopened, for most of the day. I rued that I purchased another item that probably had a thick manual that I would have to pore over to make the item work. Finally, I opened the box, and there was no thick manual. I charged it up and then found the manual on my Kindle and I could practice as I read the manual - that was easy. One of the cons I read about in the reviews was that the Kindle slipped out of the book cover easily, but I used the remedy mentioned in the reviews and added a small piece of Velcro between the two and my Kindle is now secure. I was surprised this fix had not been made by Amazon by now. The wireless ordering couldn't be easier and there is even an "out" in case one mistakenly orders something one doesn't want. The font is set for easy reading now, but can be enlarged in the future if it needs to be. Last week, one of my sons emailed the Kindle Amazon.com link for a book he had just finished and was recommending I read. After ordering and reading the sample - a great way to test out a book - I ordered the book and now we can discuss it fasted then in the past. I foresee a lot of Kindle gift cards in my future. All of the features discussed in the Kindle video work as demonstrated. In July 28th Time magazine there is an article about the Kindle by Josh Quitter with little hints and I agree with his review 100%. One con I have, which isn't the Kindle's fault, is that I don't think it is water proof. I read while I am in my pool, and I have to find a regular book to read. A water proof case would be nice accessory. All in all I am a very happy camper with my Kindle.

I read way too much... from Louis L'amour to my geek books. This is the first device that caters to the entire spectrum! I also have the Sony reader, but I haven't been able to find even half of the books that I want for it. I can honestly see a day when I won't have any regular books... :)

I am enjoying my Kindle. I just use it for reading books, haven't tried the other services. Sometimes it's hard to hold with the large page turning clicks on each side and it doesn't stay well in it's cover if you're reading. It doesn't get service in Alaska, where I took it for a trip, but the computer download worked well.