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Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device | 
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| Brand: Amazon
Category: Amazon Devices
Buy New: $359.00
Rating:  4198 reviews
Sales Rank: 1
Color: Bisque
Media: Electronics
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.3 x 0.7
UPC: 892685001003
EAN: 0892685001003
ASIN: B000FI73MA
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Features:
| • | Revolutionary electronic-paper display provides a sharp, high-resolution screen that looks and reads like real paper. | | • | Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing. | | • | Wireless connectivity enables you to find, buy, and read instantly—whether you’re in the back of a taxi, at the airport, or in bed. | | • | Shop the Kindle Store directly from your Kindle. | | • | Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute. |
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4193 more reviews...
 Excellent first-generation device for avid readers August 20, 2008
There is plenty that could be improved with the physical characteristics of this device, but if you like/love to read and then Kindle is unquestionably a life-changer (excuse the cliche). The ability to conveniently carry multiple books, automatically receive subscriptions with no technical fuss whatsoever, location-marking in each book/periodical, and easy dictionary/Wikipedia look-up of words and concepts allows for a systematic, enjoyable reading experience at any time/location. This device is a real cure for people who's available time to read is fragmented across commutes, work downtime, etc.
Lot's of room for improvement, mainly in physical characteristics: the leather case keeps a flimsy grip on the device, the navigation buttons are awkward and easily pressed inadvertently. The screen is too grey and not white enough for my tastes. A backlight would be great. However, in many ways Kindling is superior to ordinary reading: better in strong light, easier to hold, no ink smudges, much easier to read large-format periodicals in a crowded environment. The technology sits in the background: no fussing with connections, related error messages, upgrades, updates, formats, compatibility, ... Battery life is excellent (2 days with the wireless on).
If you're not an avid reader, I believe you'll find the device is (over)priced to capture "early adopters" not the general public (which tends to look for <$200 devices -- see iPhones, DVD players, digicams). Don't forget there are no wireless charges.
Others need to come into the new age! August 20, 2008
I was very anxious after I ordered my kindle. I ordered it on a Friday and selected two day shipping so it could arrive on Tuesday. I told myself that it was only 4 days away. What I didn't expect to happen was for me to actually be excited and impatient for the wait. I've tried the Sony e-reader and I didn't get nearly as excited after I had purchased that.
From the outside, it's appearance may be appaling at first. Don't let that hinder your thoughts on purchasing one though. It has a very nice feel in your hands once you figure out how to hold the thing without turning the pages. There are two design flaws that I see that I hope are improved up in the infamous second edition that will not be out for at least a few years. They could round out the corners so it doesn't eat a dimple into your palms while reading. Secondly, they could rethink the position of the page turners. I do like that they are on both sides, but maybe place them so you could actually grab the sides without screwing up your place. I think that with the second versions of anything, they are a welcomed upgrade. The placing of the SD card is problematic when you want to change them or actually put one in, but in relooking at it's placement, there really isn't a better place for it.
So enough with the specs. With that being my only area for complaint, being the design flaws, reading on this is actually more enjoyable than a paper back for me. I don't have to fidget around to find an uncomfortable position for me that supports the book without turning any of it's pages. With the Kindle...I sit in any position I want, not what the book wants. Turning the pages is flawless...albeit slow, but after reading a few pages, you slowly adjust to the fact of it taking time. And after a few chapters, you don't even notice that anymore. The saving the page you left off on feature is awesome as I frequently am doing ten billion things at once and then end up reading the same passage at least 5 times before I realize that I need to stop coming to this page after coming back. And the built in dictionary is awesome as I am hard of hearing and often times do not fully understand what all english words mean even though I speak perfect english. It's awesome that it's right at my fingertips and I don't even leave my page or lose my place.
When I took mine out of the well designed box, it started up and I didn't need any time to aquire a tasting for it. I knew exactly how to run it being the techie that I am. I learned how to use all the specs in under ten minutes after just fiddling with it. If you aren't good with technology, I highly suggest reading the on-board user's guide as it explains how to do everything.
I took it over to a friend of mine, I am 21 and her and her husband are well into their 50's. They had no problems after changing the font size as I read at the level one. They used setting 3 and 4 and were very impressed. My grandma fell in love with the size 6 font. No longer needing to hunt for the large print books, she is purchasing hers soon. All three of them got aquainted quite quickly with it after a few intructions from me.
I have had no problems ordering books and having them delivered right to me in under a minute. I bought 20 books the first day I owned it...and three days later I am finished with 4 of them...still going on my first charge. I did turn my wireless internet off to make the battery last longer.
The only reason I hesitate to give it five stars is the design flaws. If you can get past your palms having permanent dimples :-) this is the perfect device for you. I live in a small apartment and face arguments with my boyfriend over space and my love of books. Problem is solved now. So if you are an avid booklover with no space in your house or apartment, this is a very practical solution. You look at the price and think it's a bit much, but think of the money you save on books. With my initial 20 book purchase, I saved almost $200...half of my kindle was paid for right then and there and my boyfriend isn't complaining about space for those 20 books either. I no longer have to justify my must-have book choices. Wish this would have come out about 7 years ago when I started my library!
So what are you waiting for? Go buy one! Obviously if you are reading all the reviews you can get your hands on, you know you want one! Just do it! You only live once and regrets will not follow this purchase! You'll thank us all later when you have your own and you can inspire others!
luv it, luv it, luv it... August 20, 2008
Well, I bought this for my hubby cuz now he walks to work and is a software engineer.... so I knew he'd be reading a lot of big ol' manuals. Now he can just download it and read them anywhere and not look like a Jr High School grrl with a backpack full of bad history books... I'm just sayin...
Great device August 20, 2008
I debated and researched quite a bit before asking for this for my birthday, but I'm very happy I did. I've added quite a variety of purchased and free books to keep me occupied while waiting in different places, and for travel. I have not found the 'blacking out' while page turning distracting, and I'm very happy with the product.
Very Happy With My Kindle August 20, 2008
So I've had my Kindle for a couple weeks and I thought I've used it enough to give an educated review.
My main motivation for buying the Kindle was for travel. I travel a lot and the idea of being able to carry all my books and magazines with me was a huge selling factor. The Kindle is ideal for that. The storage capacity is great - around 200 books with the built in memory and maybe 2000 with a $12 2 GB memory card. (You can get large memory cards, but I figured that was enough for me.)
I was concerned that it might take getting used to for reading. I don't read sitting at a table with a book laying flat. I read on my couch with the book over my head or any number of other ridiculous positions. That hasn't been a problem at all. I find it as easy, if not easier, to hold and read than a paperback book.
One thing I never expected is that I actually read faster with the Kindle. I have no idea why that is, but I've noticed it and others have confirmed that thay also seem to read faster with the Kindle over traditional books.
There are a few things to be aware of. This is fairly new technology, so there are things that could be improved, but nothing that would keep me from buying the Kindle.
First, there are a lot of books available (150,000+ on Amazon and maybe a million elsewhere), but if you are looking for a particular author you should probably check before you buy. Don't assume that just because it's a popular series or author it will be in eBook format. Of course, more are being added daily and as the technology grows more will be open to it going forward.
Second, there are some trade-offs. Some things that we take for granted in paper format is not easy in eBook. For example, the lack of page numbers. Instead of page numbers, the Kindle uses location numbers, so you will be at location 500 out of 10000 or something. This gives you a rough idea of how far into the book you are, but is a little awkward.
Other little things that you lose are things like being able to flip to the end of the chapter to see how many pages you have left to read. You can do this, but it's 1 page at a time, so not really efficient. Graphics are simplistic, so maps and other images can be difficult to read.
Overall, great product that has some room for improvements. I recommend it, but just do your research and make sure it's right for you and the books that you would like to read are available.
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