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| Brand: Amazon
Category: Amazon Devices
Buy New: $359.00
Rating:  4478 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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| Customer Reviews:
 When Technology Actually Makes Life Better September 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have been lusting after this device since its announced introduction seeming so very long ago, but I have procrastinated to take the plunge until very recently. What on earth was I waiting for? Well, honestly, I was worried about first generation design flaws and software bugs. I was frightened by some negative reviews. And I was a bit stunned by the price. But, now that I'm in the pool there's no getting me out.
Based on my experience-to-date, I have to say that if the Kindle were to receive no further upgrade or revision it is (and will remain) a solid 5-star product. I have always enjoyed reading. I write this review surrounded by seven-foot-tall shelves filled with books. As I look upon their spines, I am spurred by happy memories of adventure and enlightenment. Reading is a joy and a privilege, but now it has gotten even better. I now have immediate access to thousands of books. I can effortlessly carry hundreds of them with me where ever I go. And, I can even access newspapers, magazines and blogs.
So often technological innovations promise to make life easier and more rewarding, but end up disappointing. This device actually helps me read more and enjoying it even more than before. The reflective display technology (with its adjustable font sizes) is very easy on the eyes. The built in dictionary never leaves me assuming a word meaning based upon its context. And, what I enjoy the most is the ease at which I can read multiple books concurrently utilizing the Kindle's auto bookmarking feature.
I said 5-stars right? Well I'm sticking to that, but this doesn't mean I can't recognize areas which might be improved upon. It is these points which slowed my purchase of the Kindle, but I ultimately decided to get over it. I list them here as constructive criticism:
Hardware (one thing)--
1) Page Turning Buttons:
This issue of their placement and access was stated repeatedly in reviews and seemed to cause owners the most trouble. This alone postponed my purchase by several months. Sadly, my fears were realized in this regard. Jeff Bezos, in his many interviews upon the introduction of this device, stated that chief among his design goals was to make the Kindle "disappear" like a conventional book does when the reader is carried away by the authors story. This is somewhat hindered by the placement of these buttons which requires me to carefully handle my Kindle so as not to accidentally turn a page.
Software (two things)--
1) Word Spacing:
The right and left justification format occasionally produces distractingly large spaces between words. In the books I have read there are sometimes spaces as large or larger than whole words between words.
2) Content Sorting:
As my library grows, I find it less convenient to find and sort items using the tools currently provided on my Kindle. A system of customizable folders or categories would help in this regard.
Content (one thing)--
1) Selection:
I know that Amazon's goal is to have every title ever published available to the Kindle. Today would be fine on this. Kidding aside, about half of the titles I've sought so far are not available. I tend to enjoy literary classics which seem to be under-represented. Example: Evelyn Waugh, W. Somerset Maugham, P.G. Wodehouse, etc. Also, some of my favorite magazines are absent. Example: The Economist, The New Yorker, The Utne Reader.
To conclude, I am exceedingly happy that I purchased my Kindle. I wish I had done so on the first day it was announced and I encourage you to do the same. Come on in -- the water is fine.
Very Nice, A Few Quirks September 7, 2008
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
I like the Kindle very much. Some of the things that could be improved are as follows:
1. Bigger screen - Kindle is nice for reading novels and items such as the bible, however, the screen is a bit small and for this price, it could be much bigger. I read a lot of technical manuals with diagrams and the screen is too small to do it justice.
2. Direct sunlight on screen causes letters to wash out. I think the screen is light sensitive, when reading in super bright light such as sunlight; I have to close the cover when changing pages to keep the letters from washing out.
2. When buying a book with an accompanying CD, the CD is usually not available. This is a pet peeve and has made me buy the book anyway, just to receive the companion CD.
Basic Perfection September 7, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
It is pretty simple in my book. The Kindle is exactly as advertised! I have had my Kindle for a month now and would not change a thing. My only complaint is I have not stuck to my original plan to still get books from the library. I can't bring myself to read a paper book anymore!!!! Great buy and I recommend all the way!
Amazing Device September 7, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
The Kindle without a doubt offers an excellent substitute for a hard copy reading material. As a big reader I find the ability to download newspapers,and books a tremendous advantage, and no trees are lost in the process! In just a few minutes of using the Kindle I felt as though I had been using it forever. I find the built in dictionary allows me to read material that I might have avoided due to concerns over the " vocabulary of the period". This is a wonderful device,I hope they roll it out to colleges for textbook replacement. Who needs a hard copy?
Kindle in Alaska September 7, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I love this thing! Even though we don't have the whispernet up here (yet?), the Kindle is wonderful. I look forward to traveling with my Kindle and downloading directly and surfing the web!
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