No more hardback hand cramp!September 7, 2008 I just got my Kindle a week ago. While there are a couple of minor annoyances, they are far outweighed by the fact that I can lay on my side in bed, prop my kindle sideways on a pillow, and read away. No having to hold the book open, no accidental closings that lose my place, no hand cramp from trying to hold a hardback with one hand.
There is a black screen between page turnings that is still a little vexing, but I'm trying to get into the habit of looking away and blinking. I read very quickly (although what avid reader doesn't), and the amount of text on the screen is less than what would be on a page. When one is already vexed by the black screen, having to click more often than one would turn the page is slightly irritating. And yes, one does lose the tactile sense of a book: the kindle only has one font. Font, page layout, paper quality, cover art, etc., are all lost.
However, the thing is so blessed PORTABLE! And much less awkward than a book (particularly hardbacks), so it's worth it. Plus, having a book in less than 60 seconds is very addictive. Friend just recommended a book? Get a sample chapter from kindle. Read a good review? Get a sample from kindle. Want to buy more of a particular author, but the bookstore doesn't have anything? Get it in seconds from Kindle. I don't think I'll stop buying physical books entirely, especially since my local used book store undersells Kindle, but when I don't want to wait, the Kindle is awesome.
kindle opinionSeptember 7, 2008 i have just started using my kindle. So far I am enjoying reading on it very much. It is a little disconcerting when you change the page and you see the ink, but once you get going it becomes a non-issue. There is a lot to learn which I will do as I need to.
Best Amazon Buy Ever!September 7, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Kindle: Amazon's Wireless Reading Device I love this device! I stick it in my purse when I have free time and read whatever book I have downloaded. I can easily switch between books. It is the size of a paperback. Sitting on my couch or in my bed in my rural area I can download a book in seconds most of the time. If, for some reason, I am not getting any bars (like cell phone reception)at the bottom of the device screen, in a few minutes I am usually able to download. Instant gratification! I can easily see the screen, and, unlike traditional books, I can change the print size in a couple of button pushes. The only problem I see is it is pretty easy to accidentally turn a page, but keeping it in the book cover helps hitting the side buttons. I still hit them once in a while, but I just hit the previous page button and it changes back in a flash. I also have pretty specific taste (paranormal fantasy mostly) and wondered if I could find my reading material at the kindle store. This has not been a problem at all. Now I won't have piles of used books laying around that aren't worth much, but they will still be in my Kindle as long as I want them to be. I think almost all really avid book readers will absolutely love this!
Late Adopter Loves the KindleSeptember 7, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Normally, I'm a late adopter. When new technology comes out, I wait for it to get cheaper, better, and well-established before buying in. For example, I got my first IPOD last Christmas. But for the Kindle, I decided to put aside my usual reticence and take the plunge. I have been well rewarded.
First, let me say that this device is for the AVID book reader, especially if your books run over 400 pages.
Second, if you buy this product, remember that it is an electronic device, and that it is not suitable for children or rough handling. You're paying $359; treat it with some respect.
Third, this is a book reader. It has some wireless capabilities, but those are largely incidental to the product. You will probably be able to download books wirelessly, but if not, it is extremlely simple to do so on your computer. A wireless connection is NOT necessary in order to read books once they are loaded on your Kindle.
Fourth, although the marketing photos show the Kindle being held without the cover, you will find it works much better when in the cover provided, or better yet, in one of the aftermarket versions available. Doing so will prevent you from accidentally pressing the much-maligned "next page" buttons.
Fifth, Don't worry about the DRM. I have a word for books that I loan out: Gift. Few people will share your taste in books; fewer still would return them if you loaned them out. You can always let someone in the household read your Kindle while you read something in a traditional format.
Lastly, remember that this is a new product. Updates will be made. New versions will have fixed some of the product's few defects. But time waits for no one; waiting for a newer, cooler version comes at the expense of enjoying a first-rate product NOW.
Go ahead--take the plunge. You'll be glad you did.
So Light, I forget I am Reading!September 7, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I recently bought the Kindle, about 1 1/2 months ago, to alleviate the heavy hardcovers I buy when my many authors bring out a new book. I figured that I would have to buy about 25 hardcovers at a bookstore, with reductions of course, to offset the cost of the kindle. Well I have bought about 20 books with the Kindle, and truly feel that I have saved a lot of money. It's so easy with the page turning etc. that sometimes I look up and realize it's waaay past time to go to bed with work in the morning. It's easy to read, easy to buy books on it, and I have to say that when I was reading it one day in a "Chili's" restaurant my server said that he had been looking at it for awhile. Well the next time I went back there, he produced his kindle, and said that his mom, sister, and aunt were going to buy one also! The only thing that would be better, is if the textbook companies would allow the normal textbooks to be loaded. I have had many friends who have children in grade school, jr. high, high school, and college that would buy their children on if they could have textbook information download. And even if there was an agreement for downloading for the school year for a price, kind of like renting the textbooks, it would save a whole lot of childrens backs from bringing home their books in their backpacks! Keep up the good work!!!
