Computers, Gadgets & Tech
Amazon Kindle eBook Reader Review
#3194 in Computers, Gadgets & Tech
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Amazon Kindle eBook Reader - Introduction
I have been an eBook reader for a long time. I use my PDA to take my books with me when I can. It's a convenient way to read your books on the run, because they aren't bulky and they don't crease in your bag. I have to say, when I heard about Amazon's Kindle eBook Reader
The reader is proving very popular, and seems to be selling like hotcakes, if Amazon's site is any indication, at least.
On further inspection I can see it has its good and bad points. I'm going to discuss them here.
Amazon Kindle eBook Reader - The Product Itself
What does Amazon have to say?
Amazon are very happy with their latest toy. The Kindle eBook Reader uses new screen technology that simulates paper, and it is fully wireless. What this means is that you can buy and download an eBook to your Kindle reader from just about anywhere. This is a plus if you are on the road and can't get to a computer.
Unlike a PDA the Kindle is paperback size and therefore it feels more like you are reading a book, and the controls have been set up for both left-handed and right-handed people, so no one is at a disadvantage.
You can click on the link further down the page to see more, but suffice to say, on the surface the Kindle seems like an improvement on the standard PDA.
Unlike a PDA the Kindle is paperback size and therefore it feels more like you are reading a book, and the controls have been set up for both left-handed and right-handed people, so no one is at a disadvantage.
You can click on the link further down the page to see more, but suffice to say, on the surface the Kindle seems like an improvement on the standard PDA.
Is it better than a book?
I don't know if I'd go that far, but it does have advantages over a book under some circumstances. For example, with the Kindle, you don't have to worry about having a large library of books, since you can keep them on your Kindle instead.
Naturally enough there are limitations as well. If you like to read in the bath then you are out of luck, but this is the same as any other type of PDA. If you want to use your Kindle during takeoff and landing in an aircraft, likewise, you are out of luck.
The other limitation is a big one. As of the moment, the Kindle only works in the United States or wherever the Whispernet sevice, provided by Sprint's national high-speed (EVDO) data network is present.
Naturally enough there are limitations as well. If you like to read in the bath then you are out of luck, but this is the same as any other type of PDA. If you want to use your Kindle during takeoff and landing in an aircraft, likewise, you are out of luck.
The other limitation is a big one. As of the moment, the Kindle only works in the United States or wherever the Whispernet sevice, provided by Sprint's national high-speed (EVDO) data network is present.
The Amazon eBook Reader
Advantages of Amazon Kindle eBook Reader
I'll list the advantages and disadvantages in point form so you can decide for yourself whether the Kindle meets your needs.
- 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 shop the Kindle Store directly from your Kindle-whether you're in the back of a taxi, at the airport, or in bed.
- Buy a book and it is auto-delivered wirelessly in less than one minute.
- Lighter and thinner than a typical paperback; weighs only 10.3 ounces.
- No monthly wireless bills, service plans, or commitments-Amazon take care of the wireless delivery so you can simply click, buy, and read.
- Once purchased, the books remain on Amazon's site so you can re-download them for no additional cost at any time if you need to for any reason
- You can also many of the major newspapers straight onto the Kindle.
Disadvantages
- The reader can only be used where the Whispernet service is available. While this is pretty much all of the US, you can't access Amazon if you are overseas to download books.
- The books downloaded for the Kindle, at present, can only be read on the Kindle. You can transfer your files to your computer for storage, if you wish to, but they cannot be read on the computer. This means that the books are essentially file-locked to the one device.
- It is new technology, and as with all new technology there is sure to be a teething period.
- Depending on your sensiblilites you may find the unit ugly to look at. The overall design, while functional, is not pleasing for everyone.
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Conclusion - Is the Amazon Kindle Worth It?
The Amazon Kindle eBook Reader is treading on new ground, previously unexplored. True enough PDAs have been around for a long time, and people have been reading eBooks for a long time, but the Kindle takes the whole idea into new territory.
I really like the idea of the Kindle being book-sized. The screen is amazing, and the unit is light with a long battery life. It's a pity that the unit itself is not prettier to look at, though. Amazon have designed an eBook reader that is functional, but not necessarily aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Being able to download your books wherever you are is a distinct advantage, and I can see Amazon taking this overseas if it works well in the United States domestic market.
What does make me uneasy is having yet another device-locked format. Going in that direction hasn't worked in the past, and I'm sure it won't be long before there are hacks around it, and widgets to reformat books so you can read them on other devices. But for now, you have a device that is limited to one retailer.
Overall I give this a plus, because the screen is so much easier on your eyes than a backlit LCD screen is, and because I really like the concept of being able to access your books from almost anywhere.
Go to Amazon via the links below to see what all the fuss is about.
I really like the idea of the Kindle being book-sized. The screen is amazing, and the unit is light with a long battery life. It's a pity that the unit itself is not prettier to look at, though. Amazon have designed an eBook reader that is functional, but not necessarily aesthetically pleasing to the eye.
Being able to download your books wherever you are is a distinct advantage, and I can see Amazon taking this overseas if it works well in the United States domestic market.
What does make me uneasy is having yet another device-locked format. Going in that direction hasn't worked in the past, and I'm sure it won't be long before there are hacks around it, and widgets to reformat books so you can read them on other devices. But for now, you have a device that is limited to one retailer.
Overall I give this a plus, because the screen is so much easier on your eyes than a backlit LCD screen is, and because I really like the concept of being able to access your books from almost anywhere.
Go to Amazon via the links below to see what all the fuss is about.
Links to Amazon
Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device
The newest and most sophisticated eBook Reader on the market.Accessories
Amazon Kindle Book Cover
. What is a book without a book cover. If you're carrying your Kindle in your bag then this is an essential.Amazon Kindle Power Adapter
Amazon Kindle Battery
Amazon Kindle USB Cable
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"Amazon Kindle eBook Reader Review" Copyright by Joolushko 2007, All Rights Reserved.
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What's here
- Amazon Kindle eBook Reader - The Product Itself
- Is it better than a book?
- The Amazon eBook Reader
- Advantages of Amazon Kindle eBook Reader
- Disadvantages
- More...
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