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Amazon's Kindle vs. A Free Electronic Reader

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Is the Amazon Kindle, or Kindle DX, Worth the Money?

Amazon's Kindle vs. A Free Electronic Reader

I'm still not sold on the idea of purchasing an Amazon Kindle reader when I know that I can simply visit BarnesandNoble.com and download an electronic reader onto my computer for free. I'd like to hear your thoughts on this. Do you own a Kindle? Is it everything you hoped it would be? Was it worth the price that you paid?

If you don't own one, why not? Do you feel it's too expensive or do you download books onto your computer and read them there?

Is it comfortable for you when you read? There's nothing I love more than to snuggle up with a blanket and sink my teeth into a great book. Can I get that same experience with my computer or a Kindle?

The ebook prices I've seen for the Kindle and the free reader are very similar so in my mind the only difference is in the cost of purchasing the Kindle itself, which in all fairness has recently been reduced.

I've created this page as a place to collect real life hands-on personal reviews and opinions about Amazon's Kindle as a way to help me decide if I should buy one or not.

Share your thoughts about the Amazon Kindle electronic reader or if you're like me, deciding if you should buy an electronic reader or not, read all of the personal reviews to help you make an informed decision.

Convince Me

Do you own a Kindle, Kindle 2 or Kindle DX? Do You Love it? Why or Why Not?

Tell me why you love your Kindle reader or why you'll never buy one.
Be honest! My hard earned money is at stake!

Amazon's Kindle vs. Free Reader

I love my Kindle because...

Tipi says:

I really do like Kindles, but have only used a friends. They are awesome!

JaguarJulie says:

I love my kindle! I got it about a year and a half ago -- the original edition. Knowing my habits, I don't think I would go to my local bookstore to download for free. Can't explain it, maybe the price of gas or the matter of time? I love the compactness too!

says:

I would use a kindle because the screen is better for reading - easier on the eyes.

Trekkiemelissa says:

I love my kindle. It is the best thing in the world. I take it with me when I am out so if I can read, I do. I used to carry a book in my purse and now its my kindle. The best feature about it, is that I can make the text big which is better on my eyes.

Susan52 says:

I love my Kindle! I read a lot more now since I have it. I love the portability and, yes, I can actually snuggle up in a comfy chair or in bed and read it. A heavy book used to be a pain to keep open and it would inevitably fall in my face if I dozed off. Kindle wins over computer downloads, hands down! Oh, and did I mention that there are lots of free books for Kindle, too? Yep, I'm keeping my Kindle!

bdkz says:

I want the Kindle!

I'll stick with the free reader because...

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Professional Reviews of Amazon's Kindle

Read them and Rate Them

Amazon's Kindle DX was announced back at the begin more...0 points

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Okay, I'm A Little Closer to Buying...

Which Kindle do you Personally Recommend?

Choices, choices, choices!
Which type of Kindle do you own? Do you wish you had chosen another one?
Tell me about the Kindle choice you made and if you are still happy with it.

Which Kindle should I buy, IF I decide to buy one?

Kindle DX is better because

Regular Kindle is better because...

Tipi says:

I'll have to listen to their advice, when thinking about buying a Kindle.

Trekkiemelissa says:

I'd go with the regular one. I can put it in my purse when I go out. Make sure you get a cover to go with it. It helps protect it better.

says:

I would get the Kindle 2 - it's more portable!

Susan52 says:

The answer is really "it depends," but unless you really need Kindle DX for documents with charts and illustrations, or for textbooks (I definitely recommend DX for textbooks) then stick with the 6-inch Kindle. It's like the difference between handing a thin paperback and a large magazine. The large magazine is great, but the paperback fits easily into a purse or pocket.

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But Then Again...

Those New Netbooks are Pretty Cute

Not exactly the same as a Kindle but I could do a lot more with it than just read books and they cost about the same amount of money.
Another tough choice!

Acer Aspire One AOD150-1920 10.1-Inch Ruby Red Netbook - 6.5 Hour Battery Life

Amazon Price: (as of 05/28/2012)

Acer redefines mobile connectivity with the Aspire One, the revolutionary Netbook featuring a 10.1" display and fun, powerful computing features delivering an optimal on-the-go Internet experience. Browse the Internet, check email, share photos, webcam, check sport scores, listen to music and enjoy a variety of entertainment in a small compact design that you can take anywhere.

Believe it or Not

Amazon's Kindle Might be Cheaper at eBay

You Don't Have to Buy your Kindle From Amazon

This is an up to the minute ebay search for Amazon's Kindle. Click any product link to be taken to eBay.com where you can learn more or bid for your new Kindle!

Or You Could Search Amazon for the Latest Kindle Prices

Hey, it Might be on Sale!

Click any of the Amazon Kindle product links to be taken directly to Amazon.com where you can learn more, shop for Kindle items or compare prices.

Anything Else I Should Know?

Don't Hold Anything Back!

Here's your last chance to convince me if I should buy one of Amazon's Kindles or not.
Is there anything else I should know?

Good points, bad points, sorry no Brownie points but I will be forever grateful for any information you can give me about your own personal experience using the Kindle electronic reader or the free reader which is available at BarnesandNoble.com.

Reply

Tipi Apr 25, 2012 @ 9:46 am | delete

It seems a Kindle is the ultimate reading tool to have. I'll join the club one of these days.

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zetchi Jun 3, 2011 @ 9:25 am | delete

kindle may change our habit of reading book in future....

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KimGiancaterino Sep 11, 2009 @ 6:58 pm | delete

My husband has a Sony reader, which he loves. I'm still old fashioned and read the real thing, though I can see several advantages to having an electronic reader. Good luck on your search!

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Treasures-By-Brenda Sep 7, 2009 @ 8:20 pm | delete

Nicely done & blessed.

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Treasures-By-Brenda Sep 7, 2009 @ 8:20 pm | delete

Nicely done & blessed.

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kab Sep 6, 2009 @ 4:14 pm | delete

I'm big on the library - as in the big physical building that I can walk in and borrow (for free!) anything I want. Support your local library.

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Trekkiemelissa Sep 4, 2009 @ 4:59 pm | delete

The kindle has gone down in price recently. If you love to read, they are the best thing in the world. I have never regretting getting the kindle even though it did cost me some money.

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Susan52 Sep 4, 2009 @ 7:33 am | delete

Watch those bidding wars on eBay. I've seen Kindles go for way over Amazon's price when eBay buyers get bid happy.

Excellent topic for a debate, and one (probably obviously) close to my heart!