Product Description

Introducing Kindle™ Three years ago, we set out to design and build an entirely new class of device—a convenient, portable reading device with the ability to wirelessly download books, blogs, magazines, and newspapers. The result is Amazon Kindle. We designed Kindle to provide an exceptional reading experience. Thanks to electronic paper, a revolutionary new display technology, you’ll find reading Kindle’s screen is as sharp and natural as reading ink on paper—and nothing like the strain and glare of a computer screen. Kindle is also easy on the fingertips. It never becomes hot, and is designed for ambidextrous use so both “lefties” and “righties” can read comfortably at any angle for long periods of time. We wanted Kindle to be completely mobile and simple to use for everyone, so we made it wireless. No PC and no syncing needed. Using the same 3G network as advanced cell phones, we deliver your content using our own wireless delivery system, Amazon Whispernet. Unlike WiFi, you’ll never need to locate a hotspot. There are no confusing service plans, yearly contracts, or monthly wireless bills—we take care of the hassles so you can just read. With Whispernet, you can be anywhere, think of a book, and get it in one minute. Similarly, your content automatically comes to you, wherever you are. Newspaper subscriptions are delivered wirelessly each morning. Most magazines arrive before they hit newsstands. Haven’t read the book for tomorrow night’s book club? Get it in a minute. Finished your book in the airport? Download the sequel while you board the plane. Whether you’re in the mood for something serious or hilarious, lighthearted or studious, Kindle delivers your spontaneous reading choices on demand. We’re very proud to introduce Kindle and we hope you enjoy it as much as we do. - The Amazon Kindle Team

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1 in Amazon Devices
• Color: Bisque
• Brand: Amazon
• Dimensions: .70" h x 5.30" w x 7.50" l, .65 pounds

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.

Customer Reviews

Kindle Glass 90% Full, 10% Empty
I'm in my 10th day with my Kindle (and I received it 12 days after ordering it). It's easy to operate, and does exactly what the Amazon advertising and the Jeff Bezos videos says it will do. For truth in advertising, and for the Kindle glass being 90% full, I give it 5 big stars.

First, about the "10% Empty" part of my title. (1) The on/off switch is on the back. I'm sure there is a good reason, but it escapes me. If you use your carrying case (which I do), you have to take it out each time to turn it on. (Next time put switch on the front). (2) The page buttons are too large. You can only hold the Kindle by the bottom 25% of the device, or else you'll be turning pages accidently. (Next time give us the bottom 40% to hold on to). (3) Screen is a bit too dark. If it were Microsoft, it might be called Gray-20% (Next time make it Gray-10%). (4) The holder is kinda cheesy. BUT, I give it a big thumbs up for being able to use it as a "ramp" to raise the back part of the book when reading hands-free at a restaurant.

Gee. It doesn't sound like I like the Kindle, does it?
But au contraire! All those little nit-picking problems have almost faded into nothingness, compared to the enjoyment and ease of use and all the great selling features. The Kindle will hold 200 books, and maybe 900 with a memory card. As for me, I have about 12 in there now.

Here is an example of the "90% full" from real-life:

Just today I went and had my car's oil changed, replaced two tires and got an alignment, and ate lunch at Chick-fil-A, all in all a 2 1/2 hour outing (or sitting and waiting).

During which time I read part of: (1) "A Year with C.S.Lewis" (the May 2nd daily entry), (2) 2 chapterettes from Richard Carlson's "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff (and it's all small stuff)" a very wise book, where warm fuzzies meets Proverbs. (3) A chapter in "The Narnian" the life of C.S.Lewis, (4) 5 pages in the "Kindle User's Guide", (6) 3 pages of "Say it in Spanish" (7) 3 chapterettes in "Dune: The Butlerian Jihad" (8) ESV Bible: some reading in Revelation, and (9) 3 chapters in Randy Pausch's "The Last Lecture". If all this were in a back pack, they'd be calling a chiropractor for me. But since it was all in my Kindle, my back survives for another day.

And another example: I do a lot of reading in restaurants. Prior to the Kindle, it has not been an easy operation. In a Pizza place, I usually would put the parmesan cheese shaker to hold down the left side of the book, and stuff the right side underneath the metal Pizza tray. Hamburgers are no better. Ketchup bottle holding down the left side of the traditional book, sugar container on the right.

Well, you get the idea. Now, I just turn on the Kindle, ramp it up on its cover, and push a button to turn a page. And everything works as it is supposed to -- I've had no product failures at all.

Finally, should you wait for the next version, version 2 in a year to 18 months? No, because the small aggravations fade as time goes on, but you'll never have the benefits NOW if you wait until THEN.

Kindle is a definite winner.
Okay everyone I generally don't review products because of the time and effort into doing them but this is a worthy product and other reviews were very helpful to me in making my decision so here goes.

I received the Sony reader for my birthday. I really thought it was a great device and I enjoyed using it for the few days that I had it. It was this product that showed me readers are a good thing. But it felt like there was something missing. First of all I am a Mac user but had to use a work computer to download books.
The sony store leaves a lot to be desired.
The other thing was the sony reader was slow with loading stuff. Most of the time you would not even know it was loading.
So one day I pulled up Amazon and saw the Kindle was back in stock. Going on faith and other reviews I took the reader back and bought the Kindle which arrived a few days later. I think I got free 2nd day shipping.

Anyway I want to touch on other comments from other reviews and compare how they stack up rather than write another similar review.
There are a lot of people saying the reader is not attractive. It actually looks great and not at all like a toy. The ipod was much clunkier in it's first couple of releases.
The wireless feature works great in my area so that isn't an issue.
Now, a lot of people have reported the situation for accidentally hitting the next page button. This is indeed a fact. It is very easy to hit the next page button. When it is in the case not so much.
The keyboard does not get in the way at all.

The screen is easy to read and it all works as advertised. Heck I even dropped it once on a wood floor and it was fine.
My only really critique would be in design. It's sort of oddly shaped like a wedge and the next page button is easily pressed. All in all though this is a great first product for something that did not exist prior.

The last thing is the price. A lot of people feel it is expensive but when you compare to similar devices such as Ipods, iphones etc. it is pretty fairly priced.

My experience with the Kindle
I have owned a Kindle for about 3 months, since they were available to the public. I have decided that it is the best machine I have, aside from my car and home computer. I am throughly satisfied with its operation. It was the best purchase I have made in a long time. Its beautiful utility amazes me regularly. I have downloaded scores of books. but wish more were available. That is the only mild complaint I have; that is that I would like to see far more variety of authors and a deeper selection of the works of the authors whom are listed.
Thank you for a stupendous invention.

Tom Moeller