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

Works as advertised
I purchased two units: one for me, and one for my husband after long consideration. I enjoy reading electronic books, but was hesitant because another eBook reader I purchased in the past went defunct. So that expensive gadget, once cool, became a pricey paperweight. I was swayed, however, by the Whispernet feature. Free wireless was attractive. I won't reiterate all of the complaints regarding the Kindle, as they are true. The page forward/back buttons ARE obnoxiously easy to inadvertently hit; the cover isn't the most well thought out accessory; and DRM is a valid concern. In spite of these shortcomings, Kindle works as advertised. eInk is a great technology, and you are able to get lost in the writer's word. I find myself reading more than I did before, and really enjoying it. A quibble: After using one of the units for two days, the screen froze inexplicably, and was not able to be reset. Amazon replaced the unit, and all is well again. However, when I spoke with the customer service representative about my frozen unit, and shared my dismay at having a unit not work essentially out of the box, he said that they were not able to test all units, and that 1% of units were defective. Call me picky, but this seems like an awfully high failure rate. If Amazon has sold 100,000 units (as I've read elsewhere - no idea if it's factual), this means that 1,000 of them are defective. Nonetheless, I love the unit.

So Disappointed
I was really looking forward to getting my Kindle. I waited by the door like Bart Simpson waiting for his spy camera. How my heart was broken when I found out that the wireless connection did not extend to my home. Make sure you check the coverage map before you purchase your Kindle. Not only could I not connect to the network, but when my Kindle fell asleep it would not "wake up". Disgruntled and heartbroken I returned my Kindle. For the price of this product I would hope they would've gotten all the kinks out by now.

Great Device
Well I got my Kindle in the mail yesterday and have been using it for several hours already and I must say that I love it. I have had a few E-book reading devices over the last 10 years, starting with the Franklin E-Bookman, and then Palm devices and Pocket PC devices, as well as the Sony E-reader.

I have to say that the Amazon Kindle is so my favorite of any of those. I think that the main feature of this device that sets it above and beyond any of the others is the ability to shop for books and have them delivered wirelessly to the device, rather than having to download the E-book file to your computer and then having to transfer it.

I do have to disagree with a couple of reviews that I have read that say that it is easy to hit the next page buttons when you do not want to. I haven't really found this to be much of a problem, and the one complaint I saw of a black flicker when you change pages, well the Sony E-reader does that as well.

Just an overall wonderful device and in my opinion a winner.