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

No Unicode support, background color is distracting...
This item is going to be returned.

1) It does not handle Unicode. Unicode is translated into gibberish. I would expect this inability from a 1990's $100 device, not a 2000's $350+ device. This alone is a deal-killer.
2) The background is light grey. Books I read have a white background. So, no, it is NOT like reading a book. It is NOT "electronic paper".
3) The keyboard at the bottom takes up space. I knew about this in advance, and thought I could live with it.

I'm not going to pay this type of money for something that is just going to end up on a closet shelf. Good try, Amazon. I just hope Apple comes up with a REAL e-book reader, with a virtual touchscreen keyboard (like the iPhone).

What's missing on my Amazon Kindal
My Amazon Kindle is missing a handle. I would like to have a handle on the botton edge, something like a hand held mirror, making it easy to hold without accidently turning pages.(this happens often with my artharitic hands.) This handle would also have a feature that could become a small stand for the Kindle to rest on a tabletop,creating a hands-free position. This handle/stand,could be made of something like a heavy stainless steel wire, or perhaps aluminum. As for a protective cover, it should have a zipper for protection. The present cover (or case) doesn't hold the Kindle securely, and it frequently slips out of the cover. The on/Off button should be on the front of the Kindle.

Perfect For Those With Disabilities

The Kindle is undoubtedly the best purchase I've made in a very long time, it's worth every penny.

Reading always been an integral part of my life. I never dreamed there would come a time where I would have to mostly give up reading because of a disability, but it happened.
Having such severe arthritis in my hands made holding a book,especially holding one open,is next to impossible.

I tried different devices made for holding open books; I even made my own,but they were all cumbersome or frustrating especially if I was trying to read in a recumbent position,(which I'm frequently forced to do.)
I knew there were other e-readers out there, but I was reluctant to dive in and make the purchase.
When I saw the Kindle, I still held back because I wanted to see where the Kindle was headed, success or failure.
So I waited and watched the popularity, good reviews, and availability of the e-books increase. I made up my mind to just go ahead and try it, mostly because Amazon is a company I know and trust. I already buy all my reading material and DVDs exclusively from Amazon.

As soon as I held it, I had a feeling this was probably the answer to my prayers... once I turned it on, I was certain.

It's VERY light weight which was a blessing for badly arthritic hands,no more difficulty with trying to turn pages. It's easy to use, the pages are so easy on the eyes,(I love the various font sizes!) and the best
part for me was that I could "carry" so many of my books with me! The long battery life is also a terrific feature, especially when traveling.
The "read a sample" feature is awesome. I've purchased many different types of books I might not have read otherwise. Even reading in bed is possible again- no more struggling with ways to try to hold a book open without pain! The MP3 and document features are also a bonus. I'm also enjoying the web access. I bookmarked a major network news site that has a mobi version and now I have my daily news right at my fingertips wherever I am!

Amazon really does add new books everyday. I've purchased books this week that were not available in the Kindle version as recently as a few days ago! Shopping at the Kindle store has been a first-rate experience.

The ONLY con for me is that there aren't too many ways to actually hold the Kindle without accidentally flipping the pages, at least for me. I worked out my own solution so problem solved. It was really just a
minor inconvenience for me at first.

Yes, yes, yes, I do recommend the Kindle especially for those with a need for larger print books, and especially for people with physical disabilities that make reading regular books difficult.

Just try it, you can always return it if you're not satisfied. Amazon has a great reputation for making things right for the customer. One of the main reasons I purchased an Amazon Kindle before any others.

Purchasing the Kindle, without a doubt, is the best investment I've made in many years. It gave me back the ability to enjoy my books again, something I desperately missed.