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.com
• 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

An Indispensible Pleasure!
My reactions to the pictured product were underwhelming; I thought it looked klunky and suspected it to be very much "first generation." Now that I've owned it for six weeks I STILL rank it below the iPod league in cool and I can think of at least half a dozen ways to improve it ergonomically and operationally.

Do I regret the buy?

Not for a moment!

Its joys and benefits GREATLY outweigh any legitimate objections. The free wireless linking and the ability to hold a library in your hand and a world of reading in a few portable ounces has made my Kindle indispensible. My first reaction on turning it on was "too dim." I was used to the bright white background of a laptop and not prepared for the grey page of this reader. But within an hour I had discarded this objection: it's actually easy on the eyes and the sharpness of the "electronic ink" makes reading easy and effortless.

Improvements in design and software are needed and inevitable, but even if they arrive tomorrow I wouldn't regret for a moment my purchase; as it stands this is a delightful device. The main pro's:

* Easy downloading of both purchased material AND free reading from such sites as Gutenberg
* The choice of font sizes makes reading smooth and strain-free
* Automatic bookmarking keeps your place and allows you to "pick up" your reading choices from where you left off (a major plus for those of us who like to keep a roster of reading choices going)

The main con is, thankfully, one that will probably be addressed in a
software improvement:

* the current software does not allow you to sort your library into categories like folders. A mild irritation when you've loaded your Kindle as I have!

* You should also be aware that the current technology is NOT well suited for material that depends on pictures or graphs or diagrams. That tends to disqualify it for (say) an economics treatise. It also means that magazines and newspapers will be limited on the Kindle to their TEXT content. Actually, though, I find the device's easy navigation of such material (and the exclusion of ads!) a compensating benefit...

Kindle
I am really enjoying my kindle. I travel a lot and books in English are difficult to find and very expensive. I can easily download books to my Kindle anywhere in the world and I am no longer without anything to read. Kindle's service is great. They have helped me several times with minor technical problems. They are well informed, courteous and very helpful. When my first kindle malfunctioned, they immediately sent me another one, without charge, and I got it the next day. I thought that perhaps I would not enjoy reading on an electronic device....it was not so, after the first 20 pages I realized that it actually did not make any difference. I am also saving money when I buy best-sellers. This is a great product.

Bummed at Amazon hijacking my computer time after time after time...
I am so SICK of Amazon hijacking my computer time after time after time, every time I sign onto Amazon, and taking me kicking and screaming to look at Kindle! Kindle! Kindle! Electronics and Kindle! when I TRIED SO HARD to select BOOKS!! Over and over and over and over and over and over and over, and if I wanted to look at, review, shop for Kindle, I know where to find it! The truth is, since they're been trying to shove it down my throat, and I suppose every other loyal customer's throat, I'm NOT EVEN INTERESTED!! Amazon, wake up! Grow up~!!!!!!!!! Kindle is NOT why millions sign onto your web site! Quit jerking us around! Or, I'll (we'll) just find ANOTHER booksite that respects us, and doesn't try to force our hand! Now, QUIT IT! YOU HEAR?? (I tried to comment via the question/comment mechanism, and they acted like they had no idea what I was talking about. Amazon, GET A CLUE!!!!!!!!!)
Dr. James Hufferd