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 Reviewed by one who actually owns it
I paraphrased my review of the Kindle at the top to spare those who don't want to read my whole review. It's an excellent device for those who love reading books but hate the little bad things like turning pages or using bookmarks, or pulling out a dictionary (or going to the computer) to look up words, paper cuts, and in addition also would like to read their RSS feeds for long sittings. Don't let the negative reviews, or the fake ones from people who don't actually own one (and/or from those who don't read books and/or aren't good with technology and/or people who review so much technology they forget what to expect from them anymore).

If you're reading this you probably have seen other reviews or will after this one. I looked at several reviews and found very conflicting opinions. On a Google Video search I couldn't find one positive review, but it didn't worry me because the reviews there were by jackasses who "review" it (if you want to call it that) without even seeing it.

Or they are "professionals" who demo the product for like 5 minutes maximum and then go back to doing whatever it is they do.

What I found in reviews from people who actually owned a Kindle, and used it for a week or two seemed to have fallen in love with it.

This is the latter of those reviews. I had to read a lot of these to decide I really wanted one.

Partly what got me onto the idea was seeing Sony's new reader and seeing what e-ink was all about. The display was so readable (Sony's and the Kindle's display are identical besides size), sharp, and easy to read.

The Kindle appealed to me for a few reasons:
A.)I have a Mac, therefore I can't sync books to a Sony reader.
B.)The Kindle has internet at no charge over EVDO and can access Google Reader. This was huge because I used a PSP to read Google Reader on the go before the Kindle and the eye strain prevented long outings.
C.)The Kindle buys books through Amazon/Larger selection of content.

Those are the main ones, probably are others but this review is long enough as it is.

A popular topic of complaint is how to hold the thing without pressing buttons. I felt this was way overexagerated. Once you're used to holding it on each sides (the cover helps for holding it on the left) keeping from accidentally turning pages is a no-brainer unless you're Shaq.

Another is it's looks. When I first saw it in person out of the box it was smaller than in expected. In one of the jackass YouTube reviews describes it as looking like a thing Tiger Electronics made in the '80s.

This is not entirely false. However very wrong. Wrong in the sense that everything about it is far more advanced and far more practical for looks to matter.

To me the looks of the Kindle are down right sexy and quite well designed. When you're reading you just get sucked right in without having to hardly move to turn a page.

Another complaint I see that's very popular is how bad the web browser is. It really isn't bad compared to any other mobile browser I've tried. Using Google (http://google.com/gwt/n and other mobile services) to make pages more "mobile friendly" opens up tons of pages to look at on the Kindle.

My Kindle is Going to Iraq
I'm a US Sailor who is going to Iraq. My personal space to store things will be extremely limited, and the Kindle is great because it lets me bring lots of books without having to worry about where to store them. In my downtime I will always have reading material. Amazon has done what I once thought was impossible, making reading on a tablet as easy as reading a book itself.

Love it!
I bought the Kindle in the first week, so I've had it for nearly 6 months. Why I love it: 1) No more boxes of paperbacks clogging up my house while I figure out what to do with them. 2) Instant gratification - I thought buying a book on amazon was fast at two days. Well, these download an entire book within a minute. (Downside is you have to watch your impulse buying a bit closer.) 3) As easy to curl up and read as a paperback. 4) It's worked flawlessly in the six months I've had it, and I read it daily. 5) Most books are much cheaper. I haven't paid for my kindle with the savings yet, but I've certainly off-set the price. I'm not a particularly fast reader, but I bet my net kindle price is now around $300 or so. 6) No trees died and no gasoline was used for me to get my Kindle library.

So, what could improve? 1) The shape could be more comfortable. I've come to use it without the cover (it's lighter). I rest the points in my palm and it's a tad uncomfortable after an hour or two. (more rounded or spongy would be perfect) 2)Graphics are very limited. I'm sure this is the limiting factor behind the magazine, newspaper, and the few books not available.

Bottom line, it's a great product and has been every bit worth the price.