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

Wow! Must Have! The Kindle revolutionizes the way we read books! Mus
Being an avid reader, I love books and the feeling it evokes as I hold the paperback in my hands while I lose myself in its story. I can spend hours in the book store perusing books of all kinds and...you get the picture. Because I was planning on traveling to Bangkok for an extended period of time (over 6 months) and I didn't know what to expect as far as Thai book selections and price were concerned, I wanted to bring enough books to keep me busy for awhile. After I arrived in Bangkok, I read my books faster than I thought I would so I ventured to a local bookstore to see what prospects I might find to conquer next. Sure, I found books here from the US, but I would have to spend at least TRIPLE THE PRICE FOR THEM! Leaving the bookstore empty handed, I had an epiphany when I realized that I brought the trusty Kindle with me and since I didn't have a chance to use it before leaving the US, I completely forgot that I even had brought it with me, tragic, but true.

Well, after experiencing the Kindle, I am a changed woman. It's so fun to use and I doubt that I will ever buy a paperback again; I haven't put it down! I felt that the folks at Amazon did such a spectacular job creating the Kindle that I had to tell other potential buyers about this amazing little treasure. I've read 2 books that seamlessly downloaded from my pc, and I have a few notables to share:

1. In the US, Kindle books download seamlessly via "Whispernet" wireless and you can shop right from your Kindle, amazing feature. The Kindle uses Sprint phone service for WLAN, but since Sprint service is not available in Bangkok, I am outside the scope of the Whispernet WLAN. I have to research e-books on my pc and download them via USB port. I will not have access to Whispernet WLAN while I am outside the US, which is a bummer, but not a deterrent. However, I emailed customer service to question my inability to download book "samples" to my Kindle via USB. Anyone else had trouble with this while outside the US?
2. When reading paperbacks, I always had a dictionary on hand for those words that I was unfamiliar with. The Kindle has a BUILT IN DICTIONARY called the "Lookup" feature and it works like a charm. You find the word you're unsure of, bring the curser up to the sentence and click the roll bar, then choose "Lookup" from the drop down menu (you'll also find "Highlight" and "Note" options here also). All of the major words that the dictionary has a definition for in that particular sentence are presented in another screen along with the corresponding definitions. Fabulous feature.
3. The Kindle reverts to the page you were reading when it hibernates, so the "Bookmark" feature is primarily used when you're reading multiple books at the same time.
4. The battery keeps its charge for a very long time and charges to full capacity in less than 2 hours.
5. It reads like a real periodical; the page literally looks like a paperback page or a newspaper page. The Kindle has expanded its empire and even offers many popular magazines and newspapers too.
6. The size is small enough to fit in my purse and is relatively light in weight. I keep it in the hard-bound cover that came with it so I don't damage the screen during transit. Others have complained about it, but i don't mind the cover at all.

Like other reviewers, there aren't many cons. The only cons are the high costs of both the Kindle and the e-books (they tend to compare the Kindle's book price to the actual hardcover book price - which is always higher than the paperback price - to demonstrate "savings") and the fact that it lacks a backlight. You'll need an external Kindle light source should your own light grow dim, and it would be nice if it came equipped with its own backlight.

I'm still a new user, so I am sure there is a lot more left to discover, but I love the Kindle and I am so thankful to have one. This is the best device out there and it has really been a life-saver while living abroad. I hope you enjoyed my review:)

Love my Kindle!
I thought about getting a Kindle for about a year. I read reviews and the support and discussion blogs and finally decided to take the plunge. It's been a great product so far. I'm looking forward to some of the "experimental" items to be expanded on. (music and internet access) The books are less expensive than the Sony reader's books and the selection is greater in my area of interest. Overall, I believe I made a really good purchase!
My only complaint would be that there are page turners on both sides of the reader and if you aren't careful you keep turning pages accidentally. It might be better to have them only on one side of the reader. But you get used to it.

I love my Kindle!
I was a little skeptical of this device, being a lover of books. I've had my Kindle just about 1 month now, and it makes my traveling so much lighter, frees up much needed space on my library shelves, and I've even canceled my subscriptions to the newspaper. Not having the newspaper delivered daily has also lightened my weekly recycling load.

The screen is easy to read and my eyes do not tire at all. I wish I'd purchased this last Christmas. Now my spouse wants one, too.