People seem to be complaining about the Amazon Kindle because it's not more computer-like or iPhone-like. It can't do pdf files, or it's tough to load documents or whatever. If you mostly want to browse the web or read pdf files or Word documents, go get another device -- that's not what Amazon Kindle was primarily designed for. But if you want to read books, it's just a dandy product.I read constantly--my house is overrun with books. I've been looking for the perfect electronic reading device for about 2 years now. I have computers and laptops and pdas and, yes, you can read stuff on them, but it just is not as comfortable and convenient as reading a book. And finding e-content has always been a problem, too. Material is out there, but it has been tough finding books I really wanted to read.
When the Amazon Kindle was announced, it was clear that it was the product I was looking for. I was able to protect my wallet for only about 4 hours before I headed for Amazon checkout. I did not care about newspaper subscriptions or browsing the web or the ability to load other types of documents; I only wanted to read books with my new Amazon Kindle.
The Amazon Kindle is the closest thing I've found to having a book in hand -- actually it's better because you can turn the pages without putting down your coffee, regardless of which hand your coffee is in. I like how "booklike" the Amazon Kindle is in terms of its size and shape and weight.
I like that I can have smaller text with more text on a page during the day when I'm wearing my contacts and that I can bump up the text size for reading in bed without contacts. I like that I was able to start reading a downloaded book within 5 minutes of taking the Amazon Kindle out of the box -- it was a no-brainer. I like the fact that there are so darn many books available, and more coming. I like being able to get a sample for free and read a bit to see if I like an author's style before I make a purchase. I love that when I finish a book, I can get another book within a minute. I'm thrilled that I no longer have to choose among books to pack for a trip but can take a bunch of books without taking more room than a paperback.
The device has a number of 1st generation design flaws, but within a week of receiving the Amazon Kindle, I'm finding those flaws pretty easy to work around. If you're an avid book reader, I think you will appreciate it as I do. Yes, it's expensive, but I suppose you pick your luxuries and this happens to be mine. Think of all the trees you may save if nothing else.
If the device sells, the technology will improve, sharing arrangements will be worked out, and the cost will come down. In the meantime, I'm quite happy I made the purchase. The weather's dreary right now, but coffee's brewing, the fireplace is putting out some warmth, and I'm off to curl up with my Amazon Kindle.
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