Amazon Kindle Book Reader
The Amazon Kindle is a portable reader that wirelessly downloads eBooks, blogs, newspapers and magazines to a high-resolution electronic paper display that seems like and even feels like real paper and not just indoors but even in bright daylight. The Kindle, which is approximately the size of a paperback book, made its debut in November 2007, and since that time, it is estimated more than 200,000 Kindle readers have been sold.
When introduced, Amazon touted the Kindle as a "revolutionary and innovative portable reader that allows its users to wirelessly download eBooks in less than sixty seconds and automatically receive magazines, newspapers and blogs without the hassles of a PC or a laptop and no hunting for Wi-Fi hot spots." After nearly a year in the market and used by thousands of people, feelings about the Kindle are mixed. Some love it and sing its praises, but equally mixed in with the raves are those users who were left wishing for just a little bit more. That being said this reviewer found very few outright unsatisfied customers.
By far the best and most appreciated feature of the Kindle is the device's free built-in wireless connection - no PC needed. That means you can download books and periodicals without having to connect to a PC, which is required by other readers. There is also some limited Internet access. However, at this point in the product's development the Internet access is not a main selling point as it lacks a true Web browser. Second to the wireless capability, the Kindle also provides a high-contrast screen that provides an electronic-paper display. This display looks and reads like real paper. Rather than choosing to go the back-lit route like other e-readers, the Kindle's technology makes it appear paper-like and is infinitely easier on the eyes. This enables readers to use the Kindle in the same well-lit environments that you'd read a traditional book including outside. Other features are it's built-in keyboard for notes, it's SD card expansion slot, and it's compatibility with Windows and Mac machines.
On the flip side of the pros, a major complaint with the Kindle is the device's design. This complaint is leveled in large part due to the Kindle's cover. The cover has been described as "clumsy" and "poorly designed" and is not comfortable in the reader's hand. Furthermore, due to the casing being made of plastic, as opposed to Sony's metal casing, the Kindle feels cheaper in-hand. While the design is ergonomic, it's definitely not the most attractive e-reader on the market.
Additionally, at $350, the high up-front cost, which is a complaint leveled against e-readers in general. Other complaints include content pricing and the annoyance of having to email Amazon for additional file format conversions. All in all, it's a great electronic device for readers, but with rumors of a newer version on the horizon, it might also be worth the wait.
Since early Winter 2007 the Amazon Kindle has been a highly sought after item. On its initial arrival it began 'selling like hotcakes'. That momentum hasn't slowed either, if anything it may have picked up speed. There have been many times consumers would go to purchase one only to find that all had been sold already.
That is until early this spring, since then Amazon has been able to meet the high demand for this device. The Kindle puts a virtual library in your pocket and at your fingertips. It goes without saying that everybody is going to want one.
As I performed research regarding the Amazon Kindle, I looked at some images to get better acquainted with my subject matter. The nomenclature of this device puts me in mind of something you would see on Star Trek. With its compact size and six inch diagonal display you can read books, which are purchased via download through Amazon Cloud. You can read some of the most highly read newspapers via subscription downloads. You can make your own 'Captain's Log' in the form of a blog you keep on the device. The LCD display makes the information very easy to see. You can change pages either by using the LCD scroll at the right hand side of the device or by turning a page-changing dial located on the right and left hand side of the device. The USB port makes interfacing with other devices a breeze. This port allows you to save data to an external memory storage area, connect with your computer, and print out hard copies. The possibilities are virtually endless with the Amazon Kindle.
The Amazon Whispernet network allows you to access Amazon E-books with ease. You can download and store as few or as many as you wish. It has a maximum capacity of two hundred non-illustrated E-books.
The Amazon Kindle is a device that has been a welcome arrival to the world of those with visual impairments. Unlike the Sony Reader, which offers nothing to those with visual impairments, the Amazon Kindle has got nothing but positive reports from the visually impaired community. With reviews such as this, I think it safe to say that the Sony Reader is old school and Amazon Kindle is new age.