So, Amazon is coming out with a new version of the Kindle. I have to say, I was intrigued when they came out with the first one, but I'm always wary of the first generation of most any electronic device -- especially one in a relatively unexplored (or unsuccessful) area such as electronic reading devices. Presumably people have reported on what they didn't like, or what they would like to see and Amazon has, hopefully, incorporated the best ideas into the new device.
So here are the pros and cons for me
Pros:
- Thin and lightweight -- I tend to read some longer books and lugging around, or just holding a book that is over 700 pages can be a pain.
- Adjustable print size -- Love this!! I don't have the best eyesight and my eyes tend to tire easily. Being able to increase text size is HUGE for me.
- One charge lasts 14 days and you can recharge using USB.
- Tons of books available.
Cons:
- Price -- device is $360 and books are around $6-$10 each. Right now I use the library a lot to save $$. So this price tag is a bit hard to swallow.
- Fearful of eyestrain -- I would want to make sure this really was easy on the eyes.
- I'm a bit old fashioned and like the physical book as an object.
So, I'm not quite sold, but I'm getting there. Now I know there are some other electronic book readers out there besides the Kindle
I have the new version of the Kindle on my wishlist -- I have some of the same concerns as you do, but the ability to carry a lot of books around in one place trumps a lot of other things for me because I don't tend to be a serial monogamist when it comes to books -- and there are a lot of books that I enjoy, but don't feel the need to own a hard copy of.
But the one thing I really think is cool is the ability to put PDFs on it (or at least on the old one) -- that way you can also carry around knitting patterns and things like that, as well. Making it an especially nice companion for going on vacation.
Posted by: Theresa | Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 09:55 AM
I have the first generation of Kindle and love it! You can also get pdfs of older books put on it. (My husband had a bunch of older sci fi books transferred to it.) You can size the fonts from teeny tiny to extra large and anything in between. You can have LOTS of books in one little device. If you like newspapers you can subscribe without having to deal with recycling all that paper everyday. Also no paper to signal if you're still sleeping or on vacation. If you turn off the whispernet (the wireless) you may use it on airplanes. Lots of nice features.
At first I thought as you did because I love turning the pages and curling up with a book. Slowly I adjusted to reading this way. I think that it took just two books or so. The main drawback is that you can't share a story with someone outside of your amazon household as you could with regular books. Also I still buy books if they have photographs etc. I did buy Coraline on it a few months ago. That did well because it only had black/white drawings.
It's one of the first things I pack when we go away on one of hubby's race weekends.
Posted by: Lemon Tree Tami | Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Oh, and some of the older Kindle books are inexpensive ... $4 or so.
Posted by: Lemon Tree Tami | Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 10:30 AM
I'm coming out of lurkdom to respond...
I receive the first generation Kindle as a gift. Being a big fan of books, I was skeptical, but it has won me over.
It is so portable, and the access to any books anytime is wonderful. I took it on a long car ride over the holidays and it was fabulous. I finished my book sooner than I aniticpated, but was able to shop and have delivered a new book and start reading in no time at all.
I really don't miss turning pages. I find it is really useful if you like to knit and read - which I do.
My dad also received one, and he's not at all technologically savvy. But it was very easy to use, and the adjustment of font size has been incredibly useful to him.
Finally as the first commenter suggested, you can send yourself pdfs. This is useful for my job as I often need access to bulky pdf contracts. (no need to print a copy to take home at night) And I can send a pdf of a knitting pattern to have on hand.
In short, I am now sold on the Kindle. Though I do see that it is definitely not for everyone. My sisters, dad, and I share books which is also a nice feature.
Posted by: Libby | Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 11:05 AM
I ADORE my Kindle!!! I bought it during the summer as a 65th birthday present to myself. (my husband had already given me jewelry) I have always loved books; the feel of them, so dragged my feet for a while. I had heard about it on Charlie Rose and Martha Stewart, but the big promo (and promo price) on Oprah pushed me over the edge.
I have loved it from the beginning. When we go away, I do not have to drag a bunch of books with me. I love the fact that I can knit and read, I can make the print bigger, and the "look up" feature is awesome. Stumped by a word, just look up the definition. It also works as a mini computer, because I can access the internet with my Kindle. The other feature I love is that you can order sample chapters of the book before you purchase. I am not jumping on the bandwagon to get the upgraded one, because this one is just doing fine. YOU WILL LOVE IT! **When you order the Kindle they give you a users guide, but I would suggest also getting THE COMPLETE USERS GUIDE by Stephen Wind. He gives you lots of info. That is where I learned that I could get the internet with my Kindle.
Rosemary C in San Jose, Ca.
Posted by: Rosemary C | Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 06:00 PM
The kindle books ARE expensive but you can go on project gutenburge and get LOADS of free classics if you like reading older books and have always wanted an excuse.
The ability to never need to hook the thing up to a computer is BIG in my book, I LOVE the ability to buy books "online" also. I've enjoyed it very much. I read a few of those twilight books on it and I didn't save much but was sure glad I didn't buy te hard back more expensive copies! I don't do library's though, growing up I called those booger books, my mom always has about 20 library books in her house at once.
Posted by: pixie | Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at 08:35 PM
I'm a skeptic about the whole kindle thing; however, I have a friend who got one as a gift and she loves it!
Posted by: Michele | Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 07:54 AM
I have one and it definitely is not a strain on the eyes. The only negatives of it I've found is that on planes you have to turn it off during take-off and landing, and there are some places that I don't want to bring it. Like I don't want to bring it to the pool cause I don't want to leave it sitting around if I might swim. But it's great and lets me read a lot of books I wouldn't have otherwise because the font is too tiny or too close together. Also, the books are pretty cheap! They are usually less than $10. I don't use the library because I like the author to get funds from books I enjoy. Oh I was super disappointed in one book (it had some format issues) and I emailed amazon just to let them know of the issue and they refunded my money without even asking - awesome customer service
Posted by: Tiffany | Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 02:23 PM