The Kindle 3 was a birthday gift.
The truth is, I did not know if I would use the Kindle after the initial blush of newness wore off. At fifty-eight years old, I don’t make transitions as easily as I once did. And reading is not as easy as it once was.
But the price is right at $139 for the wifi-only version, and we thought it was worth the risk.
Three months later: I have been using it and I like it.
Here’s what I Like:
- It is easy to read in daylight, the text is crisp, and the font size and line leading is adjustable. All of that makes reading easier than a book -- especially for older eyes.
- Books, magazines, and newspapers can be wi-fi or 3G downloaded in seconds. Many classic books are free. This seems almost too good to be true -- but it’s true and it works great. Books for purchase are less expensive than the same book in print.
- The InstaPaper web app makes “Read later” possible on the Kindle. Love it.
- Portable, well constructed, and the page movement buttons are large with just the right amount of tactile response.
- Every book you are reading opens wherever you stopped reading.
- Newspaper subscriptions arrive every morning, rain or shine, and remain in archive. Currently subscribing to the Fort Worth Star Telegram and Investor's Business Daily.
- Amazon website is very good for Kindle users.
- The battery life is reported at 10 days. That seems about right. The USB charger can be used at a normal house outlet or from your PC.
- Storage capacity is more than I will ever use.
- Light weight and fits in a large jacket pocket.
Dislike:
- The experimental browser is very experimental. It's not exactly worthless, but it's close.
- The Wall Street Journal / Kindle edition is more expensive than the print edition and is incomplete compared to the print edition.
- The five-way cursor-mover button could be bigger and a little more responsive. It’s the button most often used and it’s the least user-friendly.
- Getting in and out of books and newspapers can be a little tedious and cursoring down a list of books is cumbersome. We’re spoiled by the cursor movement of the PC and touch screen products. This is definitely a step backwards.
Suggestions if you buy:
- Get the leather case with the light built in if you plan on reading at night a lot.
- Read through the Kindle Guide book. There are helpful keyboard functions that make it even a better tool.
- Set up your Amazon profile and get familiar with it.
Surprises:
It’s not back lit. I knew it wasn’t backlit but I still expected to be able to read it in the dark without a light. I know that’s stupid. But if you want backlit reading take a good look at one before you buy.
After a lifetime of reading with a printed and bound book it takes some adjustment just holding an e-book. It’s hard to explain unless you have used one. The leather holder helps because it has the same book feel.
Not Yet Tried
The Kindle 3 can be used for audio-books and has an earphone jack.. Have not tried.
Summary
The portability, ease of use, storage capacity, price, and eye-friendly screen and typefaces make the Kindle a keeper product for me.
If you use a Nook, Kindle, iPad, or other e-reader and have an opinion on their usefulness,
please comment.
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