Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 4995
 An actual owner! November 23, 2007
azog
2137 out of 2181 found this review helpful
Well, since many of these reviews are from people who don't even appear to own a Kindle, I'll preface this by saying I have one in my hands, and have been using for a day or so now. I also have a Bookeen Cybook Gen3, so it should be fairly easy to make a nice comparison between the two.
Setup was almost non-existent. The device was set up at the factory with all my details, and was even pre-charged. When you open the package, the Kindle is wrapped in a plastic wrapper which explains that you just plug it in and turn it on. I did plug it in, to charge, but in a very short while, the charging light went out, indicating full charge. When I powered it up, after an initial boot sequence, the Kindle owners manual opened. I read thru it, casually skimming the more obvious entries, and paid attention to some of the Kindle unique features.
The most striking feature is the scroll bar and cursor wheel. The scroll bar lets you quickly scroll up and down, selecting menus or choosing a position within the book. When you have the menu item selected, you press the cursor wheel, just like a mouse. Navigation was a breeze and took only about 10 minutes to really become proficient.
The screen is as expected. E-ink devices are superior displays for these kind of applications. For the nay-sayers who mock lack of backlight or color, I suspect they haven't even tried any e-ink device. Very readable. I haven't tried fonts or anything, because I'm happy with the default fonts for now. There's no eye-strain to speak of. After reading for about an hour, my eyes were no less or more tired than if I were reading a print book. For me, that's not possible on any computer (or PDA) device. The refresh is just too stressful for long periods of reading.
The page buttons, on the side of the unit, are interestingly placed. It is easy to mistakenly press a button. While lying in bed (where I do most of my leisure reading), it can be a little awkward to hold the unit without pressing buttons. Coupled with the keyboard and all the buttons, the interface looks more busy than it really is. I hope that this is just part of the learning curve.
Ordering a book was fairly easy. If anything, this is where Amazon will win the war. Over-the-air delivery in fast time. I searched for Steven Lawhead's "Merlin" (book 2 of the Pendragon cycle), ordered it, and within a very short time (less than a minute), I was reading my new book. When I was tired of reading, I set it in sleep mode. Sleep mode puts a nice image on the screen, but I wish it would just turn the whole screen off. It never seems to go from sleep to just plain shutdown.
I won't go into the DRM issue much. But I do wonder if Amazon will reconsider their relationship with Mobi, or reconsider their decision to support their own DRM'ed format. It's been determined that the AZW format is basically DRM'ed Mobi, but at the moment, there's no way to get one to read the other.
There is a USB port, so I tried to download a free (non-DRM) Mobi books. That went fine: download Treasure Island, and just copied to the Kindle. Disconnect the USB port (you can't use the Kindle while the USB is connected), and the book showed up in my content, and I was able to start reading it.
The cover is almost useless. It seems to be made for storage, not for usage. The power switch of the Kindle is on the back, so you'd need to remove it from the cover to turn it off and on. There's also a strange plastic shim that appears to attempt to hold the Kindle in the cover. I figure that there will be after-market covers soon.
Overall I think I am happy and won't have any bouts of buyers regret. I'll just have to keep careful on which and how many books I buy! This could easily be very costly.
 [have one] A must have for the professional reader! It's a pocket library! November 19, 2007
B. Williams (Colorado)
2060 out of 2215 found this review helpful
I have been beta testing the Kindle since September, and I can say without equivocation that this device will soon become a MUST HAVE in many professional fields (but it also is great for the avid reader of books for entertainment). If you travel a lot, or require rapid and accurate access to references (as I do), the Kindle is definitely soon to be a necessity. I am a medical student, and I loaded a medical library onto the one I've been beta testing (including everything I need to study for the board exams I'll be taking in a few months). I've been an avid reader my entire life- rarely without reading material close at hand from the time I learned. If anyone is a book connoisseur, it's me.
The Kindle is fantastic. If I need to look up a term, or a treatment, I just type it in, and seconds later, the Kindle returns with all references to it within the entire library. Now, I know how valuable this is... it's a reference library I can carry with me. More than that, though, the ability to find the information I need quickly could save lives. Also, the readability is superior to any PDA. The "Electronic Ink" format reduces strain on the eyes, and those of you with vision problems can adjust the font size to VERY LARGE fonts. Sure, the PDA has plenty of useful medical tools you can download, but I find more often than not, I want to be able to see the full text involving the condition, diagnosis, and treatment of the term I'm looking up.
I know that I can't feasibly carry a medical library with me for some of my future endeavors (volunteering with Doctor's Without Borders), but with the Kindle, that's possible now... I just put the library on the Kindle, and pack it with me.
It's more than that, though. The Now Now service allows the user to ask any question in the world, and real people will research it for you, and within 24 hours, you will have answers on your kindle, waiting to be read. You can also upload music to your device, so that you may listen to a background melody as you read. In addition, the web browsing features are also useful, and while at the moment are still limited, are bound to get better with time. The most useful sites, namely reference sites, though, are easily accessed and browsed.
Also, there is the 24/7 access to the Kindle store directly on your unit, so you can access new books any time you want. The connection also lets you access any books that are stored on your Amazon account. It doesn't matter if you can't fit every book on your Kindle (although I've fit over $[...] of books on it, with room to spare)... the ones that don't fit are stored remotely with 24/7 access.
Oh, and don't worry about PDF's. I believe they're working on adding that to the accepted formats, and in the meantime you can just use a MOBI tool to convert your PDFs to MOBI format, and they'll read fine on your Kindle. I also see in the Kindle forums that Amazon has a conversion service that Kindle users may use to have PDF's converted to Kindle formats.
Flying on planes? No problem. Just a flip of a switch turns the wireless off, and your Kindle is safe to use on your flight. Plus, if you have the wireless off, your battery can last up to a MONTH!!!
Other stuff? I can check my webmail, sub to my favorite news sources (Various Reuters blogs), sub to magazines, etc. Annotations, bookmarks, and highlighted text are saved to your "Clippings" files, which are text files you can load to your computer for editing and printing.
Is this worth the $[...]? DEFINITELY. And it's only going to get better. I've already made suggestions for useful upgrades, accessories, and services, and it's been clear that they've been heard. One accessory I've suggested is a solar cover that can charge it, so that it is completely autonomous (good for in the field with Doctors Without Borders). As it is, the battery is extremely long lived, particularly when the cellular connection is turned off... far longer than any PDA I've used. With the wireless turned off, the battery can last up to a MONTH.
One service I've requested for Kindle is an edition upgrade service. A lot of textbooks come out with new editions every couple of years. I've already had to replace most of my medical textbooks because of this, selling the old ones. I have suggested an edition upgrade service, where the user is notified of the new edition, and Amazon could buy back the old one at market value, letting the user get the new one at a price that is the difference between the market value of the old edition and the price of the new one, with a small commission.
Finally, I've also suggested parental controls. Some parents may not want their kids to have access to all of the content they've loaded to their Kindle, or direct access to the Kindle store.
When the beta program is over and I have to return it, I will only do so very reluctantly... It's worth the $[...], but that's money I just don't have.
**** The bad: Well, there is no security on purchases at the Kindle store, which means that if it's stolen, or if the kids get a hold of it, you can have your bank account drained pretty quickly. However, I have addressed this issue with the development team and tech support, and my understanding is that they are working on correcting it as we speak. I have asked that they put a password requirement for purchases. The nice thing is, for software bugs, if you have your wireless activated, the updates will automatically download and install to your unit.
Also, yes, the content available is somewhat limited, but not by much, and it expands every day (I just subscribed to a magazine that I like, and it wasn't available a couple of weeks ago). Also, I've converted a plethora of free ebooks to Kindle format- nearly all of the books I've looked for. It didn't cost, either. I just used the free service and did the transfer from my computer via the USB cable.
Recommended for: Any avid reader, college students, professionals, military (after all, they can't take a lot of books to many of the places they're sent), people who travel a lot, etc.
IN RESPONSE TO SOME OF THE NEGATIVE POINTS I'VE READ:
1. You can use Mobi creator (free) to convert PDF's to MOBI format, then upload to the Kindle via USB.
2. The AC supply is rated 100-240, which means it is compatible with European power sources, and the adaptors that fit the wall sockets are cheap and easy to find. I expect that when the Kindle hits the European/UK markets, it will include a supply that fits those wall outlets. No, the wireless is not yet established with overseas providers, but that's no reason why you can't use it... you just hook your USB connector to your computer and get your content that way.
3. No one has e-ink technology in color yet. That's still a few years away, and one interview I saw stated that it is something Amazon is working on for this. The e-ink is an important feature, since it is far easier on the eyes that the LCD displays you see in computers, PDA's and other readers. Interview where this was said: http://www.charlierose.com/guests/jeff-bezos
4. Amazon has instilled ways of bypassing the $[...] fee when sending yourself documents. It's just not direct, since it uses email and you have to hook up to your PC and load the files yourself once Amazon emails the converted format.
5. As a beta tester, I've had the privilege of downloading more than 100 books, and I can honestly say that the pricing is quite good, and in all instances was less than retail, not to mention no shipping costs.
6. 3G wireless service is generally expensive, and you have to pay a monthly premium. With the Kindle, there are no monthly fees. You pay for your device and books, and that's all. It doesn't take much time for it to pay for itself.
7. You're not going to find a broader selection of books for any other ebook reader. Not only can you purchase ebooks from Amazon, but ebooks you may have for Mobi applications, or even txt/html/PDF format books from the Gutenberg project convert and can be viewed on the Kindle just fine. This also includes Google ebooks, which you would access via the web browser the Kindle has. I've had quite a few ebooks converted, including older titles by Tom Clancy and Michael Crichton.
8. You CAN access your email with the Kindle. Just use webmail!
9. Need to give a speech? Just use the free conversion service and put it on your Kindle. I've done this, and it makes things far easier... no light papers to fly away in a gust of wind, adjustable font, etc. It's like having a mini teleprompter!
My first half-hour with the Kindle November 20, 2007
Randall B. Miller (Tulsa, OK)
1682 out of 1745 found this review helpful
I picked it up at The UPS Store. Took it out of the box, turned it on, saw that it was charged. The wireless indicator was all bars. I scanned the instructions, pressed home, selected Time magazine and a book, and had them in the machine in less than 20 seconds each.
Then I started reading them. (While in the parking lot where I had picked it up moments before.)
First impressions:
1) My Kindle was preregistered and said "Welcome Randy" on an early screen, and was ready for me to buy stuff.
2) I own the Sony PRS-500 and 505, and the screen is the same quality, as well as page-turn speed. The buttons are very different and better...the turn page button is 5 inches long, the "turn page back" button is a half inch long. This makes much more sense than Sony's minimal equal-sized buttons.
3) The fonts are MUCH MORE PLEASING. Sony basically has one font and three sizes, this has much more and look better designed for this kind of screen (rounded serifs, etc)
4) It has a dictionary you can go to when you don't know a word (Sony doesn't).
5) Bestsellers are $9.95, compared to $16.95 Sony.
It's too new for me to go further, but I'm very surprised and impressed so far.
There is more white plastic (not puke-yellow like in the photos you've seen for a few months) around the screen than Sony has, and the Kindle is much thicker, but still lightweight. Yet holding it is easy, and the "next page" button being practically the whole right side of the book is ideal.
The wireless connectivity, the interaction with the internet on the screen, takes this out of Sony's reach.
I honestly didn't expect to be be buying books within minutes of opening the package, before I even got home from picking it up. WOW!
THIS DEVICE IS FOR AVID READERS ONLY...so much negative comes from non-readers that want it to play movies, tv, radio, audio books. This device is to replace text-oriented store-bought books...and not much more. So yes it sucks as an HD movie player. whatever! If you read constantly, want to aquire books from thin air on a whim, the Kindle is for you.
Add-on note: The size of the device (at its largest) is EXACTLY the size of an unopened DVD--that can't be a coincidence...all 3 dimensions.
UPDATE A MONTH LATER: I'm hooked on several blogs delivered several times a day (I wssn't a blog reader before). I'm reading MUCH more, carry this thing with me everywhere I go. I've found I'm a more adventurous reader...I try the free first chapters and am reading many more books I wouldn't have tried before.
I read a lot of criticism of this product by many that have never used it. So many of these negative 'reviews' seem to be based on such small concerns, its like hating a car for its hubcap design.
This thing has changed my life. I went from avid reader to voracious.
Adding the blog reading, and spending odd hours going to the web browser on a whim...I hope the $399 price doesn't stop someone from such an important device. Books popping into a device instantly, with FREE internet access...I haven't touched my Sony 500 and 505 readers since I got this thing.
(Yes, I still read 'normal' books, magazines, and newspapers--the Kindle is another option that has expanded my reading world)
I have used it and love it November 19, 2007
G. W. Lamb (WA United States)
1219 out of 1570 found this review helpful
I was one of the "test subjects" for the device. I have been using it for about 2 months and it has changed the way I read. The only complaint I had was that I was not able to use the device outside of my home. The books/mags/newspapers appear for all intents and purposes "instantly". It is actually more pleasant that reading a book. The screen adjusts for the light and the the ergonomics are perfect for me. I have a large library and can only see buying a "book" now if it does not offered on the Kindle or if it has great sentimental value.
Excellent V 1.0 effort, needs a few tweaks November 26, 2007
Krishnan Srinivasan (Seattle)
1078 out of 1098 found this review helpful
I read my first novel on the Kindle over the weekend, and having owned it now for a week, thought I would write my review.
The Good:
- The format is immersive. I really did forget I was reading from an electronic device, and even pawed at imaginary pages to turn every now and then. Super easy on the eyes, and I really like the fact that it mirrors a paper reading experience - if the light is bad, the device does not compensate by way of a backlit screen.
- The Kindle store's shopping experience is very smooth, very transparent. I have bought a few books, a magazine, and currently on a couple of free trial magazine and blog subscriptions. The latest editions of the New York Times and The Onion are waiting for me first thing in the morning, once you get the hang of how the "Back" button works (versus "Previous Page"), navigating is a snap.
- The size of the device is just right - it is very easy to hold and read in bed, at a table, on the couch etc. More on this in the "Needs Work" section. But to be clear, my Kindle goes everywhere with me - the doctor's office, the park, the bus etc.
- Pricing on Books is good - I would easily pay $9.99 on a title, especially as we run out of library space at home. I read my first novel in a long time thanks to the Kindle (the book - "A Thousand Splendid Suns", Khaled Hosseini is a trifle predictable and irritating after The Kite Runner )
- Text is very crisp and easy to read - as I said above, very immersive.
- Love the quick charging and overall battery life.
- Love the integrated web and Wikipedia search. I also checked my gmail account from time to time - horrible user experience, but had to be a true geek and say that I did it
Needs Work (in no particular order of priority)
- The case is a disaster. The device does not sit in it firmly, and while it looks nice when closed with the elastic band etc, what is really more practical is a sack of some sort, because you really need to take the device out of the case to read effectively and ergonomically. This has to fixed, hopefully through a rich third party accessory community.
- As I read my novel, I often hit the side buttons accidentally and lost my place in the book (either fell asleep with my hand on the buttons, or was walking somewhere with the device without putting it to sleep, or kids got a hold of it etc etc). Bottom line, getting back to the right spot was very hard. I had to remember to bookmark every time I anticipated a disruption. Remembering location numbers is not too practical, since they can run into 4 digits in a long book. Accidentally pressing the wrong buttons is a also a problem when holding the book out of the case (which is more intuitive for reading)
- One thing that is physically intuitive while reading a paper book is knowing exactly where you are, as measured by the pages completed/remaining. Making that same leap using location numbers and the indicator at the bottom is not (yet) that intuitive, so I was bit disoriented when people asked me questions like "how far are you into the book?"
- The silvery indicator to the right (above the wheel) is not very visible in low light conditions or when there is some reflective directly in front of the device.
- It would be nice to have an option (on the Home screen) to group all your content into Books, Magazines, Newspapers etc.
- Charging for papers and blogs does not make too much sense - this content is available for free, with rich graphics and color, on the web. Over time, I see myself reading books and documents on the Kindle, not newspapers and blogs unless the format is made more rich on the device.
- Graphics is very rudimentary. It's nice to see the device render pictures with stories in the Times etc, but the quality of the images harkens back to 1991 x486 computing.
- Keyboard latency is a bit painful, but am sure this will get fixed soon.
- Perhaps I have not had the device long enough, but it was not clear what the archival process is going to be for newspapers etc.
- In mirroring actual paper/ink, I think the screen background needs to be a bit brighter, without being backlit. Right now it is gray-ish.
- I am sure a million others have already said so, so let me be #1,000,001 - $399 for the reader does not make sense for broad penetration. And this SHOULD be broadly adopted - it is a no-brainer device in the classroom, for textbooks, course handouts, teacher communications etc. It's a brilliant device, and it needs to be $199 or less. People will pay for the books, and other content. It's all about the blades...
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