Amazon Kindle- Who? Why?
Posted by gasusan2005 on 12/4/07 in Amazon, Kindle
Wikipedia defines an ebook as “digital media equivalent of a conventional printed book. Such documents are either read on personal computers, or on dedicated hardware devices known as e-book devices or e-book readers.” An ebook reader is defined as “a device used to read e-books. It may be a device specifically designed for that purpose, or one intended for other purposes as well. The term is restricted to hardware devices, not software programs”
The recently released Amazon Kindle is an ebook reader that happens to have other features as well (go here to see product features and a demo).
The reviews have been numerous- some helpful, but many are not. Too many people were making judgements based on pictures and specs and not on actual use.
Who is the Kindle for?
- people ready to take their reading digital
- readers who are running out of shelf space for their books
- Commuters who are tired of fighting newspapers and getting ink on hands
- readers who were using a converged device (device that does a little bit of everything) but want “something more”
Who is the Kindle not for?
- Readers who enjoy a good book in the tub or at the beach.
- people who think it is too costly
- Travelers who want to read on an airplane during takeoff and landing (when you can’t use electronic devices).
- People who aren’t comfortable with electronic gadgets.
- people who prefer carrying ONE converged device (device that does a little bit of everything)
- people who don’t read
So what are some of the pros and cons from reviewers?
Pros
- paper-like screen
- inclusion of a cell-phone modem in the device
- size of a paperback, but thinner
- wirelessly download books, magazines, newspapers and blogs (fee)anywhere Sprint Nextel Corp.’s network has coverage
- Amazon has 90,000 e-books in its store and eleven newspapers are available
- can hold up to 200 books (more with SD card)
- built in dictionary
- access to wikipedia
- long battery life
- adjustable text size
- keyboard
- Simple to use: no computer, no cables, no syncing
- free book samples (first chapter of each book)
- wireless access to internet (experimental)
Cons
- too expensive
- ugly
- subscription costs
- no PDF support
- no kindle book wish list/ gift
- menu
- buttons too easy to hit accidentally
- no touch screen
- no social network
- keyboard
- poor browser
- insufficient case
- Amazon DRM (can’t read it on any other device)
Stay tuned to Mobility Site for more……as my very own Amazon Kindle arrived today! I will be addressing the pros and cons. If you have any questions, feel free to post in the comments (or send me a PM)!
[Editor’s Note: Personally, I think ANYTHING that encourages reading is a GOOD thing!…..and YES I am a MOM :) ~ Susan]
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