Accessories

Reading Has Never Been So Easy
I love Kindling. I find myself reading every chance I get. It is so easy to get the latest books. While watching a TV program that featured an author and his book, I picked up my Kindle and had the book in 10 seconds. The only downside is now I don't think I will ever be caught up with all the books I want to read. I can't wait to travel with it.

Great overall concept. Needs design modificaton to buttons and body
First the cons:
1) I think 2 sets of buttons for paging forwards and backwards is overkill. I'm guessing the reason for this design is to accomodate left and right handers, but I feel 1 set is enough. The choice of which side they should be in doesn't matter to me, but I suppose most people are right handed. And why do they have to be so large? Each button should be the size of an average thumb.
2) Why is it thicker on the left side vs the right side? Books aren't normally slanted. I think it would feel better in the hands if it had even thickness.
3) Rear battery cover comes off to easily and allows Kindle to fall out of leather binder.
4) Leather binder protects Kindle well when it is strapped in, but is uncomfortable to use when reading.

Now the Pros
1) the wireless technlogy is great! Being able to buy and download books directly is so convenient. I also love the "try it" before you buy feature.
2) the menuing system is very ituitive
3) in addition to audio plug in, having a speaker for music or audio books is very convenient
4) I love having the onboard dictionary and also the limited access to web sites like wikipedia.
5) the keyboard is easy to use.
6) and of course the most important thing is that the screen itself is exactly as advertized. Clear and easy to read without glare and eye strain.

In summary, I give the Amazonians 5 stars for the design and functionality of the core features of the Kindle. It works near perfect. They only get 3 stars for the outer design, (buttons, slanted thickness design, and loose fitting battery cover, leather case). I would definetly recommend the Kindle if aksed, but might suggest buyer to wait for the next major version, which hopefully will address outer design flaws.

well-designed Kindle
I'm very pleased with my Kindle: well-designed interface; the display is crisp and clear; navigation is well thought out; great for audio books; overall an excellent device! Shopping in Kindle store is very easy!

Kindle love
I have had my Kindle since December. I really have enjoyed it tremendously! It really is the future of the printed word. Some bugs have yet to be worked out. The case does not protect the device securely, and many of the books I would like to read are not as yet available. I am patient, I am sure they will become available eventually.
I would highly recommend the Kindle for the avid reader. It is small and convenient, with no hassle about finding storage space for the finished books.

Not ready for prime time
Since there are already a number of formal reviews, perhaps some focused reactions would be more useful.

1. Kindle is a wonderfully "green" way of reading a variety of content, an answer to a problem that has long plagued the written word. Not unlike a paperback, it eschews bulkiness for portability.
2. Reliance on wi-fi lets content producers distribute their work while reserving profits to those who actually pay. This is an advantage, since it opens the doors for a variety of publications to be carried on a single device.
3. Kindle lacks the flexibility of a laptop-style device, which can download, edit, and archive content. A book can be passed from one person to another, but the buck stops with the purchaser using Kindle. It's not unlike purchasing an album online when the CD costs the same.
4. "It's easy to read in bright sunlight," but the same claim can't be made with darker interiors, like coffee shops and the like. Kindle lends a light grayish cast to the background that decreases contrast.
5. As important as any issue is one you won't really hear about for a while: damage due to accidental droppage - a problem that has plagued handheld devices. On the other hand, a dropped book will never be a concern. Kindle's hefty price tag hardly helps.

Kindle is indeed a concept whose time is overdue. But it's hardly the perfect solution.