What can I say about the Kindle that hasn't been said a thousand times over in so many different ways? I just got this ad-free version of the Kindle and I made some observations. Hopefully they will shed some new light. Here they are:
BATTERY LIFE
It is important to note that I maintained the Kindle in Airplane Mode (with the Wi-Fi off) since day one, except in moments when I would turn on Wi-Fi to download books and I use the device daily for at least two hours per day. That said, the battery lasted 3 full weeks before the low battery notice came up on screen and an additional 4 days, with no change in usage, before I actually had to recharge.
READING EXPERIENCE, LOOK & FEEL
I was worried whether I would like reading books on the Kindle. I thought I would miss reading paper books but that hasn't been the case. I've really like reading on the Kindle. I find it natural, comfortable and easy. I was surprise the contrast on screen. It is a bit darker than I expected it to be, which doesn't bother me but I can see how it might bother others. The contrast, if I had to make a comparison, is similar to a newspaper page.
I don't like reading on my phone or computer because it makes my eyes too tired. I have read 4 books on the Kindle so far. I love the E-Ink. It is super easy on the eyes and looks great. I've taken the Kindle with me everywhere and read under all different lighting, including natural sunlight. I have to disagree with those who say that the Kindle screen is completely matte. It actually looks more like a magazine page to me. This is not to say I have had any problems. I haven't had any visibility or glare problems. I have read perfectly under every lighting arrangement that I have tried, indoors and out. However, I would caution not to try to read in the dark. Just like a regular paper book, light is necessary in order to read.
This is the first Kindle I have ever had, so I have nothing to compare it to in terms of page turning speed and the like. In my experience the page turns have been instantaneous. I think the interface in general is very intuitive. Anyone with minimum intelligence can figure out how to use this Kindle in moments and without a manual. The buttons are accessible and easily visible; the device itself is sleek and aesthetic.
For someone who likes to read on the bus and subway, like me, this device is great. The Kindle is compact - it doesn't take up much space, is light to carry, and easy to use with one hand. This was an important deciding factor for me in purchasing because I really wanted something that made reading easy under any circumstance and didn't make my bag heavy.
It's also great for reading in bed. Sometimes with paperbacks my arm will get tired and the book will end up hitting me flat in the face. This hasn't happened with the Kindle my arms haven't gotten tired yet in nearly a month of use.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS
One thing I didn't know is that the Kindle never actually shuts off - it "sleeps". I bought the Kindle with no special offers because I didn't like the idea of being persuaded to buy things when I am not reading. So instead of ads there are screen-savers, which I actually really like. The screen-savers are all elegant, black and white close-ups of writing tools and lettering.
I also didn't know about Whisper sync. Books download to the device in less than 10 seconds over the Wi-Fi connection, with no cables necessary. I don't even mind that there is no 3G connection, which was something that I was iffy about before purchase. There is usually a Wi-Fi connection where ever I am. And if not, I can always download a few books at a time for long trips since there would be no change in space or weight.
I like that Amazon lowered the price point. I am thrilled to be able to borrow books from the public library as well. That, combined with the low price and free books for Prime members, made this Kindle infinitely appealing to me. I think there is no better deal out there for book lovers.
A couple of other things that I consider nifty are the ability to change font size, the fact that highlights are saved on to the device in "My Clippings", and that books can be saved on Amazon's cloud drive instead of cluttering the device. These things just add to the Kindles charm in my eyes.
It's also much sturdier and well constructed than I expected. Hopefully it withstands the test of time.
CONCLUSION
Overall, I must say I love the Kindle. I am so happy to have bought it. It has made something I really enjoy a lot better and has saved me a lot of space on my shelves. Amazon did a really good job in providing a quality product. I will edit my review to reflect my experiences with it over longer periods of time but, thus far, I have no complaints about it. I think that any avid reader would enjoy this device.















