Amazon Kindle Review and Tips
Posted on January 6, 2009
Judging by the fact that the Amazon Kindle was sold out for awhile after Christmas (and still is at the time of writing), I wasn’t the only one who was pleasantly surprised to find one under the tree. I’ve always been interested in this device, but due to the high cost ($359) and the fact that have little time to read, I decided that it wasn’t the most economical purchase. Thankfully, my family knows my weakness for cool electronic devices and got one for me.
As soon as I opened the Kindle, I was immediately pelted with spitballs questions about the features and functionality of the device. Let’s address some of those questions first, and then talk about some of the lesser-known advanced features.
Is the screen backlit?
Nope. While this may seem to be a drawback, I can assure you that the screen is one of the most unique features of the Kindle. Deemed as an “electronic paper” display, the Kindle’s screen is built to mimic the page of a book. As such, the Kindle can be easily read outside in direct sunlight. The matte-like finish of the screen helps cut down on unwanted glares and reflections. To further aid in ease of reading, you can change the text size to one of 6 different sizes.
So, how do you read in the dark? Check out a clip-on light, or do what I do and use a Petzl headlamp.
How do I download books?
You can easily download books directly on the Kindle by visiting the Kindle Store. It’s easy to browse, search, read samples and reviews, and then buy your books right there on the device. You can also buy books on your computer through your Amazon account and then transfer the books to your Kindle via the included USB cable.
Do I need to have to enter my credit card when I buy a book on the Kindle?
Nope. When you first turn on your Kindle, you are prompted to login to your Amazon account. Once your Kindle is linked to your Amazon account, all purchases are processed through the credit card information you have on file with your account. This makes it very easy (almost too easy) to purchase books through the Kindle.
How does the wireless work? Do I need to be near a wireless hotspot?
Nope. The Kindle uses EVDO, a high-speed network that many cell phones use. Thus, you have free wireless access without the need of connecting to a wireless access point (assuming the Kindle’s wireless receiver has at least one bar of reception).
What kind of batteries does this thing take?
The Kindle comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that recharges fully in about 2 hours. With the wireless receiver turned on, the battery lasts for about 24-48 hours. With the receiver off, the battery life is said to last for about a week.
Need more battery life? Order a replacement battery.
Do I need to buy a case for it?
Nope. Another surprise was finding a decent quality case included in the box with the Kindle.
Want more options for cases? Check out more available Kindle cases on Amazon.
Do I need a memory card for the Kindle?
The Kindle has 118mb of usable internal storage. At this amount, it’s said to hold over 200 titles. However, you can add a Secure Digital card for additional storage.
Wait. It plays MP3s too?
Yup. Add music to your Kindle to listen while you read. There’s no built-in speaker, so you’ll have to listen via the 1/8″ headphone jack.
The downfall to the headphone jack is that it’s positioned in the bottom left corner of the Kindle. Depending on how you hold the Kindle, your headphone cord may get in the way.
Do I just scroll through pages of the books?
On either side of the Kindle is a large Next Page button; a Previous Page button is located on the left side only.
These buttons are almost too easy to hit. I still hit them accidentally as I’m reading. It may take some time to get comfortable with the Kindle before you can read without unintentionally hitting one of the buttons.
Can I transfer my own documents to my Kindle for accessing them on the go?
Most definitely. You can transfer your documents by connecting the Kindle to your computer via USB. However, the better way is by your Kindle email address.
If you login to your Amazon account, go to the Manage Your Kindle page and setup a Kindle email address (example: your.name@kindle.com). Then, simply email your document to your Kindle email address and it will appear on your device’s Home page when it is downloaded via wireless.
How durable is this thing?
More durable than it looks. Check out the 30″ drop test (in slo-mo!) about on the Amazon Kindle description page. I can attest, after dropping mine twice (in the case), this thing can take a few knocks and still power up just fine.
Any other helpful tips?
- To search Wikipedia, move Kindle’s cursor to the search bar and type @wiki followed by your search term (example: @wiki geek). Just hit Go and you’ll be automatically taken to the related page on Wikipedia.
- Move the cursor to any sentence and press down on the scroll button to look up the words in the sentence in Kindle’s included Dictionary.
- Hit Alt+T to display the current time in the bottom left corner on the Home page. Do this while you’re reading and the time will be spoken aloud (only when using headphones).
- Go to Menu > Experimental > Basic Web and go to http://m.google.com. Bookmark this page and you will have access to most all the essential Google apps such as Reader, Google Maps and Gmail.
- Alt + aA key puts the Kindle in standby mode; basically, it locks the Kindle and puts up a screensaver. Hit the same key combo again to unlock.
Bottom line. $359? Is it really worth it?
Let’s be honest, that is a high pricetag. And unless you’re reading new hardcover releases every week or so, you’re probably not going to see a big return on your investment here.
The Kindle is about the experience, the convenience. Just grab this thing before you’re heading out the door and you’ve got a great solution for your reading entertainment.
“Is it worth it?” is really the question you have to answer for yourself. I’ve never considered myself to be an avid reader but I’ve already used this thing much more than I thought I ever would. It’s made reading more fun and appealing than ever.
If it was lost or broken, I would highly consider getting another one, or at least requesting it as another gift. You’re not just throwing your money away on some device that will likely end up collecting dust in the corner. It’s far too convenient to ignore.
Considering the technology that is at play here and what is included, I would say that $359 tag is justifiable.
Interested in an Amazon Kindle? Buy one now!
Thanks for the review, Bo. I have been thinking about buying a kindle for awhile now, but I agree…. that pricetag is hard to pay out. And I kind of like reading ‘real’ books. Next time we all get together, I would love to look at yours to see if I want to fork out that kind of cash for one of my own.
After rubbing my new Blackberry Storm in Bo’s face for the past couple of weeks, I think he’s finally found a good come-back. Touche. I’m totally jealous, man!
Kim, I’ve always had a thing for the “real” books too. I’ve got a few of those real books that I’m about halfway through and, after spending a week with the Kindle, I’m seriously considering purchasing the Kindle version so that I can finish the books without having to deal with the physical copies.
I’d be really interested to see if any other Kindle users are that hardcore about it or if I’m one of the few that feel that way.
Jared, that may be, but put us together and we’re unstoppable!
Now, I’m gonna go read some great works of literature. Have fun updating your Facebook status on your precious Storm.
Ha, that’s actually a really good suggestion. Thanks so much for this!