Eleven Reasons Why I Want A Kindle

December 14, 2007 in Blog, Mystery, Uncategorized by admin | No comments

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What is an Ebook?

An Ebook is a book in one of several electronic formats that can be read on a computer or PDA. One common format is Adobe PDF. Another is Microsoft Reader, which I have on my Toshiba e330 Pocket PC.

What is Kindle?

Kindle is a dedicated ebook reader: it doesn’t have the other functions of a computer like word processing or web browsing. It exists solely for reading, which enables the manufacturer to address many of the drawbacks associated with reading on a computer or PDA screen. For example, according to Amazon:

Kindle can be read in full sunlight without glare.
The device is ergonomically optimized, meaning that it is more comfortable to hold and read from than a laptop or PDA.
The “electronic paper” technology used in the screen provides text that is much sharper and easier on the eyes than a laptop or PDA.
Because Kindle’s few functions require very little power, battery life is much better than with a laptop or PDA.

Additionally, reading in electronic format has advantages over reading a paper book.

No pages to blow around if you read outside.
No hand discomfort as you hold a book open for hours at a time.
No need to break the spine or brace the pages when you want to read hands free.
Adjustable font-size: you can make the text as large or small as you need for your eyes to be comfortable.
You can store many books in one small device. This is particularly helpful to people who read fast and travel frequently. In my recent post, “How Fast Do You Read?” I discussed how, while traveling, I have occasionally abandoned completed novels to make room for new ones. With Kindle, I would not have had to make that choice.
Kindle includes wireless technology that enables you to shop for an purchase ebooks directly from Amazon with the device. You don’t have to search for a wi-fi hotspot or connect cables to your computer. You can also subscribe to newspapers or blogs and receive updates whenever you turn on your wireless. You can even access Wikipedia with the device. Wireless can be turned off on airplanes to make the device safe for flight.
You can even use Kindle to listen to audiobooks.

Here are a couple of things I would like to see in this type of device:

A monthly flate-rate subscription for unlimited book downloads. If publishers are concerned about intellectual property, they could easily set books to expire after a set amount of time, or put a limit on how many books could be downloaded at the same time.
A combination audiobook/ebook that enables me to listen while driving or doing chores, and continue reading visually in the same spot when my eyes are available.
Electronic textbooks. I’m working on a master’s degree, and the cost of my textbooks for one semester can easily exceed the cost of the Kindle. I’ve believed for several years that if publishers were willing to sell electronic textbooks that they could eliminate most of their manufacturing and warehousing costs, charge significantly less, and still make a healthy profit.

Now, having said all that, I have to admit that although I’m intrigued, I don’t have a Kindle. Unfortunately for me, Amazon is not handing out free Kindles to members of their affiliate program. At the moment, I also don’t have $399.00 allocated to buy one. So, I can’t comment from experience. Below are links to people who have actually tried the device and written reviews, as well as a link to Amazon’s product page in case any of my readers would like to buy one for themselves. (Or for me.)

Here is a Kindle review on the Management Craft blog. This blogger has had hers for several days and posted a follow-up with some additional thoughts here.

Click here for Kindleville, a blog devoted entirely to the Kindle. (That was fast!)

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