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We mentioned a few weeks ago that Amazon was pushing out a software update for the Kindle, now that has happened I figured it was time to post our review before I give the Kindle to my Dad.
What is a Kindle?
According to the Amazon website:
Kindle is Amazon.com’s #1 bestselling item for two years running. It’s the most-wished-for, most-gifted, and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon.com. Now it’s even better.
- All-New, High-Contrast E Ink Screen – 50% better contrast with latest E Ink Pearl technology
- Read in Bright Sunlight – No glare
- New and Improved Fonts – New crisper, darker fonts
- New Sleek Design – 21% smaller body while keeping the same 6″ size reading area
- 15% Lighter – Only 247 grams, weighs less than a paperback
- Battery Life of One Month – A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off
- Double the Storage – Up to 3,500 books
- Books in 60 seconds – Download books anytime, anywhere
- Free 3G Wireless – No monthly payments, no annual contracts
- Built-In Wi-Fi – In addition to the 3G wireless, you can connect to Wi-Fi hotspots
- 20% Faster Page Turns – Seamless reading
- Enhanced PDF Reader – With dictionary lookup, notes, and highlights
- New WebKit-Based Browser – Free 3G web browsing (experimental)
Specifications
My Dad wanted the Kindle Wi-Fi so this review is based on that.
What’s in the Box?
The box contains the Kindle, a USB connector with plug for charging (the cable can be removed from the plug in order to connect it to a computer) and a short manual.
A Closer Look
I was very surprised just how light the Kindle actually was – and thin too.
Hi Andrew,
Great review of the Kindle. I bought one for my Mom for xmas last year (’bout 3 months ago). She loves it.
I had to get the 3G version for her. She’s in a nursing facility and while they have wifi in certain areas, it’s not available in her room. So 3G it is! It works great for her. She loves to read and instead of stacks and stacks of books, she has just the tiny Kindle. She buys stuff all the time. And she finds the e-ink display very easy to read.
And about that recent update: it does not get pushed to the Kindle via 3G – only wifi. So, I prepared my laptop with the update and when I last visited, applied it thru the USB connection. Went without a hitch. Amazon did a great job with the self-applied instructions.
All in all, I agree (or at least my Mom does) with you, it’s a great e-reader.
thanks, thats useful to know about the update.
My Dad has already been buying books for it and the Kindle is still here with me until next week!
Glad your Mum likes it as well.
I’ve just got a Kindle Wifi for about two weeks. I’ve loaded it up with a number of free books for now.
It is very easy to read and light. Navigation is pretty intuitive.
The only two things I’m dubious about is the lack of color – some of my favorite books have either detailed drawings or photos, and very odd formatting on some Kindle edition books.
I love the fact that most of the Kindle editions are significantly cheaper than physical copies (as they should be).
If I get something with color later (such as the Barnes and Noble Nook Color) I will give this to my mom (as my dad already uses one).
thanks Gordon, I was surprised just how many really good free books there were! It should keep my Dad happy for months 🙂