Kindle eBook Reader
Model #: The Kindle

The Kindle from Amazon is definitely an ambitious eBook Reader. The Kindle Reader weights 10.3 ounces and measures 7.5 inches high by 5.3 inches wide by 0.7 inch deep. Like most other eBook Readers, the Kindle comes with a protective leather cover, however the Kindle cover has been noted as being slightly bulkier than most and the plastic structure of the Kindle can often give the device a “cheaper” feel than those made of metal. In the end, the Kindle offers more function with less fashion.

The screen has 4 scales of gray and 167 pixels per inch, which can mean a little less contrast than other Readers currently available. Amazon decided against using a backlight with the Kindle Reader. For this reason, the Kindle is best used in a well-lit environment. All in all, the high contrast screen does a great job of simulating the printed page. If you do not use the wireless functions, the Kindle is said to last for a week on a single charge and it recharges fully in 2 hours. The device ships with an AC adapter.

The Kindle's button layout is quite functional. The rubberized scroll wheel makes navigation a breeze and the large buttons found on both sides of the screen make paging easy as well. The simplicity and usefulness of the home button is a feature Amazon definitely got right. The Kindle also features a bulky, but useful build in keyboard.
EVDO radio is also built into the unit that connects to the Whispernet data service and users can "manually" transfer content to the Kindle when they are abroad by downloading content from the Web to a PC, and then transferring it to the Kindle via USB.

The Kindle Reader's free built-in wireless connection is revolutionary as it allows users access to Amazon's enormous online bookstore from anywhere (or almost anywhere you can access Sprint's cellular data network). Downloading books wirelessly to the Kindle is a huge selling point. The Kindle allows users to search for titles or authors in the Kindle Store or scroll through the national and Kindle bestsellers lists. Users simply click on the buy button to make a book purchase, however, it should be noted that content prices are on the high side. To make life even easier, Amazon keeps track of your purchases, allowing you to delete files on the Kindle and then download it again at no additional charge.

The Kindle offers a limited Web browser, but there is no Flash support, everything is in black and white and in many cases there is a lack of proper formatting (meaning one web page could be 20 pages on the Kindle). It is very functional for doing quick blog reads. The Kindle can access Wikipedia essentially making the device a hand-held encyclopedia.

The Kindle has 185 MB of user-accessible internal memory, which holds around 200 books. Users can however store more books, MP3s, Audible audio books, and other files if they purchase an optional SD memory card (up to 4GB). Amazon has launched the Digital Text Platform, which makes it very easy to upload your own manuscript or document to the Kindle Store and have it converted into a Kindle book. The Kindle is compatible with a number of file types, but there are a few extra steps, as most files have to undergo a conversion before being recognized by the device. PDF files can also be converted and viewed, but they are not always easy to read due to formatting. The Kindle plays back MP3 files giving users the ability to listen to music while they read. It also reads Audible books.

The Kindle's firmware is upgradeable and updates will be delivered wirelessly giving the Amazon device an advantage over other Readers. With its free built-in wireless capabilities and PC-free operation, not to mention its usability by MAC owners, the Kindle is a very compelling device.