Kindle Me!

Have you heard of the Kindle? If not, what do you think it is? The definition in the Merriam-Webster online dictionary indicates that the verb kindle means 3 things:

1) to start (a fire) burning (light)
2) to stir up, to bring into being
3) to cause to glow (illuminate)

If I hadn't known what the Kindle was just from the meaning of the word I would have though it was some kind of a fire starting device.

So what IS a Kindle?

Kindle is an eBook reader sold by Amazon.

The first time I have heard about this device was when Amazon wildly advertised this product on virtually every page in February. That's when the second generation came out. Yes, it has already had multiple generations. We are on #2 but I have heard the 3rd is being developed right now.

I am an avid reader and I was very surprised I missed our on the first generation completely!

For months after drooling about it, I finally decided to purchase one. I saved up all my credit card rewards for a few months and that covered most of the purchase price.

I did not regret this purchase at all. I love love my Kindle!

How does the Kindle work?

It can hold up to about 1500 books in a digital format. You turn the pages by clicking on a button. It has a wireless connection (much like your cellphone) so Kindle books purchased via Amazon can be automatically downloaded. Unfortunately the wireless only works in the US. Books can also be loaded onto the Kindle via a USP cable as well.

Why do I like my Kindle?

• I love it that I don't have to haul around bulky books. It's about as big as a paperback book but much thinner.
• I can adjust the size of the font so, for example, in the gym I can still read on the bike without straining my eyes.
  
• It can "read" books to me. The text-to-speech feature is not enabled on all books and the voice is a somewhat of a monotone, computerized voice but it is still a nice option.
• I can have multiple books with me at the same time which is great if you are going on vacation.
• There are millions of free books available. In my next blog post I'll post a few links where they are available.
• Kindle books are usually cheaper than hardcover or softcover editions.
  

Why don't I like my Kindle?

This list is going to be much shorter.

• It's not cheap. Currently it's selling for $299.
• Books with DRM (Digital Rights Management) can only be purchased via Amazon.com and will only work on my Kindle. This means I cannot borrow, lend, or sell Kindle books.
• The clicking noise of the buttons irritates me.
  

So there you go. These are the basics of the Kindle. If you noticed the links you can guess I really want you to check it out. If you do buy one, you can be my Kindle friend. :)