User Reviews :
By wam41964 on July 24, 2010
Pros: Display is great
Selection of books is good - getting better fast
Price of books is great - some older/classic books are downright CHEAP
Having ALL my books all the time in a device the size of a desk pad is wonderful.
It's just cool.
Cons: The more complex navigations take some getting used to
The key markings need a little more contrast
It's not free. :-)
Summary: I'm a heavy reader and have waiting on this device to come out, skipping the 1st version. I love this thing - I like the convenience and love that I can increase the size of the text, since my eyes aren't getting any better. While some of the ... Expand full review
Summary: I'm a heavy reader and have waiting on this device to come out, skipping the 1st version. I love this thing - I like the convenience and love that I can increase the size of the text, since my eyes aren't getting any better. While some of the detail features required a gander at the instructions, I figured out all the general stuff in under 10 minutes. The display is as goos as I'd hoped it would be and the book downloads are fast and easy. I love that you can check out samples of books for free before you buy them. If you like them, one touch of the 5-way key takes to you a screen where you can buy the book with one click. It's on your device almost immediately. Someone recommended a book to me at the doctor's office - I had it in less than 3 minutes.
Is it expensive? I guess - but it's a real convenience for the avid reader. Besides, I buy an awful lot of books and end up paying a lot of overlimit fees when I fly with them on vacation. Between all the travel books, language books and books I'm reading, I sometimes carry 20 or more pounds of books. Not anymore.
One thing the reviewer left out: while you do pay $.10 to send yourself a word doc (no matter how big, apparently), you don't have to pay if you want to have it emailed to the address Amazon has for your account'. It will email your doc to your regular email address and you can then put it on your Kindle via the USB port, all for free. I got mine yesterday and read on it for hours last night and for a bit today...I'm loving it.
By Mark S. on January 12, 2010
Pros: connection to whispernet without subscription cost
Cons: screen size to keyboard size ratio. why do you need that big of a keyboard? The focus should be the reading screen.
Summary: A lot of complaints have been made about the cost of hardware. But what is being neglected is that there is no connection costs. I would much rather have this option, than a lower hardware cost and a monthly access costs that over the lifetime of product will be more than the original cost of hardware.
by AJBieber on February 25, 2010
Pros: I own both the original Kindle and the Kindle 2 - really like the new form factor - the old Pontiac Aztec form was less than perfect. Some of the new navigation will take time to get used to but increase battery life and improvements are worth it.
Cons: The lack of a case is shameful. I purchased a case but it didn't arrive with the Kindle. For this price point, a case should be included.
Summary: I love the ability to carry dozens of books with me. I have ceased to purchase conventional books. The ability to recover your previous purchases on the original Kindle is great, easy, and appreciated. This is a great next step.
By MFFsTwoCents on March 1, 2009
Pros: Insanely inexpensive to download an amazing collection of classical literature...
Cons: It absolutely REFUSES to do my laundry (but that's no doubt how they'll justify Kindle 3....)
Summary: How's under $5.00 for a virtually (no pun intended) complete collection of a given author's works sound? Twain, Dostoevsky, Hugo, Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle...I'm beside myself! Seriously, I have to get a loveseat, there's no longer room for me in this chair... Here's my tip for Kindle owners (1 or 2): go to the Kindle Store (at Amazon.com), to the "Books" section, and in the search box type in either "mobi" (trust me - this won't just pull up Melville), or "literature classics", and learn just how valuable 99 cents still is! Viva la Kindle!!
And now, with my books stored on this, I'll have room in my apartment for fancy modern conveniences...like furniture!
By cbarstow on February 28, 2009
Pros: slim and sexy, easy on the eyes, perfect weight
Cons: not much to complain about from my end
Summary: I'm wanting to convert all my books to digital format now as this device is so awesome to read from. :)
To address any cost issue others may bring up, the only other eReader in this class is the iRex Iliad, which depending on the model, would run you anywhere from $600 to $900. 10 cents per document converted? Only if you have it automatically transferred to your Kindle. In all cases, you can still have Amazon convert for you (or do it yourself) and then transfer it from your computer to your Kindle yourself to avoid the 10 cent charge, so that's also a non-issue.
The removal of the SD card like the Kindle 1 had was done for the sake of cutting down on the size, giving this unit it's sleek, sexy look. The 2 GB of internal memory should hold up to 1500 eBooks. The only place where the storage could possibly come into play would be if you have a real lot of images, image-based PDFs, music files, or audio books, as all of those use up more space than the standard eBook. However, the SD card and user replaceable battery would've seriously impacted the size, bringing it back to the thickness of the first model. So it's a trade off, but a worthy one IMO. And really? Who cares about a user replaceable battery? Has that hurt iPod sales?
I am super happy that I was able to justify this purchase, and guilted my other half into it on Valentine's Day LOL. This is one purchase I definitely will never regret! :)
By gbalicea on September 23, 2009
Pros: Looks great
Feels great
Great customer service support
Cons: I knew what I was buying so I don't have any complaints at the moment, maybe that they could at least include a cheap carrying case, but is all about making money so they have one for 29.99. For me is not necessary but it would be nice.
Summary: I study at University of Phoenix online and I hate to read my books from my computer screen. Now, all I have to do is download the PDF files, send them in to an email for 10 to 30 cents to my Kindle and I'm a happy camper. Now I can do more. Also, this thing is addictive, Now I read more than ever before.
By tfrankjr_dotmac on June 12, 2009
Pros: Super fast downloads. Lots of content. Adjustable font size. Sleek and cool-looking.
Cons: Newspaper subscriptions are expensive.
Summary: I'd never used an e-reader prior to buying the Kindle 2 a couple of months ago. I've found myself addicted to its easy-to-read text and the speed with which I can download books directly from the device. I love the fact that I don't have to hook it up to my computer. It's self-contained.
In addition to books, frequently i download the NYTimes and Wall Street Journal. It took me a while to figure out the best way to navigate using the main cursor button, but once I did, it became second nature. I like being able to quickly scan the paper and then select articles of interest.
This device won't replace my laptop or iPod. I haven't really tried to use the web browser or load MP3s on to it. For pure reading however, it's a pleasure. I travel often and it's great to carry around so many books in such a small, cool, light weight package.
Finally, I think the books on Amazon for the Kindle are pretty reasonably priced. My overall experience is that I've read more books since I bought the Kindle 2 (which came shipped ready to use with my Amazon login already set up) than I did before.
If you're looking for an easy to use, fast-loading e-reader, I highly recommend the Kindle 2.
By jgilliam1955 on June 1, 2009
Pros: Download books at a cheaper price. Take your books with you.
Cons: Right now the price. But that should change over time.
Summary: Think GREEN! This e-book idea is great! Think where we may be in 20 years. No books filling up land fills. Saving trees. College books no longer costing an arm and a leg. They are all on your e-book reader. All newpapers & Magazines digital. The Kindle 2 is a great tool. It downloads books fast and the sekection is very good & getting better. The reading has been easy on the eyes. The battery last a long time.
Just the right size. Some publishers do not want to lower there prices, but the market will demand it once this catches on. Can't wait until the price start coming down & more people get one!
By mk37994 on April 11, 2009
Pros: - Light / Compact
- Easy on the eyes
- Easy download of new books
- Love the newspaper download (my paperboy is not that reliable)
- Keep notes on passages
Cons: - Would like the next edition to have a color option. Im sure it would make it very expensive though.
Summary: Overall an amazing product. I have no real complaints. The text to speech works well. The newspaper subscription is great too. I cant get the newspaper delivery anywhere as relaiable as on the kindle. Weather doesnt stop the news from coming through. I would highly recommend this product.
By lcshannon on March 17, 2009
Pros: I love being able to carry a library with me when I travel and have it weigh only a few ounces! It is comfortable to read for long periods, even in the sunlight. The buttons are well-placed. Downloading new material is a breeze!
Cons: The cost, but I got a slight discount that I used as justification to buy. Another $30 for the cover. Then, of course, all the books and other media. $$.
Summary: I definitely think the benefits outweigh the cons, but I've only had my Kindle2 for a month. So convenient, so light, so packable. It has been a month of bliss. Now, if only I can stop reading and get some work done!
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