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PsyDocJoanne · 08-07-2008, 01:34 PM

So I tried out the Kindle last night. With it in hand, I was able to formulate some solid opinions about the device, and now the last step is waiting on the Sony, which I ended up ordering online (the local one found for me by Sony turned out to be an inventory error--the store was, in fact, out of them).

Here's where I'm at with the Kindle. I downloaded a book (The Hellbound Heart, by Clive Barker), and I tried out NowNow. I read on the device, both in and out of the cover, for about 2 hours last night.

Here are my pros, cons, and neutrals (caveat: these are only my opinions!):

Kindle Pros: It's really easy. Search, sample, download, read. No syncing, no PC (I knew all this, of course, but nice to see how easy it is in action). Easy navigation; intuitive menus. Works great with my book light.

Kindle Cons: The shape. What's with the wedge, really? I spent some time looking at it and thinking, and I couldn't really come up with any design advantage to the wedge. The buttons: I'm left handed, and found that I like to use the left "Next Page" button. That felt awkward with the cover on and open, so I had the cover folded back, which added to the bulky feeling. I also hit the right "Next Page" button many times accidentally while trying to find a comfortable position to hold it. The overall aesthetic: not nearly as refined as the Sony. My husband called it "cheesy looking"...that's a little harsh, but I mostly agree. Which brings a question: do we know what company actually manufactures the Kindle?

Kindle Neutrals: Reading experience. I put this as a neutral, because I would imagine any eInk device provides a similar experience. I really liked it, though. Super easy to read, liked the adjustable font size, comfortable on the eyes.

The Sony should be up to bat sometime early next week. Hopefully, I'll make a final decision before my trip to Japan.

08-07-2008, 01:34 PM	#23
PsyDocJoanne Loves her 505 and her Z4! Posts: 157 Karma: 631 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Weston, FL Device: Sony PRS-505	So I tried out the Kindle last night. With it in hand, I was able to formulate some solid opinions about the device, and now the last step is waiting on the Sony, which I ended up ordering online (the local one found for me by Sony turned out to be an inventory error--the store was, in fact, out of them). Here's where I'm at with the Kindle. I downloaded a book (The Hellbound Heart, by Clive Barker), and I tried out NowNow. I read on the device, both in and out of the cover, for about 2 hours last night. Here are my pros, cons, and neutrals (caveat: these are only my opinions!): Kindle Pros: It's really easy. Search, sample, download, read. No syncing, no PC (I knew all this, of course, but nice to see how easy it is in action). Easy navigation; intuitive menus. Works great with my book light. Kindle Cons: The shape. What's with the wedge, really? I spent some time looking at it and thinking, and I couldn't really come up with any design advantage to the wedge. The buttons: I'm left handed, and found that I like to use the left "Next Page" button. That felt awkward with the cover on and open, so I had the cover folded back, which added to the bulky feeling. I also hit the right "Next Page" button many times accidentally while trying to find a comfortable position to hold it. The overall aesthetic: not nearly as refined as the Sony. My husband called it "cheesy looking"...that's a little harsh, but I mostly agree. Which brings a question: do we know what company actually manufactures the Kindle? Kindle Neutrals: Reading experience. I put this as a neutral, because I would imagine any eInk device provides a similar experience. I really liked it, though. Super easy to read, liked the adjustable font size, comfortable on the eyes. The Sony should be up to bat sometime early next week. Hopefully, I'll make a final decision before my trip to Japan.