If you've had a Kindle 2 for a while... how is it NOW?

[Dr. Drib]

Originally Posted by jwilker

Alos if I'm not mistaken, you can return the Kindle in 30 days for a full refund. So the Fence Sitters can try it out and send it back if they don't like.

I believe it was the Kindle VP that suggested that route,

Sending it back isn't a problem, unless one lives outside the U.S., and then it can become expensive.


Don

[juj1n]

Originally Posted by BigWaffles

I got mine 8 months ago in preparation for an upcoming deployment (can't lug too many books to the desert). I installed the screensaver hack so I could load some pictures. After loading it with 100+ books and several magazine subscriptions, I packed it up and went to the sandbox. For the past 6 months it’s been alternating between my backpack and the cargo pocket on my uniform. I've used it in all kinds of weather: 120 degree temps with 70% humidity, 117 degrees with 8% humidity and 40mph winds. It's not unusual for me to stand at a bus stop in blowing sand reading a magazine on the Kindle. I've even dropped it a few times (minor). All that being said, here are the answers to your questions:

1) No problems with durability. I have the basic Amazon cover and couldn't be happier with it. I fold the cover back and read one-handed. The cover is holding up well and provides protection while it's in my pocket.

2) The plastic facing and screen are holding up fine. Every now and then I blow the dust off of it before wiping it down and as of yet, there is no discoloration or scratches. I am really surprised about the lack of scratches on the facing as there is no way to keep the dust off of things over here. I figured I'd get dust/sand between the cover and the white plastic and the movement of the cover would act like sandpaper. Not yet.

3) No scratches yet, but it's always in the cover.

4) A good product to me is one I pick up and use without even thinking about it. That means it fills my needs and is not lacking. That being said, the Kindle has been a real sanity-saver over here. I can carry my books wherever I go, I don't have to worry about recharging it that often, and I have a way to relax and forget where I'm at from time to time. This is my first e-reader and I use it for basic reading and nothing else, so I'm not sure what other features would be useful. The only thing I would change would be to add the time to the top of the main display. That way I wouldn't stay up so late reading some nights. In short, the Kindle rocks from day one.

Hope this helps.


C.P.T.

Wow this is really helpful because I'm also in the military and I was pondering at the thought of brining an e-reader to Iraq/Afghanistan but I didn't think it would stand up to the dust, sand, and heat. This is really awesome to know thank you! I'm one step closer now... lol