Impressions of a new Kindle (ereader) user

[Mitch G]

Although these posts can be a bit self-serving, I know when shopping for something new, I find posts like this helpful. So, here's my "first impressions" post for the Kindle 2.

I came into this as a paperbook snob. I really like(d) the idea of having a "real" book that I can hold, smell, and have a tactile sense of how far along in the book I am. I couldn't imagine enjoying using an eReader.
Nonetheless, we bought a Kindle for my daughter for Christmas - she loves to read and being a young-un she enjoys gadgets. (As do I, for the record.)
Other than checking it out and downloading a couple of books before wrapping it, I really hadn't used it.
But, last night she was at a sleep over, so I figured I would try it out.
All I can say is that I'm sold.

One of my concerns was whether or not it would be awkward to hold and manipulate the device. I find holding the Kindle is quite comfortable in any of my reading positions - even lying on my back. In fact, I would say it's even easier to hold and change pages than with a real book.
My only concern is that if I nod off, I might drop it on my head.

I was also concerned about reading at night where I use a small LED light. No problem. The E-ink page is as good as a traditional black ink on white paper page. I almost wonder if it's easier on the eyes - but time will have to show whether or not that's the case.

And, I really like the little bar along the bottom of the page that shows percentage progress through the book. It's kind of fun to see that I'm almost 40% of the way through, etc. And the little dots showing chapters is a nice touch as well.

And, finally, the convenience of getting a book any time is really nice.

Now I have to decide whether or not to wait to see if there's any repricing due to the Nook or CES drives some price restructuring, etc. Or, just bite the bullet now. (I kinda wish Amazon continued to offer free 2-day shipping like they did at Christmas. It would probably push me over the edge.)


Mitch

[monkeypants]

Originally Posted by Mitch G

(I kinda wish Amazon continued to offer free 2-day shipping like they did at Christmas. It would probably push me over the edge.)

If they are still doing amazon prime trials, then you could sign up for that, and get free 2-day shipping for 30 days Just remember to cancel the trial membership when you're done with it. Though I have to say that I love having prime (but I share it with two other people so I don't pay full price for it).

I had much the same reaction to my kindle on Christmas, I am definitely loving it. Glad you like yours!

[Nathan Campos]

Welcome to our community.

Congratulations!
I got my Kindle DX on Christmas too.

[desertgrandma]

The refurbished models ARE offering free two day shipping

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...on=refurbished

Same warranty, same 30 day no questions asked return policy, just pay return shipping.

Members (I bought a refurbished k1) have noted that the readers look like new...........down to the plug covers and unused cords.....

[Stevo]

Originally Posted by desertgrandma

Members (I bought a refurbished k1) have noted that the readers look like new...........down to the plug covers and unused cords.....

I second that. I bought a refurbished Kindle 1 and it was brand new.

[Mitch G]

I hear ya on the refurbs - I'm a huge fan of the refurb route in general.
Although I don't see free 2-day shipping anymore - maybe you looked at a cached page.
Nonetheless, I suspect I'll find a way to justify buying one sooner rather than later.


Mitch

[Connallmac]

Originally Posted by monkeypants

If they are still doing amazon prime trials, then you could sign up for that, and get free 2-day shipping for 30 days Just remember to cancel the trial membership when you're done with it. Though I have to say that I love having prime (but I share it with two other people so I don't pay full price for it).

I had much the same reaction to my kindle on Christmas, I am definitely loving it. Glad you like yours!

I did the same thing in early August when I ordered my KDX. I decided to pull the trigger just before Gen Con, so I could load all of my rpg books into it and carry that around rather than a huge pack full of large hardbacks, and I wanted it to get there quickly and not shell out any extra for such quick shipping. It worked like a charm!

[coolbreeze]

I've owned a K1 refurb , KDX refurb, and now have (only) a K2 refurb. All were brand new.

Welcome to the Kindle club. You'll be glad you chose it over a Sony or nook. Amazon knows what they are doing.

[desertgrandma]

Originally Posted by Mitch G

I hear ya on the refurbs - I'm a huge fan of the refurb route in general.
Although I don't see free 2-day shipping anymore - maybe you looked at a cached page.
Nonetheless, I suspect I'll find a way to justify buying one sooner rather than later.


Mitch

So......did you try putting one in your cart? It will show the free 2 days shipping then(don't worry, unless you have "one click" enabled, you'll be able to remove it......IF it doesn't its still offering free super saver shipping, 3-5 business days.

[GoblinWriter]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Mitch. I'm a gadget-lover, too, but have held off on the e-reader. I think I'm going to bite the bullet here pretty soon though. I'm leaning toward the Kindle but am checking out what folks have to say about other readers too.

Have you tried the read aloud feature yet? I love audiobooks but it costs a fortune downloading them through iTunes, and then you can't take notes easily if there's something you want to "underline." I am envisioning a cheesy stilted computer voice though and wonder if that would dampen the experience.

[julian1982]

i own a kindle 2 and i cant read on it more than 20 minutes it has no contrast and is not even comparable to paper books.

[HarryT]

Originally Posted by GoblinWriter

Have you tried the read aloud feature yet? I love audiobooks but it costs a fortune downloading them through iTunes, and then you can't take notes easily if there's something you want to "underline." I am envisioning a cheesy stilted computer voice though and wonder if that would dampen the experience.

The "read aloud" feature certainly isn't a replacement for audiobooks. Yes, it is (by definition) a "stilted computer voice". It's understandable, though, if you don't mind the American accent.

[Latinandgreek]

Welcome to MobileRead, Mitch, and thanks for sharing your impressions with us! Happy holidays!

[Dr. Drib]

Please keep in mind that the Refurbished models currently offered by Amazon do NOT include the International Version.

What you are getting is the U.S. ONLY version.

You will have to decide whether that fact is important to YOUR buying decisions.


Don

[drofgnal]

Originally Posted by Mitch G

I hear ya on the refurbs - I'm a huge fan of the refurb route in general.
Although I don't see free 2-day shipping anymore - maybe you looked at a cached page.
Nonetheless, I suspect I'll find a way to justify buying one sooner rather than later.


Mitch

You get free super shipping savings with any order over 25 bucks. You won't get it in 2 days, but I've found that it never takes as long as they say it might either. If you want it quicker, shipping costs are not going to be that much. I ordered a kindle2 and cover before Christmas, one day overnight shipping and it was only 22 bucks, so normal shipping won't be much if you don't want super shipping savings.