Kindle eReader
Being an avid reader and tech savvy is a great combination these days, with all the electronic readers out there. Kindle is Amazons eReader, which battles for the number one selling spot with the Nook from Barnes and Noble. The Kindle is quite unique amongst its competition, with the High-Contrast E Ink Screen, battery life that can last up to a month, and enough storage space to hold up to 3,500 books. I decided that the Kindle was the perfect Christmas present for myself, so I picked one up and have been trying it out for a month, and here is what I thought.
Just choosing the right eReader for me was a hard decision. Every eReader, or application is unique in its own way. The Kindle prides itself in the screens adaptability to different light. You can be on the beach or in a low lit room, and you can still see the words. The Nook has many different “apps” that makes it more versatile, and has a screen that’s in color, for different pictures. You can also get an Ipad and put the Amazon application on it to be able to read off of your Ipad. I choose the Kindle out of these three because, I wanted to feel like I was reading an actual book, Amazon’s eBooks are the a lot cheaper than Barnes and Nobles, and the Kindle just came out free wifi on their newest model so I can download books anywhere.
After waiting diligently for a few days for the Kindle to arrive, I found the small box on the front porch. Amazon’s attention to detail is wonderful, the box is compact and durable, and it has quotes from famous literature all over it in various fonts. I opened the box and quickly connected it to my pc, through an usb cord, to set it up. It only took a few seconds to have it up and running. I downloaded various books the first night, none of which included the Twilight series, and left it in “sleep” mode to charge. The next morning it was fully charged and ready to go.
The Home screen is high customizable, I made different tabs for different genres of books; it also comes with a Dictionary, and a User Guide. Also you can download various games for free. When opening up a book it goes to the first page of the novel, or where you left off last. Changing pages is a breeze with the side buttons that are right where you would change a page in an actual book. You can also shop for books and games at the Kindle Store right on your Kindle. Downloading books are almost too easy; sometimes I go on a downloading spree, forgetting that each book cost money. Amazon is really great about putting different books on sale for a dollar every week. I check back constantly to try to get these great deals for later reading. Overall the layout of Kindle is easy to navigate.
The Kindle doesn’t do it all though. The screen is just black and white, no fun pictures with children’s books or games. If you have to check your facebook every 5 minutes the Kindle is not for you. Their internet browsing is just “experimental”, and freezes up anytime you ask it to do more than check email, and buy books off Amazon. If you want to keep you Kindle safe you have to buy a cover for it, which can only be bought through Amazon. These covers range in price from $39 to $300. Getting a good cover with a light built into the side just adds another $70 to your already big Amazon bill. They claim that the battery life last up to a month with the wifi turned off, which I haven’t seen happen. The battery usually last for a week or two, dependent on how much I read that week. The overall con’s to the Kindle are not too big of a deal to make me want to return it, or not enjoy it.
My Kindle has brought me much joy through ready various books that I would have never read. Being able to be anywhere and download a book is wonderful. Yes, the Kindle could improve on a few things, but if you are an avid reader who wants it only for reading, this is the eReader for you.
I think that this blog post has some issues with grammar, but overall, it was effective. It was interesting to learn more about the Kindle. Although I'm not sure if I would buy one after hearing about the cons, I do not think I would purchase one.
ReplyDeleteThis is interesting because it shows how reading books has evolved into something completely different. It really neat how you illustrate how you can purchase books online and how the Kindle adjusts to the light wherever you may be. Interesting blog!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I may not be a "reader" so-to-speak, this kindle makes me want to read. It has some cool features, like the auto adjust screen and ability to buy books anytime. But yes, there were a few negatives such as the poor internet, but my view is if you buy a kindle, then use it to read. I find it interesting how society has integrated books into technology, and trying to keep books from total extinction. It makes you wonder what's next.
ReplyDeleteThis post sort of opened my eyes as to how large the e-reader market has gotten. I knew there were competing readers such as the Kindle and the Nook, but I wasn't aware of how popular they have become. I know people have been saying that reading in the traditional form of books is dying because of the internet, but I wonder if e-readers will kind of bring it back. I have yet to actually try one of these devices, but after reading this I think I'll need to try one out.
ReplyDeleteI pretty much agree with you. I got a Kindle not too long ago, and I absolutely love it, but it's fairly limited in scope. Books are the only thing it is really exceptional at. Of course, since it's an e-reader, and not a tablet, I don't suppose that I could ask for much more from it.
ReplyDeleteI found this post interesting and insightful. I like how you went though most of the pros and cons of the Kindle in some detail and then compared it to other products. After reading it makes me want a reader.
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