Amazon Kindle Review
E-readers are the future.
There is no single, valid argument against this. Literature will become digital, either as a companion medium or to dominate the industry as a whole. Some will see this as a catastrophe, complaining that the format will undermine literature as we know it. To them I roll my eyes and suggest spending time with the Amazon Kindle.
The latest version of the Kindle was Amazons aggressive response to the impending Apple iPad. The clear goal was to hammer the draw the line in the impending e-book price war, making a device that was a clear threat. They succeeded. Costing between 109 and 149 of your English pounds depending on your need to 3G wireless capability the price is certainly right, but how does it fare to handle Amazons newest baby?
Firstly, a lot has been said about the Kindles screen, the e-ink display which unlike conventional LCD reduces glare and lengthens battery usage. Most have touted that it is impossible to distinguish between physical paper and the screen itself. I could bore you with the numbers and state that it’s claimed to be 50% sharper than the previous iteration, or I could give you a real world impression from an average Joe. The latter is this:
The claims about it being a joy to view are absolutely true.
In fact its quality is so prominent when removing the protective cover, I was convinced a second overlay with the charging instructions was placed over. Flicking the on switched actually produced an audible sound of amazement. Images, though in greyscale are crisp and clean. The text can be read in low light even without the aid of an external light source.
Navigating the device is simple once you’ve identified the main buttons; one brings up a dedicated sub menu, one takes you to the main menu, one takes you back a step and the last modifies screen rotation, text size and the like. A four way rocker switch and full keyboard makes any text based searching a breeze, which comes in handy when looking for titles on the Kindle Store. Page turning is handled by previous and next page buttons positioned both on the left and right edge of the device. For those left handed, you’ll be happy to know that you were clearly considered in the Kindles design.
It’s light – very light. No heavier than a normal paperback, but much thinner making it easier on the hands overall.
If your version of the Kindle is 3G enabled then download titles is possible anywhere depending on mobile coverage. Synchronizing Kindle devices and applications is a straightforward and smooth affair allowing your Kindle to pick up the last page you read a title on your mobile phone, PC or vice versa. It’s all done in the background with minimal interruption. Notes can be taken and shared via Facebook or twitter. If you’re reading a title and are unsure of a world, highlight it and the built in dictionary reveals its definition. Upload PDFs or even email yourself documents directly. If enabled, you can even flick the Kindle to use automatic text to speech conversion.
So should you believe the hype? Defiantly. Should you order one right now? If you even have a slightest interest in reading then by all means. Amazon are on to a winner and if future versions of the Kindle continue this trend, the e-readers future is secured.