There are so many ebook readers to choose from today, I know how hard it is to decide on what to buy. That is why I wrote the kindle ebook reader review product review. Our family has now owned 3 Kindle units over the past couple of years and they have changed how we read!
We have put the units through their paces and found them to be fun, portable and extremely user friendly. Read our complete review.
Having now owned a Kindle for some time, gotten one for my wife and now owning the latest version – The Kindle Fire – more on that in another post, I feel that I can give it a very honest review.
Many things have changed since I bought mine – the quality has improved, more apps, more uses, more ease and a much better price. They now start at only $79, which is lot lower than the original $399.
I originally had many concerns and knew I would never know for sure if it was right for me, who is an avid book reader, until I tried it.
When I first got the Kindle with New E Ink Pearl Technology
1. SIZE: Even though I had researched it and read up about it, the fact that it was so small, just amazed me. The size is 7.5 x 4.8 inches. Try cutting out a piece of cardboard that size and you will say to yourself “no way”, but it is true. It is lighter than most paperback books and is very comfortable to hold in either one hand or in both hands. Weighs 8.5 ounces! The screen size is plenty big to read comfortably and if not you can increase the font size.
2. Ease of Use: I am the first to admit that I am not very technically inclined and did not a device that was complicated to use. I do not even like texting! No worry there. The Kindle comes complete with a helpful start guide and if you work through it, which won’t take long, you can master the Kindle Reader very quickly.
3. Reading Ease: My major concern was how would the page would look and if I needed to scroll from side to side, up and down. Since Kindle does not use page numbers, a page of text will appear on the screen and depending on your font size, it may have 100 words per page or 200 words and the text fits on the complete screen.
As you finish reading a page, you just click on the next page button, which is conveniently located on either side of the Kindle. The next page instantly shows up. You can also click the back button to read the previous pages. Each click will move a page forward or backward.
4. Screen Display: The display screen on the Kindle has been touted as revolutionary and the reason is that it is so EASY to see. The only problem is that you can not see the screen in the dark, since there is no backlight.
The screen looks as if it is a printed page. It is so effortless to read in almost any type of light. If you want to read at night, you will need a light. Kindle has several options in bookcovers and add on lights.
Kindle Ebook Reader Pros:
COST: I really believe you are getting the best unit for the price. Since you can buy 6 various models ranging from $79 to $199 for the New KINDLE FIRE. Considering everything that is included, it beats all other competitors.
Download Speed: The download speed is amazing. If you use your Wi-Fi connection it is downloaded within seconds. You can also download books over an internet/USB connection, which is also simple.
Technology: Amazon has put together some great technology that is truly amazing to use, but simple enough for anyone to master. Nothing is complicated and there are pretty of guides to walk you through even the simplest of tasks so you can get the most out the Kindle Reader.
Books: When you own a Kindle, you not only get access to the millions of books through Amazon, but their large free library, a lending library, movies, games, magazines, newspapers, blogs, etc.. There are so many sources for your Kindle, that you will never be starved for something to read or play.
Power: I love the fact that I can use my device for nearly a month and never have to recharge it. I usually recharge the battery once a month and I use it nearly every day and store several hundred books and games on the Kindle without any power issues!
Kindle Ebook Reader Cons:
This would not be an honest Kindle Ebook Reader Review if I did not tell you about any problems that I have had with my device.
Tech Problem: This year I had to return my Kindle due to a malfunction in the screen. It started to blur in the upper corner and Amazon said it was water damage. Since I had never exposed it to water, I was not in agreement. This has also happened to my brother-in-laws device. The good news it was within the warranty period (which is a year) and was able to return it and get a new one without any cost.
Covers: Another issue I have with the Kindle is that it comes without a protective cover and that is really not a good idea. I wish they included a cover with the purchase. I suggest you get a cover if you buy a Kindle since it will make you feel more comfortable carrying it around and not banging it up.We bought simple covers for our Kindle, not the fancy ones and they work fine.
Monopoly: Amazon sometimes comes off as a bit monopolizing in some of their recent policies and how they handle their customers requests and suggestions. There have been issues and many people on the Amazon forums do complain alot, but even they seem to stay around because they love their Kindle.
None of the above things would ever change my mind about buying a Kindle. In fact, this year for Christmas I am actually giving 4 Kindles as Christmas gifts to friends and family.
The Kindle Verdict: Overall I have found the Kindle to be an amazing device, which is simple to use, fun to read on and very handy to carry around versus lugging heavy tombs.
There is a lot more I can tell you in this Kindle Ebook Reader Review, but let me finish this off by telling you that if you really enjoy reading books, but hate having to carry paperbacks, hardbacks, magazines and newspapers around all the time, than the Kindle is such a great alternative.
I keep an assortment of reading material on the Kindle including games, newspapers and magazine and if there is nothing there that interests me at the time, I can quickly download a new book to read or preview one for FREE from the Kindle store.
Not to mention the 1000s of free books available to download on your Kindle.
You can get your own Kindle Ebook Reader here.