for my birthday. The device has quickly become one of my favorite tech devices. I had been using the Kindle app on the iPhone for a number of months and really liked the convenience of having quick access to books. However, the iPhone screen is small which makes it difficult to read for very long periods. I had looked at the first generation of Kindle and was unimpressed. The device was not very appealing to the eye, which is a nice way of saying it was flat out "ugly". Unlike the previous Kindle the Kindle 2 is very sleek. Just over 1/3 inch thick and weighing only 10.2 ounces, it easily slides into the side pocket of my laptop case. The ergonomics of the device are very comfortable allowing you to hold the device and change pages with either hand. The Kindle uses the latest technology in electronic- ink. I know you probably believe, as I did, the term "electronic-ink" is just a marketing term and not really "ink". Check out the article from How Stuff Works, it really is "ink". The resolution and readability of the kindle is exquisite. You really do feel you are reading from paper.
The true success story of the Kindle is the Kindle store. Amazon has followed the lead of Apple and iTunes providing a convenient way for users to easily review and purchase reading material. The crown jewel of this being the ability to download book samples for free. The device does not have wifi which I was bummed about; however, it does use Sprint's 3g network to stay connected. The service is included with the purchase of the device and there are no monthly fees.
Beyond books, the Kindle is a great way to receive and read newspapers. The newspapers you subscribe to will be pushed during the night to your Kindle, just as if you received the paper at your front door step. Some notable newspapers on the Kindle are the Wall Street Journal, USA Today and the New York Times.
A very notable feature of the device, which I believe you will find interesting, is the ability to read PDF files from the Kindle. Think about all of the information you currently receive in PDF. From continuing education material, IRS publications, to your hardware and software documentation, the Kindle can be used to easily store and reference this material. The larger Kindle DX
An added bonus to owning the Kindle and the iPhone app is they will stay synced. For example, if you are reading from your Kindle and later in the day get stuck at the Doctor's office you can open up the Kindle app on your iPhone and it will sync to the last page you were reading from the Kindle. Really cool stuff!
