The Kindle: Wireless Reading Device

It’s a first; I have nothing to blog about. I haven’t finished a book this week or watched any movies. Well I did watch Bee Movie with my sister but I’ve already written my thoughts on that one. The worse part is I don’t even have any good excuses of why I haven’t done anything blog worthy this week. I’ve just been…well lazy, I guess. I have a book I’m working on but since it’s not a page turner you’ll probably have to wait until next week to read about it. I do have plans next Saturday, which should lead to a good post.

So what have I been doing all week then? I have been using my available free time to surf the web, duh. For the past few weeks I’ve had my eye on the newest little gizmo from Amazon.

They are calling it the Kindle, a new wireless reading device. Basically it’s a small hand held gadget that looks like a palm pilot in which you can upload and read varying text on. Apparently it doesn’t require any cables, computer, or syncing and the Kindle provides its own wireless connection with no monthly bill. The wireless connection supposedly delivers a purchased book in less than one minute. At this time Amazon has stated there are more than 110,000 books available for download including many current New York Times Best Sellers. It looks as if most books will cost around $9.99 and you can download free samples (first chapters) of any text before deciding to buy. Along with books you can also receive updates from many top US and International newspapers, a list of top blogs, and Wikipedia.org.

The Kindle weights about 10.3 ounces, less than a typical paperback and can old over 200 titles; per Amazon’s informational site. Included with the Kindle are a book cover, power adapter, and USB 2.0 cable.

When I first saw the Kindle I thought it was something I had to have, right away. Then I saw the price tag; $399 is a little expensive for a portable reading device. Especially if they’re going to charge me ten bucks for each book I download. I can receive many of the Classics free online, or an actual book on Amazon’s own site for half the price. Then not only will I own a genuine book, but I can store it on my living room bookshelf. You know the shelves that hold more than 200 books. Well I guess to be fair that would also have to include my basement.

The page also doesn’t mention if there will be a fee associated with reading the newspapers or blogs available. I imagine there would be. With the Kindle providing free wireless they have to recoup their cost somehow, and I think an access fee is just the way to do it. But I suppose we should be happy I mean there is free two day shipping and gift wrap. Don’t forget the gift wrap.

I also wonder just how easy to use the Kindle would be. While the screen is large it’s not as large as a hardcover book page which makes me think the words would be very small or there would be lots of scrolling in order to read an entire page.

As I said Amazon says the Kindle provides its own wireless high speed data network, the same as cell phones so you never have to worry about finding a powerful connection. I’m sure this holds true for the Kindles current users, those that more than likely live in hot spots like California or New York. Once the Kindle grows in popularity will I be able to receive a book as quickly in my little corn field as those walking down Wall Street? I’m thinking that’s a no.

Of course none of this matters because the Kindle has been out of stock for quite some time now. Looks like Amazon didn’t quite realize how in demand their new device would be. If you decide you just can’t wait for that free shipping and gift wrap the Kindle is going for around $410 on eBay.com. For me there is a still a whole corner in my basement that hasn’t been filled with totes full of books, why let it go to waste? Until someone sends me one for free or the price drops below $200, I think I’ll stick with real paperbacks.