I’ve now read a book on my Kindle and feel the time has come for a brief review. Firstly, I’m glad I purchased the device and have no reservations about the outlay of approximately $300. I am happy with the leather cover and the weight of the Kindle. The fact that one can add documents , as Judy O’Connell explains, is great.
My colleagues at work have been impressed with the potential of this e-reader, especially when travelling, for both general reading and access to travel guides. Most were surprised by the screen and appreciated the ease of downloading and the reduced prices. They found it aesthetically pleasing and liked the screensavers. The ease with which one could garner quotes and makes notes impressed.
You probably read about my first flush of enthusiasm last month and I still feel the same way. However, the biggest disappointments I list in order of annoyance:
1. No power cord. It is just dodgy that one can only charge via a computer/USB
2. The clicking sound when ‘turning the page’ (although heyjudeonline says it is possible to depress the button so it doesn’t ‘click’, I am unable to do this).
3. That many Australian titles are unavailable
4. The current unavailability of Australian newspapers, magazines and blogs at the store
5. The greater price that Australians pay compared to Americans as we pay for the ‘global roaming’ costs).
However, basically, it is a great device and I am likely to use it every night, except when borrowing an otherwise unavailable Australian book from the library.
What do other Kindle readers think?
Amanda
I have had my Kindle for only 4 days, but love it totally! I am an avid reader and don’t expect it to completely replace books in my life, but it will certainly become a large part of my reading habit. I was a little concerned that I would be conscious of the device while reading, but find that it doesn’t come between me and the book at all!
I love it’s size, weight, design and sleek good looks. I love that I can have my books in a handbag that is not the size of an overnight bag. I love that I will not have to litter hotel rooms with cast off novels as I travel. I love being able to get a book into my hot little hands in a minute.
I am very disappointed with the range of newer release books available to us here in Oz, but as it is only early days of the life of Kindle in Oz, I really hope that this situation improves significantly.
Darren (Green Change)
You should be able to charge it without a computer. There are transformers that plug into wall outlets and provide power through a USB cord (I have one for an iPod that you could play with). There are also similar devices for car cigarette lighters.
Probably somewhere like Domayne or Harvey Norman would stock them.
darcymoore
Yes, that’s what I figured too but when I attached to my iPod adapter it would not charge *scratches head*. Trided twice.
Ainslie
Rumour has it they I might find a kindle under the Christmas tree. Can’t wait. Slowly collating a list of titles that I will download on Boxing Day.
darcymoore
Another enthusiast:
http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/kindle-a-world-of-literature-in-your-hand-20100111-m286.html
Lisa Peterson
I was also lucky enough to find a Kindle under the Christmas tree this year. I have found the notes and highlighting functions invaluable as a teacher and will experiment with printing of the list of quotes and comments I’ve tagged. Just wondering if the PDF files available through Dymocks are compatible????
darcymoore
Hi Lisa,
Since the Kindle was upgraded you can add PDFs to it. Check this out here:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=pe_31310_13700800_fe_txt_1/?nodeId=200324680
darcymoore
Darren,
Finally found an adaptor that works, the Digitor USB Power Adaptor model M9912. Available Dick Smith Tandy.:
http://search.dse.com.au/electronics/Digitor%20Travel