I’ve mentioned over the past week or so that I’ve been reading again after putting my reading list on hold over the Summer. Now that the weather is cooling down and it’s easier to stay indoors, I decided it was time to get back to my ever-growing book pile. I also mentioned that I decided to upgrade to the Amazon Kindle 3 for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the smaller size and cool black matte color:
A few readers have asked me to comment on what I think of the latest generation Kindle so here goes … firstly, the Kindle continues to be the best e-book reader available. While other e-book readers have some cool features, none of them really touch the Kindle when it comes to book content, ease of use and readability. The new Kindle is super thin, super light and has a storage capacity for 3,5000 books. If you consider that the Kindle 3 starts at a price of $139 for Wifi-only and $189 for the Wifi-3G model, it really is a great bargain (the first 2 Kindle models cost well over $300). Because David and I share tech, it’s easy for him to just co-opt my Kindle 2 … and everybody’s happy. Since I got back into reading, I managed to get thru 2 1/2 books … tho, I also added to my reading list as well. Since the Kindle 3 is so small, I keep it in my bag so it’s always with me if I ever have some extra time to read. The Kindle just keeps getting better IMHO. I’m loving the hell out of mine.
No plans for tonight … so I guess I’ll be reading. Happy Monday!
Cool. Been wanting to get a Kindle, but the price always kept me from doing that. Nice to see this one’s way cheaper.
“the girl who kicked the hornet’s nest’…….. i hope that bitch got stung.
Still rocking my K1. Just got my first “maxed out memory” warning this weekend.
@Dawn — Your original Kindle is the only model that lets you expand the memory with a higher capacity SD card.
Can you use the nice kindle cover that you bought a few months ago anymore?
@Masher — Actually no, cuz the new Kindle is smaller. Fortunately, the company that makes the cover also make one for the new smaller size.
I personally don’t understand the appeal of those e-reader thing-a-ma-jiggers, but that’s just me..I’m finally reading Kathy Griffin’s memoir “Official Book Club Selection”..I like her show, but her book gives such insight to who she is and how hard she works..I love it! Next in line..The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo..Finally!
@Kendra — It’s just an easy way to port around a lot of reading material … entire books, newspapers, magazines. It’s a must have for travel.
but don’t you miss the tactile experience of reading a book? turning the pages, staring at the cover, skipping around or going back??? that’s what’s holding me back from getting one.. Plus one of my big comforts is going over to my bookcases and playing with my books. yes I am a nerd.
@Kells — to be honest, i don’t miss the real book feel as much as i thought i would. it’s so nice having a very light device to carry around … even carrying around 2 books or a few magazines can be cumbersome. take, for example, The Mists of Avalon … that book is thick and heavy … but it was able to read it more quickly because i was able to read it on a thin, light device i was able to carry around more easily with me.
Trent I bought one for my fiance an he just LOVES it! I have the older version from 2009 and I still love mine :)
I have the K2 and love it. I spent the summer in Guatemala and went through quite a lot of books without having to carry all them with me. Unfortunately the wireless didn’t connect there though it was abundant in Antigua, but I’d downloaded a bunch before I left the States.
@Trent– that’s why I haven’t upgraded to be honest. :)
I also don’t miss the tactile book thing and nothing beats a Kindle for traveling. I spent a month alone in Ireland back in 2005 and needed another suitcase to drag the 12 books back that I had bought and read there. Oy. lol.
I will never buy one of these. I think they’re a horrible idea (It’s smart, yes, but still) because it takes away the real book. Seeing words on a screen is just a huge turn off. I think it’s cool to carry around a book instead of something electronic, but that’s just me. I don’t really read magazines and carrying around a couple of books isn’t really a hassle to me, either, so maybe that’s why I’m not in favor of these things. Plus, having books on a bookshelf is just…cool. Heh
Is there a monthly charge to use the 3G feature and what telecommunications carrier is used? I’m assuming there would not be a charge if you used the wifi option.
@Michael — There is NO charge for any 3G usage from the Kindle. The new Wifi option on the Kindle 3 offers access to AT&T wifi hotspots for free (ie. Starbucks)
OOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH, the mists of avalon is one of my all time favs…. everyone should read that book.
@Dawn, i’m like you every time i go to europe I get the “heavy” tag on my luggage because of all the books I’m bringing home…
Hmmmm…. I am a BIG reader and love the feel of books, magazines, and newspapers. I also love tech gadgets, but haven’t bought myself a reader yet…. maybe I should try it? I don’t travel a lot, but I do tote around either a book or magazine in my purse. The new Kindle looks really really cute too…. decisions, decisions…. maybe for Christmas? Do you think they will be hard to find around then?
Be careful with it Trent! i just got my gorgeous kindle 3, used it for 3 days and then the screen screwed up somehow! they’re going to replace it and everything, but its so annoying because i was hooked on the thing in 3 days and now have to go back to proper books while it gets replaced! definetly put a cover on it!
I love, love , love my Kindle… I am hoping to get the new one for Christmas. I carry mine everywhere, now I never mind having to wait anywhere. :)
favorite kindle perk: reading while holding a bowl of cereal with milk. no turn-the-page spills!
I just got my new Kindle 3 a few weeks ago and I love it! My husband is just scared i am going to bankrupt us becuase I am such a reader and it is so easy to sit at home and buys books. :-)
hey Trent, i also love my new kindle 3 too!!! and with the 3g I can check all my favorite sites hehe but :( when I browse this site it’s mostly all black so it’s kinda difficult to read :(
I just got one for my birthday TODAY!!! soooo excited to try it! :)