I was sceptical about digital ereaders.
I wasn't enticed by the idea of holding a piece of machinery instead of a heavy book of pages knowing it would be on my bookshelf and part of my life forever once it had been read.
I assumed there would be screen glare and problems with battery life running out mid page, or the usual technical issues I tend to experience with electronic gadgets.
I now admit I was wrong. I recently purchased a Kindle 2 reader ebook device and have fallen in love with it. The Kindle was previously only available in the USA and I'd seen them on Amazon but hadn't bothered to take a closer look as there was no point.
Now Amazon has released Kindle reader ebook reader Internationally so anybody pretty much anywhere in the world can access books, pdf's, magazines and newspapers around the clock in around 60 seconds. That is pretty amazing.
I was given a Kindle as a gift and wasn't overly thrilled until I began to use it. I quickly realised that this little gadget was useful in ways I'd never even considered before getting it.
My bookshelves are overflowing and as a result I often pass on books I've read but won't read again to friends. I belong to a monthly book club and as we all get to choose a title on a rotating basis very often the book I read is not something I would choose to keep.
Once I had my Kindle I was able to grab a copy of the monthly book club selection late one night when I had drunk too much coffee and couldn't sleep. Imagine that? I was in bed at 1am and within minutes of thinking about it, I had the book on my Kindle ebook reader and was starting to read it!
One of the big suprises for me was that there is no additional charge for the connection to Amazon to download your purchase. I guess I expected to pay to hook into the service sort of like an internet connection cost, but that is covered in the price of the reader ebook device. Also the books are cheaper than from a bookstore.
Within a short time I found myself preferring to read in the evenings using the Kindle reader. One big advantage I found was that I could change the size of the font ... that is a real bonus as my eyes get tired under electric light.
I also liked the fact that I can attach a little halogen light to the Kindle for focussed lighting - which creates no shadow when you shift position. The screen is incredibly clear too. They aren't like normal computer screens - the technology uses electronic ink that is physically moved around on the screen (imagine a high tech etch-a-sketch), so there's no eye-strain.
There is also no glare - I can read in the brightest sunlight with no problems at all.
My initial reservations about having to constantly recharge the battery was soon put to rest. Unlike my IPhone which eats through the battery whilst just sitting in my handbag, the Kindle battery lasts for anything up to 2 weeks. Amazon claim 7,000 page turns before a recharge is required.
I can also download or upload pdf's etc to my PC, which is great as I have quite a store of eBooks I've accumulated and not got around to reading ... oops! I think it's because I hate sitting at the computer reading - I lose my concentration fast for some reason.
Then there is my favourite feature. Voice to Text. I love this idea. I can be listening to the book while doing other things, like driving or ironing.
My local library has announced it will soon be making books available to borrow for reader ebook devices as well.
My Kindle reader ebook reader can store up to 1,500 books, magazines or newspapers. The software is also compatible with IPhone and Itouch technology. I can also go onto the Amazon site and browse through books I may be interested in purchasing just like I can in a book store. There are also good book reviews on Amazon.
If you like me are unsure about these new reader ebook devices and you read a lot, have a space problem or travel extensively they are definitely worth a closer look for the convenience and the ease of reading.
Kindle 2 Reader eBook device is now available in the UK and Europe. Kindle 2 reader is a new improved version of the already excellent Kindle Reader which was the prototype ereader from Amazon.
Kindle 2 is now available wirelessly in most countries of the world. If you would like to know more about the amazing Kindle 2 Reader eBook device mentioned in this article please follow the link to read reviews and see a demonstration.
Kindle reader eBook
