October 21, 2008

I received an offer to try out the Amazon Kindle for 30-days. UPS delivered it late yesterday afternoon and within 15 minutes I was reading my first book. Still getting used to the navigation. I keep accidentally hitting the next page button. Waiting for the screen to refresh for every page also takes a little getting used to, but isn't a big deal. In terms of size, it is smaller and lighter than a Harry Potter book, but larger than a typical paperback. The form factor seems about right, but I'm still not sure about the case.

In terms of readability, it really is amazing how much eInk and the screen reads like real paper. The type is extremely sharp with no pixelation. While I wish it had a backlight, I understand why it doesn't. From one of the forums on Amazon:

The whole purpose of the eInk technology that the Kindle uses is so that it is easier on the eyes, unlike the backlit computer screens.

I just purchased a Kindle book with tips and tricks. I purchased it from my PC and it should be waiting for me on my Kindle to read as soon as I finish this entry.

Bottom line, at the end of day 1, I'm still not sold.