After almost a three weeks of waiting on a backorder I am happy to announce that my Amazon Kindle has finally been delivered from UPS! After a long night of exploring this gadget I can surely say that I am definitely impressed with it. There is no doubt that the functionality of this Kindle absolutely surpasses that of the second generation Sony Reader...so much so that I have already sold my Sony to a buyer the very next day! For right now I am with only this Amazon creation as my primary reading device and I am not one bit missing that old Sony!!
I will be the first to say that I truly underestimated this Kindle in the aspects of its build quality and design aesthetic. Whenever I saw it online in pictures or on video it would only come across as a promising machine that was down-right FUGLY, and yes I said FUGLY. In comparison to the many slimline device models that currently play a huge role in the portable electronics industry, Amazon's product was a visual sore thumb. I was surprised to think that even the gargantuan HTC Advantage managed to show a more attractive profile next to the odd-shaped Kindle. But now that I've held it in my hands I admit that I couldn't have been more wrong. I am not necessarily saying that this design can stand up to the iPhones and N810s and Tilts and Sonys, but it can hold its own nonetheless. While there is an improvement opportunity in regards to the huge page turn buttons that dominate either side of it, the Kindle is very light and feels solid. The abundance of white plastic is a welcomed element for the sake of long-term durability rather than a nagging eyesore that wreaks of low-grade quality. The angles may not come across as too hideous in person but I am still looking forward to the second generation Kindle.
Turning on this thing only increased my fascination just before I took to navigating the interface. What an impressive first attempt that Amazon has made into the digital book market! From the pre-registering of this device with my Amazon account to the built-in dictionary to the wirelss network access to the built-in speaker to the qwerty to the online Kindle store to the fast operating speed (in comparison to the Sony Reader) and to even the experimental applications, this Kindle is a self-sufficient, standalone marvel that needs nothing from a PC or Mac connection (unlike the Sony Reader). For the first time I actually became excited about reading and took about a half hour before bed to curl up with it and get my fill of HG Wells.
All ebook readers and audiobook listeners should keep an eye out for this machine because I think it will make a great impression. As an early adopter I am aware that I run the risk of investing in a ship destined to sink (like the Palm Foleo), but I am hopeful this is not the case. Only time will tell.
TRENT
Sent from my TyTN II
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