graffiti in experience

This past winter, I got a Kindle 2. I had my eye one for a while, and having compared the available options (including the Nook by B&N and Sony’s selection as well as some other cloned varieties), I took the plunge.

With the recent iPad release, and the unfair comparisons or predictions that it would replace the Kindle – I thought it timely to do a review of features and overall experience of what is uniquely a book replacement device.

Now this isn’t a multi-media device (though it does do music, more on that), nor is it designed for heavy web browsing (while it can do simple textual browsing). More importantly, it was designed for a very specific audience – book readers – who want access to new releases in near real-time, or don’t want to lug a library on those long-haul trips.

On to the good stuff.

It comes in a nice lean eco-conscious package just large enough for it. But it was in perfect shape. The package includes detailed instructions (also digitally loaded on the Kindle) and a USB cable / power dongle combo a la the iPhone.

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Boasting a slim profile, this device is sleek and slick, with a brushed aluminium back, power slide switch and a headphone jack. The most surprising thing initially, is the weight of this reader. It is very light and yet fits ergonomically in either hand. One can see using this device for hours on end without too much hand/arm fatigue.

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The buttons are firm to the touch, but in a very solid way and they seem built to withstand some abuse. Additionally, in a tip of the hat to lefties, pagination can now be managed on either side of the device. The 5-way switch is a common feature in most modern electronics, and the Kindle is no exception. Only tiny gripe is that the push-down feel of the 5-way seems a little squishy. The keyboard is well spaced, not the most ergonomic (RIM, maker of the popular BlackBerry smart-phone still holds the record on that.) But then again, how much typing are you planning on doing?

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The device comes somewhat charged and will get you going, though charging it is recommended. The convenient USB cable / power dongle combo makes charging a snap whether at an outlet or using a USB powered connection. The light turns from an amber to green to indicate that charging is complete. Of course if you let it go long enough, you’ll eventually run it down, but the nice thing about the display technology is that last screen always stays up.

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Now to the meat of things – how does it compare to a good ol’ paperback? It beats the pants off it.  In so many ways. Pictures of the screens, one of the best carrying cases and more, in the next post.