Consumer Review - Kindle

Initially I thought the Kindle was too expensive and I would wait for the 2nd generation product. However, with no 2nd gen in sight and a $50 coupon thanks to Oprah, I took the plunge.

The screen is very readable in full sun or your living room without a glare and the e-ink really does look just like a sheet of paper. This makes reading the device very easy on the eyes (unlike computer screens).

The design is a bit clunky and there is only one or two ways to hold it that don't accidentally push buttons. The next version will need a better form factor.

The device also is able to access the internet via Sprint's cell phone system and though the browser is more like a BlackBerry than an iPhone, I can still keep up on my blogs away from a computer.

One of the best things about the Kindle though is the amount of free books you can get. Most classic literature is out of copyright and you can download it for free. Authors like Dickens, Poe, Dumas, Austin, etc. All without taking up tons of space on a bookshelf or costing a dime.

Add on the fact that most bestsellers are only $9.99 and you can play music on it too.