Way OT .. but anyone using Amazon's Kindle?

[JGaynor]

I've been thinking about getting one of the grandkids this device for a year or so, since it first came out, but I always thought it was too expensive and I try never to buy version one of anything.

Amazon Kindle Wireless Reader (click here)

The one they show in the link is still expensive (latest version) at $489, but they also have another one at $289

So, the question is ...

Any of you guys use this device and if so, what's been your experience?

Thanks for any feedback ...

Regards,
Badger

Badger I bought one for my wife about eight months ago.

It was at the time the second generation of the standard Kindle. The latest model (and more expensive) differs mainly in that it has a much larger display. I suppose some folks will need or want a large display but on the other hand a main advantage of the standard Kindle is its portability. The second generation model fixed a lot of problems that early adopters noticed in the first generation model. such items as finicky controls.

One tbing to keep in mind is there are no ongoing charges for communications. The unit price buys the connectivity. You simply pay for the books you want . The prices of downloaded volumes are close to what you would pay for a paperback.

Its one of those things that makes a lot more sense if you use it alot. So far i think my wife has only downloaded one novel - not really a good case. But if you read a lot and buy a lot of books its a greatr tool. I believe the basic unit can actually store a couple of hundred books at any one time so you could conceivable sail around the world with a portable library along as you could recharge the battery.

Amazon has had the full text of Brophy's Springfield book on line for years now. Its kind of nice since you can search the book electronically instead of pouring through it by hand.
I don't know if its available as a Kindle download but to make it one would just a matter of flipping a switch somewhere.

Regards,

Jim