July 11, 2009

Will You Buy Amazon Kindle at $299 Discounted Price?


A number of my colleagues rave about Amazon's 6-inch Kindle. I haven't made the move because cost is a factor in my decision. Currently, I go to my local library on a weekly basis and check out books or DVDs at no cost. Amazon is sweetening the deal and the discounted price of $299 for Kindle may cause me to make the move.

I'm told that this lightweight Kindle is about the size of a typical magazine and holds over 1,500 books. Evidently, Kindle reads like a real paper with clear text and crisp images.

The Kindle Store now has over 300,000 books, magazines, newspapers, and blogs. With an advanced 3G wireless connection on your Kindle, any villager can start reading books in less than 60 seconds.




I need some insights from villagers that have a Kindle already. Are you pleased with your purchase?

What say u?

10 comments:

susan said...

It's cost prohibitive for me at the moment, but I would purchase one if I could, and I think it's worth it. It's a matter of what you value. What do we spend on cell phones, cable service, wide screens and let's not forget what those high end gym shoes! lol

Seriously, a new hardcover runs about $25. If you're a serious reader, the Kindle is worth it. I average 8-12 books a month. Many of my reads are not new releases, but I'd might read more if they were readily available. Like you, I'm a regular library patron.

Friends of mine who have the Kindle, love it. There is no back glare like you get from a computer screen. You can save place, highlight, it's easy to carry and it's a space saver- ideal for someone who moves a lot.

I'd hold out a bit to see what the experts say about Google's new reader.

Unknown said...

Susan - Thanx for your review and opinion. Don't tell anyone ... but, I enjoy going to the local library (smile)...

msladyDeborah said...

It is on my wish list of tech toys. I do a large volume of audio books-so this would definitely be right up my alley. But I have other priorites that top the Kindle.

But, I have to admit that I am a life long lover of the library. I cannot imagine not being among the stacks. We have got a kick-ass system in Columbus. Owning a Kindle wouldn't change the relationship that I have with the Metro Library. I go there at least once or twice during the week.

When I purchase a Kindle-I suspect that it will be to accomodate my tendency to be on the move.

kennyx6 said...

I would buy the $299 Kindle if I did a lot of travel that require me be seated for long periods. I like to read magazines, technical material and newspapers articles. I often pick up and put down various books but rarely have I finish any of the hundreds of books I own. Therefore, a Kindle would be a spacesaver for me. However, I would hold off until the end of the coming holidays to purchse the Kindle.

Unknown said...

Lady D & Kenny - Thanx for sharing your insights. I must admit that I like the idea of reading a book and returning it to the library afterwards.

Do any of you know if the Kindle serves as an audio-reader? In other words will it read TO YOU or is it simply an electronic book with only words?

kennyx6 said...

Villager, I know very little about the audio features of the Kindle. However, I saw a demo explaining how it is possible to listen the displayed text. which is good if you taking long drives and want to catch up on your reading. Plus you could listen at bed-time to amusing literature, short stories and material that would help you retire for the evening.

Anonymous said...

Glad to see someone else who makes weekly trips to the public library like I do.

I wanted the Kindle but I'm not sure I would enjoy reading from it. I like books.

Unknown said...

All - I was the last one on my block to stop renting VHS tapes to watch movies. I imagine that I will be the last one on my blog to get a Kindle as well...

Thank you for sharing your insights. I hope that villagers interested in purchasing a Kindle take advantage of this current discounted pricing.

Big Mama said...

I have had a Kindle for almost two years. I love it! This original version holds only 200 books, but when it is full, books can be sent, with a click, back to Amazon.com to be stored free and be retrieved just as easily. Most of my books, even newly released hardcovers are less than $10. The best thing I like about it is that it is self contained and does not need to be hooked upo to a computer, So if, for instance, I finish a book while waiting for a meeting to begin, I push a button
which takes me online (Whispernet)
and, if I already know the title of what I want, I type in that name, the title comes up; I click on BUY IT! and the book is down-loaded all in less time than it has taken me to type this. There is a choice of 6 reading font sizes, so I can contonue to read even under thre hair dryer w/o my glasses. Fits comfortably in my tote bag. One of the great inventions of the world...right up there with sliced bread. The only disadvantage (on this orginal - nmay be changed with this latest version) is there are no page numbers. There's a running gauge at the bottom of the page which shows your progress. I've even d/
my favorite study Bible.

Unknown said...

Iya - Thank you for sharing your insights on the Kindle. Have you considered upgrading to the newest version?