My wife hinted to me that she might like a Kindle for Christmas, back in November, I pretended not to take much notice, but secretly started plotting. I was more than a little surprised as I know how much she loves 'books' - and considered this to be the whole 'book' experience, turning pages and carrying the tome around with her as she devoured it page by page over a few days.
I decided to take a chance, went online and ordered the latest (with 3G of course) and placed the wrapped box among all the other gifts under the tree.
The day arrived, and she was visibly delighted when she opened the box, and extra happy when she opened the second box to reveal a very smart tan leather wallet for the device. The day was naturally very busy, and it wasn't until late that night that she got into bed with her new toy.
Well, long story short, my wife and her Kindle are now virtually inseparable. She loves the look and feel of the device, and the whole reading experience using a Kindle, previewing books, turning pages automatically, setting bookmarks, and so on.
Once she figured out how to find books and download them in 60 seconds (actually my 12 year old daughter showed her!) there was no going back. She really enjoys being able to read the first few chapters too before deciding whether to buy a book, and she is now looking forward to her next book club meeting, where she plans to reveal her new friend.
She feels there will be mixed reaction. I am more confident - I know how much she loves her books, and how quickly she converted. I'm not saying she will abandon paper books for good, but they will have to work hard to get her attention now I reckon.
It is so easy to use the new Kindle, and Amazon seem to have succeeded in their goal of making the reading experience all, and the device becoming 'invisible'. This new generation of Kindle is perfect for reading outside and for long periods of time too. She now has a new friend, and companion.
Without a doubt, the size and weight of the new kindle is fantastic too. It's smaller than the last edition by a significant margin. The new Kindle is the perfect 'book' size. Smaller would be unmanageable and larger wouldn't feel nearly as good. This is a device that you can hold up, read, and just forget that it's there.
The new Kindle also offers a better viewing contrast than previous editions, and it looks fantastic. She has no trouble seeing the screen in dim light or in bright sunlight - you can read almost anywhere now.
Is Kindle the only model on the market? - No. But for all the reasons mentioned it is a super device, and would be hard to beat for quality and value in my opinion. I am getting used to the fact that I may become a 'Kindle widower'. But my wife is happy, and this is good enough for me!
Besides I can always borrow it from time to time - and store some of my own favorites...after all, it is probably going to be in her bag at all times, and easily available. May be best just to get my own one now that I think of it.
Overall, I have to give the Kindle my blessing, and highly recommend it as one of those life-changing inventions that we will all own in the near future. And soon we will be able to share books with other Kindle users, which will be a great addition to the kindle arsenal, and for her book club!
Alan Sedgwick is a freelance writer, and web enthusiast. To find out more about the new kindle here. Or visit my website for other great gift ideas at http://buygadgetshop.com.
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