Amazon Kindle

[AshleyK]

Anyone got one of these e-readers?

I picked up a Kindle 3G model and I'm pretty chuffed with it, especially seeing as it was a freebie from my father. I read a lot and when I travel, I always have a huge heavy paper back with me, the bigger the better because I read fast. I'm always buying extra books in strange cities, which is cool but I give away the books I've read because of the size/weight. So the idea of carrying around a little gadget with a huge pile of books in it has major appeal.

The 3G model offers free 3G in a heap of countries (along with standard Wi-Fi) and it's got a basic browser built in, so I've got free Internet access all over the planet. It's not super quick or elegant in terms of navigation but it works. Very handy for checking email, flight times etc. and for once, I feel like I'm getting something from the mobile operators besides a fat invoice

I've downloaded a bunch of free books as well. So free Internet and free books on a free device. Sweet.

[sirAndy]

My Mother-in-Law has one and she loves it. She reads in bed a lot and finds it much easier than holding a book while lying down - though when she first got it, she kept reaching out to turn the page! Personally I love a good book but this would be great when travelling - I wish they'd been invented when I was overseas in the late nineties.

[AshleyK]

After using both the Kindle and a book on a Jetstar flight yesterday, I have to say that the Kindle rocks. When space is limited (and Jetstar know a thing or two about crunching the max number of seats into any given length of fuselage), then the Kindle's small form factor is a blessing.

[MovingStill]

I use iBooks on my iPhone 4, and have been surprised how much more reading I've been doing. 'Cause the phone's always on me, it's really easy to pick up for 5 or 10 minutes and the Retina display is quite easy to read.

[AshleyK]

Well the verdict is in. I've read one book in the last few weeks but the e-books are flowing through the Kindle like crazy - I'm hammering the old stuff (which happens to be free) - Verne, Conan Doyle etc.

I love this thing!

I use iBooks on my iPhone 4, and have been surprised how much more reading I've been doing. 'Cause the phone's always on me, it's really easy to pick up for 5 or 10 minutes and the Retina display is quite easy to read.

I'm also using iBooks on my 3GS and it's a pleasure. Just right while waiting for someone before a meeting or when I've got some downtime on the road. Even without the Retina display, it's no trouble to read.

[Cliff]

Had a brief play a couple of weeks ago with one and mightily impressed at how easy it was on the eyes. Much easier than reading on the tab. Loved the little pop out light too!
And all for only around NZ$300 ex amazon

[AshleyK]

Just a quick Kindle update - this thing is magic. While an iPad would be far more versatile, having hundreds of books (most of them free) on the Kindle while travelling is great. The battery life is amazing and having the free 3G (free all over the world) is super-sweet as I can download books wherever I am and can even check email etc. without the hassle of needing a local mobile or WiFi connection.

[john groom]

Hi Guys I am looking at buying a black Kindle3g through Trade Me with some of the extras such as a case. Any useful hints? John Groom.

[AshleyK]

Hi Guys I am looking at buying a black Kindle3g through Trade Me with some of the extras such as a case. Any useful hints? John Groom.

Hi John. Would this be a new unit or a used one and is the TM deal better than getting it from Amazon direct?

The case is essential - I got a basic folding leather(ish) case from TM so the screen is protected in transit.