Kindle 3 ebook reader – a breakthrough?

The 3rd generation Kindle with global coverage and built-in WiFi, takes this e-reader to a different new level.

This is by far the best e-reader out there, and the all-new, high-contrast e-ink Screen makes it as readable as a normal print on paper (if you have tested the previous generation kindle, the new e-ink technology has 50% better contrast).

Here’s one of the Kindle 3 ebook reader user reviews I’ve found:

“when I got my new Kindle, I thought there was a stuck-on overlay on the screen containing a diagram of the unit’s buttons, etc. I actually tried to peel it off. Doh! The e-ink on this unit is THAT good.”
( checkout this review here)

Kindle 3G eBook Reader

It is so clear that you can comfortably read in bright sunlight – there is no glare on the screen (try doing that with your iPad or laptop computer – I’m not sure you’ll be able to enjoy it).

With a 6″ size reading area and only 8.7 ounces the Kindle 3 ebook reader is even lighter than a paperback and thinner than a magazine. what makes holding it in one hand while flipping the pages with the other as natural as reading .

Exceptional Battery Life – Another GREAT feature is the battery life - A single charge lasts up to one month with wireless off. Imagine your cellphone doing that. Or your laptop computer.
Apparently the e-ink screen consumes battery life only when the screen is refreshed (ie when turning a page or going to a different menu). Huh, if the Kindle 3 ebook reader was compared to a car, you could have said it can drive over3,000 miles between refueling.

The 3G connection with no monthly payments and no annual contracts enables you to download books anytime, anywhere (the book in 60 seconds concept is great). Just make sure there is coverage in your area

The Kindle 3 ebook reader WiFi connection is the standard feature here, but the little extra is the free Wi-Fi access at AT&T hotspots across the U.S.

Another interesting feature is the ability to share passages from books you read, with friends and family with built-in Twitter and Facebook integration. I frankly don’t know how many people over 35-40 will use that, but if you are a social media veteran, you sure can.

The new kindle has a storage capacity of up to 3,500 books that can be available for you also on your laptop computer, your iPhone, iPad or other tablet pcs.

Kindle 3 ebook reader - Ultra Thin

That’s more books than you’ll read in a full year, even if you’re on vacation

Kindle 3 ebook reader Benefit Summary

Kindle is Amazon’s #1 bestselling item for two years running. It’s also the most-wished-for, most-gifted, and has the most 5-star reviews of any product on Amazon. This is no coincidence.

Overall, at a reasonable price they charge for it, and the reading experience it provides, you will not find a better e-reader in the market nowadays. And the list of books available for the kindle (thousands and thousands of them) makes it a no brainer.

You can see the full featured list of the Kindle 3G ebook reader Here

Let me show you what current owners have to say about it.

“I Wanted a Dedicated E-Reader, and That’s What I Got“ - Matthew E.
Read the full review – click here

A hesistant buyer rejoices on his choice - Mr Goodwrench (Colorado)“This may sound stupid, but when I got my new Kindle, I thought there was a stuck-on overlay on the screen containing a diagram of the unit’s buttons, etc. I actually tried to peel it off. Doh! The e-ink on this unit is THAT good. I didn’t realize that I was staring at the actual display.”
“If you want the best experience, go with the Kindle. “
Read the full review here

“All in all, I think Amazon hit it out of the park with the K3!“ - FantasyReader “Jody”(Indiana USA)
Read the full review here

“Best Ever” by Person
“this is the best thing ever. my old sony reader quit, so i got a kindle. best choice i ever made. Defenitly get one. the case w/ built in light is amazing….do NOT get the just wifi you should get wifi and 3g. best ever. the graphite looks alot better in real life rather than on amazon.”

“Pretty awesome!” by Steven (Colorado, USA)
“If you had asked me a year ago if I would ever use an eReader I would have responded with an emphatic “No way!” I love printed books…Well, Christmas came and guess what I got? A Kindle. Now its becoming harder and harder for me to sway away from this device, something I never thought possible. “
Read the full review here

Well, great product and happy users are great to find, but is it all that good?

I went out to find some “dirt”

Here’s what I’ve found:

Some users complain that although the cursor wheel (being used to turn the pages) is ok, they would have preferred an iPad like swipe motion to flip the pages.

Some users that have upgraded from the previous versions of kindle were outraged about changing the joystick to a cursor wheel (to flip the pages).

Some other users reported a more serious problem – their kindle freezing and needs reset. Amazon has issued a software patch to fix that and some say it has been solved, some just returned their kindle to Amazon and got a replacement.

This is the cover to watch out of

OK, here’s the biggy!

Apparently, some of the kindle covers (YES, a simple kindle cover – the ones that are made by Amazon, even the ones without the light!) are causing the kindle to short circuit (Huh?) – one of the reviewers have had 4 kindles replaced, software upgraded, and nothing. Once the kindle cover was taken away – voila! No problems since (double Huh?) – after looking a bit deeper at it, it seems like the metal hook connecting the kindle to the cover is also being used to connect the little reading light on the cover to the kindle. This IS something that can cause problems if not done correctly. (Here’s one of the informative reviews covering this)

To sum things up:

All of the major complaints about the kindle 3 ebook reader were about the freezing issue, but incredibly enough, nearly all of these complaints had a comment mentioning the great service Amazon had provided. That is interesting (do they make them do that? ) and there might be a simple logical solution that not a lot are aware of (the kindle cover. Huh? again)

Statistically speaking, the number of critical reviews on Amazon’s site (1 & 2 stars) were about 7.5% of the total. I sure hope this is not the ratio of duds out there (although I would assume enraged customers are more likely to issue a review like that than happy customers)

My Personal View and Summary (yes, I have one):

I am a converted believer. I couldn’t believe I would ever be a user of an electronic book. I always loved reading from a book, and thinking about reading from a screen didn’t seem appealing to me (I use my laptop at least 3 hours a day and the glare does not do my eyes good) so thinking about reading a 200-300 page book staring into such a screen didn’t sound like a good idea.

But than came the e-ink screen, and when I was given the opportunity to try it…..Wow. It is like reading from a book!
The Kindle 3 ebook reader just fades away and you are sinking into the story.
Yes, it is true that an iPad like interface of flipping the pages with a swoosh of the finger will make it even more brilliant, but the cursor wheel does its trick.

I think the Kindle 3 ebook reader is great value for money. It also saves me a lot (nearly all of the ebooks I’ve purchased were less than $10, not to mention the 99 cent ones and the free ones)

I suggest you pick one as well (I don’t think you’d be reading this review to this point, if you were not interested in such a solution ) – it is being sold in Amazon’s website

***  JUST ADDED  ***

How to get the Kindle 3 ebook reader for $30 less (Not a coupon!)

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