Review of Amazon's Kindle

In October of 2008 I was headed to Germany for a two-week work trip. While packing I discovered that I an avid reader had to make a choice. I could either fit another book into my suitcase or another pair of shoes. This was a dilemma I did not want to be having. I felt that two weeks in a foreign country and seven hour flights meant I needed plenty of reading material, however I really also am a fan of plenty of fashion options.

Another dilemma I was facing as a result of my desire to read was my overflowing bookcase. After law school I kept those books and stored some away. I had to pack away some of my books just to keep making room. There had to be an easier way that would allow for less clutter.

In fact there is. For Christmas my mother who understood all of my frustrations bought me an Amazon Kindle. At first I was a little reluctant. Shouldn't books come in paper form. Are we really becoming such a computerized society? The quick and easy answer is this was my perfect solution.

In this tiny little thing I could hold over 2,500 books. It comes with a memory slot to put even more books on a memory card, it offers the ability to download books right from it wherever wireless is offered, and even offers the ability to subscribe to and receive magazines or newspapers.

The books can be ordered either directly through the kindle or at www.amazon.com/Kindle-Books. The cost of most books is approximately $9.99, which is less than buying most hard copies. In addition there are other books which cost less.

I went back to Germany in March of 2009 this time armed with my Amazon Kindle and found not only was packing easier but I was able to download books as I went though the other ones meaning I did not have to plan what I might feel like reading.

Amazingly also is the battery life that the Amazon Kindle boasts. I felt at first that the claims that I could read for days could not be true but they are! The small charger is also easy to travel with. The Amazon Kindle also is a great way to help the environment. Less hard copy books less paper and less paper means more trees.

If there is any downfall to the Amazon Kindle it is that it is black and white and has no backlight. There are many lights that can clip on that work quite well however having a backlight could be an advantage.

Since I received my Amazon Kindle (first generation) there have been a few newer models to come out all of which are worth taking a look at. For those of you who travel and like to read this is a must have.