Common Craft Blog
Un-Boxing and Getting Started with Amazon's Kindle
By leelefever on June 19, 2008 - 10:56am
About a month ago, I got a Kindle as an early birthday present (Thanks Sachi's Mom!) Since that time, I've become consumed by not only the device, but the potential for it to become a foundation for Amazon to disrupt the publishing industry.
Indeed, there are two parts to any discussion about Kindle (1) the device and how it works (2) how Amazon will use it and it's Digital Text Platform to create a micro-payment economy for authors.
For now, I want to introduce a few aspects of the device, starting from taking out of the box. 
The strangest, most unsettling thing from the un-boxing? Amazon included a coupon for a free McDonalds chicken biscuit in the box. Amazon, please don't cheapen the experience for future Kindle buyers.
One of the awesome aspects of getting started is that the Kindle already knows who you are. Since you purchase it from Amazon.com, it arrives connected to your Amazon account and immediately connects to (Sprint's EVDO) cell-phone network called Whispernet, which quickly delivers books to the Kindle after purchase. This connection is free - paid-for by Amazon.
I don't think people understand that this cell phone connection means the Kindle is a 100% stand alone device - no computer needed. I dread connecting new devices to computers and it's so delightfully lightweight to skip that whole process and use a device that connects to a cell phone network instead. 
I'm not a huge fan of the physical design, though after using it regularly, I have become very comfortable with how it fits into the hand. I love reading before bed and always hated having to hold a book open. The Kindle makes reading easy.
Speaking of reading - people often wonder why they would use a Kindle when the same info (newspapers, blogs, etc.) is available on the Web. It's true - but for me, I want to get away from the computer and computer screen to read. The Kindle's screen is "e-Ink" and appears like a printed page, in tones of gray. It's not lit like a computer screen - it's easy on the eyes and looks better in light. This also helps the battery last a very long time.
I have no idea how it works, but I'm fascinated by the glittery-gold cursor thing that allows you to make selections.
The "Next Page" and "Previous Page" buttons are huge and I often hit them accidentally. I find it hard to believe that the design team actually thought this was the optimal size. But, I'm used to it now and it does make paging very easy. There is no scrolling on the Kindle - only paging.
When it's in Sleep mode, it displays random illustrations of famous authors and tips. 
Buying books, periodicals, newspaper susbscriptions, etc. from the Kindle Store (accessible from the device and Amazon.com) is as easy as you would expect from Amazon. We've been giving Amazon digital money for years, so it's a no-brainer to do it from the Kindle - especially when books are delivered in seconds instead of days. I've found the selection of books sufficient and growing.
Overall I'm a big fan of the Kindle. It has some design issues, but I truly believe that it has a very bright future. People are quick to criticize it sight-unseen, but once you sit down with it, buy a book and understand how easy, lighweight and fun it is, you'll want one. I believe it is the future of reading.
But like I said, the device is only one part of the equation. What excites me most, and is least publicized, is Amazon's Digital Text Platform. More on that soon.
More Info:
Kindle: Amazon's New Wireless Reading Device
(now $359 - recently reduced)
Good Experience: Customer Experience Review - Amazon Kindle
video
Hey lee. Just saw your tweet. I was looking for something like this about a week ago and I found a handy video demo here.
Don't be an elitist snob
When I purchased my own Kindle back in December 2007 there was no McDonald's coupon with it at the time. The past 3 purchases I made at Amazon I've made over the last few weeks there was a McDonald's chicken's coupon in each one - in fact one for a breakfast sandwich and one for a lunch/dinner one. Presumably these are the same coupons you got. It's just what advertisers are paying to have Amazon put in the packages they are shipping during this time period. I didn't find that the coupon cheapened the experience at all - in fact all the coupons have been used and I saved about $12. But then again I happily paid for my Kindle - if YOU don't want a free sandwich because it comes from McDonald's then drop the coupon in a recycle bin but don't tell Amazon to stop including the coupon because you're too much of a saint to use it when there are plenty of us sinners that are glad to have it. Better yet give the coupon to someone that isn't such a snob that would use the coupon - perhaps Sachi's kind mom might like a sandwich.
I like chicken biscuits
Interesting point, pallbearer. I enjoyed the free Chicken biscuit and my point has little to do with McDonalds. It's about brand perception - something that's sensitive for Amazon and Kindle.
Let's say you went to the car lot and spent $50k on a new Lexus. Then, just before you left the lot, a salesperson stopped you and hung a tree-shaped air freshener from the rear view mirror - for free. Wouldn't that feel out of place? A nice gesture - but one that takes something away from the Lexus experience.
Amazon should put coupons with books all day long, but they should leave the Kindle out of the mix.
Reading outside?
Hi Lee,
Thanks for the posting !
Can you read your e-books while outside? What about in direct sunlight, with the sun behind you, but the screen not in shadow?
Reading Outside
Hi Christian,
Yes, reading outside works quite well. The page looks better in light than in dark, unlike a computer screen.
I have't used it in bright sunlight as you describe (Seattle, ya know). However, I think it would be fine - the screen would reflect some, but it wouldn't compete for brightness in the way a phone or computer screen would. Light compliments the Kindle screen, so a degree.
Excellence indeed
Vow what a useful and smart product this one can prove to be! The gold design is awesome and looks are also brilliant indeed! For more type of wonderful gadgets visit this blog: http://www.varologic.com/blog/
HOLY PACKAGING
I'm not sure this was your point in posting all of the pictures of taking it out of the box, but is all of that packaging necessary! How long will it take our big corporations to start to realize what a mess we are making of the world with all of this stuff. They seem to think that all of the packaging is part of the experience, but if the product is as cool as this one seems to be, you quickly abandon the packaging and never return to it.
Happy Birthday!
Nice packaging shots
Lee - nice pics of the out-of-box experience. I wanted to include that in my review but had lots of material to cover already. I'll link to this from Good Experience.
-mark
Kindle abroad
If I wanted to have a Kindle and use it outside the US, how would purchasing new books work? Is there a way to download e-books to a computer and transfer to Kindle?
Thanks!
kindle social network
hi lee - replying to the last commenter - yes you can download to your computer and transfer to the kindle.
i run a kindle blog so i know this is true.
actually the viewership has been growing steadily and i'm actually working on a social network (in pre-alpha) to focus on the whole meeting other kindle owners, and bringing together kindle authors and readers areas.
i'd love if you'd join and give some feedback.
the alpha launches 21st July - however, you can join now at amazonkindle.ning.com. there's also 3 free kindles being given out during the alpha and beta (which're from July 21st through 3 months).
The Kindle Rocks
I just got done ordering the amazon kindle from learning about it from this article. I can't wait to unbox it myself!
www.nintendowiisforsale.com
Kindle
Are the books only available for download in English or are there other languages available? This is a great for traveling companion.
john - Fort Lauderdale Real Estate
Kindles Screen
Hey Lee,
I was wondering how this product holds up in direct sunlight? I go to the park and read in my spare time, so I was wondering if it is worth the investment.
Christian
Fort Lauderdale Mortgage
Sunlight
It works quite well in sunlight Christian. The screen isn't lit like a computer screen, it's like a printed page.
Talked me into a Kindle
Thanks Lee! You just talked me into purchasing the product. I sure do hope amazon is paying you for this review.
Cheers,
Christian
Egyptian Mau
Don't dis the McD Coupons
I was happy to see the coupons. They make perfect the handout to the street beggars.