Kindle Keyboard 3G Review

Ebooks are the wave of the future in book publishing. Like them or hate them, no one can dispute that fact. While I can agree that there is just something about opening a new book and feeling the spine crack and the pages rustle, for ease of use and ease of buying, nothing can beat an ebook. While the genre has a bit to go in picture books, for adult reading it can't be beat.

So, how do YOU read your ebooks? Have you downloaded an app onto your laptop? As easy as that is, it's awkward to read books this way, too big. Have you downloaded them on your phone? Portable, but get ready for eye-strain!

Today, we have for review a devise that is ideal for ebook reading. In fact, that is what this was designed for: Amazon's Kindle Keyboard 3G.

I don't mind telling you that I was very excited for this review. I have heard all about the Kindle, but hadn't before had the chance to play with it. Sadly, now I know exactly what I was missing and all I can do is look back and mourn those lost months when I could have been reading on a Kindle and wasn't.

The Kindle is about the size of a standard paperback book. Even in it's carrying case (A must have accessory) it fits easily into your hand and is easy to slip into a purse or pocket. With the wireless option turned on, you can access your Amazon account anywhere with wi-fi and you can purchase and download new books quickly and effortlessly. Even the library is in on the game, allowing the borrowing of ebooks. The internal memory of a Kindle is very impressive at 4GB. Large enough to hold even my extensive library and audio books are shown and sold alongside the printed versions.

Reading the Kindle was easy, even outside in bright sunlight with no washing-out of the display like you can get with your cell phone or tablet PC. There is no backlight on the Kindle, so reading in dimmer light can be problematic if you don't splurge to get the carry case with the built in light, which is a worthy purchase for investment protection alone. I didn't find the lack of backlighting a problem, as reading for hours on end with a backlight is a headache promoting activity and it is a more authentic book reading experience without it. Also, no backlight helps extend the battery life exponentially. With no backlight and the wireless turned off, the battery can last for weeks on end. Even with the wireless turned on, I found the devise went nearly a week without needing a charge, and I am a voracious reader.

The Kindle comes with a charger cord and a quick start guide. The cord is easy to use, and, as it's white in color, easy to find. That's no small convenience if you're anything like me with a somewhat daunting tangle of cords plugged into my wall. Being able to plug in at least one devise without having to hunt for ten minutes for the right cord is a blessing! The cord is adaptable for plugging into either the wall or your PC.

The quick start guide is simple and easy to follow. Everything you need to know with pictures included, in five pages. No need to read a book so you can read a book!

It's features and specs include:
Model- D00901
Display — 6" diagonal display, 600 x 800 pixel resolution, 16-level gray scale.
Size — 7.48 inches by 4.84 inches by 0.34 inches (190 mm by 123 mm by 8.5 mm).
Weight — Kindle Wi-Fi: 8.5 ounces (240 g); Kindle 3G+Wi-Fi: 8.7 ounces (247 g)
Storage — 4GB internal storage, with approximately 3GB available to the user.
Audio — 3.5mm stereo headphone jack, built-in stereo speakers, built-in microphone. The microphone is not enabled but is provided for future use.
Power — AC power adapter and rechargeable lithium polymer battery.
Connectivity — USB 2.0 (micro-B connector). HSDPA/GSM wireless modem in Kindle with
international wireless.
Operating temperature — 32°F to 95°F (0°C to 35°C).
Storage temperature — 14°F to 113°F (-10°C to 45°C).
Wi-Fi — 802.11b or 802.11g

It is easy to change the size of the text with just a touch of a button, a feature that makes this device a must have for older generations who still love to read but find their eyesight diminishing. Flipping between pages is a snap, with large buttons on either side of the screen for navigation. Maneuvering between books is equally easy and the Kindle will remember your place in multiple book so read as many as you like.

Following the instructions to get it connected to my home wi-fi network was simple, but not necessary having the 3G model. Taking it on vacation, it was easy to search for new books. The 3G icon was lit up so I know I was connected, and was able to search for new books. The 3G model definitely made things easier.

The keyboard is tiny, but easy to use and layed out in the QWERTY style. And one feature I especially appreciate, you can 'lock' your kindle with a password to keep little eyes and hands from thinking this is a new play toy just for them.

The built in speakers on the Kindle allow for the 'reading' of audio books. I found that the speakers volume was more than adequate, but were slightly tinny in sound. That small fault disappears entirely when you use headphones. You can also use an adaptor to plug into your car's audio system, an absolute lifesaver on long trips!

The Kindle Keyboard 3G retails for $139 and can be purchased in numerous stores as well as on line at amazon.com. Based on it's features, design, and performance, the Kindle Keyboard 3G has earned our Recommended Award. For more info and complete specs, check out their website at www.amazon.com.