TL:DR (Too Long Didn't Read) - Excellent quality, practical & portable (the whole reason you would buy one), exceptional battery life, vast online library available at the tip of your fingers. What are you waiting for, buy one!
For those of you who appreciate particularly lengthy in depth reviews, here goes...
As an avid reader during my years at University, I found that I simply couldn't afford both my endless demand for novels and educational reading, nor did I have the space in my 'room' (closet) to store them. Some would say that you just need a local library and you inadvertently nullify the need for a kindle....nah not really. Taking out books from the library require you to be particularly careful you don't rip any pages, only allow for one book to be read at any one time if you go out to read somewhere and most importantly, achey hands having to hold a ridiculously heavy book on page 795 of 1209... Admittedly the last point was important due to the fact I purchased (at a lower price than the actual book) educational books for my course, which not everyone would need to do.
This is actually my second Kindle, my first of which I bought at University and subsequently gave to my Dad. This newer model, I much prefer in matt black as opposed to the grey of my previous. The simple controls haven't changed but this model is noticeably smoother when navigating through the books as well as the online store.
BUILD QUALITY
Completely plastic. In this case, not a bad thing. Provided you don't tend to throw your books across the room when your favourite character is brutally killed off or you simply cannot wrap your head around a writer decisions of plot twists, you're good to go. The Kindle is extremely light (perfect for portability), and is durable. It is a slight fingerprint magnet on the back, what with the natural oils your hands secrete, but lets face it, there should be a case on it anyway. I personally haven't used an Amazon Kindle case as my budget couldn't quite stretch that far (which I'd love to try and review....hint hint Amazon...), but there are cheaper options available on Amazon.
USABILITY
This thing is as light as a feather! Honestly, you really appreciate this after you've been reading few a few hours.
Pearl E-Paper technology - this is the display that the Kindle uses (i've attached several pictures which show this), for me is perfectly adequate for reading. There is no back light so don't be expecting to be able to read in the pitch black of night, but even in low light it is easy to read.
Accessing the Amazon Kindle Store is extremely simple on the Kindle, allowing you to purchase books etc straight from the Kindle. The Kindle requires a Wi-Fi signal for this, but registering your Kindle to your account is literally a 2 minute job.
BATTERY LIFE
Hahahaha....seriously the best thing ever. Lets be honest, most mobile phone and tablets we use nowadays require charging every 1-2 days....
Yeah try 2 weeks. You simply shouldn't ever be in the situation where your Kindle dies on you mid read.
Delivery was sooner than expected (always a pleasant surprise), and I honestly haven't had a single problem with the product.
Unless you require a backlight, I wouldn't bother with the paperwhite version. Oh and one other side note is the "special offers". This is essentially ads on the Kindle. For a £10 fee upon purchase, you can get rid of them. But honestly, not even worth it, they are on the screensaver and home page and aren't intrusive. In fact, one of the ads actually told me there was a sale on cases which I was in need for, so if anything, they're useful!
Oh and unless you have a USB plug, you'll need to purchase one as one doesn't come with. You can always charge from a laptop/computer though.
If you have any questions, please just leave a comment and i'll get back to you within a few hours.
Happy Reading!!
Reviews with images
New Kindle! - A must for those without a library or the wallet to foot the bill!
TL:DR (Too Long Didn't Read) - Excellent quality, practical & portable (the whole reason you would buy one), exceptional battery life, vast online library available at the tip of your fingers. What are you waiting for, buy one!For those of you who appreciate particularly lengthy in depth reviews, here goes...As an avid reader during my years at University, I found that I simply couldn't afford both my endless demand for novels and educational reading, nor did I have the space in my 'room' (closet) to store them. Some would say that you just need a local library and you inadvertently nullify the need for a kindle....nah not really. Taking out books from the library require you to be particularly careful you don't rip any pages, only allow for one book to be read at any one time if you go out to read somewhere and most importantly, achey hands having to hold a ridiculously heavy book on page 795 of 1209... Admittedly the last point was important due to the fact I purchased (at a lower price than the actual book) educational books for my course, which not everyone would need to do.This is actually my second Kindle, my first of which I bought at University and subsequently gave to my Dad. This newer model, I much prefer in matt black as opposed to the grey of my previous. The simple controls haven't changed but this model is noticeably smoother when navigating through the books as well as the online store.BUILD QUALITYCompletely plastic. In this case, not a bad thing. Provided you don't tend to throw your books across the room when your favourite character is brutally killed off or you simply cannot wrap your head around a writer decisions of plot twists, you're good to go. The Kindle is extremely light (perfect for portability), and is durable. It is a slight fingerprint magnet on the back, what with the natural oils your hands secrete, but lets face it, there should be a case on it anyway. I personally haven't used an Amazon Kindle case as my budget couldn't quite stretch that far (which I'd love to try and review....hint hint Amazon...), but there are cheaper options available on Amazon.USABILITYThis thing is as light as a feather! Honestly, you really appreciate this after you've been reading few a few hours.Pearl E-Paper technology - this is the display that the Kindle uses (i've attached several pictures which show this), for me is perfectly adequate for reading. There is no back light so don't be expecting to be able to read in the pitch black of night, but even in low light it is easy to read.Accessing the Amazon Kindle Store is extremely simple on the Kindle, allowing you to purchase books etc straight from the Kindle. The Kindle requires a Wi-Fi signal for this, but registering your Kindle to your account is literally a 2 minute job.BATTERY LIFEHahahaha....seriously the best thing ever. Lets be honest, most mobile phone and tablets we use nowadays require charging every 1-2 days....Yeah try 2 weeks. You simply shouldn't ever be in the situation where your Kindle dies on you mid read.Delivery was sooner than expected (always a pleasant surprise), and I honestly haven't had a single problem with the product.Unless you require a backlight, I wouldn't bother with the paperwhite version. Oh and one other side note is the "special offers". This is essentially ads on the Kindle. For a £10 fee upon purchase, you can get rid of them. But honestly, not even worth it, they are on the screensaver and home page and aren't intrusive. In fact, one of the ads actually told me there was a sale on cases which I was in need for, so if anything, they're useful!Oh and unless you have a USB plug, you'll need to purchase one as one doesn't come with. You can always charge from a laptop/computer though.If you have any questions, please just leave a comment and i'll get back to you within a few hours.Happy Reading!!
Top reviews from United Kingdom
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Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 January 2016
For those of you who appreciate particularly lengthy in depth reviews, here goes...
As an avid reader during my years at University, I found that I simply couldn't afford both my endless demand for novels and educational reading, nor did I have the space in my 'room' (closet) to store them. Some would say that you just need a local library and you inadvertently nullify the need for a kindle....nah not really. Taking out books from the library require you to be particularly careful you don't rip any pages, only allow for one book to be read at any one time if you go out to read somewhere and most importantly, achey hands having to hold a ridiculously heavy book on page 795 of 1209... Admittedly the last point was important due to the fact I purchased (at a lower price than the actual book) educational books for my course, which not everyone would need to do.
This is actually my second Kindle, my first of which I bought at University and subsequently gave to my Dad. This newer model, I much prefer in matt black as opposed to the grey of my previous. The simple controls haven't changed but this model is noticeably smoother when navigating through the books as well as the online store.
BUILD QUALITY
Completely plastic. In this case, not a bad thing. Provided you don't tend to throw your books across the room when your favourite character is brutally killed off or you simply cannot wrap your head around a writer decisions of plot twists, you're good to go. The Kindle is extremely light (perfect for portability), and is durable. It is a slight fingerprint magnet on the back, what with the natural oils your hands secrete, but lets face it, there should be a case on it anyway. I personally haven't used an Amazon Kindle case as my budget couldn't quite stretch that far (which I'd love to try and review....hint hint Amazon...), but there are cheaper options available on Amazon.
USABILITY
This thing is as light as a feather! Honestly, you really appreciate this after you've been reading few a few hours.
Pearl E-Paper technology - this is the display that the Kindle uses (i've attached several pictures which show this), for me is perfectly adequate for reading. There is no back light so don't be expecting to be able to read in the pitch black of night, but even in low light it is easy to read.
Accessing the Amazon Kindle Store is extremely simple on the Kindle, allowing you to purchase books etc straight from the Kindle. The Kindle requires a Wi-Fi signal for this, but registering your Kindle to your account is literally a 2 minute job.
BATTERY LIFE
Hahahaha....seriously the best thing ever. Lets be honest, most mobile phone and tablets we use nowadays require charging every 1-2 days....
Yeah try 2 weeks. You simply shouldn't ever be in the situation where your Kindle dies on you mid read.
Delivery was sooner than expected (always a pleasant surprise), and I honestly haven't had a single problem with the product.
Unless you require a backlight, I wouldn't bother with the paperwhite version. Oh and one other side note is the "special offers". This is essentially ads on the Kindle. For a £10 fee upon purchase, you can get rid of them. But honestly, not even worth it, they are on the screensaver and home page and aren't intrusive. In fact, one of the ads actually told me there was a sale on cases which I was in need for, so if anything, they're useful!
Oh and unless you have a USB plug, you'll need to purchase one as one doesn't come with. You can always charge from a laptop/computer though.
If you have any questions, please just leave a comment and i'll get back to you within a few hours.
Happy Reading!!
New Kindle! - A must for those without a library or the wallet to foot the bill!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 January 2016
TL:DR (Too Long Didn't Read) - Excellent quality, practical & portable (the whole reason you would buy one), exceptional battery life, vast online library available at the tip of your fingers. What are you waiting for, buy one!Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 January 2016
For those of you who appreciate particularly lengthy in depth reviews, here goes...
As an avid reader during my years at University, I found that I simply couldn't afford both my endless demand for novels and educational reading, nor did I have the space in my 'room' (closet) to store them. Some would say that you just need a local library and you inadvertently nullify the need for a kindle....nah not really. Taking out books from the library require you to be particularly careful you don't rip any pages, only allow for one book to be read at any one time if you go out to read somewhere and most importantly, achey hands having to hold a ridiculously heavy book on page 795 of 1209... Admittedly the last point was important due to the fact I purchased (at a lower price than the actual book) educational books for my course, which not everyone would need to do.
This is actually my second Kindle, my first of which I bought at University and subsequently gave to my Dad. This newer model, I much prefer in matt black as opposed to the grey of my previous. The simple controls haven't changed but this model is noticeably smoother when navigating through the books as well as the online store.
BUILD QUALITY
Completely plastic. In this case, not a bad thing. Provided you don't tend to throw your books across the room when your favourite character is brutally killed off or you simply cannot wrap your head around a writer decisions of plot twists, you're good to go. The Kindle is extremely light (perfect for portability), and is durable. It is a slight fingerprint magnet on the back, what with the natural oils your hands secrete, but lets face it, there should be a case on it anyway. I personally haven't used an Amazon Kindle case as my budget couldn't quite stretch that far (which I'd love to try and review....hint hint Amazon...), but there are cheaper options available on Amazon.
USABILITY
This thing is as light as a feather! Honestly, you really appreciate this after you've been reading few a few hours.
Pearl E-Paper technology - this is the display that the Kindle uses (i've attached several pictures which show this), for me is perfectly adequate for reading. There is no back light so don't be expecting to be able to read in the pitch black of night, but even in low light it is easy to read.
Accessing the Amazon Kindle Store is extremely simple on the Kindle, allowing you to purchase books etc straight from the Kindle. The Kindle requires a Wi-Fi signal for this, but registering your Kindle to your account is literally a 2 minute job.
BATTERY LIFE
Hahahaha....seriously the best thing ever. Lets be honest, most mobile phone and tablets we use nowadays require charging every 1-2 days....
Yeah try 2 weeks. You simply shouldn't ever be in the situation where your Kindle dies on you mid read.
Delivery was sooner than expected (always a pleasant surprise), and I honestly haven't had a single problem with the product.
Unless you require a backlight, I wouldn't bother with the paperwhite version. Oh and one other side note is the "special offers". This is essentially ads on the Kindle. For a £10 fee upon purchase, you can get rid of them. But honestly, not even worth it, they are on the screensaver and home page and aren't intrusive. In fact, one of the ads actually told me there was a sale on cases which I was in need for, so if anything, they're useful!
Oh and unless you have a USB plug, you'll need to purchase one as one doesn't come with. You can always charge from a laptop/computer though.
If you have any questions, please just leave a comment and i'll get back to you within a few hours.
Happy Reading!!
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 October 2014
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2016
Not a substitute for actual books but a wholly acceptable alternative :)
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2016
This is my first e-reader device. As a lifelong avid reader, I'd been swithering over whether to get one of these for quite a while and finally decided to give it a go. I'm one of those folk who loves the feel of an actual book in my hand so I was a bit dubious at first but I have to say I'm very taken by it and have no buyer's remorse. It's super easy to use - no long, complicated set up process. I downloaded 3 free books and had begun reading within 20 minutes of taking it out the box. Being wifi enabled means there are step by step instructions on how to navigate your way around and also allows automatic software updates. The design is light weight, touch screen, with up to 8 weeks battery life. Just switch it on and you're good to go. Easy to navigate & simple to use. I like being able to receive books instantly. There are no apps, annoying pop-ups or any of the other 1001 distractions you get with a phone or tablet, so you can't be tempted to stop reading mid paragraph and check your email etc. As can be seen in the photo, the print is crisp, clear. Even in bright sunlight it's easy to read as there is no screen glare. There are lots of useful features you don't get with a physical book like built in dictionary (you can highlight words or phrases in text to find out meanings while reading), highlight the name of a character and it gives you details of who they are. It remembers the page you were on and lets you know what percent of the book you've read. That all being said, as much as I'm enjoying it I can't ever see it completely replacing regular books because for me it's the whole experience, smell, touch, sound of paper as I turn the page. No e-reader could ever capture the essence of a well read, much loved book, imho. But for those times when you don't want to be weighed down with a book this is an awesome device I would highly recommend to all book lovers. Incidentally, it's worth mentioning it comes beautifully packaged just to add to the feeling of indulgence you get when you purchase one of these.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 September 2016
Images in this review
