A Kindle user’s experience
Review of Amazon’s Kindle device and subscription service
My intent behind buying a Kindle
- I was not reading enough (more like not reading at all)
- Phone was extremely distracting (if not social media, I would go checking my expenses or replying to emails)
- I did not want to hoard on physical copies
- Could not find a suitable library service in my area and the local library shut down due to COVID-19
- Pronomita is Pro-earth. Avoid using paper to save our green-buddies
I walked into amazon.in and went browsing for the most affordable (Mental note: refrain from using cheap) Kindle device available as of June 2021. Navigating through the 1st page on results, I landed here.
Briefing on the 2 products concerned:
1. Amazon Kindle
A series of e-readers designed and marketed by Amazon. Amazon Kindle devices enable users to browse, buy, download, and read e-books, newspapers, magazines and other digital media via wireless networking to the Kindle Store
Source: Wikipedia
Easy words: Buy a device that you can read books on. You can load your own pdfs or purchase them from Amazon’s book library called Kindle.
2. Amazon Kindle App
It is an app that puts over 1.5 million books at your fingertips. It’s the app for every reader, whether you’re a book reader, magazine reader, or newspaper reader — and you don’t need to own a Kindle to use it. Choose from over a million Kindle books from the Kindle Store or enjoy popular magazines and newspapers, such as The Economist, The Spectator, The Guardian and The Daily Mail, with high-resolution colour images.
Source: Google Play Store
Easy words: Download the free application on your device(phone, tablet etc.) and read books from Amazon’s book library called Kindle.
You do not need a Kindle device to read Kindle books!
I chose the classic Kindle with the minimal features. There happened to be a sale so I was able to get it for 6499INR instead of the MRP i.e. 7999INR.
Here is what I received.
By now you must have already gone through the different features. If not, have a quick glance through the “Compare Kindle devices” (go to top of this post) & that should give you a good grasp.
What I loved about the Kindle device
- Zero distractions
No notifications. No applications to fiddle around with. If I can keep all other devices away I was able to read, a lot. - It’s really light
I have a habit of lying down and reading. Being lightweight I am able to hold it easily. When I am using a book(even the paperback ones), it’s a pain to keep it up at a comfortable distance. - It’s almost real
The anti-glare mat finish screen makes it very close to the pages of a good quality paper book. - Read and return policy
To read books you need to purchase them in Kindle e-book format(usually 50–60% cheaper than a physical one) or subscribe to Kindle Unlimited( better option) which allows you to lend 10books at a time for a monthly fee.
What I disliked about the Kindle device
- The User Experience
Not very intuitive. It took me multiple google-searches to find the relevant buttons. It’s all there and easy to find on the internet. The touch is not very responsive while typing. - Features
For a price as high as ~8k, the device has very minimal features. It’s heavily overprized. I know the use case limits the features but the prize definitely needs some big time correction. - Black and White
I am a monochrome fan but I’d like some color on my books. Especially if its an electronic device. - Waterproof
No its NOT. Unless you are spending another 4000INR. - Accessories game gone bad
An included cover/skin would have been nice. You took 8K!
The buzz around a physical book has a different feel and having a Kindle for reading will make sure you read and only read is slightly (I wanted to go with ‘highly’) oversold. Please don’t fuel into the consumerism here.
I would suggest against buying a Kindle pad. Rather invest that 8,000 or 12,000 or 22,000 somewhere productive. Somewhere it can grow and give you real value via money or into some course you have been meaning to take to upskill.
Your pension fund would be a good place. Just saying. I am not anti-gadgets dear netizens.
What to do instead?
Download the Kindle app on your mobile.
Get Kindle Unlimited annual subscription for less than 2000INR.
Read as much as you want, anywhere and everywhere.
Reading is essential to our mind’s growth and development. All I would request you to do is add sustenance to your choices and avoid needless spending where you can.
Make a calculated choice. Charity begins at home.
Disclaimer: All views expressed are my personal opinions and preferences. None of my comments are intended to campaign against any of the products marketed or sold my Amazon.com, Inc..
Where can you find me:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Pronomita_Dey
- Instagram: a_nerd_aurat
- Write to me: dey.pronomita@gmail.com
