Kindle and the Age of the E-Book

Back when Amazon first released the Kindle, I did the happy dance to finally see an electronic reading device that was designed with the reader's experience in mind. Based on Jeff Bezo's comments during a Charlie Rose interview when the product launched, the Kindle was designed by readers for readers rather than by techies for readers. The design emphasis is on the device not getting in the way of the reader's experience of being pulled into the story.

When I got my tax rebate I just had to be a good citizen and do my part to boost the economy. So I looked at my wish list of expensive gadgets I think I just must have and ordered a Kindle. (It beat out a digital SLR camera that's more pricey but, hey, wait until income tax return time next year!)

The device arrived on my doorstep this week, just in time for an out-of-town trip. Of course, there's tons of stuff you can buy from Amazon to use on the device - books, magazines, newspapers, etc. I was a little disappointed that the selection of magazines, newspapers and blogs isn't as extensive as I expected. But all-in-all a good assortment.

I was even more thrilled to be able to download a book by one of my favorite e-book authors, *lizzie starr (published by Wings ePress). In the past, although I love her work, I've struggled to read her books because I had to sit at my computer to do so. Her Tales of the Double Keltic Triad series is wonderfully captivating (*lizzie I'm waiting for Toccata in Fuge!).

Downloading from a non-Amazon site took a couple of extra steps and a few pennies more but it's worth it if I can enjoy my favorite e-pubbed authors. I'm hoping more readers feel that way too and sales of e-books get a boost from Amazon and Kindle.