Der Kindle
Steven Johnson has a good concise review of the Kindle. I’m a couple months into the new Kindle as well and I share some of his reactions — particularly the odd anachronistic impression of the screen. Still, I’m loving the device. The one-handed reading on the subway is a joy (no need to let go of the pole and risk the interpersonal faux pas of crashing into your neighbor if the train lurches).
Regarding his touch screen comments, I guess I agree… the joystick is a little quaint for my tastes. I wonder if a touch screen is even possible with the no-power screen? Even if it is, I would think that keeping the screen clean (especially if you read while eating!) might be more difficult if you are also using it as an input device.
April 16th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
Haven’t (yet) bought a Kindle, but have the Kindle.app on the iPhone. Have to say, I’m getting addicted to touchscreens.
Was playing with a BlackBerry Curve over the weekend, and honestly thought it was broken, as I tried to “click” a few buttons on the screen by touching. Completely forgot about the buttons on the face and side of a BlackBerry, and I was a BB user for years.
The iPhone screensize is too tiny for me to do sustained reading on the subway – wondering if the Kindle will do. Certainly makes reading tomes like Atlas Shrugged, one-handed, while standing on the train, a lot more likely, eh?
Plenty of innovative ground yet to be covered by Amazon’s Kindle, Sony’s e-Readers, et al..
(Hint: you might find the Evolution of User Experience link I’ve provided as interesting food for thought – not Kindle-related, but usability/innovation)