What I Don't Love About Kindle 2: The cost. It's absurd. It's ridiculous. It's stupid. Not only are you in for $369. We're really talking $400 because you really must by a cover/case for your K2 and those are going to run another $20-30. This is a $400 investment and no matter how hellaciously cool and righteously bitching the device is — and it is both of those things — it's just not "worth" $400.
The buttons. The buttons are fine and functional and the device does feel well built, but the buttons don't feel quite as sturdy or responsive as I'd like. Also, the layout of the QWERTY keyboard at the bottom is a little strange. Where standard QWERTY alphabets are angled, or tapered, this keyboard is squared off and key placement takes some getting used to. I don't hate the layout, setup, or feel of the buttons but I don't love it, either. K2 is workable, but I'm confident future generations will improve.
I don't love that Amazon is selling these only through their web site, making it tough for prospective customers to put one in their hands and see for themselves how great this gadget is. I would never have bought one had my co-worker not let me test drive hers.
Josh Hathaway Presents Jerry Springer Presenting Josh Hathaway's Final Thoughts: If you're looking to me to provide scientific, logical rationale you can use to convince your spouse you really need to spend $400 for a K2, you're not going to find it here.
I bought mine impulsively and still can't believe I really spent that much money for it, but now that I have it I can't imagine not having it. I've fallen in love with Kindle. I've rediscovered my love of reading and that has translated into inspiration. I've written reviews of all four books I've polished off since purchasing it (The Teammates, Moneyball, Clemente, Delta Blues).
Article comments
1 - MarkSaleski
ahhhh...this explains the recent rash of book reviews.
i tell you, if you ever see a review like this coming from me, it's a sure sign of the apocalypse. ;-)
2 - Josh Hathaway
Believe me, I thought about that as I purchased and started using it. Like I mention in the review, as obstinate as I am about digital music I'm shocked I love my Kindle but I really, really do.