Kindle Review – Kindle 3 Review, iPad Review

In this kindle baby boomer post we’ll review all the features that make the Kindle 2 and the Kindle DX well suited for boomers. Had touched on the Kindle being great for Boomers in the past. Since then,

1. Kindle dx reviews are out – the screen size is 2.5 times bigger and there are bigger fonts (capital letters are around 1/4″).
2. Amazon has noted that its adding menu accessilibty. The fact that Blind groups are suing Universities using the Kindle DX means we’ll see this sooner rather than later.

So lets look at the features that make the Kindle DX and Kindle 2 great baby boomer devices -

Kindle for Boomers -  Large Font Sizes

As far as Fonts, having changeable font sizes, a significantly large font size and access to all books in larger font sizes means a great device for baby boomers.

Take a look at the Kindle 2 Largest Font –

You’ll notice that the Eink screen is very readable - Much better than computer screens.

You can also take a look at this HUGE Kindle Font Size picture to see a comparison with paper book fonts.

Boomer Kindle – Light Weight 

The Kindle 2 weights just 10 oz (think paperback) making it a great light, portable device. Its also well suited for one handed reading thanks to the light weight and having next page buttons on both sides.

Be careful about the Kindle DX as its weight is more (think hardcover). If the reader being light is important to you choose the Kindle 2.

Bruce Nussbaum talks about this and other Kindle Benefits at the Nussbaum On Design blog -

Boomers read and the Kindle satisfies this desire. It’s a platform that is light, small, easy to use and better than carrying around heavy books (remember, pain is a constant, especially in the hands, from 55-onward).

Baby Boomer Kindle – Total Cost of Ownership

The high initial price (kindle 2 – $359, Kindle DX – $489) is admittedly a deterrent. However, after the initial purchase the Kindle 2 and the Kindle DX are great for your wallet -

1. Free Internet Access.
2. Books are mostly $9.99 or cheaper.
3. There are 5 or so free book offers every month (8 so far this month). 
4. Lots of free public domain books.
5. Lots of cheap books from independent authors.
6. No driving to the bookstore.

Kindle for Boomers – Convenience and Great for Travel.

The Kindle 2 is very portable and convenient. The light weight and small size make it ideal to carry around in your purse or with you.

The Kindle DX is perhaps too big to be very portable. It does give you the ability to carry all your books in one device (as does the Kindle 2).

The convenience of having a 24 hr bookstore that delivers books to you in 60 seconds is huge. There are now 300K books so the range is improving rapidly.

So … Is Kindle the perfect baby boomer device?

Well, its a very good choice. However, there are still a few things keeping it from being the perfect baby boomer device.

As the technology evolves price will go down, features like touch-screen will get added, and range of titles available will increase. In 2-3 years we ought to have a Kindle (perhaps Kindle 4 or Kindle 5) that’s near-perfect.

For now, the Kindle 2 is great if you’re looking for a very portable and light device. The Kindle DX is a good choice if you’re looking for the largest possible font size and a larger screen size.