Amazon Kindle DX

Almost a year ago, I took a continuing education course on using MySql and PHP.  I cannot help it - I am just a programmer at heart and want to learn new stuff.  The course required reading was a thick book.  It reminded me of when I took Calculus I, II, and III.  The infamous book that weighs a ton - well, not really, but you get the idea.

Several friends were either using the Sony E-reader, Kindle, or Nook.  I had seriously thought about buying the Nook, but something about the Kindle just kept tugging at me.  Yes, it is not in color, but I do not need for the text to be in color to help me.  Let's face it, most of the books you buy have colorful covers, but inside, it is just black and white.

Anyway, I decided to take the plunge and bought the Kindle DX.  I like the idea of being able to wirelessly purchase a book.  Also, I like Amazon.com.  I used to buy CDs from CDNOW until it became Amazon.com.  The ability to find and locate old CDs and such reminded me of when Best Buy and Borders were my favorite places to get music.  Today, they are nothing more than like Target - nothing out of the ordinary and very few imports.

When I got it, I downloaded a few books on it and found that it was quite handy.  Rather than lugging a bunch of books, I just carried around the Kindle.  Also, I could install Kindle for the iPhone and PC and get my books downloaded there as well.  Very nice.

The next selling point was being able to download my own personal files.  For examples, I own a TI-Nspire Math/Graphing/Scientific calculator.  The booklet on the device is on PDF format.  I was able to connect the Kindle to my PC and copy over the PDF file.  Once I disconnected the device, I was able to read the handbook.  That is pretty awesome for me. 

Having some sort of e-reader makes sense in today's society.  I would think that this would be a future for most college students.  Rather than purchasing hard/soft copy books, get the books electronically on whatever e-reader device one would have.  That would lessen the weight burden, but also reduce the amount of books one has in their house.  Half-Price books may like that aspect of it, as many people would be able to get rid of their hard/paperback copies.

If you are interested in the Kindle, check it out.  I love mine and recommend it highly.