For new and "good-as-new" models, check out: Kindles on Sale
As I am a physical book lover, I did not consider one. But recently at a sale, I picked up one. So here are my thoughts.
I start with the key question: Despite the dropping prices, it is that useful? Will they gives us any more joy than having the pleasure of holding a book in our hands?
The Positives
Firstly: What I think is the most useful feature of these ereaders is the simplicity of holding so many books and files in a small, compact small 7’ gadget. (I got the Amazon Kindle Touch model, when there were Kindles on Sale recently. You can get this model one for $99 (with wi-fi) or for $149 (with 3G capability).
While I go on holidays, it is typical for me to have 2-3 books as well as other office papers in my luggage bag. So I can see how having a little compace device can be useful in reducing bulk when away. Certainly, I will be able to toggle between books and documents effortlessly while reducing bulk.
Secondly, with my Kindle ereader, I was surprised how I could read a novel for a long stretch without having getting eye-strain. It was surely quite different to reading directly from a computer display. I had actually heard this before from others. Nevertheless, "reading" is believing.
Thridly, I particularly like notes/books sharing facility that comes with it. Imagine getting stuck into a book and then sharing notes with others who are like-minded and are reading the book at the same time? It would be like starting an online book club.
Additionally, the browser is very useful extra. Although it is in black and white, it is useful being able to log in with ease, particularly with the 3G models, and catch up/send notes, and use the email.
The Negatives
When I first looked over your Kindle e-reader, I could not get over how plain the idea looked. But having a few books on it now, it is clear to see why both the monitor and screens are made this way.
The monochrome monitors with the innovative e-ink eliminates glare from the screen. This helps make reading through for too long times less intense to the sight.
So back to the question: Is it really useful?
So coming back to the question: Is it really useful? We know that even having the best technology on the ereader would not serve any purpose if I do not have much use for it over holding physical books.
For me, it boils down to this. I know I would always have a book in hand. I love seeing the colorful covers and reviews on it, the dog-ears of a read-book and all the quirks that come with holding a book. However, I can see how useful it is too while travelling. The biggest draw is the ability to reduce bulk, carry several documents together (both books and pdfs) and browse - all in one little device.
I hope you find the article on Kindles on Sale useful in giving you a better idea on whether you are ready to start delving into the world of ebooks.
Update: 13-Feb
I just discovered that with some of the used models, the 3G equivalent models (which are usually $50 for the same model), are priced the same as the "without 3G/ wi-fi only" models. With the rising costs of data, this is indeed a good one to have. If there are still any of these models available, do book them as they do not come by very often.
