Great post, Charles.

A little disclosure: I’m legally blind and getting worse and reading is a passion of mine. Until know I’ve been kind of a throwback and felt that a Kindle or other similar device would detract from the “user experience” so much so that it would take a significant bite out of the pleasure derived. This has been no insignificant cause for anxiety as eye functionally deteriorates.

I purchased a Kindle 2 and have been just blown away by how quickly I’ve adapted. The limited but powerful usability features and general engineering of the device are great for someone like me.

This was probably the first blog in my regular daily travels to feature news and discussion on the device - so thanks Charles and readers.

One weird thing. I’ve started wrapping my left hand around the back of the Kindle and up and around to the next/prev page buttons on the right of the panel. This makes for single-handed reading. Since there isn’t full symmetry on the 2, I wonder if they will someday make right/left-handed versions or if controls will be laid out in a way that suits single-handed operation for either hand.

Anyway, I’m really enjoying the device. And some classic literature can be had for pennies, literally. Picked up anthologies of Twain. Dostoevsky, and Dickens last night as a matter of fact. Around 50 works for a grand total of < $5.

Charles, if you end up buying one (or someone else here does), I’d sure appreciate a follow-up post so purchasers of the DX can share their thoughts.

Cheers all.