Kindle - A Solution for Travelers?

Is the new Amazon product the Kindle the answer for travelers? So what the hell is a Kindle? Its another nonsense product name thought up by the marketing department which might, just might, be as common as the term IPod in another year or so. But what the hell is the Kindle ? Its an e-book reader which allows you to wireless download content including books, magazines and newspapers from Amazon. Its approximately the size of a paperback book and lighter than some, and this is where I got interested. I've always been quite good at packing light but normally travel with a couple of guide books and 2 or 3 paperbacks - the thought of being able to combine all of these in one unit got be quite excited.

• It is as easy to read outdoors as it is inside -this is a big plus for travelers!

• You can easily change the font to read larger print handy when the lighting is poor - like in you typical cheap Asian hotel room!

• The battery life is pretty good - especially f you turn off the wireless function. It only takes 2 hours to fully re-charge

• You can try a book before you buy with a free book sample available, when you buy the book its delivered instantly via the 3G cell phone network, -you don't pay any download charges

• Top US, French, German and Italian newspapers delivered automatically to the Kindle.

• Amazon is using its on proprietory file format for Kindle books and magazines. You can email PDFsto a spell Amazon email address to convert file. This is free if you accept the files return by email and then upload yourself using the USB cable. Alternatively for 10c you can have the files emailed direct to your KIndle.

• The refresh rate is slow - too slow if you are typing in notes using the awkard keyboard.

• TheKindle is currently only available for shipping in the US - which is just as well as the download network is only available there too. So there goes my dream of being able to download this week's Economist or a new book by favourite author from a beach in Thailand, or even Australia!

Well sadly no, not having a US shipping address. Realistically I would be leaving it on the "maybe must have" list for at least the next year to see what happens - either it will disappear or the price will come down, well down!

So my ideal Ebook reader would be somewhat like the Kindle, robust and water proof of course. I would be able to upload all my existing ebooks in standard PDF format, and Iwould be able to connect via cell phone for subscriptions if I wanted to. Maybe Christmas 2008?

Lis Sowerbutts has been traveling since age 7, and has to date visited over 55 countries. She firmly believes that traveling is too good to be left to the young and you are never too late to start traveling A New Zealander, Lis currently lives in Perth, Australia.