The Amazon Kindle is more than an E-book reader, it’s the essential device for book lovers, and can be a lifesaver for those long cross country flights. Not only can you browse the Amazon store of about 200,000 Kindle titles but you can download them almost instantly to the palm of your hand.

An added plus is that it currently has a basic internet browser which you can use to surf the internet for free using the Whispernet wireless service. Amazon has not said whether the free browsing will last, but it is a nice extra.

In addition, each title has a preview you can download which is almost like being at the book store and browsing through books. You can also save money by downloading books which typically cost $9.99 compared to $25 for most hardcovers. You can get some newspapers such as The New York Times beamed directly to your Kindle every morning that won’t get ink on your hands and waste a bunch of paper. Another useful feature is the screen which looks very similar to a page of a book and is easy on the eyes.

Some of the downsides are the poor industrial design of the device. It is pretty awkward to hold when you are reading because there is no good spot to place your hands to grip it. One CEO I spoke to just couldn’t give up the feel of a paper book and liked collecting books as keepsakes after reading them. It also made him feel smart to have a bookshelf full of books.

This year when Oprah praised the Kindle on her show it has a significant impact on demand and Amazon quickly sold out of the Kindle units. At Amazon.com they state that the Kindle is sold out but you can place an order for when new units are available. The Kindle is a great device for executives looking for a really useful device to enhance your ability to access information to learn to be more effective or just enjoy a good read.

by Charles Sipe

Image by John Pastor