I have a Kindle 2 Global and am really enjoying it. Granted, I love classics, many of which are in the public domain and can be downloaded for free. Some can be found on Amazon, itself. Others at Gutenberg http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page (downloading the Mobipocket format) and ManyBooks http://manybooks.net/authors.php (also downloading the Mobipocket or .mobi format). If they are not through Amazon, you have to use the provided USB cable, attach the Kindle to the computer, then find the file and copy it to your documents file on the Kindle. Through Amazon, the use of the Whispernet will transfer the file directly to the Kindle.
You could say having to connect the Kindle to your computer to get some of these downloads onto the Kindle is a downside. However, I don't find it particularly irksome; simply not quite as convenient as the automatic transfer.
You can also send personal files to Kindle and have them converted into a compatible format and sent back to you. Then you transfer them to the Kindle via the USB. However, there is a way to do this for free and one for which you must pay. This is what Amazon states:
"Kindle's Personal Document Service (via Whispernet) allows you to e-mail approved files to your Kindle's e-mail address. Then, Amazon can transfer the file(s) wirelessly in a Kindle-compatible format to the device(s) for a fee. To avoid a fee or if you're not in wireless range, you can send an e-mail to "name"@free.kindle.com and download the files via USB in a Kindle compatible format to the device(s)."
These are the approved formats (from http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=help_search_1-1?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200375640&qid=1268937870&sr=1-1 ):
"Kindle's Personal Document Service (via Whispernet) allows you to e-mail the following approved file types to your Kindle's e-mail address:
* Microsoft Word (.DOC)
* Structured HTML (.HTML, .HTM)
* RTF (.RTF)
* JPEG (.JPEG, .JPG)
* GIF (.GIF)
* PNG (.PNG)
* BMP (.BMP)
* PDF (.PDF): Look below for details.
* Microsoft Word (.DOCX) is supported in our experimental category.
"The above file types can also be combined in a compressed ZIP (.ZIP) file. ZIP files are automatically opened up by the conversion service, converted to the Kindle format, and sent to your Kindle or computer as specified."
That being said, the following are some of the things I like or dislike.
Like:
-The Kindle is far easier to read than a computer screen. In fact, I've found myself trying to turn the page, as it reads so much like a book.
-The variety of books to be found is a plus, especially if you enjoy those no longer under copyright.
-It has a built-in screen saver, so if there is no activity for ten minutes, this pops up and saves energy.
-If the screensaver has appeared, pushing the slide button at top will "reawaken" the Kindle and bring you right back to the place you were in the book.
-You can add bookmarks and notes to your books, and the Kindle allows you to go directly to one or the other.
-There is a dictionary which permits you to highlight a word and the definition will pop up.
-Once charged, the battery appears to last a good, long time.
-You can both charge the battery using an electrical outlet or by connecting the Kindle to your computer.
-You can resize the text from small to large.
-You can, it seems (as I haven't used this yet), download and listen to audio books. There is also an option which allows a computerized voice to read whatever text you choose.
-There are covers available, which make it feel more like reading a book.
-It is easy to carry the Kindle around with loads of books on it. That way, you have a varied choice of books to read no matter where you are.
Dislike:
-There is no light included for reading in dark places. (This, though, is no worse than having to have a light for reading a physical book.)
-Some books, particularly newer books, are not available. (Many are, but you won't find all of them.)
-The toggle button can be tricky. You press down to select an item to read. However, if you accidentally push it to the left, the Kindle thinks you want to delete the selection. You have to be careful not to push down on the button, which means you agree to delete the item. Instead you have to hit another button, like the Home button to get out of that (or turn it off) and find your selection again.
-I'm not thrilled with the ease of searching for an item, when you have many books stored on the Kindle. (It's not a problem when you have only a few at a time.)
-You can arrange books by title or author, but arranging them by author can be a bit confusing if you either convert your own files to Kindle format or download free classics. It will sometimes list them, alphabetically, by the first name of the author instead of last. For instance, I have several Anthony Trollope books; some are listed under A and some under T. I would like it a great deal if Amazon added a feature which allows you to change how a book's title or author appears.
-The QWERTY keyboard is a bit small and difficult to use.
-You cannot backup files you download yourself on Amazon, so you must remember to keep a copy on your computer or on a removable device. If you don't and accidentally delete the item, you will have to find the file again.
-There is a small "flash" when going to the next page while reading a book. You get used to it, but I'd like to see Amazon make the turning of the page more seamless.
-You have to separately purchase a cover and, without it, there is certainly less of the feel of a book.
-Mine is the 6" Kindle, which means the viewing area is rather small. The DX is no doubt better in this instance.
-I'd like to see Amazon add a feature which allows for a table of contents with the page number of each item you have stored on your Kindle; one which would permit you to look through the list and click on whatever title you choose and access the title from that table of contents.
I'm sure I've forgotten both things I like and dislike. Overall, though I still like the smell and feel of a physical book better, I would say I'm quite pleased with the Kindle.
I hope this helps.