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Kindle Wireless Reading Device Customer Review…
By: javajunki “javajunki”
WAS a Fantastic Product for Visually Impaired – VI- Accessibilty Overview & $ Saving Tips!
If you are searching for a REAL review on the Kindle Wireless Reading Device 2 by someone that was waiting to receive it rather than complaining about price or other issues then here it is. This arrived ahead of schedule (Prime – 1 day delivery)a pleasant surprise. Opened the box, press the button and it starts downloading books that I pre-ordered. The welcome screen comes on to clarify all the buttons. It is lightweight, simple to hold, super simple to use…in fact, so quick that you don’t need to even read the instructions.
I tried out the text to speech function but it didn’t work on the first book and gave an “error encountered” message. Odd I thought so I tried another book which it worked with perfectly – apparently a minor glitch as I’ve now tested it a couple times and the function works fine. One thing I didn’t like was the page next button failed to work when the text to speech was in use and I wanted to skip ahead. You are able to control the speed of reading and select a voice – both functions that dramatically enhance usability.
Voice is not the best quality but certainly within reason especially for those with a physical disabiilty or just the need to listen instead of read. This was the MAIN reason I bought the K2 and I applaud Amazon for including this feature but hope they upgrade the quality of the voice in the future. Still, a huge benefit for many with various forms of Visual Impairment. For anyone with a visual problem the simple things really make a difference – like being able to delight in the simple pleasure of reading the morning newspaper once again or delve into a excellent book. Although there are many libraries “for the blind” the one overwhelming problem with most of them is the long delay in acquiring new release books and/or the lack of any “serious” reading.
It’s a delight to be able to access serious reading in a timely manner via this Kindle Wireless Reading Device 2…and the added benefit of major newspaper, magazines, reading the classics and even children’s tales with the young ones is literally something that completely enhances the lives of those with a visual impairment!
Small-Cuts & Tips
A couple quick tips related to text to speech…
1. Turn on via the main menu selection
2. Turn OFF quickly using the alt + sym button depressed at same time
3. To Change Voice – use alt + Aa keys then toggle to desired voice (male/female).
4. To Change Reading Speed – use alt + Aa keys depressed togther then toggle to desired reading speed (slow, regular, quick).
5. Use the Alt + Aa keys to quickly change font size, turning on/off text to speech, Pause text to speech, change speech rate and speaking voice rather than using the menu. Very useful shortcuts for those with VI’s or other disabilities – including impatience like myself!
More Shortcuts…
alt-b – bookmark page
alt-f – next mp3
The font sizes are simple to switch between and very usable…a nice addition to those of us in the middle age range. Buttons are accessible, raised for convenience of all involved – another huge plus for the visually impaired or those with other conditions. The sound button is raised only slightly – fine for VI but potentially problematic for those with arthritis or other issues with fine motor function as it is a relatively thin button that must be pressed slightly. On the other hand, it is positioned to make it easily accessible while NOT interefering with reading – it doesn’t get in the way and is not prone to accidental bumps that would interfere with reading pleasure.
The overall feel is a quality build, solid but not heavy. As advertised, it is very simple on the eyes, combined with font sizing and simple navigation this does what it was meant to do.
I have no frame of reference regarding the Kindle Wireless Reading Device 2 versus the original as this was my first Kindle Wireless Reading Device buy. But, I will say, the selection of inexpensive books has been worth the buy price of this item; especially for those that delight in reading the classics or nationwide news, it has been a joy to buy entire collections for a fraction of the cost of purchasing new or even used books. Those in college, with children or just have a like of reading will likely find the convenience and savings well worth the price.
Comes with a quick start guide and charge cord. This is simple – form follows function. I’m wild about the wireless download function – that plus the selection is what really sets this apart. The only two things I don’t like is the small pause between turning pages [very minor] and the inability to forward to the next page when using text to speech…either that or mine is defective (did get error at first). I’ll update as reading more but first impression – fantastic small item! Very accessible and friendly for those with a visual impairment – all raised keys, font sizing, text to voice…superb gift for anyone with low vision.
Another small tip – Amazon has made thousands of public domain works available for instant download completely free of charge which is a very nice touch. I found many simply by doing a search on genre’s of interest with price “low to high” as a default. A few of my favorite’s include biblical study books including a Babylonian Talmud for 99 cents! Other fantastic treasures I managed to locate was the complete Wizard of Oz series by Baum for just a fraction of the typical cost of the series (well worth the time to read in todays troubling economic times as it is really considered a financial allegory) and the Mobi classic collections [including up to 200 of their original works in one quick, simple download - search for MobileReference collections] from the likes of:
Jules Vernes
H.G. Wells
Dickens
Jack London
Shakespeare
Pushkin
Chekhov
Swift
Wilde
Bunyan
Tolstoy
Poe
Doyle
Dostoevsky
Twain and many others! Now that I’ve had an opportunity to review many of these, they are very comprhensive – many include some of the more elusive/hard to find works- and exceptioanlly cost effective making the Kindle Wireless Reading Device a fantastic option for homeschoolers or those with school aged children and extensive reading lists….or persons like myself that just delight in reading the classics.
The table of contents is searchable for each…I’m very pleased by these so far! Also, I am NOT affiliated in any way shape or form but thought others might benefit while they are on sale…after all, how often can you buy up to 200 books in a collection for less than $5! Likewise, the ability to buy newspapers and some fine magazines for a fraction of the cost makes this a no-brainer…the savings from these alone nearly pays for the device plus, really made the day for someone who hasn’t been able to read a regular newspaper in a decade.
Kindle Wireless Reading Device Highly Recommend!
