Amazon Kindle 2 Handheld Review

I am the kind of person who has always lugged several books around everywhere I go {uber book geek}.  I distinctly remember struggling with my luggage and a easily-ten pound Patricia Cornwell anthology on a previous trip to Chicago in an effort to avoid taxi fare {cheap}.  While I enjoy sitting in my library surrounded by volumes of well-loved novels, I can just as easily be satiated with the occasional unbound digital versions of forgettable yet satisfying books that don't necessarily require a second reading (i.e., Dan Brown and John Grisham, of late) {lover of new technology}.  And sometimes, I simply don't have the energy to chuck my well-worn, socially unacceptable daywear to get out and browse the local bookstore, but require immediate gratification in a newly released bestseller {lazy}.  Keeping these personal attributes in mind, it is not surprising that I am completely enjoying my new Amazon Kindle (2!).  With new product in hand, it was no effort at all to learn how to use the Kindle.  Also, I am insanely in love with Amazon's wireless method of delivery.  Having used a Sony e-book reader, it was heaven to be able to turn on my Kindle, go to the online Amazon store, browse for books, select and purchase, and have it delivered within seconds to the device (unlike Sony, where one must download the e-book software to your PC, go online for purchases, then transfer the e-book to the device for reading - much more messy and inefficient!)  On the rare occasion of a misstep in purchase (I clicked through too quickly and inadvertently ordered a {gasp!} partisan novel) my error was quickly and effortlessly rescinded by a gracious Amazon customer servant..., er, service rep.  Sure, the web access is just a PITA, and if that capability is of utmost importance to you, this probably won't work for you, but the true intention of the Kindle is to receive and read e-books and with that, it serves its purpose exceptionally. 

If you are concerned that the government is secretly collecting data via wireless devices in an Orwellian fashion, this product may not be for you.  However, if you are someone who can enjoy virtual page-turning and live for books, the Kindle 2 will become an absolute necessity for you.