IIRC, I've read that you can upload files (I don't know what file format) into the device, which then allows you to browse them like any other Kindle book, in theory. It's a big draw for me, too, as I have dozens of e-book files that I'd love to read on an eye-friendly device.
For me, the one big downside is that the Kindle is designed as a tablet. I would much prefer a folding device that has dual screens. Such a device folded shut would protect the screens when not in use, and when held open would be like reading a real book, i.e. I could see two pages at a time.
The tablet design, i.e. a single unprotected screen is the chief turn-off of every e-book device IMO, but I realize it's a tradeoff to keep costs down. Double the screens = double the price.
I got DH one for Christmas along with the $20 cover. The cover doesn’t double your reading area, but it does close, thus protecting the screen and making it easier to carry around, less “kindle-looking” to thieves. He loves it. I’m not sure if he’s tried downloading WORD documents to it, but it claims to accept those formats. He loves being able to carry his entire library (well, barring the gazillion books we already have) around with him.
You wrote:
“For me, the one big downside is that the Kindle is designed as a tablet. I would much prefer a folding device that has dual screens. Such a device folded shut would protect the screens when not in use, and when held open would be like reading a real book, i.e. I could see two pages at a time.”
That’s EXACTLY what I have been telling friends! That would be closest to an actual book in terms of feel and usage.
“The tablet design, i.e. a single unprotected screen is the chief turn-off of every e-book device IMO, but I realize it’s a tradeoff to keep costs down. Double the screens = double the price.”
True. I think in a few years the price will really come down. Think of VCRs and DVD players. I remember buying a VCR at Walmart in 1991 for...I think it was $134. Eight years later you could pick them up for less than $80. Now? What? $30? Of course the introduction of DVD players had a lot to do with that!