Amazon Kindle Layout

Back of the Kindle
© Amazon.com
A rubberized surface on the back of the Kindle covers the SD card slot and removable battery.

­The Kindle has an off-white plastic casing and an asymmetric, beveled shape, like a closed three-ring binder. It has a rubberized back that makes it easier for users to hold the device. It's 7.5 inches (19 centimeters) long and 5.3 inches (13.5 centimeters) wide. It's only .7 inches (1.8 centimeters) thick and weighs a mere 10.3 ounces.

The central feature on the Kindle is its electronic paper screen. It measures six inches (15.2 centimeters) along the diagonal and has a 167 dots per inch (DPI) resolution. The screen can only display images in black and white. Unlike LCD screens, it's not backlit. That means you'll need a reading light if you want to skim a novel in a setting with little ambient light.

On either side of the screen are sets of two large buttons. On the left you'll find buttons for "next page" and "previous page." The right side features buttons for "next page" and "back." Some reviewers have commented that the "back" and "previous page" buttons sometimes function identically and sometimes do different things, which can cause confusion. Several critics have also pointed out that the placement of the buttons makes it easy for users to accidentally turn a page just by picking up the Kindle.

Beneath the screen you'll find a scroll wheel, a full keypad and an array of function buttons. The scroll wheel acts as a navigation interface -- like a mouse -- allowing the user to select options or specific lines of text. Pressing down on the wheel is like clicking a button on the mouse -- it lets you activate options. The keypad allows you to type notes while reading text or use the search feature. The function keys map to search and menu shortcuts.

On the base of the Kindle you'll find a headphone jack (the Kindle can play mp3 files), a USB port and a power adapter plug. You'll also find a pair of volume buttons. The power button is on the back of the Kindle along with a switch that activates the Kindle's wireless receiver. Underneath the removable rubberized pad is a slot that can accept a standard SD Flash memory card. You'll also find the Kindle's removable battery pack there.

The Kindle comes with a USB cable and a power adapter. It also comes with a protective book cover. The cover has a padded section that protects the screen and an elastic band that holds the cover closed. Amazon also has a selection of accessories for the Kindle, including leather covers and adapters for non-U.S. electrical systems.

Now let's take a look at what makes the Kindle work.