The Amazon Kindle 2 is not just a device for people who are leisurely readers. Many professionals are looking to the Kindle for their work-related documents. Many students trying to eliminate the burden of carrying dozen of books on their backs are also interested in the Kindle and how it may help them in their studies. There are pros and cons to the Kindle in these respects and the ultimate deal-maker or breaker for you is going to require you to weigh the pros against the cons.
For most people looking to get a digital version of their book, only MS Word or PDF versions are available. This is because most digital documents are set up to be read primarily on desktop computers. PCs and Macs can read these documents very easily or come with programs which can quickly convert files. Unfortunately, the Kindle does not have a native PDF reader and can only take a limited variety of files, most of which you will not find commonly.
Kindle 3G
There are some solutions to this. First, you can have Amazon convert your files for you for just a small fee. While it is not expensive, a student looking to convert dozens of books over the course of their studies may find it extremely time consuming and frustrating. And many college students don't have the money to be nickel-and-dimed. If you're good enough with computers, you can download programs and convert the files yourself. Again, it requires a bit of a learning curve and still takes time you may not be willing to invest.
But there are some benefits to switching over to the Kindle 2. First and most obvious, is the size. No more sore back from lugging around a backpack weighing as much as you or aching shoulder from hauling around a briefcase full of materials. You may also save money by switching over. While that sounds absurd considering the price tag of the Kindle, digital copies often cost substantially less that paper versions and over time may save you some change. And considering the digital age that college has entered, many teachers offer their class work in the form of PDF, meaning you will have to view it on a computer anyways. Why not make it your Kindle?
The decision comes down to weighing what is important to you against your resources. If you don't have the money or time to convert files, you may be put off by the Kindle. But if you are willing to put in the extra time and effort to get the files converted, you will find a great burden lifted off your shoulders, literally. If you are still torn, you could always consider the new Kindle DX. With native PDF format readers, it might prove the perfect solution for you.