Verified answer

It does seem like a waste of money - until you actually start using one - then you realize how heavy those 120 books would be if you had physical books rather than the electronic versions stuffed into your Kindle.

There are other benefits too. You can insert flags in the text or write comments which makes it great for study or just if you want reminders.

Obviously, I like them.

Mind you, I also really like the feel of a real book in my hand when I'm reading. I can get over that though.

Short answer: All technology is "unnecessary," so get off your computer.

Long answer: Nothing's "bad" about bringing a book with you, but a Kindle allows you to bring your entire library of books and documents with you if you so choose. For someone who reads one book at a time and doesn't read much, eBook readers of any kind are pretty useless. If you read a lot of books or documents, and like to switch back and forth among them, or maybe want to have a bunch of options when you are out and about and spontaneously need something to read, it's a useful thing to have... especially since you can order a book instantly, rather than having to drive somewhere or wait for it to be delivered.

If you had to ask the question, a Kindle or similar is probably unnecessary FOR YOU. There are lots of reasons, however, that it might be desirable or even "necessary" for someone else.

Yes. So are mobile phones, computers, televisions and iPods. I mean, is it so hard to wait until you get home to call someone? What's so bad about writing a letter instead of sending an email? Why can't you just listen to the radio instead of watching television? Why is it so hard just to play CDs instead of using an iPod?

Most technology is 'unnecessary'. That doesn't mean it's not convenient, useful and entertaining.

I don't particularly like Kindles or similar devices, personally. But a) I can see why they're useful and b) I really can't find it in myself to give a damn about what other people spend their money on. It seems really odd to me that you'd care.

It's not necessary, but that's because it's not a necessity, it's a luxury. It is convenient to carry something that wieghs less than a pound than say- a leatherbound copy of war and peace. It's not a waste of money, because then you can carry around your entire library with you.

It's not necessary, but i don't think it's a waste of money just because it's not "necessary." I suppose your house in unnecessary when you can just sleep in a tent, your computers unnecessary, etc. It's very useful, and it is in no way a waste of money.

You don't have to have a Kindle to read ebooks - most can be read on your computer.