I do not have the kindle, but I know several people who do. The only way they can get books in Israel is to download them to their computer and then manually upload them to the Kindle. However, this only works if you pay with a US credit card (ie have a US billing address) – and not always. This apparently is because Amazon doesn’t have digital distribution rights in Israel, as it does in over 100 countries now. I guess if you had a billing address in a country where the Kindle is now sold, like UK or France, you could download from the bookstores in those countries (but probably not the US site). I have heard that it does not always work, even if you are paying with a US credit card, because their IP scanners have apparently ocassionally banned IP addresses outside the US.

However, all this works ONLY downloading purchased books to your computer. The Kindle will under no circumstances work with its internet connection here becasue it is supposed to connect only to an Amazon-affiliated service, which does not exist here. My advice – either get some friends in the US who can buy and download books for you and then send them over, or don’t bother with such an expensive device. I don’t think the licensing issue is going to be solved anytime soon.

I have some questions regarding the Kindle. Do you use it in Israel? Does it work on GSM without paying for it? Are you limited in the book content available to you?
Are you registered as a US customer on Amazon?

- Rotem.

Other reviews can extol upon the technology, the convenience of the dictionary, text to speak capability, etc. There are so many features that make this product great I don’t know where I would begin.

The one thing that I cannot stress enough is the convenience of this device. Who wants to carry around a hard cover or even paperback novel everywhere?

Whether I’m waiting for a friend to join me for dinner, on my lunch hour at work or at the doctor’s office, my Kindle 2 is at my side to provide my favorite books at a finger’s touch.

You completely forget you’re holding an electronic device. The page display is so real its AMAZING. I ordered a great case for it which makes holding the Kindle 2 even more realistic – it feels like I’m holding a book… of course, a much lighter book! I highly recommend a good case. It’s a bit odd to hold “bare”.

Also, invest in a good light. I have the Mighty Bright Light and it’s perfect. Clips onto the case and provides a high and low light option.

The device itself is remarkable. Add the right accessories and it’s even better.

Why Israel Won’t be Getting the Kindle – [link to post]

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