I had to charge K1.  I'm assuming that will still be the case.  In fact, I think I read that somewhere. 
And welcome Mark.  Glad you're here.
deb

 

No, it does not.

 

My first Kindle arrived fully charged.... We'll see about the second one later today....

 

According to the user's guide, it is supposed to com 50% charged, but the first thing you will see when you power it up is a screen instructing you to plug in the charger.

Figuring what the temperature is like over most of the country this time of year, I would plug it in anyway just on general principles. Most batteries do not like the cold.

As long as you are using the wall charger, you can still play with it while it charges.

 

I've had mine for about 6.5 hours, haven't plugged it in, downloaded over 200 books and still have a charge..It's indexing and whispernet is still on. I think that's a pretty good charge for a new product Granted, there's not MUCH of a charge left, but it's there

 

Mine was 50% charged when it arrived an hour ago.

Then it froze on startup and I had to reset it.

All is well now.

 

Mine also arrived with a 50% charge.

 

I was wondering about the same thing. Most electronics seem to come partially charged.

 

Mine had a decent charge; I plugged it in right away and still have an amber light...any idea how long it takes to fully charge and get the green light?

 

The users guide says 3 hours. You CAN use it while it's charging though. No need to wait, have fun!

 

Thanks

I've been poking around and have downloaded a few books, but my inner toddler wants to take it into the other room and curl up on the sofa. I probably have anohter hour before it's fully charged, though.