Anyone have a kindle?

[robb01]

Im thinking about getting the Kindle e-book reader, and wondered if anyone had any thoughts on it? Seems a lot more convenient than going to the book store anytime I need a new book.

 

[EthansMom]

DH bought me one a few weeks ago for our anniversary. I LOVE it!

Pros:

The screen is moveable ink (not light like a t.v. or computer screen) and is very easy on your eyes.

You can change the font size, making it much easier to read.

You can hold the Kindle in one hand to read.

You can download books virtually anywhere.

Amazon saves your ebooks so you can reread them later, if you'd like.

You can get free samples of the books to decide if you want to buy them.

There are a lot of public domain books (think "classics") that can be obtained for free.

You can read waaaaay faster on a Kindle because you only have to push a button to change pages instead of turning the actual page. Also, the fact that the Kindle saves your spot helps you go right back to where you left off.

The built in dictionary is a nice feature too.

There are websites out there with links to free and cheap book downloads.

Cons:

Because of the technology used, there is not backlight on a Kindle... you can't read it in the dark.

There are still a LOT of books that aren't available as e-books, so a Kindle won't completely eliminate your needing to purchase paperbooks. (I take my Kindle to the bookstore. If I find a book I'm interested in, I check to see if it's available on the Kindle. If not, I'll purchase the paper version.)

Also, e-book downloads of new releases aren't always that much cheaper than purchasing a paper copy. (I purchase a lot of romance novels at Walmart and Target. Kindle prices to download those books are within $0.50 of the Walmart/Target price.)

My advice:

Check out books at Amazon to see if the kinds of books you like to read are generally available in Kindle format. (I knit as a hobby and can't find any decent selection of knitting books, for instance.)

If you get a Kindle, definitely buy a cover.... well worth the extra $$ to protect your investment.

I hope this helps!

 

[jdes88]

Thank you for posting this! I've been interested in one of these for myself!

 

[MoniqueU]

Thanks for the info, I have an eye condition and can't see to read but can see on the computer because it is backlit. Do you know if you can return it to amazon if you are unhappy with it? Also how easy is it to navigate the buttons if you can't see what they say? I can navigate an ipod just fine and never had to read the instructions. Is it that easy?

 

[Phalene]

I don't know if this is an option for you, but there is a free Kindle for iPhone/iPod application available if you already have an iPhone or iPod Touch.

I've been using it for weeks now on my iPod Touch and it is super easy to use, and convienent since I already carry that around so I don't have to carry anything else.

 

[EthansMom]

Thanks for the info, I have an eye condition and can't see to read but can see on the computer because it is backlit. Do you know if you can return it to amazon if you are unhappy with it? Also how easy is it to navigate the buttons if you can't see what they say? I can navigate an ipod just fine and never had to read the instructions. Is it that easy?

Can you read Large Print Books? The largest type setting on the Kindle makes the capital letters 0.4 cm large... a pretty good size, IMO. But there isn't any backlighting; it looks remarkably like ink on paper. I've heard the technology is actually moveable ink... kinda like drawing with a Magna Doodle, except the ink is moved electrically. There's also supposed to be an option to have the Kindle read the book to you, though I've never used that option so can't speak to it.

It is REALLY easy to navigate. Most options are at "Home" (books that you've downloaded, Users Guide, dictionary) or "Menu" (open link to Amazon, change settings, turn wireless on/off, etc..). There's a keypad to type in titles to search for specific books. Also, a "next page" button on each side of the Kindle in case you are right or left-handed.

I don't know what the return policy is, but Amazon could probably tell you.

I hope this helps.

 

[goofy370]

The Kindle is fantastic! I got one for Christmas last year. I also look up books from the bookstore, if its not available on the Kindle, I request it on Amazon.com. So far 2 books I requested became available on the Kindle. Its great when I go away. Instead of carrying multiple books, all you need is the Kindle!!

Yes, you can order one from Amazon and return it if you don't like it. I think it is a 30 day return policy.

Tracie

 

[Ephany]

I love my Kindle and can't say enough good things about it. DH tried to share with me, but that lasted about 2 weeks and then I bought him his own. It's perfect for all of the traveling he does, no more lugging books all over the place from hotel to hotel and taking up space. I've found so many free/cheap books that I really haven't spent that much on books and I've discovered so many new authors I wouldn't have been willing to try before. The initial expense is quite a bit, but we read so much that in the long run this will actually be more affordable. Plus, it is so convenient to hop on amazon and purchase a book; I no longer have to drive to a bookstore (40 miles or so) or wait for a package to arrive; usually the book has downloaded to my Kindle in less than a minute.

 

[amid chaos]

I love my kindle. I read in bed and it is so easy with the kindle, traveling is also fantastic.

My suggestion is to check to see if the last 10 books you read are in ebook format. If most of them are not, then it probably wouldnt be worth the money to get one.

Don't forget you can get newspapers and magazines automatically sent to your kindle.

You can also change from text to speech and listen to your books. Also, you can get books from audible.com for your kindle.

 

[jaycns]

I adore my Kindle2! It's one amazing piece of technology! I have never been a gadget lover but I LOVE MY KINDLE!

Hear about a good book from a friend? Pull your Kindle out and buy it so that you can start on reading it when you get home (and don't end up forgetting the name).

When you finish a book in a series, no waiting until you can get to the store to buy the next one...just a few short moments after you buy it via your wireless Kindle, it's there, ready to read.

Search on your favorite author and locate any of their works you may have missed out on. YES, you can do that at any bookstore or on any computer or at any library BUT...with your Kindle, it's instant gratification.

Finish a great book and wish you could keep reading more of that author's stuff? In less time than it takes to microwave a slice of pizza you can be started on their next work.

I cannot put into words how much I love to just grab my Kindle out of my purse and be able to read whatever I want while I taxi my kids around from activity to activity. Bright sun on the side of a soccer field, no problem, no glare, still perfectly easy to read. Darkened back row at a drama practice? Simply clip on a book light (as you would have to do with any book) and read away.

Last, it was a real treat to be able to download another book when I finished up the one I was reading while at WDW (it's great to be able to buy a book while laying out at the pool).

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Kindle!

 

[rcraw45425]

Another Kindle 2 fan here! I also cannot say enough good things about their customer service, about three weeks after I bought mine it developed a condition, the top 1/4 of the screen was black. I called them on Sunday morning, my new one was shipped out next day on Monday, arrived on Tuesday, I simply shipped the bad one back to them, postage paid. As far as the new release prices, I'm finding that if you don't jump right away if it's over 9.99, the price will generally come down to 9.99 as the book moves up the bestseller list. I also recommend the cover, I purchased the M-Edge leather in green based on the recommendation of some of the members here (DVC Liz and others), and it's well worth the money!

 

[becjlek]

My DH just ordered one for me. I am really looking forward to getting it.

 

[M5ward]

I got one from DH for Christmas, and I love it. I can make the print big enough so that I don't have to have my glasses on. I take it to the beach, and it is as easy (or easier) to read than a book. You can get the books much cheaper on the Kindle.
The second generation that came out a couple of months ago has a few more features and better location of the on/off buttons.
One of the absolute best gifts I ever got!