Kindle User please give feedback

[bumbershoot]

I just want to assure people you don't HAVE to use a cover, I never have except when I zip it into a freezer bag to read in the tub! I also don't have a cover on my Iphone, so it is just a preference.

Brilliant!!!!!

Definite Cons:
No way to share books. (My mom and I exchange ppaerbacks all the time)

You can have several people on one Kindle account. My SIL and brother share their Kindle account with her parents, so what her parents buy SIL/brother can read, and vice versa. Totally allowed. I don't exactly know how you do it, but I know someone very well who is now working on the Kindle team, and he says it's totally OK. (note: legal team could change things, this was not legal advice, just what I was told by an employee and my SIL and brother)

 

[Julia M]

Brilliant!!!!!
You can have several people on one Kindle account. My SIL and brother share their Kindle account with her parents, so what her parents buy SIL/brother can read, and vice versa. Totally allowed. I don't exactly know how you do it, but I know someone very well who is now working on the Kindle team, and he says it's totally OK. (note: legal team could change things, this was not legal advice, just what I was told by an employee and my SIL and brother)

Yes, you can have up to 5 Kindles on one account. But, you can't have one Kindle on multiple accounts. My Kindle is tied to my Amazoin account and credit card. My mom is tied to hers. I can't put mine on hers, also.

I have wondered, however, if I could deactivate my Kindle from my account, add it to my moms and download her books and read them. When I'm done, put it back on mine.

Julia

 

[BethA]

so my kindle from ebay should arrive any day--are there any newer free books out there? Is amazon the best/only place to buy the books.
Love the ziplock bag idea!!

Do all those little clip lights fit or do you ned the special kindle lights?
I am so excited to get this!! I hope I love it!

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

I got DW a kindle a few months ago and so far it has been perfect in operation.

She does have a small LED book light and it seems to fit perfectly.

 

[patsfan101]

I have been intrigued by the indle for a while and was so happy to see this thread!!

Here's my latest thought - MIL's eyes are going. I was thinking a Kindle would be great because she could increase the print size, not have to drive to the library or bookstore, and have the Kindle read for her when her eyes get tired. Sounds like a no-brainer. Here's the "but" - she refuses to use a cell phone, is completely computer illiterate, and generally mechanically handicapped.

Is it (the Kindle) really that easy to use? Other posters have said they boufht one for parents, etc. Are these parents computer savvy?

If I got one too and they were both on my amazon account, does eliminate any computer use for her? How would she find books to download right from the Kindle itself?

 

[BethA]

I have been intrigued by the indle for a while and was so happy to see this thread!!

Here's my latest thought - MIL's eyes are going. I was thinking a Kindle would be great because she could increase the print size, not have to drive to the library or bookstore, and have the Kindle read for her when her eyes get tired. Sounds like a no-brainer. Here's the "but" - she refuses to use a cell phone, is completely computer illiterate, and generally mechanically handicapped.

Is it (the Kindle) really that easy to use? Other posters have said they boufht one for parents, etc. Are these parents computer savvy?

If I got one too and they were both on my amazon account, does eliminate any computer use for her? How would she find books to download right from the Kindle itself?

I have all these same questions---anyone want to offer some insight?

 

[GRUMPY PIRATE]

Hmmm, DW is not all that good with a computer, but she DOES have several automated quilt/sewing programs that she uses with a interface to her sewing machines.

When we got her a kindle, I set up her account so that she could download and buy books. The biggest thing that we went over is turning off the wireless to save battery, and the fact that if she does buy a book with the kindle, she BOUGHT it. (we had to do a download of preview a few times to get it right)


I have had to deal with people that refuse to learn about technology (pc, gps, cell, etc.) and mostly it is because they are scared of making a mistake.
what I do, is get their manuel, go over it, and have them use it while I am there. After a couple of times, they get the confidence to use it themselves.

after a few months, DW has become an "expert" with her kindle. we even sent a few .pdf documents to it to convert them for view on the kindle.

I think she would do just fine, as long as you show her how to use the various features.

 

[mickey317]

I LOVE my kiindle. I have had it since Dec. 08 - it is easy to use - when people do not know what it is I usually explain it as similar to an ipod for books. It has features I haven't even used - I only use it to read books & subscribe to a couple of blogs.

For those asking if you need to be comouter savvy - not really. If you set it up for someone that does not use a PC then every couple of months hook the kindle back up & delete some of the content the person should be fine.

As far as searching for books and buying them on the kindle - it is pretty easy and works off a wireless signal (like a cell phone would) so you do not need to be connected to the PC/internet at all to purchase. I recently purchased a new book while on vacation - on the beach in the Outrbanks, NC.

A book light is a must for reading in the dark/dimly lit areas.

Hope this helps if anyone is thinking about buying one.

 

[MrsPete]

I am considering buying a Kindle and would love to hear who loves it and who hates it and why-
do you use it a lot?
Is the 2 a lot better? And can you use it in the sun with out trouble seeing the screen and eye strain?

Thanks for any info you can offer. I know there are kindle users out there!

beth

Love it, love it, love it! I have the Kindle 2, and from what I can see, it is a big step up from an original Kindle. IF you could find the original on ebay for perhaps half-price, it'd be worthwhile. The difference between the two isn't night and day; I mean, if I owned a 1, I wouldn't upgrade just to have the newest and nicest.

What I love:
I can carry LOADS of books in a small package. Since we travel rather often, I love this.
I can buy a book and have it INSTANTLY.
It's easy to hold; it's lightweight and doesn't lose its place if you set it down and walk away for a moment.
No trouble reading by the pool.
You can email documents to your Kindle. I'm going to scan our passports and email them to myself before our next cruise. It'll be a safe way to keep copies.

What I don't love:
I wish it had a folder-feature to organize books.
Some books I'd like to buy aren't yet available in Kindle format; I suspect this will change in the future. If this matters to you, do take a moment to go to the specific book you want on Amazon.com and click the button that says "tell the publisher you want this to become available in Kindle format". If enough people demand it, they'll offer it.
On an airplane, they made me turn it off during take off/landing, even though the wireless was off and it was impossible for it to disrupt anything. With the wireless off, you're just reading from the enclosed digital memory card. It was easier to just listen to the flight attendant, even though she didn't know what she was talking about.

Random thoughts:
You can get Kindle downloads from places other than Amazon.com. I'm not sure it's legal, but some best seller collections are offered on ebay. Very cheap. There are also websites out there. Any file you upload must have an amz (?) format.
We went out west last summer, and in some remote areas we couldn't get internet service; if you live out there, you won't be to buy books from anywhere you don't have internet service. Of course, you can still read what you've already downloaded.
Be sure to get a cover of some sort right away. I have a rubber condom-type cover on mine, and when it's not in use it's in a Bora Bellsa bag sized for the Kindle. I keep a ziplock in my bag, and anytime I'm at the pool I put the Kindle inside. Before I got the cover, I was always afraid it would slip out of my hands. The rubber makes it "gripable".
You can buy through the Kindle itself, but I prefer to buy from Amazon.com on the computer. It's quicker, and you can search more easily. When you buy from the computer, it sends the book file to your account, and as soon as you turn on your wireles, the book appears.
You should keep the wireless turned off except when you're buying something; with the wireless off, the battery lasts about two weeks between charges -- whereas, it'll run down in 2-3 days if your wireless service is left on.

 

[lisajl]

Thank you for this thread. I have been wracking my brain to find something for our DD-soon to be 24- a Christmas gift! I think this will be a great gift.
Not to mention, she is still in college-English Major.

Lisa

Oh-so, we should get a case -anything else important?

 

[patsfan101]

.
On an airplane, they made me turn it off during take off/landing, even though the wireless was off and it was impossible for it to disrupt anything. With the wireless off, you're just reading from the enclosed digital memory card. It was easier to just listen to the flight attendant, even though she didn't know what she was talking about.

I've been asked to turn off a calculator on a plane, so this does not surprise me. The flight attendant said if it was not solar powered, it ahd to be turned off. the kids hand-held games (Game Boy, DS) also have to be turned off during take-off and landing, and no wireless there

Thanks for all your responses. Loving the ziploc idea for by the pool/in the tub! ("condom" cover - hee hee)

 

[amid chaos]

I like that I can download a free sample (first chapter or two). At the end of the sample it gives you the option to buy the book or delete the sample. I also use this if i am waiting for a book to come down in price.

 

[penguin087]

I have a rubber condom-type cover on mine, and when it's not in use it's in a Bora Bellsa bag sized for the Kindle. I keep a ziplock in my bag, and anytime I'm at the pool I put the Kindle inside. Before I got the cover, I was always afraid it would slip out of my hands. The rubber makes it "gripable".

Can you post a picture or link of the rubber cover? Did it come from Amazon? Im always afraid of dropping mine too. I think I would prefer something like that over the cover I have now. I haven't seen anything like that.

 

[BethA]

reading at take off and landing is a big deal to me because I am a nervous flyer and it helps to distract me---I forgot I'd have to turn it off--maybe I'll have to have a paperback when I fly still

 

[Jhalkias]

My wife and I both got K2's at launch, and we both love them.

We both also have iphones, with the Kindle App, so reading in the dark or catching up on a book when we don't have our kindle with us. I don't think the iPhone screen is ideal for long-term reading, but just fine for in-between times. We both just have the plain covers from Amazon, and they work fine. I can't imagine not having some kind of cover, because it makes it more "booklike".

Booklights work, but I find them just as awkward as with real books. The batteries seem to make them awkward - I like a lamp better.

As to an Apple device, I am a big Apple fan, and all of our stuff in the house is Apple. I just got tired of waiting. Too many rumors without a concrete device. If it shows up sometime, then I'll decide if it is worth it.

I call my Kindle my iPod for my books, and it is a good analogy.

As to planes, the ruling for now is if it has an on-off switch, you can't use it. Maybe the FAA will change those rules some day. I just take a magazine for takeoffs and landing.

 

[BethA]

My wife and I both got K2's at launch, and we both love them.

We both also have iphones, with the Kindle App, so reading in the dark or catching up on a book when we don't have our kindle with us. I don't think the iPhone screen is ideal for long-term reading, but just fine for in-between times. We both just have the plain covers from Amazon, and they work fine. I can't imagine not having some kind of cover, because it makes it more "booklike".

Booklights work, but I find them just as awkward as with real books. The batteries seem to make them awkward - I like a lamp better.

As to an Apple device, I am a big Apple fan, and all of our stuff in the house is Apple. I just got tired of waiting. Too many rumors without a concrete device. If it shows up sometime, then I'll decide if it is worth it.

I call my Kindle my iPod for my books, and it is a good analogy.

As to planes, the ruling for now is if it has an on-off switch, you can't use it. Maybe the FAA will change those rules some day. I just take a magazine for takeoffs and landing.

thanks--my son has the itouch-if I already paid for a book and have it on kindle can I also have it on his itouch? It would be great for amusement parks-I don't ride roller coasters, and would make my wait for him go faster.


anyone have that periscope cover? I don't think I'd need the notepad, but it has a light in it

 

[Jhalkias]

thanks--my son has the itouch-if I already paid for a book and have it on kindle can I also have it on his itouch? It would be great for amusement parks-I don't ride roller coasters, and would make my wait for him go faster.


anyone have that periscope cover? I don't think I'd need the notepad, but it has a light in it

Yes, but if it is a touch, just keep in mind you are not connected without Wi-Fi. On the iPhone, you can download any of your books any time over the 3g network. With the touch, make sure you download the book while online with WiFi that you want to have with you.

Another interesting thing you may want to know . . . when you connect your Kindle through whispernet, or leave the wireless on, it "synchronizes" your pages so that you are always where you left off in the book. With the touch, you would have to synchronize when you once again have WiFi to keep your kindle in sync with where you were reading.

Our daughter has a touch, with the Kindle App, and there are lots of free books out there that you can download as well as books you can buy. Project Guttenburg, Feedbooks, as well as Amazon have these books available.

If books are in the public domain, and have been copied somewhere, you can usually find them - many of the classics are there (no more buying a copy of "Tom Sawyer", or " A Tale of Two Cities".

I might also mention an excellent podcast that you can download if you listen to podcasts, it is called "The Kindle Chronicles", by Len Edgerly, and I listen to it every week for great tips and news about the Kindle. It is on iTunes, or you can download if you do a Google search on the name directly from his site.

 

[BethA]

someone please help me out with all the covers and cases--mine came with a hard plastic case, but not with the litle picture frame type back/stand. It seems oka-, but should I get a different cover or just a case for it. There are too many and i'm overwhelmed!!

 

[Jhalkias]

We just have the Amazon covers. They are reasonably priced, and work fine. The only issue we have had is that we look like we are carrying around our religious tracts when we are out with them. (they are plain black)

 

[belle&sebastiansmom]

My DH is a numbers guy, I'm the total opposite.

How many new release hardback books would I have to buy (say at a $20 pricetag) for the kindle to begin paying for itself (but also factor in all the kindle books to buy, say new releases for $10 a piece.)

Maybe he's just trying to confuse me!

There is a kindle forum on amazon with a thread asking how many kindle books did you purchase in the first three months. The numbers were astounding - 70 to 300 books in some cases. I can't and don't read that many books per month! If you own a kindle, how many books do you really read on your kindle in a month?