Tell me about your Kindle

[njsweetP]

Do you love it? Are you glad you purchased it and is it worth the $$? Do you find it saved you money on books in the long run?
What version to you have?
Any and all comments will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[Msslaydbug]

I have had both the Kindle 1 and Kindle 2. I couldn't imagine my life without my Kindle - it was worth every penny !! I also gave one to my BFF for christmas/Birthday and she loves it as well.

Do you need one ? No - ayone can use the library for free
Have I saved money ? Probably not - I read more now than ever before so I probably spend more because I was an avid library fan before this.

I don't even leave the house withou mine now though. They aren't for everyone, but if you are a reader - you will love it !

 

[MrsPete]

I adore my Kindle! (Actually, I have the Kindle 2.)

I love almost everything about it:
I can carry multiple books on vacation, to the skate rink, anywhere -- and they take up no more space than a small magazine. I love that at Bible Study I can carry a King James Bible, an NIV Bible, and a historical commentary all in my purse.
Book storage has always been a problem in my house; I have never in my entire life owned enough bookshelves. Now I'm storing oodles of books in one tiny spot.
I never lose my place in a book (even if I'm reading multiple books at once).
I can look up the definition of a word effortlessly (without even leaving my text). I'm finding that while in the past I might've just skipped over a word, figuring that I basically knew what it meant, I now check the actual definition, and I'm learning nuances of words that I didn't know before -- and I have a degree in English lit!
I can read a chapter of a book before I commit to buying.
My aging eyes love the ability to change font size.
My books cannot be lost; even if I damage/lose the Kindle itself, my purchases are stored on Amazon.com, and one phone call could install them to a newly purchased Kindle -- of course, I hope never to use that feature!
I like to lie on my back and read, and the Kindle is lightweight and easy to hold in one hand; it doesn't try to fall shut when you're near the front or back of the book.
It's easy to read in sunlight.
The Kindle can do a few things other than hold books; for example, it can also hold archived information that you email to it. I scanned our passports and saved them into my Kindle, giving me an electronic copy to take on our upcoming cruise.
You can also subscribe to a limited number of magazines and newspapers. This is sensible in an ecological sense because you're not wasting paper.
I love that I can buy a book anywhere, anytime, and it'll be in my hands in less than a minute. You have to set up an account with Amazon, and anytime you buy a new book, it automatically goes to your credit card -- and you get an email stating that you've bought it.

Though I love it, I must admit a few negatives:
I am NOT saving money on books. I am reading more books, and I am buying more books -- as opposed to trading with friends or borrowing from the library. (However, I'm not hounding my husband to buy me bookcases anymore, so maybe that evens out.) Everyone I know who has a Kindle says the same thing; it is absolutely NOT a money-saver.
Having said that: A pleasant surprise was the number of FREE books that Amazon offers (try around the first of the month - they tend to pop up then). I have a backlog of free books waiting for me. Some of these are classics (Pride & Prejudice, Dracula), but others are written by new authors who are trying to attract a fan base. Many of them are things I wouldn't have chosen, but I have enjoyed tremendously.
Not all books that I want are available in Kindle format; I expect this will change as time goes on.
Some books I don't think I want in Kindle format; for example, I like paper cookbooks. And though I downloaded a Bible, I find it rather slow to flip from chapter/verse to chapter/verse at church. My daughter downloaded a Manga cartoon book, and it was disappointing; the wording is small, and its size cannot be changed.
One issue that I haven't solved yet is reading by the pool/beach, something I love to do. When I'm near the water, I simply pop my Kindle into a ziplock bag, and it's safe from splashes . . . but I can't leave it lying on a chair while I go for a dip. After all, if someone steals a cheap paperback, I won't be too upset, but if someone steals my Kindle, I would be devestated.
They advertise that bestsellers are $9.99 -- the truth is that MOST bestsellers are $9.99. Some books are more; for example, I just bought the newest Diane Galbadon book Echo in the Bone, and it was something like $16. Why? Because she knows that we will pay it. Also, I just bought the Lord of the Rings triology, which isn't a NEW bestseller and might not belong in this conversation at all, and it cost something like $10.99. I didn't think that was bad though, considering that it is a set of THREE books.

Comments that're neither positive nor negative, but that you might want to consider:
As soon as you buy a Kindle, you should immediately add some protection to keep it in top condition. I have a plastic film over the screen to protect scratches to that all-important part, a sticker from DecalGirl to prevent scratches to the body (and I like that it's pretty purple/blue instead of plain white), and a clear rubber-condom-type cover which makes the whole thing more "grippy" and makes me feel that I'm less likely to drop it. I keep the whole thing in a quilted, zippered bag. Maybe I'm paranoid, but this thing was expensive, and I don't want to damage it.
I use my Kindle almost every day, and my daughters often read Kindle-format books too. My battery lasts almost two weeks between charges -- IF the WhisperNet is turned OFF. With the internet feature turned on, it lasts about three days. The moral, of course, is that you should always keep your internet OFF unless you're actively buying a book. There's no purpose in draining your battery over and over.
Though you can buy books through the Kindle iteself, I prefer to buy on the computer. It's faster to switch from screen to screen, and you can see the full-color covers and recommendations for you. When you buy on the computer, the book is automatically sent to your Kindle. The next time you turn on the Kindle, you need to turn on the WhisperNet, and in less than a minute your new purchase is downloaded.

Go ahead and buy the Kindle -- you will love it.

 

[bridgetgabbie]

I don't have a kindle but have thought about it and wanted to say thanks for the awesome review. Wow, lots of information!

 

[puffkin]

What is the easiest way to search for free books? I have an iphone and I downloaded the kindle app, but I cn't seem to ever find decent free content.

 

[RSADP]

I am about due for an upgrade and I'm getting an iPhone! And I will most definitely DL the Kindle app!!!! I have a list of apps I've been scoping out for a while now....just waiting to DL them all!

 

[mrudman]

What is the easiest way to search for free books? I have an iphone and I downloaded the kindle app, but I cn't seem to ever find decent free content.

Some nice person on here had posted to look under "best sellers" and that's where you'll find a lot of the free books.

See if this link works: http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/

 

[agriffith]

I just got my Kindle 2 days ago, and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!! I agree with the thoughts of MrsPete. There are many advantages, and some cons, BUT... I am SO glad that I got it!

 

[puffkin]

Some nice person on here had posted to look under "best sellers" and that's where you'll find a lot of the free books.

See if this link works: http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/

Thanks! I actually found a few to give it a try!

 

[Zerosinthecloset]

OP,

Why not download Kindle for PC and give it a trial run to see if it will work for you? I did before my trip last weekend and it worked fine on my ASUS netbook. I downloaded a few free classics and kept myself busy.

If you like it, then you can buy one, if not then you're not out any $$$.

 

[MickeyMom2Boys]

I don't have the Kindle, but I do have the Kindle app on my ipod touch. I wasn't sure how I would like reading the books on a small screen, but I have to say I love it! Especially if I'm in a dark area - the screen is lit so I can read anywhere. The only thing that bothers me is I'm paying the same amount for the books as the printed copies on paperback. I would think the digital editions would be cheaper. And, as others have said, because I love it and it's so convenient I'm spending more because I'm buying and reading more books. But I do love it!

 

[mster425]

oops sorry double post

 

[mster425]

I agree with MrsPete's pro's and con's lists for the most part. I love my Kindle2!! Not wanting to leave it by the pool/on the beach is an issue, but minor.

A few things to add:
I don't think you can look things up by page #s in the book since it's a different format. If you're reading for a class or book club, that can be annoying. Same thing for if you lose your page (my Kindle rebooted once and I had to flip back to my spot, page by page)

The Kindle is not backlit and might have slightly less contrast than an actual book. I find it harder to read in low light than my paper books.


I love taking my Kindle to doctor's appointments, jury duty, work so I can read during my lunch break. I read a lot more now that I have it.

HOWEVER, I am very intrigued by Barnes and Nobles' Nook ereader.

If you get a Kindle you won't regret it!

ETA: definitely has not saved me any money because I read so much more! Lots of free content if I wanted though

 

[stinie18287]

does anyone have any information about the Kindle vs. Barnes and Noble's Nook?

 

[big_red_s]

does anyone have any information about the Kindle vs. Barnes and Noble's Nook?

The Nook is not out yet but there are some on-line comparison: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=114115466

 

[Disney Khi]

What is the easiest way to search for free books? I have an iphone and I downloaded the kindle app, but I cn't seem to ever find decent free content.

I have been researching e-book readers on the Mobile Read forums. Here is a link to free and cheap books for Kindles from that site. I have the Kindle app on my iPod and have read many free books with it. I just saw that they have added a Choose Your Own Adventure book. I loved those when I was a kid!

 

[JamesMom]

I love the Kindle I got for mother's day (when it was $350) and it is worth every penny and I haven't bought a book since Dan Browns lateste.

Every Tuesday, Amazon has 4-6 titles that you can download that week - for free. Then the prices on those titles return to normalJust this past week you could download 4 titles from Don Brown. Never read him, but its free.
Some of the free books are misses, but some are not. Always old releases. I currently have 30 books to be read and I ahven't spent a dime (been re-reading my Twilight books for the New Moom movie release)

Second, you can download your own *.txt files to it. I am a writer and it is great to have a copy of my works and work in progress to skim over wherever. Plus I read fanfiction and other writings. I use copy/paste to make a *.txt doc and sent it to my Kindle for reading at my lesiure.

Chat with other people and they recommend books - I pull up the bookstore right then and get the sample where Amazon sends yo the first 30 pages or so and you can get a feel for the book before paying for it.

Now I am upset for a few reason but I still love it: 1) harry potter NOT on kindle and the new Stephen King book won't be released untiil Dec 24, despite the fact the paper versions are everywhere.

I loved having the kindle when i travel, watch the kids at gym practice or at the pool. I even brought to the movie theatre to read (didn't want to see astro boy - sorry).

Nice little gadget.

 

[labdogs42]

I love my Kindle. I think mine is the Kindle 2, but not the one with International wireless. Thanks to you guys for the tips about the free books! I just downloaded a bunch of them! I dont' know if they are any good, but who cares? They were FREE!!

Oh yeah, I used to buy a LOT of hardcover bestsellers because I couldn't wait until they came out in paper back. Kindle saves you $$ on those kinds of purchases because even brand new hardcover titles are usually $9.99.

 

[bumbershoot]

Brilliant idea about scanning the passport! Thank you to the poster. Since hubby works for the kindle team, and he travels internationally for it, that's going to be a great suggestion for him. Can't believe he didn't think of it!


I have had access to the 2 for awhile (int'l), and it's great. Though I'm sure at some point I would want to read a paper-book...but then I was at the gym yesterday on the elliptical, and just had my little kindle sitting on the ledge while the nice woman next to me had to struggle with her book staying open. Last week I saw a woman on the treadmill with two big binder clips, one for the side, one for the top, of her book. And I just thought wow what a pain!


My sister in law won one, and her parents already had one each, and they just all share one account. So if her mom buys a book my SIL can just put it on hers, then she'll buy a book and her dad can read it, etc etc. Though I do believe my brother snagged her actual Kindle, b/c SIL has an iPhone from her law firm so she reads that way....


I did NOT think I would like it, but I've already started looking at my bookshelves with contempt. Thinking..."we've had to rent much bigger places than we really need b/c of you big pieces of furniture, and we've had to buy HUGE boxes and break our backs to move all of you books"...now I'm thinking about half price books, and slowly replacing them all on the kindle...think of the wall space! Actually I'd just repurpose the bookshelves so our living room would look like a Montessori school with DS's learning stuff and toys all neatly placed on the shelves...ahhhhh.

 

[KKB]

Waste of money for our family.
I thought I'd really like it for trips as we travel alot, but we just haven't...And I tend to take magazines to read on trips so I can just toss them when done.
DS14 thinks it's cool...but hasn't even finished the novel he downloaded on it! He has taken it on several trips, too!
We would all rather pick up a book!