Thinking positive i.e. I think I want a Kindle

[chirurgeon]

Every anniversary I pass for being cancer free I get myself something NICE. This time I am thinking about a Kindle. But I have a thing problem. I like handling books. The feel, even the smell. Like Giles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I think I would miss that. But the advantage of the Kindle and electronic books is space. If I like an author, I keep all of the books I have from that author. I of course would keep the file on my computer or store on CD.

So what other opinions are out there?

Kim

 

[Annette_VA]

I say go for it!!

I don't have a Kindle, but I do have the Kindle app on my iPhone.

I also thought I'd miss the feel of a book in my hands. However, I love reading on my iPhone!

I read a lot more now that I have it, too. Like they were saying on the podcast, if you're in line or waiting for something, it's so easy to just grab the Kindle and read a few pages to kill the time.

Definitely get one. You deserve it!

 

[wildfan1473]

I, too, thought for sure I would miss handling books. Come to find out, it doesn't bother me at all. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Kindle. Go for it!

 

[DisNutSam]

Well.....I bought one Wed. night. After hearing Kevin's remarks on the Kindle, and then he informed me in chat that the price went down, I went for it. I also love the feel of a book, but I found I was stacking them everywhere. My youngest is vision impaired and I think it will be good for the whole family. Now you would know that my Zune mp3 player died on Thurs. night.LOL I only had it a year and had taken good care of it. I'm thinking I-touch, but have to wait for a while since I'm getting the Kindle. The whole family will be listening to the podcast at dinner on Wed. and Thurs evenings, now. I'll just tell the girls that we are pretending we are back in the day of radio as entertainment.LOL

Best Wishes,

Sam

 

[robertgp124]

We bought a Kindle 2 when they came out. Here are some thoughts-

1) Some people do not like the lack of a backlight. I heard Jeff Bezos address this on Charlie Rose. He says Amazon left a backlight out because it is actually easier on the eyes - he compared it to staring into a flashlight. I tend to agree - the Kindle is extremely easy on the eyes.

2) The feel - the smaller Kindle 2 (I think they call it they Kindle 6" now) make you forget you have a device in your hands. The "electronic ink" is easy to read and comfortable in my hands. The size of the print is easily controlled.

3) I can request all kinds of samples - sometimes the samples are short, often they are longer and can run the first and a portion of the second chapter of the book. The samples are free.

4) There's a surprisingly large back catalog. If you like the classics, often they are available for free or at a reduced cost (between 99 cents and $3).

On the downside, not everything is $9.99. It has to hit the bestseller list first.

Robert

 

[stitchlover]

First of all, Congrats on your cancer free status. How many years has it been now?

Second, go for it! I received mine for my birthday and activated it on June 6th. I am on my 13th or 14th book since then. It was very odd at first because like you I enjoy the feel of a book in my hands, the weight of it, the feel of the paper, etc. The first few days were a little weird and now it doesn't seem odd at all. I do still find myself lying in bed reading and thinking oh, I'm gonna have to move the sheet out of the way so I can turn the page. And then thinking, duh no I don't!

I have loved mine and believe you will probably enjoy it too.

 

[tlcoke]

I am like Kim, I like holding a book, but I am considering the Kindle app for my Ipod Touch. There are times, it would be nice to have a book handy to read, and since I have my touch with me most of the time, that would be very handy at a moments notice.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I honestly cant say enough good things about my Kindle. I love it.

As for not having a backlight.....neither do regular books. You need an outside light source.

In addition.....this is not an "either or" situation. Ther is no rule that says you cant buy traditional books when the mood stikes. Some "picture heavy" books would not do well on a Kindle.

I've read that the object of the Kindle is for it to disappear in your hand. The designers want you to have a great reading experience and to make it as simple as possible.

Finally....if you have a Kindle or want a Kindle....take a look at the Kindle covers at www.OberonDesign.com.

I have one and I must say that it's a piece of art. I'm in love with it. I showed it to Pete and he ordered one while we were recording.

These are on the pricey side compared with the covers sold on Amazon, but there is a HUGE difference.

Oberon Design also offers other amazing items, not just Kindle covers.

They offer an assortment of leather goods and jewelry etc.

Even if you do not buy...you should take a look. Beautiful stuff, beautifully made by a very small family owned and operated business.

My Kindle cover is truly a piece if art I can carry around with me.

 

[Dale-Not-Chip]

If you read a lot. Get one.

I would recommend getting the new one that also reads PDF files as well.

 

[chirurgeon]

Thanks everyone, especially Kevin (even though I knew what you would say.) I had already looked at the Oberon site. Beautiful leather work. There were at least 3 different covers I wanted. As long as I get the all clear (God Willing) when I see my teddy bear of an oncologist, I see both a Kindle and an Oberon cover in my future.

Kim

 

[Tonya2426]

Thanks everyone, especially Kevin (even though I knew what you would say.) I had already looked at the Oberon site. Beautiful leather work. There were at least 3 different covers I wanted. As long as I get the all clear (God Willing) when I see my teddy bear of an oncologist, I see both a Kindle and an Oberon cover in my future.

Kim

What do you mean as long as you get the all clear?!?!?! Whenever I go to the Gastro I get myself a nice pair of shoes afrewards as a treat regardless of whether the appointment went well or not.

Therefore, you should get the Kindle and cover no matter the outcome - either to celebrate or raise your spirits. It is the only sensible way to think about the situation - says the shopoholic.

 

[chirurgeon]

What do you mean as long as you get the all clear?!?!?! Whenever I go to the Gastro I get myself a nice pair of shoes afrewards as a treat regardless of whether the appointment went well or not.

Therefore, you should get the Kindle and cover no matter the outcome - either to celebrate or raise your spirits. It is the only sensible way to think about the situation - says the shopoholic.

Its so nice to have such enabling friends. Thanks, Tonya.

Kim

 

[robertgp124]

Kim- I'm with the others. Order yourself one now. It's very easy to regret an expensive purchase. The Kindle isn't one that you will ever regret.

Kevin- I had not seen the Oberon covers. I meant to after your mention on the podcast, but forgot. They are simply beautiful. I had made up my mind what to get Colleen for her birthday, but now that I've seen the Oberon covers I may have to rethink that. They are simply beautiful. If she saw them first herself, I doubt very much that she would be able to help but pull the trigger on one.

 

[Tonya2426]

Its so nice to have such enabling friends. Thanks, Tonya.

Kim

What are friends for??

 

[NC Belle]

I think a Kindle sounds great. I wish that we had at least 1.

 

[DisneyKevin]

You also have a 30 day money back guarantee.

If you dont like it...return it.

I bought the DX and decided, for several reasons, that it wasnt for me.

It was easy to return and Amazon was terrific about notifying me that it had been received and that the credit had been placed.

Also, book shopping at 1:00am is addictive.

I still go to book stores....see things that appeal to me and then buy it for the Kindle for less.

 

[ragtopday]

You guys are such enablers! I've been wanting one for awhile, but have held off due to the high cost of the device, and because I am a big library user. With the Kindle I would have to buy the books first. But gee.......And those Oberon Design covers are simply gorgeous! Like Kim, I saw 2 or 3 I would have a tough time choosing between.

And now that the price has been lowered.....well, I just may have to examine my budget more closely.....

 

[wishspirit]

If you read a lot. Get one.

I would recommend getting the new one that also reads PDF files as well.

Wow! It can do that??

Most to all of my university reading is on a PDF, so to be able to read it on the go without dragging half a rainforest with me would be great! Plus you can highlight text etc.

Can you add notes onto the PDF or word documents? because if you can I would definitely get this when it comes out in the UK! My boyfriends uncle has one, and is thinking about selling them, I might see if I can borrow it....

 

[Dodie]

I love mine. I have the original version. I was Kindle before Kindle was cool, even before the big Oprah hoopla.

I can't imagine living without my Kindle now. Period.

I'm sure everything is going to be just fine and we will have convinced you.

 

[Paul in CT]

Another great thing about the Kindle is the "text to speech" feature. I can "read" my books while commuting using this feature. Although it is computer speak and not as expressive as "books on CD", it is easy to understand and much less expensive.