CAJUNLAWYER
Member
ANyone have one? Pluses-minuses.
What's this "Kindle" thingy???
- Thread starter CAJUNLAWYER
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I think it's one of those eelectronic book thingies....
Looks kind'a like an I-Pad, if I'm not mistaken. Say you wanna read Tom Sawyer; just type in "Tom Sawyer" and there it is on the screen.
I've never actually held one in hand, so I might be off on this.
Looks kind'a like an I-Pad, if I'm not mistaken. Say you wanna read Tom Sawyer; just type in "Tom Sawyer" and there it is on the screen.
I've never actually held one in hand, so I might be off on this.
rewster
Member
I have the Barnes & Noble "Nook". Same idea. Very convenient holding the thing and changing pages. However !!
The ebooks were originally supposed to be up to $9.99 but now you have to pay as much as $14.99 with a lot at $12.99 for new releases. This is usually only a few dollars less than the hardcover.
I read a lot of history (Civil War/Custer/French & Indian War, etc) and there is always a lot of back and forth among the pages to re-read a section or check a fact and it is difficult to find specific passages. I've found it good for fiction.
It will be good for vacation which is coming up shortly.
The ebooks were originally supposed to be up to $9.99 but now you have to pay as much as $14.99 with a lot at $12.99 for new releases. This is usually only a few dollars less than the hardcover.
I read a lot of history (Civil War/Custer/French & Indian War, etc) and there is always a lot of back and forth among the pages to re-read a section or check a fact and it is difficult to find specific passages. I've found it good for fiction.
It will be good for vacation which is coming up shortly.
Sir, it's a book that requires batteries. 
I suppose it makes sense if you're really cramped for space but still want access to a bunch of books, but otherwise it just seems silly.
JMHO, FWIW.
Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.
Ron H.
I suppose it makes sense if you're really cramped for space but still want access to a bunch of books, but otherwise it just seems silly.
JMHO, FWIW.
Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.
Ron H.
Andy Griffith
Member
Do you lose all the books when the hard drive goes?
I can get all the used books I want for cheap.
Until they have the SCSW in electronic format, I ain't gett'n one. Even then, I'd use my 'puter.
I can get all the used books I want for cheap.
Until they have the SCSW in electronic format, I ain't gett'n one. Even then, I'd use my 'puter.
NFrameFred
Member
It's an electronic device vainly designed to tempt the non-reading generation to read, that will store thousands of books and lose them all when it fails . . . . .
nicky4968
Member
My son (20 years old) has one made by the Apple people, I forget the name. The technology is incredible. Many textbooks that cost $50-$300 can be had for under $10 over the internet (things where the copyright has expired). He can take notes on it by typing (a touch-keyboard appears on the screen, QWERTY format) during class and store them on a server separate from the device itself. If he loses the device, or it's stolen, he doesn't lose his papers or class notes.
You question was about the Kindle; my response is only dealing with the technology itself. I don't know what's available on the Kindle that's not on the Apple or the other way around. I want one desperately.
You question was about the Kindle; my response is only dealing with the technology itself. I don't know what's available on the Kindle that's not on the Apple or the other way around. I want one desperately.
My wife gave me one for Christmas when they first came out, despite me telling her that I didn't want one. (I am technically challenged...as well as just about any-other-thing-challenged.) I tried it to keep from hurting her feelings, and found that I liked it. You can store an amazing number of books on it, it is easy to use, you can adjust the font size so that you don't have to wear reading glasses, it remembers where you were when you want to change books, and so on. It does not lose your books if something happens to it; they are maintained online. There are a lot of free books available, including a good many of the classics. Battery life is very good. It is very portable and easy to carry.
The downsides (for me): some authors are not available for the Kindle, and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for who is or who isn't. Most of what I want to read has been available, but not all. I also like to keep hardcover editions of books I really like, so in some cases I've bought a Kindle edition and then later bought a hardcover edition. That is not completely a negative, though, since I can read a new book from some of my favorite authors on the Kindle as soon as it is released at a price lower than new hardcovers cost, and then later I can buy the hardcover edition either used or at lower cost when they have been out a while, and the total cost isn't much more than the new hardcover would be.
I really like mine, but several other versions are available now...you may want to do some comparisons.
The downsides (for me): some authors are not available for the Kindle, and there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for who is or who isn't. Most of what I want to read has been available, but not all. I also like to keep hardcover editions of books I really like, so in some cases I've bought a Kindle edition and then later bought a hardcover edition. That is not completely a negative, though, since I can read a new book from some of my favorite authors on the Kindle as soon as it is released at a price lower than new hardcovers cost, and then later I can buy the hardcover edition either used or at lower cost when they have been out a while, and the total cost isn't much more than the new hardcover would be.
I really like mine, but several other versions are available now...you may want to do some comparisons.
cowboy117
Member
Another reason to get your money,IMHO.Get a used book.On a related note,all of the younger people text constantly.They walk around holding phones.What do you think they are doing while driving? ;(
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venomballistics
Member
I looked at this thread and thought "hey ... that would be rather handy at the electronics bench loaded with a pile of reference texts"
you think $14.99 sucks ... Ive seen a few titles tipping the scales at $240 !!!!!!!!!!!!
There's no hard drive, it's flash memory like a camera. Chance of failure next to nothing, and you can always back it up to your computer. Titles you have purchased you can re-download for free.
I have several hundred books on mine. I think two of them cost me anything. Lots of free stuff. Great to have a large choice of reading at your fingertips when traveling without lugging a stack of paper. Batteries? If I have the wireless turned off (which I usually do) I normally go two weeks on a a charge. Great little device.
I have several hundred books on mine. I think two of them cost me anything. Lots of free stuff. Great to have a large choice of reading at your fingertips when traveling without lugging a stack of paper. Batteries? If I have the wireless turned off (which I usually do) I normally go two weeks on a a charge. Great little device.
I have one, and like it. It will fit in my cargo pants. You can order books and they show up instantly. I think better for fiction, as someone else says, than for something you want to study, because i don't think flipping around in it, or studying pix or charts, is easy. It is monochromatic. It does not do anything other than let you read books so, no phone, email, or internet. It's great for someone living in a remote area (if there is cell acess) or abroad, because you can get your books whenever you want. A downside is once you have read a book, you can't give it to someone else. You can store books in it, and amazon archives as well. If you turn off the wireless, a battery charge lasts a couple of weeks.
If you want, you can get newspapers and magazines, too.
The kindle has been getting cheaper and cheaper. Started at around $350, second gen was smaller at $250, and the one now is smaller still, although same screen size, and maybe $160 or so. It is about the size of a paperback book, but thinner. Very light. I think you may need to specify if you want the one that works off cell towers, as I think there is one that you must connect to a computer, too, to download books. If you go to amazon.com, read all about it on their home page.
I bought mine after reading on the forum here someone's thread on 'em.
If you want, you can get newspapers and magazines, too.
The kindle has been getting cheaper and cheaper. Started at around $350, second gen was smaller at $250, and the one now is smaller still, although same screen size, and maybe $160 or so. It is about the size of a paperback book, but thinner. Very light. I think you may need to specify if you want the one that works off cell towers, as I think there is one that you must connect to a computer, too, to download books. If you go to amazon.com, read all about it on their home page.
I bought mine after reading on the forum here someone's thread on 'em.
I don't have one, but was told that for people with vision problems, they are easier to read.
writerinmo
US Veteran
Barnes and Noble just contacted me about putting my stuff in their inventory to be available on the Nook. The advantage for that for me is that I can publish my own work as I want it without beating down the doors trying to find a good agent who can sell your idea to a big-name brick and mortar publisher (and failing) and I can set my own prices for my work.
I don't have one... if I did I would PROBABLY buy the Kindle version personally, there are just too many rumors floating around that Barnes and Noble may be the next Blockbuster.
I don't have one... if I did I would PROBABLY buy the Kindle version personally, there are just too many rumors floating around that Barnes and Noble may be the next Blockbuster.
AZTim
US Veteran
Have had a Kindle for a year now and have read 30 to 35 books. I am hooked and don't know if I'll ever read a "real book" again.
Pasifikawv
Member
Got one for Christmas. Also hooked. Haven't bought a paper book since and I can keep up with new releases at a lower price. (Just got Jonh Sanford's latest last week with Lee Child and Vince Flynn each having a release in a few weeks.)
Being in the sticks, getting to the library or the bookstore is a chore. With a few pushes of a button, I have the book instantly for less.
The free web browser is still in experimental stage and most sites aren't Kindle (or any pda) friendly, but I found it useful a time or two when I needed a quick look up when traveling.
Being in the sticks, getting to the library or the bookstore is a chore. With a few pushes of a button, I have the book instantly for less.
The free web browser is still in experimental stage and most sites aren't Kindle (or any pda) friendly, but I found it useful a time or two when I needed a quick look up when traveling.
venomballistics
Member
I believe there was a program that'd convert PDF to JPG's ... so you could use a cheaper picture frame as an Ebook reader ... Ill have to dig that trick up
They have their place. I bought one of the Sony versions last fall and have used it from time to time. All things being equal, I prefer a traditional book and there are some books I like to buy, preferably hardback, and keep. With that said, they are excellent for travel, etc as you can take a LOT of reading material and take up almost zero space. I bought mine after being diagnosed with cancer. I knew I was going to have lots of drs. visits, surgery, chemo, etc, and thought one of these would be great and it has served its purpose well. But like I said, if I'm at home, I prefer a regular book.
As someone else pointed out the biggest drawback, IMO, is it can be a pain to go back and re-read something. Even in a fiction novel, I will read something and often find myself wanting to go back to check something I read earlier. With a book you usually remember about where it was and can find it pretty easy, with a reader there isn't a reference point and going back to re-read something can be a bit of a pain.
As someone else pointed out the biggest drawback, IMO, is it can be a pain to go back and re-read something. Even in a fiction novel, I will read something and often find myself wanting to go back to check something I read earlier. With a book you usually remember about where it was and can find it pretty easy, with a reader there isn't a reference point and going back to re-read something can be a bit of a pain.
hburney
Member
I have a Kindle. If you like to read they are the best thing since sliced bread. You can access the Amazon library anywhere you can get cell service,very handy.
ChattanoogaPhil
Member
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Another positive of an e-reader is ease of reading in the evening or other low light conditions without struggling with a lamp that never seems to be bright enough or in a convenient position. The latest Kindle is supposed to have such good contrast it can be read easily in bright sunlight.
I use an iPad for reading books and very much enjoy it. The Kindle is smaller, lighter and operates significantly longer between battery charges.
I use an iPad for reading books and very much enjoy it. The Kindle is smaller, lighter and operates significantly longer between battery charges.
sipowicz
Member
If you hate reading, I think you will be disappointed in it.
Got one for Christmas last year. I'm an avid reader, and did not really think I'd like it. Until I started using it.
As earlier posts informed, you cannot lose your books, they stay stored at Amazon for unlimited download, no extra charge.
I've read over 40 books on it this year alone, and find that I've saved the price of print books several times over the cost of the Kindle. For current books, the Kindle price is roughly half to a third less than print.
Things I like. One slim device instead of a stack of books. Reads easily, font size is adjustable. Landscape or portrait orientation adjustable. Is not backlighted, so you can read in bright light. "Classic Books" are often free for download, or are only a buck or two. [Complete Sherlock Holmes....free.] Battery life is good, recharges just like a cell phone. Books download after purchase in less than a minute, on built in 3G connection. You can highlight and book mark passages.
Things I don't like: Really, only one. Unless the book has hyperlinked chapter headings, navigating to a certain spot in the book is not easy...it won't let you navigate to page numbers, because it uses a "location number" that really has nothing to do with the book format.
I really like this thing, and it's great for travel reading.
Len
As earlier posts informed, you cannot lose your books, they stay stored at Amazon for unlimited download, no extra charge.
I've read over 40 books on it this year alone, and find that I've saved the price of print books several times over the cost of the Kindle. For current books, the Kindle price is roughly half to a third less than print.
Things I like. One slim device instead of a stack of books. Reads easily, font size is adjustable. Landscape or portrait orientation adjustable. Is not backlighted, so you can read in bright light. "Classic Books" are often free for download, or are only a buck or two. [Complete Sherlock Holmes....free.] Battery life is good, recharges just like a cell phone. Books download after purchase in less than a minute, on built in 3G connection. You can highlight and book mark passages.
Things I don't like: Really, only one. Unless the book has hyperlinked chapter headings, navigating to a certain spot in the book is not easy...it won't let you navigate to page numbers, because it uses a "location number" that really has nothing to do with the book format.
I really like this thing, and it's great for travel reading.
Len
So how do the books get on the device? It has a internet connection or what? Is it priced per book or is there a monthly fee??
Pasifikawv
Member
Uses the same wireless technology as a cell phone. No usage charges or fees for the connection. Downloads are free and occur as soon as you buy the item.
An exception for international travelers. You may have to pay a small download fee if outside of the US.
The Highlander
Member
I would not be without mine. The books on mine are mostly freebies by Twain, Jules Verne, etc. They cost $0. Also have a bunch that were in the $.99 category, with the most I have paid being around $10 for a newly released Vonnegut.
You do not lose books if you have a problem. Everything is online at Amazon, and even if you screw up and accidentally delete one, it is free to re-download it. Don't ask me how I know this.
Can also back up on your pc. By the way, you can also read all the same stuff you have bought on Kindle for PC, or Kindle for Blackberry. So, you can buy the book, then read it on any of several options. It will even keep you at the latest page you have read, no matter which of the options you use to read. Not limited to just the Kindle.
Biggest advantage for a voracious reader like me, is that I can take an entire library of my favorite books, new stuff to read, magazines like Reader's Digest, newspapers and so on, everywhere I go in a device the size of a book. Coolest thing ever developed for a reader, and the Kindle is the best of the breed, I did extensive homework before buying, and I'd buy another one today.
You do not lose books if you have a problem. Everything is online at Amazon, and even if you screw up and accidentally delete one, it is free to re-download it. Don't ask me how I know this.
Can also back up on your pc. By the way, you can also read all the same stuff you have bought on Kindle for PC, or Kindle for Blackberry. So, you can buy the book, then read it on any of several options. It will even keep you at the latest page you have read, no matter which of the options you use to read. Not limited to just the Kindle.
Biggest advantage for a voracious reader like me, is that I can take an entire library of my favorite books, new stuff to read, magazines like Reader's Digest, newspapers and so on, everywhere I go in a device the size of a book. Coolest thing ever developed for a reader, and the Kindle is the best of the breed, I did extensive homework before buying, and I'd buy another one today.
Sistema1927
US Veteran
I purchased one when they first came out, and just upgraded to the latest version with 3G & WiFi.
I have hundreds of books, user manuals, pdfs, and other assorted documents on mine. I am able to create my own books from various types of documents, and the amount of free material available on the internet is mind boggling.
I take mine everywhere, it takes up such a small space in my briefcase.
I have hundreds of books, user manuals, pdfs, and other assorted documents on mine. I am able to create my own books from various types of documents, and the amount of free material available on the internet is mind boggling.
I take mine everywhere, it takes up such a small space in my briefcase.
venomballistics
Member
Caj ... thanks for posting this thread ... it seems it was just the right reminder to attack and hack this digital picture frame I scored at a goodwill for $10 ... which now serves as an Ebook reader for some of my electronics reference manuals.
sure makes life a lot easier being able to eliminate a pile of paper in the proximity of a hot soldering iron
sure makes life a lot easier being able to eliminate a pile of paper in the proximity of a hot soldering iron
