What's this "Kindle" thingy???

[Onomea]

The Kindle, as noted, since it is not backlit like a computer or an IPad, you can't read it in the dark. (Non-backlit also makes it easier on the eyes, BTW.) But you can get a little LED gooseneck lamp for it that runs for 30 hours off one triple A. This is useful for reading in bed and not waking the wife up, or on an airplane, etc.) There is a global edition,I thnk it's called, which I have, that allows downloading all over the world. So for an English reader in a non English speaking country, books are readily available, whenever one wants. I think books are a couple of bucks more if downloaded abroad. Last weekend I downloaded 20 or so Zane Grey novels for $4 bucks, as they were sold packaged that way. Best sellers run me up to $13 or so.

Yeah, line drawings would show up. Photographs look sorta like very fine etchings. But again, primarily it's for reading words, not looking at pix or charts or drawings, etc. I have a financial whiz friend who says it is not good for the charts/pix he needs to look at.

 

[RonJ]

So, can we get Supica to do an ebook version of SCSW3 with line drawings of 28-1's etc?

 

[mtgianni]

I paid $0.20 in library fines last year for a comparison cost.

 

[zoom6zoom]

Best Buy now carries the Kindle 3, the Nook, and the Sony e-reader, so you can compare them all side by side. Another benefit I didn't mention earlier is speed... I have always been a rapid reader but read even faster on the kindle.

 

[The Highlander]

I paid $0.20 in library fines last year for a comparison cost.

Works great for you, but for me, the closest library is an hour and a half drive.

I would not be without my Kindle. Take it to the doctor's office, vacation, whereever I need to avoid boredom. Great to carry a library with me at all times. If I don't like a book I've started reading, switch. I used to always be reading a couple of books, and two or three magazines at a time anyway. With the Kindle, that is a piece of cake.

I have one of the gooseneck style lights by M-Edge. I get far more than 30 hours of time off a AAA battery. Mine has been in it since spring, and I use it every night for at least 30-60 minutes.

The I-Pad has its own backlight, not as easy on the eyes, doesn't work as well in daylight as the Kindle, and is much heavier. If you want to READ, the Kindle can't be beat. The I-pad is the answer to a marketing created question, too big and heavy to be a book reader, and too small to be a laptop pc. They are also more than double the price of the Kindle I understand.

 

[deadin]

Bought one for the wife last Xmas. When I finally pried it out of her fingers and tried it I had to go out and buy one for myself.

The only minuses I have found have already been mentioned..... not easy to page back and forth in (unless you remember to bookmark a page that you will referencing often.)
Pictures and line drawings can be difficult to see as the "enlarge" function is not unlimited. (I just finished a book on Carlson's Raiders of WW2. There were a number of maps that were almost impossible for me to read.)

One thing that was mentioned in passing is that some books are enabled to have the audio reader read them to you. (If you can stand the "computer" voice and pronunciation.)

 

[BarbC]

I guess I'm old fashioned. $190 bucks, plus the download fees. And if you drop it or spill coffee on it, you're sunk.

And then what do you do with your bookshelf? When your friends come over, you can't even peruse each other's bookshelf and loan a book out?

 

[deadin]

And then what do you do with your bookshelf?

Surely you mean Bookshelves.

In our case we have about a half dozen that are stuffed and books are stacked beside the bed, under the bed, etc.
Not to mention two of the overhead storage bins in the RV are also full.
(I think it's a sickness..)
Anyway, our last 100 or so books take up the space occupied by two Kindles.

I will agree that being unable to "loan" them out or transfer them to friends is a pain, but I have a feeling that Kindle may change this in the future if only to compete with other eBook readers. We'll see............

 

[BarbC]

Do you think that's the whole point? You have to pay a royalty fee to download a book and can't transfer it, and over time "dead tree" books become obsolete. No more free reading.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

and over time "dead tree" books become obsolete. No more free reading.

I think they'll be around for a while... Did you hear that vinyl record sales are up?

 

[venomballistics]

I think they'll be around for a while... Did you hear that vinyl record sales are up?

I also heard mention of a laser based turntable so the traditional stylus cant wear the tracks.
the warmth of vinal with the longevity of CD ... hey .. now thats an advancement.


I doubt that they'll unlock the ebooks to allow transfer of texts.
why just sell a book once when you can sell it 2 - 15 times over a dead tree scroll and not have to compete with second hand stores and libraries

 

[deadin]

B&N's NOOK has what they call "lendable" eBooks. It apparently isn't all of their books, just those so designated.
They can be "lent" to friends, etc. and it looks like they self destruct after two weeks.
If they work out, I wouldn't be surprised to see Amazon with something similar.

 

[BarbC]

What about proprietary books released exclusively to Kindle or certain e-books, like the way PSP games, XBox games, etc. are done? If you want to read a certain book, you're going to have to buy the platform to read it on.

 

[deadin]

I've yet to find a book released "exclusively" to a particular platform. There always the hard copy available. If I absolutely have to read it and it's not available on my Kindle, I just buy it or go to the library and get on the waiting list. eBook readers aren't the do-all, end-all, just a very handy way to keep a book on hand.

 

[Onomea]

+1. I don't think books will ever go away -- I sure hope not. If it's a book I value, like those about guns that i have collected, I want a real book that I can peruse at my leisure, etc. I mostly use the Kindle for novels that I just buy for entertainment.

I, too, have run out of space for more books, and my wife is always after me to throw them out. And, man, do I love libraries! Libraries are the greatest! Free books that you can borrow?! What a great idea! So when home in Hawaii I like to make a library run at least once a week.

But living in Tokyo, being able to download a book whenever I want it, it's great. Or when I go on biz trips its nice to always have something to read. E.g., I was in Hong Kong last spring and finished off a book midweek in my hotel room. No problem: Just beamed down another!

 

[straightshooter1]

I didn't see this mentioned anywhere so I'll ask.

I really never read, but I am addicted to audiobooks and buy them from Amazon, Ebay and Audible.com. Got sick of the radio even with Sirius and started listening to books as I drive.

I have been told that some of the e-readers, Kindle IIRC, will actually read the books to you.

Is this true and, if so, for all or just some models?

Finally, if they do read aloud, is there some life in the reading or is it like the voice on my GPS-flat and unenthusiastic?

Bob

 

[Onomea]

The Kindle has software which will read books to you in a robot-like voice. Unless the book is already being marketed, or plans to be marketed, as an audio book. In that case the Kindle can't read it to you. Most best sellers are like that.

The Kindle is compatible with audible.com audio books, apparently. But I think if audio books are your main thing, you'd be better off with an I-Phone or other smart phone that can read them to you. More portable/smaller. Or, if you don't want portability, just use your computer, Maybe rip CDs for the car, etc.

The Kindle is for reading.

 

[straightshooter1]

Thanks, yes I just download them from Audible.com and burn them to CD for the car.

Not real good on the computer, but learned how to do it and, so far, have had no problem.

Don't think a robot-voice would be very enjoyable. Audiobooks readers change their voices for different characters and there is even a company that does books using a full cast, just like the old radio shows.

Bob

 

[arctic soldier]

Just ordered my new Kindle yesterday, I'd been considering it for a while but I don't have room for anymore books and this one will hold more than I can ever possibly store. Also saw the 2011 Gun Digest is available as well as Assembly/Disassembly Manuals, think that would be pretty cool.

 

[reerc]

Great minds, I guess Caje; I've recently been checking them out as well.

If you take the plunge, let us know how you like it.

 

[BE Mike]

Ok, I just have to resurrect this thread. I'm considering a Kindle. Which one should I get? I like the big size of the DX, but like the price of the Kindle 3. What say you?

 

[deadin]

The DX is nice, but not as portable and the price is a killer. The 3 will fit in most inside coat pockets and is easy to read from. I have the older Kindle with just what they call "WhisperNet" (3g) but no Wi-Fi. I have had no problems connecting and getting my downloads. I guess having both would be OK, but I'm usually always in range of a cell tower but not necessarily a Hot-Spot.
I have found that I use my computer to review and order books. I just indicate for the delivery to be to my Kindle. The next time I turn it on and turn on the wireless feature, the book is automatically delivered.
I've also found that getting the "Free Samples" that are offered on some books are great if you are searching for a new author. They usually give you the first chapter or so and you can decide if it's something you might like or not.

 

[mikerault]

I have had one since they came out. The new ones are great especially the 3g/4g models. I have read close to 200 books on them. I have also published 4 books on Kindle. Kindle now allows you to lend a book to another Kindle user for 15 days. You can also download Kindle emulators for free from Amazon for PC, Apple, Iphone and Blackberry.

 

[Damn Yankee]

The new Kindle has a Dictionary built in. Just highlight the word and at the bottom of the page is the definition.

 

[RonJ]

I bought the 3G/WIFI model about three weeks ago. I like it a lot but it does have a couple of quirks. The right and left edges both have page forward and page back buttons. There are buttons below the screen that take up that entire space. I find it too easy to accidently push a button and change the page or have a menu pop up. I'd like to be able to lock out buttons/keys selectively. I ordered the lighted case with mine. It does give me more area to grasp but it adds bulk and weight.

 

[loutent]

I bought my wife the 3G/WiFi ($179) w/lighted cover for Christmas and she loves it - reads from it most every day. I am impressed with the "pearl ink" display (or whatever they call it) - really easy on the eyes and very similar to a printed page. I (we) can recommend it without hesitation.

 

[Mustang51]

I bought my wife the 3G/WiFi ($179) w/lighted cover for Christmas and she loves it - reads from it most every day. I am impressed with the "pearl ink" display (or whatever they call it) - really easy on the eyes and very similar to a printed page. I (we) can recommend it without hesitation.

Same situation here. My wife and I love to read, and have a house full of accumulated books as a result. I was a little concerned that she wouldn't take to an e-reader, but that wasn't the case. It isn't replacing physical books for her, but has added the option of some low-cost content and portability. I should also mention that I have been using the eReader app on my ipad pretty regularly. It doesn't seem like I have anywhere near the availablity of titles that the Kindle supports, but it does make for a nice lighted and easy to read screen.

 

[safearm]

I got the 3G/WiFi version ($189) for Christmas. It's been great so far. The variety of titles is astounding, although it's not everything I want. It also very easy to run up a bill with one-click ordering of books!

 

[gpe55bud]

I bought a Kindle a couple of weeks ago and love it. I have ordered about 60 books so far and have spent a total of about $25. A collection of 25 Zane Grey Books was .99, a collection of 17 Max Brand books was .99. The newest Tom Clancy was, I think, 12.99. I have downloaded many of the classics for free. I bought the $139 version as I usually order the books at Amazon.com. I didn't need the 3G version as a lot of the time I am in northern Thailand and it doesn't work here. If I order online I can transfer them to the Kindle via USB or if I'm somewhere that has Wi-Fi I can transfer them there. When I'm in the U.S. I travel continuously for work. The convenience of the Kindle far outways any negatives. Before when I traveled I always had to make room for half a dozen or more books to read while I was away from home. Now I have the Kindle. Weighs less than a pound and as I said I have downloaded more than 60 books onto it so far. It has an estimated capacity of about 3500 books. With the Wi-Fi turned off, internal battery life is estimated at 30 days. SO every couple of weeks or so I'll have to plug it in to recharge. No big deal. It can be charged via USB port, AC outlet, or theres even a car charger available. Can you tell that I like mine???

 

[boneman]

Wife is a serious book worm. Bought her one for Christmas. The books that you download are considerably cheaper then First run hard back, then soft backs. I prefer the feel of paper but I must admit I read Stephen Kings new book on it and it was just fine. My wife loves it and as of yet we have had no issues with the device or downloading from Amazon. Thanks Larry