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Original poster

Do I need a kindle?

45 replies

TUGGY2006 · 24/01/2021 23:54

I've been threatening to buy a kindle for ages but not very tech savvy. I use my phone as an e-reader is the kindle much better as in what does it do that my phone won't & what one would you guys recommend? I seen a amazon paperwhite for 120 but there seems to be different generations so I'm confused. Thanks

OP posts:
M0rT · 24/01/2021 23:58

I have a basic Kindle and the benefit over the phone is a bigger screen and no backlighting.
I work on a laptop so my eyes need the break.
Also the Kindle is much lighter to hold then the phone.
The phone app and the Kindle sync so if you are reading the Kindle at home and end up queuing somewhere with your phone it will open the book where you stopped.
Another benefit is that I can add books to the Kindle that friends send to me, so I don't have to buy everything.
I got it for around €60 18months ago, I don't know what they cost now.

Original poster
TUGGY2006 · 25/01/2021 00:46

That's great thanks for the info, do you happen to know what model your one is? There seems to be loads of different generations?

OP posts:
Pipandmum · 25/01/2021 01:29

I have a kindle paperwhite. Don't worry about the different kinds - just get the one you can afford or the latest one, though mine is a few years old and is fine.

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Books
Redglitter · 25/01/2021 01:31

Id definitely recommend getting one. Its so much easier to read on a kindle than on your phone. I wouldn't be without mine

DinnaeFashSassenach · 25/01/2021 02:15

I bloody love my kindle. It's a Fire HD. DH got me one in 2016 and within 14 days I dropped it and cracked the screen. (My fault, no case and no screen protector). I called Amazon to find out how to get it fixed and the gentleman directed me to my local post office where I would find a free replacement in the morning complete with new plug and cable. He told me to put mine in the box, (and keep my original plug and cable too), seal it and send it back for free. Hella good service!!!
I just treated myself to an updated version and gave my old one to my DD.

I have kindle unlimited and read half a dozen books a month at least. I think it's more. And when I'm making dinner or getting on with chores etc, I put it on Voice View Screen Reader so my kindle will read it to me. Not as expressive as an audiobook but I don't care one bit! It's 1000 times better than a robotic sounding Siri reading anything out.

DinnaeFashSassenach · 25/01/2021 02:21

The Kindle Fire HD is a more versatile Kindle. Close to an IPad where you can play games, watch tv like Netflix, Sky, Amazon Prime video etc as well as surf the internet and of course, unlike some Kindles, you can read in the dark. It also has a night mode which changes the screen brightness and tone to make it easy on the eyes in pitch black and you don't disturb a sleeping partner.

tobee · 25/01/2021 02:26

I got a paper white.

I used to use my iPad's kindle app but got fed up not being able to read in the sunlight; it's such a bonus. I got a paper white because of the backlight so I can read without needing a separate light source. You can adjust the brightness and choose different background colour; approximating to beige paper colour or white paper colour.

sashh · 25/01/2021 03:21

I'm down to 2 kindles at the moment. I have one by my bed, one in my handbag and when I have a third it is in the bathroom - rice will dry out a kindle dropped in the bath.

I'm dyslexic so I like to read on a 'friendly' font, but I don't know if you get that on the app.

I prefer it to reading on my phone and I agree with the no backlight no eyestrain, you can also read in bright sunshine,

If you have alexa she will read your kindle to you.

There isn't much difference between the generations in the reading experience, the older ones you had a button to change pages, my latest ones you just swipe the screen.

The later ones are lighter but nne are exactly heavy.

BarbaraofSeville · 25/01/2021 07:33

Yes, if you want to read and not feel like you're looking at a screen IYSWIM then a kindle is much better than using the phone app and they're easily readable in bright sunlight.

There's also the advantage that you're less likely to be distracted by other apps and features, if that's a concern.

Unless you're the type of person who always wants the highest spec, latest model, then your real choice is a kindle or kindle paperwhite.

You don't need masses of storage or 3G, you just download books on wifi. I have one of the first paperwhites and it has half the storage of even the most basic new one, it's full, but it does have about 800 books on it.

Even the basic kindle has a light now and, while the resolution is lower, it's nearly as good as all the previous kindles, which are absolutely fine. You could buy the cheapest one, and return it for an exchange if it doesn't suit.

Jellycatspyjamas · 25/01/2021 07:40

I have an ancient kindle, pre-paper white and I love it. The battery lasts forever, it’s lighter than carrying a book (books) around and holds hundred of books.

bellagogosdead · 25/01/2021 07:42

No, don't get a kindle.
A Kobo ( a clara maybe) is much more versatile, you can still buy books, but then you can also borrow them from the library for free.

peak2021 · 25/01/2021 07:44

Whichever ereader you choose, the larger screen is better for you.

Spidey66 · 25/01/2021 07:47

I've got a Paperwhite and love it. I couldn't read on my phone, the kindle's much easier on the eyes.

Original poster
TUGGY2006 · 26/01/2021 00:35

Thanks so much for all your advice, I hadn't thought of library books, I usually rent some through borrow box occasionally does anyone know if you can read library books on a kindle? I think I'm gonna bite the bullet and treat myself to one you've all persuaded me.

OP posts:
BasiliskStare · 26/01/2021 00:45

There are occasionally borrow for free books on Kindle - I would not be without one. I was one who always said I liked the "heft" of a book and feeling the pages & said - I shall never get a Kindle . Well now I love my kindle and so easy to read & ( I have an early Paperwhite - quite old now - but still going ) & it is so easy to read & you can change the lighting / font etc - depending on whether you are reading in bed or outside etc.

I was at my parents ( who do not have wi fi ) and because kindle had run out of books I got a book from their shelves - I found myself jabbing at the right hand page to turn the page Grin

BasiliskStare · 26/01/2021 00:50

Personally I would get the cheapest Paperwhite you could get but then @bellagogosdead obviously has an alternative worth looking at. Whichever way a decent e reader is well worth it - All best @TUGGY2006

libjan · 26/01/2021 01:23

I much prefer a book to a kindle.

libjan · 26/01/2021 01:24

I much prefer a book to a kindle

BasiliskStare · 26/01/2021 01:27

@libjan - so did I until one holiday ( because I read a lot ) I realised the weight of the books would be hugely expensive - so I got a kindle - but I do get your point because for many many many years I preferred a book to a kindle - now I have one I love it. But I completely understand your point - all best @libjan

bellagogosdead · 26/01/2021 07:04

There is a way to borrow library books on a kindle, but it's not as straightforward.
Either you need to have the kind of kindle ( fire?) which will allow you to install apps like overdrive, whether they are as nice to read from or how much they weigh I don't know...
The other way involves converting the borrowed file using some illegal software, calibre I think. I am not reccomending this obviously.
With a Kobo borrowing books can be done easily for free, just login once with your library card and pin and then it remembers for next time.
I think kindle has come to be used interchangeably with ereader, but there are other kinds.

LagneyandCasey · 26/01/2021 07:34

I adore my kindle. I put off buying one for a long time as I believed books were better but I was wrong. I have the basic £60 one and it's perfect for me. Reading at night while dh is asleep is better as the kindle light isn't as harsh as my old book light and the kindle itself is much lighter than a book.

BasiliskStare · 26/01/2021 07:37

I think one more thing to consider is what kind of books you like reading and how much you read. So if you already use your phone as a reading thing - then assume you do not want to go back to books . On the Kindle something like Robert Galbraith is not doing to be much cheaper than you could get from Amazon ( not checked but I think pretty much the case ) On the other hand if you do find some books you really like they can be 1.99 / 3.99 - at which point just work out which is better value - being able to download library books which it sounds like the Kobo can do very nicely vs how easy is it to download payable books which the Kindle does well
@bellagogosdead I am absolutely not saying the Kobo would not be the right idea for OP - just trying to give some things to think about . (Memo to self - must investigate Kobo Flowers

GETTINGLIKEMYMOTHER · 26/01/2021 07:51

I’ve had a paper white for several years now. I do read ‘proper’ books too, but I love my kindle, esp. for fat books that are too heavy or awkward to read in bed, or for any with a small font - you can adjust so easily. Also for slipping in your bag to read anywhere, and for reading in bed with no bedside light needed.
I first found it brilliant when away for a week with a friend when we only took hand baggage - I’d usually need at least 3 or 4 books to last me a week’s holiday.

Londonnight · 26/01/2021 08:00

I have had various Kindles for about 10 years and love them. I now have a paper white one which is good. The battery life on it is excellent, great for travelling [ when allowed to :) ] Much easier than taking piles of books which I used to have to do.
It is difficult to get library books on a Kindle. I have a Amazon fire and use borrowbox on that for library books [ battery life isn't as good on this which is why I still use a Kindle ]

I read "proper" books too and can never understand the stance of "I prefer proper books". Why not try a Kindle, it doesn't stop your reading "proper" books as well. They compliment each other really well

Constancevariable · 26/01/2021 08:57

I’ve had several kindles over the last 10 or so year. My favourites have always been the standard reading only Kindle, I can go through phases where I prefer a real book...but that’s mainly due to that relaxing feeling I get when I pick up a book and I now get with my paper weight.