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Original poster

Kindle - yes or no?

93 replies

chocoholicwifey · 31/10/2021 00:36

I've been debating getting one for myself for far too long, I love reading but I'm not sure if a kindle would be the same for me as turning the pages of a book. But the book prices seem cheaper and I think a lot of people own them. Honestly would you recommend?

OP posts:
Ormally · 31/10/2021 13:16

Yes. I thought I'd not enjoy having one and am very much a person for a physical book, but some really good points are that it is easy to change the size of a font, for example.
I recommend getting one that also has the capacity to play audiobooks (most do but not all models). I enjoy that when travelling and would miss it if the function was unavailable.

Ormally · 31/10/2021 13:18

@3beesinmybonnet

A couple of pps have mentioned getting ebooks from the library on Kindle but I thought you needed a different ereader for this ie Kobo. If you can get library books on a Kindle can someone please explain how?
The app from the library that I use (on a Fire) is BorrowBox. There is, I think, a special Kindle version for it (or some kind of workaround). Don't know if you can link to it if your regional library doesn't offer it, but worth a search.
ChubbyBroccoli · 31/10/2021 13:24

If you have a large smartphone or small tablet you could try the Kindle app first. I have an Oasis but mostly use it for reading in bed or on the sofa, and use the app on my phone whilst out and about. The Oasis is good but I'm not sure it was worth the extra £s over other models. The app is great and has lots of different display settings to make it easier on your eyes.
I still read actual books but am increasingly annoyed by small print and tight/stiff binding. Probably 75% of my reading is Kindle-based these days.

Notaroadrunner · 31/10/2021 13:26

I would recommend it. Have mine a few years now and get a voucher each year for Christmas to keep me going with books for a while. I only tend to read chic lit so the books I download are really cheap.

amylou8 · 31/10/2021 13:40

Yes they are brilliant. Make sure you get a backlit one as it gives you the option of reading in the dark. I wouldn't recommend a tablet with the app as has been suggested, the reading experience is totally different on the kindle than on a tablet.

Reallybadidea · 31/10/2021 13:41

@Courtier

Yes! I have three. Two are full. They're so much lighter and easier to carry and take on holiday and (if you Google how) you can get many books for free. Not just the Amazon ones Grin Love them. Slip in my pocket and I have 300 books right with me whenever I need them
Do you buy a new one when the previous one is "full"??!

I said for years that I didn't like the idea of a kindle because I preferred to hold an actual book in my hands. Once I actually tried one I was hooked and haven't bought a paper book since. I love that I can read it in bed with the lights off, that it takes up much less room in my bag than a real book, that I can see how much longer is left in a chapter without needing to flick through, being able to change the font size, being able to get a reminder of who a character is if I've forgotten Blush So many useful features!

Wordsmith · 31/10/2021 13:43

I had one a few years ago but I spend so much of my life looking at screens, I much prefer an actual book when I'm reading for pleasure.

If I travelled a lot it might be useful, but I don't.

I love the feel of a book and a proper bookmark.

Svalberg · 31/10/2021 13:53

I used to use the kindle app on my phone or tablet but it's not so good if you want to read outdoors. A proper kindle (paperwhite) is more like a book and I'm reading more since I got it. I still use the phone app for reading in the supermarket queue - it syncs with the paperwhite so I'm at the same page - I also use the phone for borrowing library books using the Libby app.

Equalizer · 31/10/2021 13:57

I just dug mine out - 2012 model not used for 5+ years and still going strong! I was very pleasantly surprised. Anyway I love the convenience of the Kindle app across all my devices.

RobinPenguins · 31/10/2021 14:01

I love mine! Then battery lasts for ages because I keep it on Airplane mode and just connect when I’m buying a book. I used to cart books around with me and take so many on holiday, I love just being able to use the kindle instead. There’s still a place for ‘real’ books but I do find myself buying fewer and fewer. This is probably a good thing as we have far too many in the house already.

Spidey66 · 31/10/2021 14:05

Love mine and couldn't be without it

Billandben444 · 31/10/2021 14:06

I only use my kindle for holidays or long train journeys. I'm very picky over what I read and have never found anything for 99p that appeals tbh. I prefer real books that I borrow/order from the library and then have some on kindle that are only available in that format (usually about £3.99). They are great when you're sharing a room as you don't disturb other people but I miss being able to flick back to check on something (never seem to find the bit I want on my kindle) and of course the smell of a new book... 😁. A useful extra for me but never a replacement.

JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 31/10/2021 14:23

I would get a Kobo rather than a Kindle so you can get free books from the library.

SoupDragon · 31/10/2021 14:29

@PleaseCanWePutAGrownUpInCharge

To the PP who talked about not knowing the title of the book - you can change the settings so the book cover is displayed on your Home Screen for the book you are reading. I didn’t know you could do this until recently and I love seeing the book jacket whenever I pick up my kindle now!
I don't think I can do that on my Kindle. At least I can't find where :(
JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 31/10/2021 14:34

@3beesinmybonnet

A couple of pps have mentioned getting ebooks from the library on Kindle but I thought you needed a different ereader for this ie Kobo. If you can get library books on a Kindle can someone please explain how?
They probably mean a Kindle fire which is a tablet not an e-reader. Often causes confusion.

To read library books you need an e-reader that can use Adobe DRM. That means a Kobo or Sony.

There is a way of converting files but it is technically piracy.

Chargreen · 31/10/2021 14:36

Kindle paper whites are amazing. It’s nothing like reading on a phone or tablet screen, it’s so much better. Reading with the lights off is a cosy joy.

You can still read paper books when the fancy takes you, I do both. You’re not abandoning physical books forever

JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon · 31/10/2021 14:36

No you can just delete completed books. If you want to read them again you can redownload them. No need to have several devices.

3beesinmybonnet · 31/10/2021 15:07

@JesusMaryAndJosephAndTheWeeDon

Thanks for this info. I might add one to my Christmas list.

Kanaloa · 31/10/2021 18:23

@3beesinmybonnet

A couple of pps have mentioned getting ebooks from the library on Kindle but I thought you needed a different ereader for this ie Kobo. If you can get library books on a Kindle can someone please explain how?
As far as I’m aware you can’t, that’s why I was mentioning an iPad instead. I have the library app on my phone but it can’t be used on kindle which is a bit annoying.
rosegoldwatcher · 31/10/2021 18:34

Kindle pros:-
As an older reader I can adjust the font size so that I don't have to wear reading glasses.
Introductory chapters can be downloaded for free before buying the whole book (or not.)
Travelling with a fortnight's reading is far lighter.
Less need for vast lengths of bookcases.

Kindle cons:-
I find it harder to recall books read as I don't have a mental picture of the front cover! Apparently i have read Amanda Reynolds' 'Close to Me' (TV adaptation coming soon) but have no memory of it...

HelenaJustina · 31/10/2021 18:40

I love love love mine. Definitely get a Paperwhite and not a Fire. I hate reading on a tablet but adore my Kindle.
I turn aeroplane mode on unless purchasing/downloading new books and so battery lasts for ages and ages. I still read real books, am often bought them as gifts etc but could not be without my Kindle. Comes into its own when self isolating as well voice of bitter experience

caramac04 · 31/10/2021 18:41

Love my old Kindle but tbh I mostly read on my phone with Kindle app. I pay for Kindle unlimited which is unlimited books and lots of magazines.

Lulu1919 · 31/10/2021 18:43

@TrickyD

The only negative for me is I read quite fast, so the battery only lasts for about five hours of solid reading, so I have to be careful on a long journey.

I had the same problem, Ellmau, though I see other posters do not.

I read somewhere that keeping the setting on Aeroplane Mode, even if you are not flying, helps a lot, and it does seem to. You have to turn it back on when buying a new book.,

I keep mine on airplane mode at all times unless I'm choosing new books...I use kindle Unlimited
Ticketybooboo · 31/10/2021 18:45

Bloody love mine and check the daily 99p deals to fill it up. Currently reading a print book but two months in still haven't finished it as I just find the Kindle more convenient especially in the evening as it's backlit. Former librarian too.

PanicBuyingSprouts · 31/10/2021 19:07

I've had one from the beginning. Having a kindle doesn't mean that you can't still buy, read and swap real books.