What are some things to know before buying a kindle?

[ChocolateConnoisseur]

Hi all,
Was thinking of getting a kindle to save space on books etc. Do many people here have one? If there are any tips and tricks, if you'd leave them here I'd really appreciate it.

TIA

I've had a paperwhite for years and although I love a physical book, I was running out of space.

I can read at night without disturbing DH, it's light so I can hold it one handed and slip it in a handbag. The battery is not as good as it used to be but still lasts weeks.

I bought a waterproof bag thing from ebay with 3 zip locks for reading in the bath.

I would definitely recommend the Paperwhite. I read in bed without disturbing DH, when travelling or camping, of course it works in the day too. It's given me back my love of reading. There's nothing to stop you having a Kobo too if library books are important. If you find yourself held up you can just bring up your current book on the phone app and read a bit and it will sync with your Kindle. You can also load up pdfs to it, I use it for knitting patterns too.

You can borrow library books was kindle fire, too, though not with a paperwhite.

Yes that's another advantage of the phone, you can use apps for the library ebooks as well as kindle. Also audible and library audio books. I did love my original kindle back in the pre smartphone days but it really is obsolete for me now, I should probably sell my paperwhite.

If you buy new, it's worth getting a case but you don't have to spend a fortune to get an expensive one - the cases I have cost about £10 and I've had them for ages. I bought a new Paperwhite in 2019, and was going to give DP my old one, but I haven't really switched over and have stopped pretending I'm going to! The old one is still going strong but it has very limited storage.

You don't need to store every Kindle book you buy on a device - you can just add the ones that you're considering reading soon etc. I've had to remove books to make space for new acquisitions, but you can remove them from your device while keeping them in the library to download. But newer Kindles have much bigger hard drives and I'm sure most users don't have nearly as many books as I do.

I had a kindle e-reader but love my kindle fire much more, it's fantastic to take abroad as can use the internet, use the library online, watch netflix. I don't find it hard on my eyes at all and it's size means it's much better than a phone. I think it's also cheaper than a dedicated e-reader.

I find Kindle is much better for reading books for all the reasons others have said but I find that the Kindle app on an iPad is much better for magazines so I use both.

Another vote for Kobo - I love mine. Not only can you rent books from the library, but you don't have to give Jeff Bezos any money each time you want to buy a book.

I have a basic Kindle from 2012 and love it. It's basic, but that's all I need. I dint see a phone or tablet as a replacement as the reading experience is so different. The only thing I use the Kindle apps (on Mac, iPad and iPhone) for is recipe books, which don't display well on the e-reader.

Quick breakdown of difference between current models (or what is important to me). All current Kindles come with built in lights (which used to only be the Paperwhite and above models). The Kindle Paperwhite and Oasis are waterproof where the standard edition isn't - though my ancient Kindle is fine for reading in the bath. The Oasis is the only model which has physical page turn buttons. Kindles nowadays come with the option for "Special Offers" and I would choose to pay more to not have ads on my lockscreen, but might not be important to you.

When DH got his Kindle he got a refurbished one and it's been perfect so well worth checking if there any available.

Yes my Oasis has the physical page turn buttons which I like. You can programme them to suit your comfort as to whether the higher or lower one turns the page forward or back. You can also just swipe with your finger as well if you prefer.
Lighter to hold than even a paperback while reading in bed.

Never thought I’d say this, but I love my kindle.

it’s easy to hold and read from, and it’s backlit which means I can read in bed without the main light on (which pleases dh). You can change+the font size, easily look up words you don’t understand the meaning off, change screen brightness etc.

There’s always book deals, so I rarely buy books costing more than 99p. Websites such as Bookbub are good for highlighting deals also (I get a daily email with recommended book suggestions).

The battery life is really good, and it’s slim so easily fits into my handbag if I want to take it out.

Always thought I’d be a bookie, but I’m a convert.

Same. I have a paper white and a basic one that's also got a light and tbh apart form readings in the bath I wouldn't bother with the paper white

The newer basic ones are great and just like old paperwhite versions.

Definitely pay the extra 10 pounds to have it without adverts (actually I've twice bought one with the adverts then persuaded customer services to take them off free of charge).

Buy a cover you really like. Personally I love the fintie ones. Lovely designs and feels like you are holding a book plus it turns the device on and off when you open and close.

Only turn on the wifi to download books then turn off to preserve battery.

I do love mine but if I read something really good/classic I still like a real book version to keep on the shelf.