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Original poster

Does anyone have an Amazon Kindle?

256 replies

paranoidmother · 03/01/2010 19:42

Dh gave me a Kindle for Christmas and I have managed to get a few books via Amazon.com although a few authors are not signed up for this yet.

Doe anyone have any hints or tips on using a kindle.

So far I love it and am thrilled to have one. It's meant I will be able to take loads of stories with me everywhere as I can get through a book an evening sometimes if there is nothing else to do.

OP posts:
VivaLeBeaver · 30/09/2010 11:55

Well after 3 days the lettering on the buttons is rubbing off, half my letters aren't readable anymore. Not impressed.

SandyisinCaldwell · 30/09/2010 17:58

I have the kindle 3. Calibre is an absolute must if like me your busy transferring all your PDFs to mobi format which makes the books better to read on kindle.

VivaLeBeaver · 30/09/2010 22:10

I've just put Harry Potter e-books on Calibre. How do I then get them on my kindle, do I need to connect to my computer with the usb wire?

SandyisinCaldwell · 30/09/2010 22:34

Viva: have you set up the wizard on calibre? have you converted them to mobi file? if so, plug in your kindle via usb - you will see an icon at the top which says send to device. If you have set up wizard it will find the kindle, that is all you need to do.

nannynick · 30/09/2010 22:55

Just had an email from Amazon saying that my Kindle has been dispatched. So will now have to hunt for what books to download.

VivaLeBeaver · 03/10/2010 15:51

Thanks Sandy, I've got them converted into Mobi format so will attach the kindle to the laptop and transfer them now.

bluepapermonkey · 03/10/2010 16:01

i am v tempted by a kindle but would like the option of buying from elsewhere and downloading library books.

what's the view on the future? will kindle win over sony and eventually have to allow other e-books to download from amazon and kindle's download from other sellers...and libraries?
or will kindle be shackled to amazon for ever? (surely not if they get to the stage of having an effective monopoly)?

bluepapermonkey · 03/10/2010 16:22

is it legal to convert a library book and put it on a kindle or is it piracy?

nannynick · 03/10/2010 16:54

I would expect that the library terms of lending prohibits conversion of books.

However, you could encourage your library to source books in multiple formats... such as having it in Kindle or MOBI format.

DunderMifflin · 03/10/2010 21:36

I'm going to get a kindle for my dh for christmas - should i bother with the 3g version?

I can't really imagine he's going to be a 'download a book on the beach' user but will i kick myself for not spending the extra £40?

SandyisinCaldwell · 03/10/2010 21:43

Dunder: I really don't think you need the 3g version at all.

DunderMifflin · 03/10/2010 21:45

Hi Sandy - thanks for your message - why's that?!

SandyisinCaldwell · 03/10/2010 21:47

I'm sure DH would just connect to your wifi at home and download until he travels a lot??? I think if you are based at home you really don't need the 3G.

mememe30 · 03/10/2010 21:54

You've all convinced me to get one for my hubby for Christmas but don't know whether to go for the kindle or one of the others......I'm confused!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SandyisinCaldwell · 03/10/2010 21:56

not until, I mean unless duh

DunderMifflin · 03/10/2010 21:59

thanks Sandy - you're right, he could easily connect at home. They've done some clever pricing though which makes it not a completely clear cut decision!

mememe - go for the kindle - i've done lots of some research and it sounds amazing - they've thought of everything!

mememe30 · 03/10/2010 22:02

That seems to be the one he likes. Every time I go on the amazon website and the kindle is plastered across the first page he makes a big point of looking over my shoulder and saying "Oh that looks good"

SandyisinCaldwell · 03/10/2010 22:03

I really love mine - so easy to get your books loaded onto the kindle. However I did have to buy a case and a light to go with it.

VivaLeBeaver · 03/10/2010 22:38

My gut feeling is that different formats of ebooks will continue to exist side by side. It can't cost much to convert them into different formats as there's no physical object unlike the battle of Bettamax vs VHS. Or Blueray vs whatever the other one was.

But I do think that kindle will become the market leader unless Sony sort out their pricing issues both of the e-readers and also of the e-books for that format. But then Sony don't have any control over the ebook prices I don't think.

Unlike Amazon who can set prices within reason for their e-books.

Plus I think that the Kindle has better features than the Sonys.

Chil1234 · 04/10/2010 07:12

I have the 3G Kindle because I travel a lot, I'm not always near a WIFI connection and, however many books I pack, I always end up needing another one. For the person choosing between Kindle and Sony, the Amazon site has a video review done by a customer who has both. He does a bit of 'compare and contrast' in the course of his review and it's worth a look.

Endorse the 'case and light' comment. The light makes all the difference!!

MmeLindt · 04/10/2010 07:47

I have the kindle2 which was only 3G. I definitely need it as I take it on holiday and often run out of books. If there is a chance that you will be elsewhere and want to download a book then I would go for 3G.

There are lots of children's books too. I have several for DD and it was great when we were on holiday. She would sit and read while we waited in restaurants to be served.

I may pass the kindle on to the kids at some point and upgrade to the Kindle3.

aristocat · 07/10/2010 22:20

just seen this and i am interested in getting a kindle - is it expensive to buy the books?

infin · 08/10/2010 20:35

No, most are not very expensive. Many seem to be cheaper than the corresponding paperback or hardback (if they are not yet published in paperback). Most of the classics (Hardy etc) are free as are a random selection of more up to date titles, most of which I've never heard of! Not all books availble in kindle format yet though.

I love my kindle and have read more in the past month that I've had it than than I have in years...probably due to novelty factor, ease of reading in bed with one hand and ease with which it slips into a handbag...so much better than a chunky paperback!

Treat yourself!

aristocat · 08/10/2010 21:10

thanks infin i might get one - i think that i will miss the 'feel' of a book IYKWIM ......

have only heard good things about the kindle Smile

choccyp1g · 08/10/2010 21:17

I was lokking at a friend's and it seems to be black on white like a normal book, which I like, but for reading in bed, I wonder how does the Kindle work in the dark? Can the screen light up, or do you have to put a light on?

Also, can you change the colours, I'm wondering if it might be useful for some children who habe that eyesight problem which is helped by coloured filters.