Do you like your Kindle

[kyblue]

Thinking of getting a Kindle - for those that have them - what do you think? And would you buy it again if you did not have one. Pros/Cons?

[missypie]

Thinking of getting a Kindle - for those that have them - what do you think? And would you buy it again if you did not have one. Pros/Cons?

Good question

[Pturner]

Love my Kindle. I Kindle daily.

Pros:

Read in any type size that fits your eyes. Easier to read than either print or backlit screen.
Highlight any word in any text to look it up in dictionary.
No matter how many things you are reading, it opens each one to where you left off.
Search any text. Highlight, add note and bookmark pages all easy.
Virtual books don't take up bookshelves full of space, but you can still keep all your books, magazines, newspapers, etc.
Lightweight and easy to carry. Take your library with you where ever you go.
Books are cheap to free and can be shared.
I'm sure I left some out.

Don't know any cons.

[Skybo]

I love my kindle...love, love, love it. I�ve read more books in the few months that I�ve had my Kindle than I have in the previous five years. I�ve always enjoyed reading, but I�m not very good about going to the bookstore or library. I�d hear about a book and think �I want to read that�, but then I�d forget about it before I got around to buying it. Consequently, when I did go into a bookstore, I�d end up just looking at the new best-sellers or for the same authors or genres that I�d read in the past. Since I got my Kindle, I�ve read and enjoyed so many different types of books. Sometimes, I�ll see something on TV that piques my interest, a historical figure for instance, and I�ll go looking for a book about them.

I especially like that you can download a sample (for free), which is basically the first chapter or two. That gives you an idea of whether or not you really want to buy it. I�ve decided against buying several books after reading through the sample, even though I was initially interested after reading the preface (which is normally all I would read in a bookstore before deciding to buy).

I also like that you can adjust the text size...very helpful.

Personally, I�d recommend getting the 3G, which allows you to download without needing an internet hook up. I�d also recommend getting the cover that has a reading light.

Best of all, the books are much cheaper than buying them at a bookstore.

[kyblue]

Is Amazon the only place you can download from? Or can you download from the library - any other site?

[vj1213]

I love my Kindle...I have an older one, got it when they first came out years ago, still going strong. My husband downloaded the Kindle app on his laptop so when he travels he logs into my account and can read any of my books. My only complaint is that some authors such as James Patterson has raised the prices of their books on the Kindle from $9.99 to $14.99, you can buy the new book cheaper. But they are so convenient to take anywhere with you.

[Indydealmaker]

I love my kindle...love, love, love it. I�ve read more books in the few months that I�ve had my Kindle than I have in the previous five years. I�ve always enjoyed reading, but I�m not very good about going to the bookstore or library. I�d hear about a book and think �I want to read that�, but then I�d forget about it before I got around to buying it. Consequently, when I did go into a bookstore, I�d end up just looking at the new best-sellers or for the same authors or genres that I�d read in the past. Since I got my Kindle, I�ve read and enjoyed so many different types of books. Sometimes, I�ll see something on TV that piques my interest, a historical figure for instance, and I�ll go looking for a book about them.

I especially like that you can download a sample (for free), which is basically the first chapter or two. That gives you an idea of whether or not you really want to buy it. I�ve decided against buying several books after reading through the sample, even though I was initially interested after reading the preface (which is normally all I would read in a bookstore before deciding to buy).

I also like that you can adjust the text size...very helpful.

Personally, I�d recommend getting the 3G, which allows you to download without needing an internet hook up. I�d also recommend getting the cover that has a reading light.

Best of all, the books are much cheaper than buying them at a bookstore.

:agree:

[herbaru]

=
Personally, I�d recommend getting the 3G, which allows you to download without needing an internet hook up. tore.

What else can you do with the 3G?
Can you read mail through say yahoo or gmail?

Thanks...

[Skybo]

What else can you do with the 3G?
Can you read mail through say yahoo or gmail?

Yes, but it is cumbersome and not user-friendly at all. They need to work on that feature.

[cappyjon431]

My wife and I are voracious readers and when we moved to Panama (which has very few books available in English in either bookstores or public libraries) my wife and I bought Sony Digital Readers which are very similar to Kindles but preceeded them by a couple of years.

We love our Sonys for many of the same reasons that most posters have noted above. I particulaly like being able to increase font size (and avoid wearing my glasses!), the portability of having about 200 books in a package smaller than most paperbacks, and the really long battery life (I presently get about 700 pages before having to recharge the battery). The main advantage for us (and the reason we bought them to begin with) is it allows us to have access to tens of thousands of books while we are out of the country.

When we move back to the States (moving to TV in just over two weeks) we will keep our Sonys until they die and then we will consider changing over to either the Kindle or Nook (a Barnes and Noble product). My wife has researched all three and she is leaning towards the Nook.

It's funny, but I came into the digital book world kicking and screaming. When I taught English at University of North Carolina-Wilmington I had some students who were doing a research project on the advent of digital media (this was pre-digital readers, but books were just beginning to become available online). They interviewed me in my office (on videotape no less) and I loudly proclaimed that I would NEVER enjoy reading a book electronically--I would miss the feel, smell, and comfort of curling up with a genuine "paper" book. Years later I am a digital book convert.

[jackz]

Love my Kindle. I Kindle daily.

Pros:

Read in any type size that fits your eyes. Easier to read than either print or backlit screen.
Highlight any word in any text to look it up in dictionary.
No matter how many things you are reading, it opens each one to where you left off.
Search any text. Highlight, add note and bookmark pages all easy.
Virtual books don't take up bookshelves full of space, but you can still keep all your books, magazines, newspapers, etc.
Lightweight and easy to carry. Take your library with you where ever you go.
Books are cheap to free and can be shared.
I'm sure I left some out.

Don't know any cons.

Agree with analysis by PTurner above.

Wife and I each have our own and when one buys a book it can be downloaded to the others kindle.

Wife has cover with the light and enjoys it when reading in bed.

I find I read much more since acquiring the kindle, on average 2 - 3 books per month. You can also lend out any of your books to another person with a kindle or even if they do not have a kindle they can read the book on their computer. The lend period is for 14 days.

In the near future you will be able to borrow kindle books from your local library for 2 week periods.

All in all, the kindle is an outstanding devise and I recommend it highly.

[senior citizen]

Thinking of getting a Kindle - for those that have them - what do you think? And would you buy it again if you did not have one. Pros/Cons?

Absolutely LOVE our three kindles. Purchased the larger sized Kindle a few Christmases ago for my hubby........he used it daily. This past Father's Day I bought him the smaller Kindle..........ditto. It's lightweight. I recently bought myself one with a different colored cover so that we don't mix them up. Reading light is powered by a battery in the kindle.....ease of ordering a book from Amazon. Nothing not to like about it.

He read "The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair (a book I had read back in 1971 and always wanted him to read)......and couldn't put it down. I've never seen him read a book that quickly.......but he said it was very disturbing to him.
The immigrants working in the Chicago meatpacking industry did have it rough.

One nice feature is the "voice". When his eyes would get tired, he'd "listen" to it as he read along. I prefer to just read without the "sound".

I just downloaded "The Emigrants" , a very old book on Swedish immigrants which I will read once our family leaves, but also last evening downloaded "The Help"........which is lighter reading about nannies.

You can set the print size to whatever is comfortable for your eyes.

It's great. After all the years of having books all over the house, this does cut down on the book clutter.......plus you can save so many right on the Kindle. Fine for reading in bright sunlight out on the back deck.

Also, "The Help" was an impulse buy late last evening. It immediately came onto my Kindle. This morning when I checked my emails, the $9 fee was showing on my credit card......saving approx. $14 + off the hardcover version.
The older book was only $8. Many books are FREE.

Once it arrives (very quickly) you have to charge the Kindle by plugging the power adaptor into an electrical outlet.........once that is done, just slide the power switch at the bottom edge of the Kindle and you can read the USERS GUIDE right on the screen...........or read the instruction booklet that comes along in the box. IT IS REALLY SIMPLE. A CHILD COULD DO IT.

You can type in any book you wish to order and read an explanation of it or you can check out the New York Times Best Seller List or the Amazon best seller list........and just HIGHLIGHT the book you want. That's it. It comes right onto your Kindle. It is charged to your Amazon account. If you are a frequent shopper at Amazon.com they will have your information.

It is really a nice invention for those who love to read. The instruction book or on screen instructions are simple and straightforward.

Yes, I would buy them again. They've come down in price, but both of these new ones are the ones with 3G connectivity and Wi-Fi of course.
Do buy the cover as well...........when you order the Kindle.

For more information just GO TO AMAZON.COM and read all the folks' comments. We only know one person who has the Nook and they are thinking of getting the Kindle. Good Luck !

p.s. Hubby just bought TIME MAGAZINE and it was immediately on his KINDLE.

[3puttharry]

Thinking of getting a Kindle - for those that have them - what do you think? And would you buy it again if you did not have one. Pros/Cons?

Don't know much about the kindle and never thought I wanted an ereader THEN fathers day kids gave me the new Color Nook. I LOVE IT.

[vclaes]

:agree: Love my Nook Color. I download from my library as often as possible. Anxious for more books to be available through them; however, in the meantime, I continue to appreciate the convenience of instant purchase of a book.

[LELANDJANE]

I agree with all. I LOVE my kindle. One of the best things is always having it in my purse, small and light enough, so when I have a 10 minute wait in an office, etc. I have it. I also read much more than I did before getting it.

[dfn8tly]

Being a book collector (I have about 2,000 in my personal library) I never thought I'd go electronic. However, a friend showed me her Kindle and I immediately ordered one. Now I wouldn't be caught without it. I love it and would buy another in an instant.

[Halle]

We are a two Nook family. When I first suggested a Nook to my husband he wasn't very interested, but now he would not give it up for anything. We took the suggestion from a TOTV poster and signed up for the Philadelphia Free Library. We love being able to checkout e-books from the library and download them to our Nooks. You do not have to be from Philadelphia to use the program but it does cost $15.00 a year for non-residents.:read:

[teach232]

I have a nook, and I have found a few "cons." If I want to go back and reread a section or find a reference to a character, etc. it is quite cumbersome to do, especially if you have changed the font size. Be sure, that if there is a family tree or some kind of reference material somewhere in the book, bookmark it.

The touch screen can be.....well.....touchy. It should come with a stylus but then I probably would lose that!

[StarbuckSammy]

We enjoy our Kindle for many of the previous posted reasons. If you enjoy reading outside in the sun, the Kindle works. No other ereaders that I am aware of can be read in the sunlight. This is a huge plus for us.

[Pturner]

Don't know about Nook, but word searches are easy on a Kindle. From just store testing, to me the Kindle navigation is also easier, it turns pages faster and the screen is brighter.

I hope the Kindle does NOT eventually migrate to touch screen. I'm always having to wipe fingerprints from my iPhone and new iPad to read more clearly. Not having fingerprints all over it keeps the Kindle's screen always crisp and sharp for reading. Just my preference. Of course others might not agree.

[teach232]

Just for clarification.....you don't touch the reading portion of the screen on the nook. The only part you touch is where the kindle buttons would be. I like the touch screen to turn the pages.

[villages07]

We enjoy our Kindle for many of the previous posted reasons. If you enjoy reading outside in the sun, the Kindle works. No other ereaders that I am aware of can be read in the sunlight. This is a huge plus for us.

The nook is also good in direct sun (the original black/white nook; I have heard the color nook has more glare).

I made the switch to Nook ereader and the Philadelphia free library for ebooks (thanks Avista!!) and really enjoy and prefer ebooks. I have an ipad but the screen glare makes it uncomfortable for outside reading .... so the nook fits the bill. Great for poolside reading. Nook and Kindle are both fantastic.

[JenAjd]

LOVE the Kindle! I have the 3G and it was worth the extra $$$$ I bought a cover for it and a light and it's terrific. LOVE it because I can take it when we travel without loading down with a bunch of books. I LOVE the tech support (you can go online for that if it's simple w/o speaking to anyone). Only downside I can see right now is you can't utilize the library but then that hasn't been a huge negative for me at this time. Who knows, down the line perhaps MORE positives will be added anyway. I LOVE that I can enlarge the fonts for easier reading. I'm glad it doesn't have a touch screen....not sure why one would need that anyway.

I researched BOTH the Kindle and the Nook before purchasing and both have similar negatives vs positives from my point of view. IF $$$$ were no object "maybe" I'd have both but then have to wonder why on that....

[Snowbirdtobe]

I love my kindle.
The text to speech function of the kindle is a winner. You can send a text file to your free email account for conversion to a kindle format and then listen to text as speech on your kindle. I can listen to spoken text while I'm out walking or driving and then start reading where I left off.

[BeeGee]

I agree with previous posts - the pluses for me are the size (fits in my bag), ease of ordering books (instantly!) and the ability to read outside - at the beach, at the pool. Also the e-ink is easier on these eyes! I didn't feel I needed the 3G - JMHO but I get the books I want, while I'm home before a trip, for instance and it works for me. I, too, like the ability to try a sample. So many times I realized too late that the expensive book that I just purchased STUNK! Not w/the Kindle Sample - the Sample is enough to know if it's any good or not. Yes, I'd do it again!!

[cappyjon431]

We enjoy our Kindle for many of the previous posted reasons. If you enjoy reading outside in the sun, the Kindle works. No other ereaders that I am aware of can be read in the sunlight. This is a huge plus for us.

The Sony Digital Reader uses the same e-ink technology as the Kindle and the Nook (in fact, Sony originated the technology), so it is equally easy to read in direct sunlight. I'm not saying the Sony is better than the Nook or Kindle ( I don't believe that to be the case), just that it is also easy to read in the sun.

[twinklesweep]

If anyone is shopping for a Kindle. I bought one ($139 + $9.73 sales tax = $148.73) and then promptly received a second identical one as a gift. The one I bought is brand new and sealed, as I never even got to open it. I couldn't return it as in the course of moving I lost the sales receipt. For anyone interested, I would sell it for $125. The best way to reach me is by email at twinklesweep@yahoo.com. Thank you.

[petenj]

Thinking of getting a Kindle - for those that have them - what do you think? And would you buy it again if you did not have one. Pros/Cons?

kindle good me read

[BigLew]

I can lend a book to whomever I want as long as I want or even GIVE it to them
I can throw a book down on the table or carry it any way I want without worrying about breaking it
It takes the average person 20% longer to read a book on a kindle (fact)
the average paperback is cheaper
I can adjust the type size by putting on my reading glasses
You can't even up a table leg by putting a kindle under it
You put a bookmark in it and can open it to the same page you left off at every time
I don't have to buy a toy for $140 which only does what I can already do for free with my books, read them, and
then I donate them so others who can't afford books can read them....without a kindle
MOST importantly, I am not held hostage by a single bookseller
:read:

[angiefox10]

I get my free books from here. Many of the authors will put them out for free for a day or two to get reviews I've gotten many good authors as well as indies.

http://www.ereaderiq.com/free/

[Pturner]

I can lend a book to whomever I want as long as I want or even GIVE it to them
I can throw a book down on the table or carry it any way I want without worrying about breaking it
It takes the average person 20% longer to read a b:BigApplause:ook on a kindle (fact)
the average paperback is cheaper
I can adjust the type size by putting on my reading glasses
You can't even up a table leg by putting a kindle under it
You put a bookmark in it and can open it to the same page you left off at every time
I don't have to buy a toy for $140 which only does what I can already do for free with my books, read them, and
then I donate them so others who can't afford books can read them....without a kindle
MOST importantly, I am not held hostage by a single bookseller
:read:

Much as I love my Kindle, this is an excellent post of the other side's perspective.
:ho:

[kyblue]

I was unaware of the free download site - excellent

Thank you so much - I think this will help other Kindle users who may not have known about it also.

For the Kindle users - where do you get your book downloads from?

[Marmarpa]

I tried a Samsung version of an e-book as well as a nook. I exchanged them for the Kindle and I'm very happy with it. Just a caution - it is geared to Amazon users.
Ma

[Marmarpa]

I borrow from a public library and buy from Amazon - also belong to Prime so I do get a free book each month

[jojo]

I had a Nook first and my son gave me the Kindle Fire for Christmas two years ago. The ease of downloading books from Amazon and the number of free books available has resulted in my only using the Kindle. Have a Color Nook for sale if someone wants it.

[sunny46]

I have 3 Kindles and love them. Amazon is the best customer service company I have ever dealt with. They always help me on their 24/7 chat. Beware the Nook as B&N is about to go under!

[TrudyM]

Kindle paperwhite is the best I think. I have one and also have the reading app on hubby's Microsoft surface. The light on the paperwhite allows you to adjust for glare and it is easiest on the eyes for reading. The color versions are in my opinion harder on the eyes and defeat the purpose I think. The free books available online make it great and my library has a lot of titles.

[Carmen Santiago]

Thinking of getting a Kindle - for those that have them - what do you think? And would you buy it again if you did not have one. Pros/Cons?

I love mine. I have had it for 5 years. My husband has one and says it was the best gift he ever got. My mother-in Law just bought one and was so excited she could read again with her old eyes. She just made the font bigger. I have a huge collection of books on mine. Some people still like the feel of a book, I don't like books lying and taking up space on a shelf collecting dust.

[Carmen Santiago]

I have 3 Kindles and love them. Amazon is the best customer service company I have ever dealt with. They always help me on their 24/7 chat. Beware the Nook as B&N is about to go under!

You are so right about Amazon. I was having a small problem with mine once and called them, got a teckie on the phone who fixed it over the phone then gave me a $25 credit on my account. Besides my kindle, I use Amazon for almost all my shopping. It's safe and they ship all around the world. When my kids can't think of what to buy me for my birthday or any other occasion I always tell them to get an Amazon card. They buy it on line and Amazon sends me an email with the gift card. I love Amazon!

[George Bieniaszek]

Love my Kindle, so much so that my wife loves my Kindle as well and has made it HER Kindle. I bought a Kindle Fire for myself :)

[RuthM]

I have a Kindle 3G, one of the first that came out, and a Kindle Fire. Love them both. You can go to ereadernews.com and download free or inexpensive (.99 & up) and that's a great way to find and read new authors.

[jojoin]

Is Amazon the only place you can download from? Or can you download from the library - any other site?



I have the Kindle paperwhite and really like it. You can read it in the sun or in a completely dark room. It's easy on the eyes as it's not backlit the same way as a computer. It's more like reading a book. It has wireless capability to download the books or you can it with with 3G.
You cannot check email or surf the net, like on the Kindle Fire, but then again, the Fire is not as easy on the eyes and difficult to see if you are outside.
You can also download from the library or other sites like bookbub.com

just noticed this thread was "reactivated" recently, but the original thread started 2 years ago. I guess the originator probably already made the decision on whether to buy a kindle:)

[D Lasher]

I have 3 Kindles and love them. Amazon is the best customer service company I have ever dealt with. They always help me on their 24/7 chat. Beware the Nook as B&N is about to go under!

I am trying to decide about a tablet vs a smartphone. Can you tell me if you can text to family and send pictures and skype on a Kindle HD?

[dplars]

bought my wife a Kindle for Christmas, she loved it. (past tense) then she got an Ipad, she loves it more.

[dplars]

Bought my wife an Kindle fire for Christmas, she loved it. (past tense). then she got an Ipad, she loves it more.

[davekroupa]

I am on my third, keep upgrading, love it, goes every where with me........cheaper to download books on amazon the barns and noble. use the 3g to keep up with emails when traveling

[Radioman41]

I have the Kindle Fire and love it. I find that I am reading more books now than before purchasing it. I get most of my books from the Sumter Library. The staff at the library were very helpful in setting up their program on my Kindle.

[rockyisle]

I like to purchase from both Amazon and Barnes & Noble, so bought an Asus Google Nexus from Staples. The first one was $179, my last one was $149. I can download both the Kindle and Nook software onto my Nexus and enjoy reading my libraries through both companies. Great savings on e-books too. I had originally bought it for my husband so he could enjoy the library I had on my Droid phone... We both share the libraries now on our Nexus readers - and can also read the same book on our Droids. The software knows what page you are on at any given time. Best money spent ever.

[LeeM]

Not only is the Kindle a great way to enjoy reading your books but it offers a super platform to express your creativity and earn income writing Kindle books.

I am a writer and have published about 20 books on the Kindle. The books in my name (I have pen names also) are on working from home, making extra income, how to break into and find freelance writing jobs and Kindle Publishing. I just recently published a book on how to market eBooks. And have another series coming out soon on legit ways to make cash from home.

If you like to write and want to try your hand at fiction or non-fiction it is wide open to publish and earn with the Kindle and other eBook platforms.

[cbh1975]

I adore my Kindle!

My first was a basic one--nothing fancy. Loved it. My second is a Kindle Fire. It's awesome! The only thing I don't like about that one is that I can't read in the sun because of the glossy screen. Hubby took my old one and didn't want to give it up, so he bought me another basic with the no glare screen so I can read outside.

Three Kindles, and I wouldn't give up any of them!

[maru8]

I have a kindle and joined the Lady Lake library. They have a limited amount that you are able to download butit actually goes through the Amazon site. Very confusing to me!

[dotti105]

Glad to read the comments on the PaperWhite. I am very interested in it.

I have a kindle and love it. Use it all the time for reading, but I have dry eyes and the PaperWhite looks like it make for more comfortable reading for me.

Mind you, the Kindle is not as hard on the eyes as the iPhone or computer or iPad which are backlit. That is what I really like about the PaperWhite, it should be even easier on the eyes.

I think I will put that on my Christmas list. Since my Kindle is in great shape and doesn't need to be replaced. I may re-gift it to one of my kids or grandkids. ;-)