Anyone here have a Kindle?

cambsno

cambsno

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The wife has said she might like one! We have an ipad so though about just using that for books (or could now justify getting a mini) but I admit I was shocked at the prices on iBooks - latest ones are £10 or so, and looking at what she is currently reading (Martina Cole) they are £5 each. At the moment she picks things up from libraries or friends or 2nd hand, so cost of books is very little. On the odd occasion she wants a new one she will get from Tesco.

So while I appreciate a Kindle holds loads of books, it seems very expensive, unless anyone can advise?
 
I have one and love it [although still have kindle on phone/laptop too]. Yes, buying new releases will be as expensive as buying them in hard format, though many older books are cheap, like buying s/h and many 'classics' of literature are available free. I have plenty of books on mine that cost less than £2. For me it works, we have several thousand books in this house and genuinely can't fit any more in, so only buy the hard copy if its a book I really really want and isn't available on Kindle or its a book that will have some kind of sentimental value or 'coffee table' book we really want [we dont have a coffee table, just a turn of phrase].
 
Yes I have one. Original style. I was dubious when I first got it, but now I wouldn't be without it. I read all my regular authors on it, and have found some fantastic new authors whose books were cheap / free through amazon that I would never have found without it. I have NEVER paid more for a kindle edition book than for a regular paper version.
 
as a 'real' bookworm I thought I would never get an E-reader (sacrilege) but when my friend's son died and it was discovered that he'd written a book and published it for kindle - I decided to buy one. Now you can read kindle books on your pc using their software which is free to download from amazon, but when I saw how cheap the basic kindle was (£70) I decided to get it for xmas. I am completely converted! I love my kindle and have over 60 books on there already. I have only paid for one of them. The complete sherlock holmes stories free! You can also read pdf files and doc files on it. Many of the new books by well known authors are more expensive than in the shops (especially Asda) but the price often changes, and if you check regularly they are sometimes offered free (but you have to be quick as the offer sometimes only lasts a day or less). It's all a matter of what you want to read on it I guess - I read crime, thrillers, fantasy, sci fi, classics, weird stuff - whatever looks good. I have read loads of stuff by unknown authors which has proven very good. And because it's free, I don't mind if I download the odd turkey.

hope this helps :)
 
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Thanks, I think I would rather her not hog the ipad so its get a mini or a Kindle. Its just the cost of books that concerns me, but good to know there are cheaper books out there.
 
sturisoma said:
I have read loads of stuff by unknown authors which has proven very good. And because it's free, I don't mind if I download the odd turkey.
hope this helps :)
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Eeeexactly. :)
 
Can't say I've noticed ebooks being overly expensive. That said, they are subject to VAT and, if you like to buy books when they have recently been published in hardback then they will be quite pricey. When I've looked on Amazon for books that are out in paperback, the ebook versions ted to be nearer the £5 mark and there are plenty of bargain/free books to be had.
 
cambsno said:
So while I appreciate a Kindle holds loads of books, it seems very expensive, unless anyone can advise?
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Prices are broadly comprable in my experience, usually the ebook prices is a little lower. Classics can be downloaded for free as they are out of copyright, which is great for me as a fan of Jane Austen and Thomas Hardy. As another person with a house full of books I find it useful in mitigating the book overspill that I currently suffer with!

The Kindle screen is a fabulous thing IMO, it is very like reading a book and much less tiring on the eyes than reading a normal computer screen.
 
kindle basic is down to 69 quid now (or less on special offer) - so you can't really go wrong , though the ipad mini will be more versatile and you can get a kindle app for ipad if you want to go that route
 
We bought my mum a kindle for Christmas last year and she hasn't bought a book (a paper one) since. It goes everywhere with her. Highly recommended for someone that reads regular.
 
I bought my wife one last year for Christmas. She used to go into the works and buy 2-3 books a week for £5.

She's now had the kindle for a year and not bought a single book, either paper or electronic.
amazon have loads of free books and every week they release different ones for free.
Every couple of days my wife downloads 5-10 free books to read later. I think she has around 600 books waiting to be read and hasn't cost a penny, other than the cost of the kindle.

Just bought another this year for my mom as she also enjoys reading.
 
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i have one, and mine goes everywhere, i'm another one that takes advantage of the freebies or less than a quid books, and haven't really had any turkeys, mine is the original keyboard one, and i have decided i am going to treat myself to the paperwhite for christmas
 
Macs own iBooks are totally overpriced. I always get the normal kindle books. Many go on offer. Picked up a few decent ones when they were free or under a quid. I was going to get a normal kindle but the e ink ones aren't colour so it's a disadvantage unless you read outside. Ipad will probably be awful out of doors. Don't know whether the kindle fire is better though.
 
I was a proper book reader, wouldn't even think of getting a kindle.I asked for one for my birthday & I love it. Read some newer books, autobiographies, no more than £5. At the moment I'm working my way through the Ian Fleming James Bond novels & they are around the £5 mark too.

I bet people thought the portable mp3 player wasn't the best idea, but we all have one & use them. We all carry round all our music collection, so why not our books?

The only downside is there is no light as standard, so if you read in the dark (like when i went camping) then you need to buy one,but its brilliant in the sunlight.
 
srichards said:
Macs own iBooks are totally overpriced. I always get the normal kindle books. Many go on offer. Picked up a few decent ones when they were free or under a quid. I was going to get a normal kindle but the e ink ones aren't colour so it's a disadvantage unless you read outside. Ipad will probably be awful out of doors. Don't know whether the kindle fire is better though.
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I agree, with Amazon I always find the books cheaper or the same price (if it's price is set by publisher - stated under the price on Amazon) as iBooks, and they have good sales every 3-4 months.
I love my kindle e-reader, I read mainly fiction, so colour doesn't really matter for me :)

Also the Kindle Paperwhite with built in front light looks great from the video reviews and quick look in waterstones.
 
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I can recommend calibre for organising ebooks on a PC.

I've only had it a short time, but it's a great utility.
 
john-oh said:
I can recommend calibre for organising ebooks on a PC.

I've only had it a short time, but it's a great utility.
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:plusone: I've been using it for over a year now, it not only organises the books but it is so easy to copy the library to a backup disc using synctoy.
There are also plug ins available to do various things.
 
Kindle it looks to b then. Need to decide between the £69 one which is the older style and the new white one? Any thoughts?
 
the £69 isnt the same as the old style , its smaller (about the same as the touch) and doesnt have a keypad on the bottom anymore. Personally i'd go for that, the paperwhite is only ten quid less than the fire, so you may as well go with the fire if you are doing that (but then again the fire is just a cheap tablet - and the nexus with a kindle app might be better)
 
I tried the smaller Kindle with no keyboard, but found it to be a real faff to swipe to change page rather than use the button on my original one which is right next to where my thumb sits. Also I find the text entry on the none keyboard ones to also be a faff. BUT I just want the kindle for books...nothing more. If you're looking for more actual browser access, then maybe the new Fire would be the way to go. But for me it's the original Kindle all the way. And if something happens to mine I will replace like-for-like.
 
Before going straight for a kindle have you checked out the Kobo (available from W.H. Smith) or the Nook.
My daughter has just bought the kobo glow and is really pleased with it. She likes reading in bed so went for one with a back light
Can't comment on the Nook sorry.
I think they are all a similar price though.
 
viv1969 said:
I tried the smaller Kindle with no keyboard, but found it to be a real faff to swipe to change page rather than use the button on my original one which is right next to where my thumb sits. Also I find the text entry on the none keyboard ones to also be a faff. BUT I just want the kindle for books...nothing more. If you're looking for more actual browser access, then maybe the new Fire would be the way to go. But for me it's the original Kindle all the way. And if something happens to mine I will replace like-for-like.
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The £69 kindle one has buttons to turn pages, it was the kindle touch (now replaced with the Paperwhite) where you had to swipe, so should they stop doing the keyboard one (since there is only the 3G one available now) you could try that one as a replacement if needs be :)
 
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Rachale said:
The £69 kindle one has buttons to turn pages, it was the kindle touch (now replaced with the Paperwhite) where you had to swipe, so should they stop doing the keyboard one (since there is only the 3G one available now) you could try that one as a replacement if needs be :)
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Oh Rachale, don't tell me that. I don't adapt well to change :lol:
 
big soft moose said:
the £69 isnt the same as the old style , its smaller (about the same as the touch) and doesnt have a keypad on the bottom anymore. Personally i'd go for that, the paperwhite is only ten quid less than the fire, so you may as well go with the fire if you are doing that (but then again the fire is just a cheap tablet - and the nexus with a kindle app might be better)
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It would b just for reading books so not the fire.
 
I've got the old keyboard version, the wife's got the £69 one. The screen is the same size on both but, obviously, the newer one is in a smaller package so to speak.

The paperwhite looks good but I can't help but think it negates the whole point of the kindle being easier on the eyes without a backlit screen.
 
fabs said:
I've got the old keyboard version, the wife's got the £69 one. The screen is the same size on both but, obviously, the newer one is in a smaller package so to speak.

The paperwhite looks good but I can't help but think it negates the whole point of the kindle being easier on the eyes without a backlit screen.
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Yes....That!!!!
 
The Paperwhite and Kobo Glo aren't backlit, they're 'frontlit'. The display is the same e-ink you find in the basic versions with tiny LEDs along the edges. It's no different to reading a book in a lit room.

It makes a big difference to reading comfort.
 
Stratman said:
The Paperwhite and Kobo Glo aren't backlit, they're 'frontlit'. The display is the same e-ink you find in the basic versions with tiny LEDs along the edges. It's no different to reading a book in a lit room.

It makes a big difference to reading comfort.
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Oh, right. Cheers :thumbs:
 
As i said higher up the kindle fire is just a cheap tablet , and reviews arent great - if you want a low end tablet with the capacity to read books you'd be better off with a nexus and the free kindle app.
 
I use a torch and read in bed under the covers - just like a book really, the thing I like most about the kindle I have (the basic £69 one) is its size, thinner than a paperback and fits into my pocket. You can also read it in full sunshine. I got a cover with stand from Asda for £15 which allows you to prop it up which is magic for me :)
 
I have the Kindle cover with light. Yes I know it was a lot of money, but it IS good.
 
If it's a choice between the basic Kindle and a tablet pc, I'd go for the Kindle. Reading from an LCD type screen can give eye strain after a while and you also get glare/reflection issues.

I used to hate the idea if a Kindle but am now a convert, it's great for travel and Amazon often put fairly new release books on sale - I recently picked up a book for 20p after about 4-5 weeks of release.
 
Do some research first, I have seen an article on TV program Watchdog saying that the kindle tends to break down and freeze, apparently, this can be caused by static discharge, for example, being in a suitcase with clothing when taking it abroad.
Amazon will replace it if within 12 months of purchase, but, you only get 90 days with any replacement, so, if that breaks, you have to pay £50 approx.
So, just saying, research it first.
 
I got a three year warranty thrown in (they are usually 20 quid extra) with the one I bought my wife - it also covers accidental breakage or loss , and a gurantee of replacement rather than repair.

incidentally the static discharge issue is usually only germane when the device itself is exposed (and that applies to any tablet type device) put it in a case to protect it and all should be cushty
 
big soft moose said:
I got a three year warranty thrown in (they are usually 20 quid extra) with the one I bought my wife - it also covers accidental breakage or loss , and a gurantee of replacement rather than repair.

incidentally the static discharge issue is usually only germane when the device itself is exposed (and that applies to any tablet type device) put it in a case to protect it and all should be cushty
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This.
 
Have to say that i have had mine for about a year have about 4000 books for it and after the amount of travel i have done this year i couldn't have done without it. i love my kindle.
Just as a note it may have been said before amazon often do sale weekends where alot of top book go for free or very low prices.
 
kry10 said:
Do some research first, I have seen an article on TV program Watchdog saying that the kindle tends to break down and freeze, apparently, this can be caused by static discharge, for example, being in a suitcase with clothing when taking it abroad.
Amazon will replace it if within 12 months of purchase, but, you only get 90 days with any replacement, so, if that breaks, you have to pay £50 approx.
So, just saying, research it first.
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I've got a keyboard version and following a few days in Spain, the screen appeared to have lines on it and it wouldn't switch on. Amazon were very good about exchanging it, maybe they've had lots of practise. There seems to be an issue with airport security scanners, according to The Daily Mail and t'internet bloggers, although I believe Amazon deny this.
There is a thought that wrapping them in kitchen foil doesn't help because the operators just turn up the juice to try to make out what the article is. Some recommend taking them out of bags etc. so they only get exposed to the minimum amount.
It's a worry though as one of the most useful aspect of these is the ability to take loads of book abroad and not face the wrath of O'Leary.
 
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