Do you have one? Do you want one? I am a huge reader, and have an ever growing library of books. I think I like the idea of not having to store more books on my already groaning bookshelves. I also like the idea of paying less for a Kindle version of a book than I would pay for a hardback. Plus, the idea of being able to carry an entire library everywhere with me is appealing. As is being able to get any book I feel like reading within 60 seconds.
What are some of the advantages of a Kindle over buying real books (besides the storage issue and cost of real books)? Would you read newspapers and magazines on it?
Most important, do you use it for anything other than reading a book? Would you transfer your iTunes to it and use it to listen to music? Would you frequently use the WiFi feature for anything other than ordering more books?
If you have one, what's on your Kindle right now? I'd love to know!
104 responses to “The Kindle”
I have been wondering all the same things you are wondering. I have also had someone tell that ‘The Nook’ by Barnes and Noble is really good too. I will also be interested in what your readers have to say.
Marsha
I have been wondering all the same things you are wondering. I have also had someone tell that ‘The Nook’ by Barnes and Noble is really good too. I will also be interested in what your readers have to say.
Marsha
I do not have the Kindle, but I have an iPad which you can download books on just like a Kindle and I love it. I use it all the time to read, not just surf blogs! LOL! I love to read, but no longer like to collect books in the house (tired of storing) so this is great for me. I also play movies in my sewing room on my iPad, so I can listen while I sew. I’ve heard wonderful things about the Kindle.
I do not have the Kindle, but I have an iPad which you can download books on just like a Kindle and I love it. I use it all the time to read, not just surf blogs! LOL! I love to read, but no longer like to collect books in the house (tired of storing) so this is great for me. I also play movies in my sewing room on my iPad, so I can listen while I sew. I’ve heard wonderful things about the Kindle.
My sister has had a Kindle since the first ones came out. She doesn’t go anywhere without her’s (as in reading in an easy chair while I spent a couple of hours buying fabric in her local quilt shop)! She also checks books out of her local library but really is a walking advertisement for Kindles!!!
My sister has had a Kindle since the first ones came out. She doesn’t go anywhere without her’s (as in reading in an easy chair while I spent a couple of hours buying fabric in her local quilt shop)! She also checks books out of her local library but really is a walking advertisement for Kindles!!!
I’m on my second Kindle. I now have the 3G but don’t use the wireless except for ordering books (you can’t, can you?) I love the ease of having my books with me all the time – I especially use my phone to read, since it’s always with me – in the doctor’s office, at a traffic jam…..you can share your books with 5 other eletronic gadgets in your name (i.e. computer, ipod, etc.). As to what’s on it, wow, too many to list. Things I DON’T like about it…no way to read “inside flap” to refresh memory what a book is about (sometimes I buy one and don’t get to it for awhile) and can’t flip back pages to refresh memory on a fact or person like you can in a book. Other than that it’s great, only other complaint is that it’s too easy to order books!!! My credit card sometimes groans like my bookshelves used to.
I’m on my second Kindle. I now have the 3G but don’t use the wireless except for ordering books (you can’t, can you?) I love the ease of having my books with me all the time – I especially use my phone to read, since it’s always with me – in the doctor’s office, at a traffic jam…..you can share your books with 5 other eletronic gadgets in your name (i.e. computer, ipod, etc.). As to what’s on it, wow, too many to list. Things I DON’T like about it…no way to read “inside flap” to refresh memory what a book is about (sometimes I buy one and don’t get to it for awhile) and can’t flip back pages to refresh memory on a fact or person like you can in a book. Other than that it’s great, only other complaint is that it’s too easy to order books!!! My credit card sometimes groans like my bookshelves used to.
I love my kindle. Well, perhaps I should say I lov-ed my kindle. My 14 year old has somehow claimed it as his own. Luckily I have an ipad too, so I’ve been reading my kindle library on that. The kindle is much lighter and easier to read at the beach. I even purchased a book sitting in my beach chair this summer and started reading it minutes later. How’s that for service. My husband has a kindle too. Both are connected to the same account so we can share books and read them at the same time. That is nice when a new book comes out.
I love my kindle. Well, perhaps I should say I lov-ed my kindle. My 14 year old has somehow claimed it as his own. Luckily I have an ipad too, so I’ve been reading my kindle library on that. The kindle is much lighter and easier to read at the beach. I even purchased a book sitting in my beach chair this summer and started reading it minutes later. How’s that for service. My husband has a kindle too. Both are connected to the same account so we can share books and read them at the same time. That is nice when a new book comes out.
I’ve had my Kindle for a year and I LOVE IT!!! I still read real books too (loaner books, books not on Kindle, etc.) but I prefer reading on Kindle. First off, you can increase the size so you can always have a large-print version. And for someone who has pain and stiffness in her hands, it is much easier to hold and turn pages than a big old book. I find, I suppose for these reasons, I can read a book much faster on Kindle.
I have only used it for ordering and reading books so far. Did try the wireless internet once, but didn’t like how the screen appeared. I think I just maybe don’t have it formatted for internet the right way, maybe? Next, I want an iPad.
I’ve had my Kindle for a year and I LOVE IT!!! I still read real books too (loaner books, books not on Kindle, etc.) but I prefer reading on Kindle. First off, you can increase the size so you can always have a large-print version. And for someone who has pain and stiffness in her hands, it is much easier to hold and turn pages than a big old book. I find, I suppose for these reasons, I can read a book much faster on Kindle.
I have only used it for ordering and reading books so far. Did try the wireless internet once, but didn’t like how the screen appeared. I think I just maybe don’t have it formatted for internet the right way, maybe? Next, I want an iPad.
One of the attorneys I used to work for was kind enough to give me a Kindle (Version 1) since he knew how much I loved to read, had a long commute, and loved technology (and we were an IP firm so we were interested in the digital rights arena of books). I’m still using the original one and love it! I’ve used it for not only books, but periodicals as well. I love that it’s green (no storing of books), portable, easy and I can read “samples” of books before I commit to buying. I will upgrade one of these days but for the time being, I’m perfectly content. However, on the train last week, I truly coveted another passenger’s iPad as she was browsing photos on it…they looke gorgeous. There’s a Kindle app for the iPad,too (just like the iPhone) so you can have both! As far as eReaders go, the Kindle has the most selection of books on Amazon, you can share, etc. but I think the iPad would make a nice companion since there’s so much more you can do on it.
One of the attorneys I used to work for was kind enough to give me a Kindle (Version 1) since he knew how much I loved to read, had a long commute, and loved technology (and we were an IP firm so we were interested in the digital rights arena of books). I’m still using the original one and love it! I’ve used it for not only books, but periodicals as well. I love that it’s green (no storing of books), portable, easy and I can read “samples” of books before I commit to buying. I will upgrade one of these days but for the time being, I’m perfectly content. However, on the train last week, I truly coveted another passenger’s iPad as she was browsing photos on it…they looke gorgeous. There’s a Kindle app for the iPad,too (just like the iPhone) so you can have both! As far as eReaders go, the Kindle has the most selection of books on Amazon, you can share, etc. but I think the iPad would make a nice companion since there’s so much more you can do on it.
I have had my Kindle 1st Generation since Oct. 2009 and I loveeeeeeeeeee it !! . . . I bought a refurbished one at an excellent price directly from Amazon . . .
if you can find a 1st Generation I would recommend getting it over the newer ones . . . the 1st Generation is the only one you can change the battery yourself . . . the others you have to send back to Amazon to be changed . . . that’s what has kept me from upgrading . . .
I have over 200 books on my Kindle and have only paid for 11 . . . they have so many free books every week . . . and I have found terrific authors on the free book list that I had never heard of before . . .
ALL the classics are free . . . and they add lots of free books every week . . . they are usually only on for a week or so . . . and then they are changed . . . so I download anything that is free that I am interested in right away . . .
I go nowhere without it . . . absolutely nowhere !!
when my mother was in the hospital last year . . . I was in the waiting room with my 4 year old granddaughter . . . and she wanted me to read her a story but she didn’t have any books with her . . . I took out my Kindle and downloaded a children’s book and in 1 minute I was reading to her . . .
I would also consider NOT buying anything but a Kindle as the others are all backlit . . . just like a computer screen . . . can’t read them easily outside . . . the Kindle is perfect outside . . . it’s just like reading off a paper page . . . and your eyes will get tired reading a backlit screen too . . .
I will upgrade when they have perfected the color thing . . . and then I will subscribe to my magazines on there . . . some of the other brands have color but it drains the batteries fast . . . and I definitely do NOT want a backlit screen . . .
I also love the highlighting feature . . . because when I read I tend to highlight things I want to remember . . . and then put them into a journal book later . . . with the Kindle they are all stored in one place . . . love it !!
whatever you do . . . be sure you get the one with the 3G feature if you want to be able to download from anywhere . . . they have a version at a cheaper price but it does NOT have 3G . . . so you need to connect to your computer to download . . . it’s a little misleading . . . just read the description . . . I think it’s a $50 difference . . . but it’s worth it . . .
sorry this was so long . . . I think that’s it . . . if I think of anything else I will let you know . . .
I have had my Kindle 1st Generation since Oct. 2009 and I loveeeeeeeeeee it !! . . . I bought a refurbished one at an excellent price directly from Amazon . . .
if you can find a 1st Generation I would recommend getting it over the newer ones . . . the 1st Generation is the only one you can change the battery yourself . . . the others you have to send back to Amazon to be changed . . . that’s what has kept me from upgrading . . .
I have over 200 books on my Kindle and have only paid for 11 . . . they have so many free books every week . . . and I have found terrific authors on the free book list that I had never heard of before . . .
ALL the classics are free . . . and they add lots of free books every week . . . they are usually only on for a week or so . . . and then they are changed . . . so I download anything that is free that I am interested in right away . . .
I go nowhere without it . . . absolutely nowhere !!
when my mother was in the hospital last year . . . I was in the waiting room with my 4 year old granddaughter . . . and she wanted me to read her a story but she didn’t have any books with her . . . I took out my Kindle and downloaded a children’s book and in 1 minute I was reading to her . . .
I would also consider NOT buying anything but a Kindle as the others are all backlit . . . just like a computer screen . . . can’t read them easily outside . . . the Kindle is perfect outside . . . it’s just like reading off a paper page . . . and your eyes will get tired reading a backlit screen too . . .
I will upgrade when they have perfected the color thing . . . and then I will subscribe to my magazines on there . . . some of the other brands have color but it drains the batteries fast . . . and I definitely do NOT want a backlit screen . . .
I also love the highlighting feature . . . because when I read I tend to highlight things I want to remember . . . and then put them into a journal book later . . . with the Kindle they are all stored in one place . . . love it !!
whatever you do . . . be sure you get the one with the 3G feature if you want to be able to download from anywhere . . . they have a version at a cheaper price but it does NOT have 3G . . . so you need to connect to your computer to download . . . it’s a little misleading . . . just read the description . . . I think it’s a $50 difference . . . but it’s worth it . . .
sorry this was so long . . . I think that’s it . . . if I think of anything else I will let you know . . .
I’m not sure, but with the Kindle I’m pretty sure that you can’t surf the web, or buy anything besides books. We just bought my husband the NookColor because you can surf the web and it supports library books (I don’t think that the Kindle does – could be wrong). He loves it. It’s compact, and since he travels, he can take many books along with him.
I downloaded the nook and Kindle apps on my phone, and I’ve been using them all the time to read. It’s so great to be somewhere and be able to read on my phone. I always have a book with me.
I’m not sure, but with the Kindle I’m pretty sure that you can’t surf the web, or buy anything besides books. We just bought my husband the NookColor because you can surf the web and it supports library books (I don’t think that the Kindle does – could be wrong). He loves it. It’s compact, and since he travels, he can take many books along with him.
I downloaded the nook and Kindle apps on my phone, and I’ve been using them all the time to read. It’s so great to be somewhere and be able to read on my phone. I always have a book with me.
I actually own Barnes & nobles Nook. I did some really deep research before I bought mine. I wasn’t sure if I wanted a Nook or the kindle.
I decided on the Nook for several reasons:
1-if they update the software you get to download it. (with a kindle you have to purchase a whole new kindle to get any updates)
2-the battery is replaceable, just like a cell phone. You pop the back, buy a new battery from B&N and put it in.
3-if you want more space you can add more by buying a memory card.
4-you can go to your local B&N and look at it, touch it, and feel it. You can also get support staff assistance face to face. (to me, that was big, being able to touch, feel, play)
I hope you will consider all of these before you make the big leap and buy you a kindle. See which one is a better deal for you?
I actually own Barnes & nobles Nook. I did some really deep research before I bought mine. I wasn’t sure if I wanted a Nook or the kindle.
I decided on the Nook for several reasons:
1-if they update the software you get to download it. (with a kindle you have to purchase a whole new kindle to get any updates)
2-the battery is replaceable, just like a cell phone. You pop the back, buy a new battery from B&N and put it in.
3-if you want more space you can add more by buying a memory card.
4-you can go to your local B&N and look at it, touch it, and feel it. You can also get support staff assistance face to face. (to me, that was big, being able to touch, feel, play)
I hope you will consider all of these before you make the big leap and buy you a kindle. See which one is a better deal for you?
I am interested in the Kindle, too. But I really like holding a thick, heavy book in my hands that I have been anticipating reading. It’s such a joy to hold a physical book from one of my favorite authors. Barnes and Nobles is my favorite place to be and I’m worried that these stores will go the way of video stores when the publishing industry decides the masses prefer the digital format.
It reminds me of Star Trek, when Captain Pickard sits down with a classic book (a rare commodity in his universe) in his ready room, instead of his IPad-like device that records his ship’s log.
Karen L.
I am interested in the Kindle, too. But I really like holding a thick, heavy book in my hands that I have been anticipating reading. It’s such a joy to hold a physical book from one of my favorite authors. Barnes and Nobles is my favorite place to be and I’m worried that these stores will go the way of video stores when the publishing industry decides the masses prefer the digital format.
It reminds me of Star Trek, when Captain Pickard sits down with a classic book (a rare commodity in his universe) in his ready room, instead of his IPad-like device that records his ship’s log.
Karen L.
I LOVE my Sony Reader and take it everywhere I go. Sure makes storage so much easier – LOL
I LOVE my Sony Reader and take it everywhere I go. Sure makes storage so much easier – LOL
I have an iPad, which I love. They’re more expensive than the Kindle or Nook, but I wanted the internet on it. I have seen a lot of e-reader reviews lately and the Nook seems to come out on top over the Kindle. My cousin who has a PhD, and does lots of research for what ever she buys, chose the Nook as well.
I have an iPad, which I love. They’re more expensive than the Kindle or Nook, but I wanted the internet on it. I have seen a lot of e-reader reviews lately and the Nook seems to come out on top over the Kindle. My cousin who has a PhD, and does lots of research for what ever she buys, chose the Nook as well.
Heather’s post reminded me . . . on the 1st Generation Kindle you can use a memory card also . . . not sure about the others . . .
but if you run out of room on your Kindle . . . you can delete books off . . . they remain in your Amazon account forever . . . so you can just re-download them when you want them . . .
I have all my classics and any books I’ve read . . . stored only on Amazon . . . not directly on my Kindle . . . I can get them back whenever I want . . .
if you want to see the Kindle . . . I think Staples now has them right in the store . . .
Heather’s post reminded me . . . on the 1st Generation Kindle you can use a memory card also . . . not sure about the others . . .
but if you run out of room on your Kindle . . . you can delete books off . . . they remain in your Amazon account forever . . . so you can just re-download them when you want them . . .
I have all my classics and any books I’ve read . . . stored only on Amazon . . . not directly on my Kindle . . . I can get them back whenever I want . . .
if you want to see the Kindle . . . I think Staples now has them right in the store . . .
I have the B&N Nook, and have only bought a few books. I download several a month from my library. Just like with paper books, they are available to read for a set period of time. Keep in mind: you can only lend purchased ebooks to one other person; sometimes the ebook is more expensive than a paper version, if the book’s been out awhile. The nook uses e-ink, so it is easier on the eyes than the iPad. Even with the drawbacks, I am really happy with the Nook.
I have the B&N Nook, and have only bought a few books. I download several a month from my library. Just like with paper books, they are available to read for a set period of time. Keep in mind: you can only lend purchased ebooks to one other person; sometimes the ebook is more expensive than a paper version, if the book’s been out awhile. The nook uses e-ink, so it is easier on the eyes than the iPad. Even with the drawbacks, I am really happy with the Nook.
Funny you should ask now as I borrowed a Kindle last week to try out and see if I want one. They are great for travel – I am reading Fall of Giants, a 900+ page book and the Kindle is much lighter; my SIL used to ship a box of books down to Florida for her annual visit but now takes the Kindle. Also great for the gym (fits more easily than a book in the book stand on the ellipical machine and the “pages” turn more easily too.
So far, the thing I don’t like is the inability to page around in the book. Can’t peek at the ending or page back to refer to something (you probably can but I haven’t figured out how to do it easily).
What I am trying to do now is decide between the basic Kindle and a Nook Color. I am tempted by the Nook Color because I want to use the reader for my Wall Street Journal subscription and would like to get the photos. The downside, besides higher cost, is that the Nook Color is backlit which is harder on the eyes than the Kindle. Decisions, decisions.
Funny you should ask now as I borrowed a Kindle last week to try out and see if I want one. They are great for travel – I am reading Fall of Giants, a 900+ page book and the Kindle is much lighter; my SIL used to ship a box of books down to Florida for her annual visit but now takes the Kindle. Also great for the gym (fits more easily than a book in the book stand on the ellipical machine and the “pages” turn more easily too.
So far, the thing I don’t like is the inability to page around in the book. Can’t peek at the ending or page back to refer to something (you probably can but I haven’t figured out how to do it easily).
What I am trying to do now is decide between the basic Kindle and a Nook Color. I am tempted by the Nook Color because I want to use the reader for my Wall Street Journal subscription and would like to get the photos. The downside, besides higher cost, is that the Nook Color is backlit which is harder on the eyes than the Kindle. Decisions, decisions.
I own a Kindle, and love it. It will never replace the sensory joy of holding a book in my hands and reading, but it does surely replace the 20 pounds of books in my luggage every where I go. I love that it fits in my purse, and is easy to use.
I looked seriously at the Nook once it came out (had a Kindle already) to buy for my father-in-law, and decided to stick with the Kindle. I found the learning curve much quicker with the Kindle (I’m sure that’s personal preference).
I believe Heather may be mistaken on the updates for the Kindle. I receive them regularly, for free, on my Kindle. I get a notice that there are updates, and when I connect to the internet they are automatically downloaded.
My kindle will stay charged for 2 weeks if it is off line. That’s nice for a vacation where you’re worried about finding electricity available. If you keep it online the charge only lasts about 4 days.
I currently store about 100 books on my Kindle, but it will hold 1500, and if you want more space than that, you can store them on Amazon, and only have the ones on the Kindle that you currently want. Also on the Kindle you can make categories for your books and store them that way (mysteries, fiction, romance, non-fiction,whatever you want.)
You can play with a Nook at any Barnes and Noble, but what they have on the Nook is limited, so you can’t quite navigate as much as you’d like. For a Kindle, I bet if you know someone who has one, they’d let you play around on it. I certainly would. I believe you can return it if you don’t like it – I’m not sure on the details.
I hope this helps.
I own a Kindle, and love it. It will never replace the sensory joy of holding a book in my hands and reading, but it does surely replace the 20 pounds of books in my luggage every where I go. I love that it fits in my purse, and is easy to use.
I looked seriously at the Nook once it came out (had a Kindle already) to buy for my father-in-law, and decided to stick with the Kindle. I found the learning curve much quicker with the Kindle (I’m sure that’s personal preference).
I believe Heather may be mistaken on the updates for the Kindle. I receive them regularly, for free, on my Kindle. I get a notice that there are updates, and when I connect to the internet they are automatically downloaded.
My kindle will stay charged for 2 weeks if it is off line. That’s nice for a vacation where you’re worried about finding electricity available. If you keep it online the charge only lasts about 4 days.
I currently store about 100 books on my Kindle, but it will hold 1500, and if you want more space than that, you can store them on Amazon, and only have the ones on the Kindle that you currently want. Also on the Kindle you can make categories for your books and store them that way (mysteries, fiction, romance, non-fiction,whatever you want.)
You can play with a Nook at any Barnes and Noble, but what they have on the Nook is limited, so you can’t quite navigate as much as you’d like. For a Kindle, I bet if you know someone who has one, they’d let you play around on it. I certainly would. I believe you can return it if you don’t like it – I’m not sure on the details.
I hope this helps.
I thought I wanted a Kindle last year but ended up with a Sony Reader because I can download library books to it. The B&N Nook also allows you to download library books. More and more libraries are adding e-books to their collections.
I thought I wanted a Kindle last year but ended up with a Sony Reader because I can download library books to it. The B&N Nook also allows you to download library books. More and more libraries are adding e-books to their collections.
I have the Kindle app on my smartphone, and I love it! Right now, I’m re-reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon on my commute. It was one of the free titles a few weeks ago. (booksprung.com keeps track of the free/heavily discounted titles available.) I seem to read a lot faster on the Kindle app than I do with regular books, and it’s so much easier on my shoulders than toting a heavy library hardcover around in my purse to and from work.
I have the Kindle app on my smartphone, and I love it! Right now, I’m re-reading Outlander by Diana Gabaldon on my commute. It was one of the free titles a few weeks ago. (booksprung.com keeps track of the free/heavily discounted titles available.) I seem to read a lot faster on the Kindle app than I do with regular books, and it’s so much easier on my shoulders than toting a heavy library hardcover around in my purse to and from work.
I’m on my second Kindle now. I bought the very first one and now have moved on to the newest one. I purchased the $189 3G version.
1. If you don’t know/understand the difference between wi-fi & 3G – buy the 3G.
2. You will not be saving money on books. You will be buying more books; therefore no savings. You will save on space, that counts for something. 🙂
3. Do not expect anything from it that you would not expect from a paper book.
* You can’t read in the dark, you need a light.
* Only some books will read aloud to you, and the voice sucks.
* Games? Really? Do you really need another thing in your life that wastes your time?
* The best books for the Kindle are “reading” books. Texts books – ick. Quilt, cook, illustrated books – ick.
4. Buy a hard cover. I like the non-lighted $39 one, and the Mighty Bright adjustable neck book light (3AAA batteries).
5. Buy directly from Amazon – 30 day no hassle return policy if you get it and don’t love it to death. But! There are NO REFUNDS on books you purchase, so only buy one to get you started.
All this being said – I love, adore, can no longer live without my Kindle. Buy one!
I’m on my second Kindle now. I bought the very first one and now have moved on to the newest one. I purchased the $189 3G version.
1. If you don’t know/understand the difference between wi-fi & 3G – buy the 3G.
2. You will not be saving money on books. You will be buying more books; therefore no savings. You will save on space, that counts for something. 🙂
3. Do not expect anything from it that you would not expect from a paper book.
* You can’t read in the dark, you need a light.
* Only some books will read aloud to you, and the voice sucks.
* Games? Really? Do you really need another thing in your life that wastes your time?
* The best books for the Kindle are “reading” books. Texts books – ick. Quilt, cook, illustrated books – ick.
4. Buy a hard cover. I like the non-lighted $39 one, and the Mighty Bright adjustable neck book light (3AAA batteries).
5. Buy directly from Amazon – 30 day no hassle return policy if you get it and don’t love it to death. But! There are NO REFUNDS on books you purchase, so only buy one to get you started.
All this being said – I love, adore, can no longer live without my Kindle. Buy one!
A kindle is on my wishlist, but I have been wanting a slate computer for AGES. Now that they have come down to a reasonable price, I may just wait a little longer and with our tax refund get a slate and put a kindle ap on it.
A kindle is on my wishlist, but I have been wanting a slate computer for AGES. Now that they have come down to a reasonable price, I may just wait a little longer and with our tax refund get a slate and put a kindle ap on it.
I love my Kindle! I researched and tried all the readers on the market and went with Kindle because it seemed to match my sense of logic best.
I’ve had dozens of different books on it, and keep them all on my computer (because I don’t always buy from amazon – any mobipocket or pdf file will read on there). Actually on Kindle right now, I have Overton Window by Glenn Beck, The Clone Empire by Steven Kent, Dark Slayer by Feehan, The Greatest Words Ever Spoken by Steven Scott, and Orphan Blocks by Tricia Maloney. That was my first experiment in a quilt book with lots of pictures, and I’ll still buy the real book one of these days, but I wanted to read it now!
As for wifi and 3G – if you don’t expect to be sitting at the spa or airport or in a taxi trying to download a book, go with just the wifi. That access is in most homes, hotels, many restaurants and other businesses. I keep it all turned off except when I’m downloading anyway, makes the battery last longer.
There are thousands of free books. I downloaded the complete works of Charles Dickens for free, for example. Thousands more that are cheap. Not every book is either cheap or available. The Feehan book cost as much as the real book, and if I’d realized it, I wouldn’t have bought it for Kindle, but waited for the paperback to come out. Some authors won’t go with the eBooks at all yet. Older books are often not available. I won’t be giving up my book collection, or my book shelves, but I won’t be giving up my Kindle, either! I carry it everywhere I might have to wait so that I have something to do. I have used the e-mail ap, but I don’t browse the internet – too slow (I have 2nd gen.). I don’t use the read aloud – don’t like to listen to someone else read to me.
I bought the $39 hard leather cover with no light, but I’m dreaming about a $75 one from Oberon. Eventually. You must have a cover to protect the corners. But I have a friend who has broken his twice and Amazon replaced it both times. Now he has a cover.
If you have no self-control, you will buy a bazillion books and spend just as much money or more. But you’ll have the bazillion books. LOL
Buy it. Worth every penny and more.
I love my Kindle! I researched and tried all the readers on the market and went with Kindle because it seemed to match my sense of logic best.
I’ve had dozens of different books on it, and keep them all on my computer (because I don’t always buy from amazon – any mobipocket or pdf file will read on there). Actually on Kindle right now, I have Overton Window by Glenn Beck, The Clone Empire by Steven Kent, Dark Slayer by Feehan, The Greatest Words Ever Spoken by Steven Scott, and Orphan Blocks by Tricia Maloney. That was my first experiment in a quilt book with lots of pictures, and I’ll still buy the real book one of these days, but I wanted to read it now!
As for wifi and 3G – if you don’t expect to be sitting at the spa or airport or in a taxi trying to download a book, go with just the wifi. That access is in most homes, hotels, many restaurants and other businesses. I keep it all turned off except when I’m downloading anyway, makes the battery last longer.
There are thousands of free books. I downloaded the complete works of Charles Dickens for free, for example. Thousands more that are cheap. Not every book is either cheap or available. The Feehan book cost as much as the real book, and if I’d realized it, I wouldn’t have bought it for Kindle, but waited for the paperback to come out. Some authors won’t go with the eBooks at all yet. Older books are often not available. I won’t be giving up my book collection, or my book shelves, but I won’t be giving up my Kindle, either! I carry it everywhere I might have to wait so that I have something to do. I have used the e-mail ap, but I don’t browse the internet – too slow (I have 2nd gen.). I don’t use the read aloud – don’t like to listen to someone else read to me.
I bought the $39 hard leather cover with no light, but I’m dreaming about a $75 one from Oberon. Eventually. You must have a cover to protect the corners. But I have a friend who has broken his twice and Amazon replaced it both times. Now he has a cover.
If you have no self-control, you will buy a bazillion books and spend just as much money or more. But you’ll have the bazillion books. LOL
Buy it. Worth every penny and more.
I have a Palm T|X that I read on. It fits in my pocket! That means, it can go everywhere with me. I started using Palms for books almost 10 years ago with a Palm 100 that was given to me at work. I’ve had 3 I purchased since then, and when Palm quit with the PDAs, I bought a second T|X so I would have it.
Did I mention that it FITS IN MY POCKET?! And, it has a large font option, for when I forget my glasses.
That means, if I am at work, and go for coffee, I don’t have to drag my purse, or be obvious that I am carrying a book. B&N just joined forces with ereader.com and fictionwise.com, so there are a lot of offerings.
I have a Palm T|X that I read on. It fits in my pocket! That means, it can go everywhere with me. I started using Palms for books almost 10 years ago with a Palm 100 that was given to me at work. I’ve had 3 I purchased since then, and when Palm quit with the PDAs, I bought a second T|X so I would have it.
Did I mention that it FITS IN MY POCKET?! And, it has a large font option, for when I forget my glasses.
That means, if I am at work, and go for coffee, I don’t have to drag my purse, or be obvious that I am carrying a book. B&N just joined forces with ereader.com and fictionwise.com, so there are a lot of offerings.
You hit me on a soft spot. I went digital several years ago. The kindle was newly released and there were very limited options out there. I did alot of research and being a bit of a control freak with a heavy dose of techie in me, I decided that when I bought my toy I did not want anyone to dictate what I would put on my device. I didn’t want a toll gate where I had to send anything that was not of Kindle format to get converted and then downloaded onto my device. I wanted a device that supported a variety of formats so that I could pick and choose where to buy my books. That was why I bought a Sony eReader. I wrote about my choice on my old book blog.
http://texas-bookworm.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-journey-to-ebook-reading.html
Sony has been making eReaders for a long time and they keep mainstreaming it by giving options to it’s users.
http://texas-bookworm.blogspot.com/2009/08/and-this-is-why-i-love-my-sony-reader.html
This year though, I put my eReader away because I picked up a new toy… I got an iPad. The BEST $ I have ever spent on a gadget. I was telling my sister that it was the top purchase for me this year.
The darn thing sleeps with me. I used to travel with a laptop, the eReader and an iPod but have reduced my electronics to just one. I love that I can download the kindle App and buy books just like a kindle but it also gives me the flexibility of loading PDF files and ePub books (like the ones you download from the library) and I can also load my audiobooks… It was pricey, but worth every darn penny!! I scan my quilt patterns and load them on my iPad and travel with them to the store (I used to do this with my Sony eReader but now I have color images), I also prop my iPad on my cutting table to make sure my measurements are accurate. I just cannot tell you how much I love the darn thing!
I understand why people go gaga over the Kindle, but I think my reasons for picking up the Sony are still valid and I would be making the same choice if I was to be buying today. For books, I could give a fig about the wireless access to download books. I prefer to avoid the whole impulse shopping thing. I like thinking about my purchase and then keeping things “in house”. I store my eBooks on an external hard drive and I also backup to several CDS. I have gone from over 300 paperback books to a little over 100. I have replaced many of my keepers to digital.
Selecting an eReader is a personal choice. Everyone has a preference and what was important to me is not always important to others. Like wireless was not something my device had to have but format flexibility was a must. I would suggest you think about what is important to you and check out what is out there so you can make a fair assessment of the devices. Here is a great site that actual have many of the devices listed in a comparison table:
http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/comparison-table-of-ereading-devices/
I still like to pick up a paperback on occasion but I mostly read in Audio and eBook, All on my iPad.
You hit me on a soft spot. I went digital several years ago. The kindle was newly released and there were very limited options out there. I did alot of research and being a bit of a control freak with a heavy dose of techie in me, I decided that when I bought my toy I did not want anyone to dictate what I would put on my device. I didn’t want a toll gate where I had to send anything that was not of Kindle format to get converted and then downloaded onto my device. I wanted a device that supported a variety of formats so that I could pick and choose where to buy my books. That was why I bought a Sony eReader. I wrote about my choice on my old book blog.
http://texas-bookworm.blogspot.com/2008/03/my-journey-to-ebook-reading.html
Sony has been making eReaders for a long time and they keep mainstreaming it by giving options to it’s users.
http://texas-bookworm.blogspot.com/2009/08/and-this-is-why-i-love-my-sony-reader.html
This year though, I put my eReader away because I picked up a new toy… I got an iPad. The BEST $ I have ever spent on a gadget. I was telling my sister that it was the top purchase for me this year.
The darn thing sleeps with me. I used to travel with a laptop, the eReader and an iPod but have reduced my electronics to just one. I love that I can download the kindle App and buy books just like a kindle but it also gives me the flexibility of loading PDF files and ePub books (like the ones you download from the library) and I can also load my audiobooks… It was pricey, but worth every darn penny!! I scan my quilt patterns and load them on my iPad and travel with them to the store (I used to do this with my Sony eReader but now I have color images), I also prop my iPad on my cutting table to make sure my measurements are accurate. I just cannot tell you how much I love the darn thing!
I understand why people go gaga over the Kindle, but I think my reasons for picking up the Sony are still valid and I would be making the same choice if I was to be buying today. For books, I could give a fig about the wireless access to download books. I prefer to avoid the whole impulse shopping thing. I like thinking about my purchase and then keeping things “in house”. I store my eBooks on an external hard drive and I also backup to several CDS. I have gone from over 300 paperback books to a little over 100. I have replaced many of my keepers to digital.
Selecting an eReader is a personal choice. Everyone has a preference and what was important to me is not always important to others. Like wireless was not something my device had to have but format flexibility was a must. I would suggest you think about what is important to you and check out what is out there so you can make a fair assessment of the devices. Here is a great site that actual have many of the devices listed in a comparison table:
http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/comparison-table-of-ereading-devices/
I still like to pick up a paperback on occasion but I mostly read in Audio and eBook, All on my iPad.
Anyone who is an avid reader should have a Kindle. My BIL, who travels extensively for business, had the 1st Kindle in the family. He “eats” books — will read at least a book a day. Traveling to China for 10 days meant taking a suitcase just for books. BIL and darling sis gifted me with my Kindle 2 overe a year ago, and I love it. I commute on the train every day to work, so having my Kindle means that I am never without something to read. I usually have at least 10 books loaded on there. You can archive your books when you are finished with them — they stay on Amazon’s server, and are always available for you to re-download or download to someone else on your account.
I subscribe to an email service that tells you free books for downloading every few days. SOme are dogs, butmost are OK. If I don’t like the book, I just archive it. You can also download a free sample of a book to see if you actually want to buy it. If you don’t, you are under no obligation.
Don’t buy a Kindle to save yourself money. You are buying convenience and availability. As others have said, you will probably spend more than you ever thought on books. On the other hand, I’d much rather pack my Kindle in my purse than lug around a copy of War and Peace. I’m also at an age where I’d much rather have a stack of fabric piling up in my house than a stack of old books I know I will never read again.
There are a couple of accessories you will need to buy for your Kindle. You will need a clip-on light because the Kindle has no light source of its own (think of the screen as being like an old etch-a-sketch screen). You will also need a cover. The screen of the Kindle is sensitive, and you always want it protected. I recommend a cover by M-Edge, that has little gizmos that actually clip into the Kindle and hold it in place.
Anyone who is an avid reader should have a Kindle. My BIL, who travels extensively for business, had the 1st Kindle in the family. He “eats” books — will read at least a book a day. Traveling to China for 10 days meant taking a suitcase just for books. BIL and darling sis gifted me with my Kindle 2 overe a year ago, and I love it. I commute on the train every day to work, so having my Kindle means that I am never without something to read. I usually have at least 10 books loaded on there. You can archive your books when you are finished with them — they stay on Amazon’s server, and are always available for you to re-download or download to someone else on your account.
I subscribe to an email service that tells you free books for downloading every few days. SOme are dogs, butmost are OK. If I don’t like the book, I just archive it. You can also download a free sample of a book to see if you actually want to buy it. If you don’t, you are under no obligation.
Don’t buy a Kindle to save yourself money. You are buying convenience and availability. As others have said, you will probably spend more than you ever thought on books. On the other hand, I’d much rather pack my Kindle in my purse than lug around a copy of War and Peace. I’m also at an age where I’d much rather have a stack of fabric piling up in my house than a stack of old books I know I will never read again.
There are a couple of accessories you will need to buy for your Kindle. You will need a clip-on light because the Kindle has no light source of its own (think of the screen as being like an old etch-a-sketch screen). You will also need a cover. The screen of the Kindle is sensitive, and you always want it protected. I recommend a cover by M-Edge, that has little gizmos that actually clip into the Kindle and hold it in place.
I LOVE my Kindle. I have an older one, so I only use the wifi for buying books….. I have non-fiction and novels on there…… I won’t buy a non-fiction or novel that’s “published” anymore. I agree w/ you, I like the idea of keeping the book without it taking up a ton of space in my house (or paper from the planet). I still purchase cookbooks and quilt books because I want to turn pages and see color pictures. My kindle is easy to use, easy to see, easy to carry around, I get book samples and books in an instant– it’s the bet high-tech toy I have!!! 🙂
I LOVE my Kindle. I have an older one, so I only use the wifi for buying books….. I have non-fiction and novels on there…… I won’t buy a non-fiction or novel that’s “published” anymore. I agree w/ you, I like the idea of keeping the book without it taking up a ton of space in my house (or paper from the planet). I still purchase cookbooks and quilt books because I want to turn pages and see color pictures. My kindle is easy to use, easy to see, easy to carry around, I get book samples and books in an instant– it’s the bet high-tech toy I have!!! 🙂
Just had to weigh in on this topic. Just got an IPad, and it is everything that computers were meant to be! The Kindle, the Nook and other readers are free to download. I thought that I would be the last to cave – still love paper the best, but for a book on-the-go, it’s wonderful.
Just had to weigh in on this topic. Just got an IPad, and it is everything that computers were meant to be! The Kindle, the Nook and other readers are free to download. I thought that I would be the last to cave – still love paper the best, but for a book on-the-go, it’s wonderful.
Bought a Kindle for my dad who is retired and an avid reader. He is also technically challenged as he does not even have a cellphone. I have the account in my name but I got the G3 so he won’t have to worry about wireless. It will download where ever AT&T has cell phone coverage. I’ve still got the Kindle and I loaded up a ton of free books, plus I bought him a few new releases.
I can see how owning one could really cost you money as it’s so easy to buy books, you have them in seconds. I’ve been carrying this with me everywhere and I’ve read more since having the kindle that I have read in a long time.
Get a cover for it, then it feels like a book in your hands, very comfortable. All updates are done automatically on your kindle or you can download them from the internet (if you want to)
Tech support was excellent when I was learning the setup.
I don’t have any apps, but now I see you can buy apps so you can read your Kindle purchases on 5 (?) different versions?
It’s the pits for magazines. My friend was getting the paper but she found it cumbersome to read on the Kindle.
I think you can get emails on Kindle, but there is a cost. It’s not an Ipad, which I think would be the ultimate piece of technology, but there is a cost factor. I got it as a book reader, not a phone or a camera….
Enjoy!
Bought a Kindle for my dad who is retired and an avid reader. He is also technically challenged as he does not even have a cellphone. I have the account in my name but I got the G3 so he won’t have to worry about wireless. It will download where ever AT&T has cell phone coverage. I’ve still got the Kindle and I loaded up a ton of free books, plus I bought him a few new releases.
I can see how owning one could really cost you money as it’s so easy to buy books, you have them in seconds. I’ve been carrying this with me everywhere and I’ve read more since having the kindle that I have read in a long time.
Get a cover for it, then it feels like a book in your hands, very comfortable. All updates are done automatically on your kindle or you can download them from the internet (if you want to)
Tech support was excellent when I was learning the setup.
I don’t have any apps, but now I see you can buy apps so you can read your Kindle purchases on 5 (?) different versions?
It’s the pits for magazines. My friend was getting the paper but she found it cumbersome to read on the Kindle.
I think you can get emails on Kindle, but there is a cost. It’s not an Ipad, which I think would be the ultimate piece of technology, but there is a cost factor. I got it as a book reader, not a phone or a camera….
Enjoy!
I have the free Kindle app for Android. (If you have an android phone just get the free app don’t buy a Kindle). Right now the only books I have on it are the freebies which are mostly the classics but that’s okay because I love the classics. I haven’t bought any because honestly paying $10 and up for a downloadable book seems ridiculous to me. What could possible go into the cost? It’s already digital, that’s how they print it. I mean they don’t have to retype it or bind it or any of that so what in the world justifies a $10 to $15 cost?? I can buy the actual book used at Amazon cheaper. I do like always having a book with me and that’s conventient but until they mark the prices on the books down I won’t be buying very many. That said there are tons of freebies if you like the classics. Oh and if you have an android phone you can also download laputa reader free which offers other books (not just classics) for free.
I have the free Kindle app for Android. (If you have an android phone just get the free app don’t buy a Kindle). Right now the only books I have on it are the freebies which are mostly the classics but that’s okay because I love the classics. I haven’t bought any because honestly paying $10 and up for a downloadable book seems ridiculous to me. What could possible go into the cost? It’s already digital, that’s how they print it. I mean they don’t have to retype it or bind it or any of that so what in the world justifies a $10 to $15 cost?? I can buy the actual book used at Amazon cheaper. I do like always having a book with me and that’s conventient but until they mark the prices on the books down I won’t be buying very many. That said there are tons of freebies if you like the classics. Oh and if you have an android phone you can also download laputa reader free which offers other books (not just classics) for free.
My daughter is researching the Kindle and the Nook from barnes and noble. One thing she found out is that if the kindle needs repair, you send it back and they just replace it rather than fix and send yours back. She plans on test-driving the Nook at the B&N near her… hoping to hear soon so Santa can get busy.
Good luck!
My daughter is researching the Kindle and the Nook from barnes and noble. One thing she found out is that if the kindle needs repair, you send it back and they just replace it rather than fix and send yours back. She plans on test-driving the Nook at the B&N near her… hoping to hear soon so Santa can get busy.
Good luck!
Someone asked for the link to the site where you could get updates on free Kindle books and subscribe to their free newsletter email. Here it is: http://ereadernewstoday.com/
Pat
Someone asked for the link to the site where you could get updates on free Kindle books and subscribe to their free newsletter email. Here it is: http://ereadernewstoday.com/
Pat
We have an ipad in our house and LOVE it! I have read books on my iphone, and love the bigger screen onthe ipad. I love all the suggestions about scanning patterns etc onto the ipad. I’ll have to try that out. I know the ipad is more pricey, but we use that in our house more then our computer now. It is a walking laptop as well as reader. My 3 year old son can play all sorts of games on it. If a 3 year old can figure it out anyone can! This device is great for reading, gaming, surfing, etc. We have loved the ipad and would recommend it to anyone!
We have an ipad in our house and LOVE it! I have read books on my iphone, and love the bigger screen onthe ipad. I love all the suggestions about scanning patterns etc onto the ipad. I’ll have to try that out. I know the ipad is more pricey, but we use that in our house more then our computer now. It is a walking laptop as well as reader. My 3 year old son can play all sorts of games on it. If a 3 year old can figure it out anyone can! This device is great for reading, gaming, surfing, etc. We have loved the ipad and would recommend it to anyone!
Geez, I know it is all the rage right now and prices are very reasonable, but I like to hold a BOOK!! The kindle isn’t on my list.
Geez, I know it is all the rage right now and prices are very reasonable, but I like to hold a BOOK!! The kindle isn’t on my list.
hi nicole!
i don’t own a kindle or anything like that and won’t probably soon. i do understand that it’s a handy tool, though.
the only thing i would like you to keep in mind (as the booklover that i am), that you won’t have the joy of opening a new book for the first time and won’t smell the book which is – at least for me – part of the reading experience :).
the problem with limited space i avoid by occasionally go through my books and donating the ones i don’t love anymore to the local library.
have a wonderful first week in advent,
julia
hi nicole!
i don’t own a kindle or anything like that and won’t probably soon. i do understand that it’s a handy tool, though.
the only thing i would like you to keep in mind (as the booklover that i am), that you won’t have the joy of opening a new book for the first time and won’t smell the book which is – at least for me – part of the reading experience :).
the problem with limited space i avoid by occasionally go through my books and donating the ones i don’t love anymore to the local library.
have a wonderful first week in advent,
julia
I have had a second generation Kindle since it came out. Yes, I get updates all the time on the software. Amazon has more free books than the eReader or the Nook as so many authors release books to introduce readers to their works. They remain free for only a few days so I check the free book site daily. I have a friend with an eReader that he received as a gift and he prefers my Kindle. I have 2 friends that bought Nooks because you can download books from your library which is a nice feature. I still prefer my Kindle. The wifi only is a good deal. I use my PC to browse the Amazon site anyway and download the books from there. My Kindle picks them up from the 3G when I turn on the wireless on the Kindle. I think wirelessly from my house network or Starbucks etc would be just as easy and maybe faster. I have several hundred books on mine. We have a motor home and one time I walked out of the house with a small duffel bag of books for my summer reading. My husband took one look and said those go on your side! When we returned home I bought the Kindle and have never been sorry.
I have had a second generation Kindle since it came out. Yes, I get updates all the time on the software. Amazon has more free books than the eReader or the Nook as so many authors release books to introduce readers to their works. They remain free for only a few days so I check the free book site daily. I have a friend with an eReader that he received as a gift and he prefers my Kindle. I have 2 friends that bought Nooks because you can download books from your library which is a nice feature. I still prefer my Kindle. The wifi only is a good deal. I use my PC to browse the Amazon site anyway and download the books from there. My Kindle picks them up from the 3G when I turn on the wireless on the Kindle. I think wirelessly from my house network or Starbucks etc would be just as easy and maybe faster. I have several hundred books on mine. We have a motor home and one time I walked out of the house with a small duffel bag of books for my summer reading. My husband took one look and said those go on your side! When we returned home I bought the Kindle and have never been sorry.
I got a Kindle just over a month ago – LOVE it!!! I have nearly 2,000 “real” books, so I am not just a tech junkie, but really, who wouldn’t want to have options???
The advantages – it’s light – I can take it ANYWHERE (I sewed a cute cover for it http://ourmsbooks.blogspot.com/2010/11/kindle.html), the pages don’t blow over; you can read while you’re eating. You can page through the book fast if you want to skim; you can download heaps of classics. I found lots of freebies on Amazon; also paid for The Finkler Question – latest Booker winner – too easy!!! A friend sent me a manuscript for a book – if it’s in regular pdf format, no probs, it can be loaded on. My hands don’t hurt from holding a big book and trying not to crack the spin (I HATE cracking spines). I was running out of shelf space at home – so this is a way of continuing to read without physically feeling overwhelmed by the books on shelves. Biggest disadvantage? I can’t read library books on it – I can download them to my pc, but they are not compatible with a Kindle (they are in pdf but drm protected) – so if you are a big book borrower, you may want to look at another device. Best, best best??? Amazon has a 30 day return policy so try it out and see if it’s for you.
I got a Kindle just over a month ago – LOVE it!!! I have nearly 2,000 “real” books, so I am not just a tech junkie, but really, who wouldn’t want to have options???
The advantages – it’s light – I can take it ANYWHERE (I sewed a cute cover for it http://ourmsbooks.blogspot.com/2010/11/kindle.html), the pages don’t blow over; you can read while you’re eating. You can page through the book fast if you want to skim; you can download heaps of classics. I found lots of freebies on Amazon; also paid for The Finkler Question – latest Booker winner – too easy!!! A friend sent me a manuscript for a book – if it’s in regular pdf format, no probs, it can be loaded on. My hands don’t hurt from holding a big book and trying not to crack the spin (I HATE cracking spines). I was running out of shelf space at home – so this is a way of continuing to read without physically feeling overwhelmed by the books on shelves. Biggest disadvantage? I can’t read library books on it – I can download them to my pc, but they are not compatible with a Kindle (they are in pdf but drm protected) – so if you are a big book borrower, you may want to look at another device. Best, best best??? Amazon has a 30 day return policy so try it out and see if it’s for you.
The NOOK!! The main reason is that it is compatible with EPub’s (Adobe Reader) so that means you can “borrow” books from the library-I have not bought a book in about 6 months since I realized this feature on my Nook.
The NOOK!! The main reason is that it is compatible with EPub’s (Adobe Reader) so that means you can “borrow” books from the library-I have not bought a book in about 6 months since I realized this feature on my Nook.
I LOVE my kindle!!! I waited for ages for them to release them in Australia and I was one of the first to get one. I have quilting cozies, cooking cozies, Twilight etc, all od Patricia Cornwell’s books and heaps of others. A cozy is a “nice” murder mystery! I can take it anywhere and I have a cover with a light so I can read anytime. I’ve also downloaded the kindle app onto my iphone so if I don’t have my kindle I can still read my books. I still read normal books because you can’t get some books still- definitely here in Oz. The most surprising advantage that I’ve seen is that you can snuggle up in bed, on your side and only have to have a small part of one hand out of the cover to turn the page!!! That made it sooooo worth it for me!!! I love my Kindle and you will too! As much as I looked forward to it, I really had no idea how much I loved it until I experienced it!
I LOVE my kindle!!! I waited for ages for them to release them in Australia and I was one of the first to get one. I have quilting cozies, cooking cozies, Twilight etc, all od Patricia Cornwell’s books and heaps of others. A cozy is a “nice” murder mystery! I can take it anywhere and I have a cover with a light so I can read anytime. I’ve also downloaded the kindle app onto my iphone so if I don’t have my kindle I can still read my books. I still read normal books because you can’t get some books still- definitely here in Oz. The most surprising advantage that I’ve seen is that you can snuggle up in bed, on your side and only have to have a small part of one hand out of the cover to turn the page!!! That made it sooooo worth it for me!!! I love my Kindle and you will too! As much as I looked forward to it, I really had no idea how much I loved it until I experienced it!
I love reading books on my iPad. I thought I would miss holding a book but I don’t. Plus, it’s so much easier to carry an iPad instead of a big, heavy book. After reading the Kindle, Nook and iPad, I felt the iPad was the easiest to read. The best part, no more stacks of books in my library collecting dust.
I love reading books on my iPad. I thought I would miss holding a book but I don’t. Plus, it’s so much easier to carry an iPad instead of a big, heavy book. After reading the Kindle, Nook and iPad, I felt the iPad was the easiest to read. The best part, no more stacks of books in my library collecting dust.
Beyond the recent ethical issues I have with Amazon, I prefer the Barnes & Noble Nook. In the spirit of honesty, I was working at B&N at the time they released their first Nook edition. I don’t work there anymore, but I had so much hands-on experience with the Nook and wanted one for more than a year before my husband bought me a NookColor for my bday this year. I LOVE IT!!!!!! Even features which I didn’t think I’d use or want (sodoku)I use.
I love the touch screen and even though it only has wi-fi I can get all the books I want prior to a trip and read along the way. I can surf the web, if I choose. I didn’t think the color screen would make a difference, but it does. I love that it reads children’s books to the kids (entertains them while I drive or cook)!
I, too, did lots of research before asking for my e-reader and there are two biggest things that made me decide on a Nook: the hands-on experience in store and the e-books are the same price no matter which vendor you go through (ie: you’re not going to get something cheaper at Amazon than B&N and vice versa). Although, I feel compelled to mention that I have a number of classics (ex: Pride and Prejudice) that I got free through B&N.
I highly recommend the Nook (original or color).
Beyond the recent ethical issues I have with Amazon, I prefer the Barnes & Noble Nook. In the spirit of honesty, I was working at B&N at the time they released their first Nook edition. I don’t work there anymore, but I had so much hands-on experience with the Nook and wanted one for more than a year before my husband bought me a NookColor for my bday this year. I LOVE IT!!!!!! Even features which I didn’t think I’d use or want (sodoku)I use.
I love the touch screen and even though it only has wi-fi I can get all the books I want prior to a trip and read along the way. I can surf the web, if I choose. I didn’t think the color screen would make a difference, but it does. I love that it reads children’s books to the kids (entertains them while I drive or cook)!
I, too, did lots of research before asking for my e-reader and there are two biggest things that made me decide on a Nook: the hands-on experience in store and the e-books are the same price no matter which vendor you go through (ie: you’re not going to get something cheaper at Amazon than B&N and vice versa). Although, I feel compelled to mention that I have a number of classics (ex: Pride and Prejudice) that I got free through B&N.
I highly recommend the Nook (original or color).
I have a Nook, color …… i bought it for all the good things people have been saying about it but also because i can check ebooks from my local library so I don’t need to buy as many books. my nook is like a mini-computer. plus most of the b&n stores have nook groups that meet and share tips and tricks. you can’t get that from an online kindle.
I have a Nook, color …… i bought it for all the good things people have been saying about it but also because i can check ebooks from my local library so I don’t need to buy as many books. my nook is like a mini-computer. plus most of the b&n stores have nook groups that meet and share tips and tricks. you can’t get that from an online kindle.
I do not have a Kindle but I do have an iPad and I will tell you why I have enjoyed using it as an electronic reader – the same benefits obviously apply to the Kindle. When we traveled to Europe earlier this year, we could download all the travel guides to it – much easier to schlep around than several thick books. I also use it for reading my texts and journal articles for grad school; the search feature is amazing when I want to look something up. I set the iPad in a dock next to my sewing machine and forgo printing off electronic patterns (e.g., such as Moda Bake Shop patterns or PDF patterns I have purchased online); I save paper and if I can’t quite make out a detail, I can zoom in. Finally, I do actually use it for reading for pleasure. You can have several books with you at a time which allows your reading selection to match your mood. I believe the Kindle has similar functionality so I feel confident making this recommendation. Good luck!
I do not have a Kindle but I do have an iPad and I will tell you why I have enjoyed using it as an electronic reader – the same benefits obviously apply to the Kindle. When we traveled to Europe earlier this year, we could download all the travel guides to it – much easier to schlep around than several thick books. I also use it for reading my texts and journal articles for grad school; the search feature is amazing when I want to look something up. I set the iPad in a dock next to my sewing machine and forgo printing off electronic patterns (e.g., such as Moda Bake Shop patterns or PDF patterns I have purchased online); I save paper and if I can’t quite make out a detail, I can zoom in. Finally, I do actually use it for reading for pleasure. You can have several books with you at a time which allows your reading selection to match your mood. I believe the Kindle has similar functionality so I feel confident making this recommendation. Good luck!
I have one of the first generation kindles for several years and have loved it. now thatbi can get the kindle app on my ipoane and my iPad I read from the iPad. To me it is worth the high price because of photos etc. Just for reading I think the kindle is wonderful. The comment above my own is the best one for explaining the options. You will enjoy it either way. I
I have one of the first generation kindles for several years and have loved it. now thatbi can get the kindle app on my ipoane and my iPad I read from the iPad. To me it is worth the high price because of photos etc. Just for reading I think the kindle is wonderful. The comment above my own is the best one for explaining the options. You will enjoy it either way. I
I Love, Love, Love my Kindle! Love not having to think about storing books, love how quickly you can get a book, love the actual reading. You can get comfy on the couch and hold it and turn pages with one hand! It has different font sizes as well.
I have the 2nd one that came out, still the smaller size, which I also love.
I highly recommend getting one!
I think the only thing I wouldn’t use it for is quilting or cook books!
I Love, Love, Love my Kindle! Love not having to think about storing books, love how quickly you can get a book, love the actual reading. You can get comfy on the couch and hold it and turn pages with one hand! It has different font sizes as well.
I have the 2nd one that came out, still the smaller size, which I also love.
I highly recommend getting one!
I think the only thing I wouldn’t use it for is quilting or cook books!
I have a Kindle 2 and I just love it!! I did get the Cole Haan cover to protect it straight away, and have a little book light for reading at night. I got rid of many novels last year, and found it such a shame to have those books just sitting there collecting dust that I decided to get the Kindle after researching the many ebook options. I live in The Netherlands, and ebooks haven’t taken off yet, and although I speak dutch fluently, still prefer to read in English, and the Kindle offered me the most choice in books. I have about 800 books on it right now, and couldn’t even manage to have that many books in my house! Besides, I didn’t want to be surrounded by bookshelves in every room….It’s great to have everything at my fingertips ready for my reading pleasure. I’ve also found that I’m reading more genres of books than I normally would because I don’t have to worry about storage space.
Paper books are special, and of course I’ll always buy another quilting book, or beautiful cooking book but for reading novels you can’t beat a Kindle.
I have a Kindle 2 and I just love it!! I did get the Cole Haan cover to protect it straight away, and have a little book light for reading at night. I got rid of many novels last year, and found it such a shame to have those books just sitting there collecting dust that I decided to get the Kindle after researching the many ebook options. I live in The Netherlands, and ebooks haven’t taken off yet, and although I speak dutch fluently, still prefer to read in English, and the Kindle offered me the most choice in books. I have about 800 books on it right now, and couldn’t even manage to have that many books in my house! Besides, I didn’t want to be surrounded by bookshelves in every room….It’s great to have everything at my fingertips ready for my reading pleasure. I’ve also found that I’m reading more genres of books than I normally would because I don’t have to worry about storage space.
Paper books are special, and of course I’ll always buy another quilting book, or beautiful cooking book but for reading novels you can’t beat a Kindle.
Update from my first comment….
The updates to the kindle may be just a recent addition, I could be wrong about that, but I don’t think they did that to begin with.
I also have an ipad, which I love, but not so much for reading. I tried but then went and got me my NOOK. I don’t really care for the back lighting that the ipad has, its nice if your reading in the dark, but other wise it takes a toll on my eyes after a while. But thats just from my experience and my opinon and I have rather good eyes.
All in all it really does come down to what one might think is the better product for themselves, and will serve them to their needs.
Update from my first comment….
The updates to the kindle may be just a recent addition, I could be wrong about that, but I don’t think they did that to begin with.
I also have an ipad, which I love, but not so much for reading. I tried but then went and got me my NOOK. I don’t really care for the back lighting that the ipad has, its nice if your reading in the dark, but other wise it takes a toll on my eyes after a while. But thats just from my experience and my opinon and I have rather good eyes.
All in all it really does come down to what one might think is the better product for themselves, and will serve them to their needs.
I am a big fan of used book stores, (recycling on an entirely different level)and I would often times come across a nifty little “jewel” from an estate sale or a professor cleaning out his/her library. I would do the happy dance when coming across an ‘out of print’ horticulture book or a missing volume from a series I was collecting. When ever I travel, checking out the used book stores was always at the top of my list.
Having purchased the larger version of Kindle, I find that I am less frequently roaming the used books stores. Yes, my Kindle has affected my life, just not in the way I would have imagined.
I am a big fan of used book stores, (recycling on an entirely different level)and I would often times come across a nifty little “jewel” from an estate sale or a professor cleaning out his/her library. I would do the happy dance when coming across an ‘out of print’ horticulture book or a missing volume from a series I was collecting. When ever I travel, checking out the used book stores was always at the top of my list.
Having purchased the larger version of Kindle, I find that I am less frequently roaming the used books stores. Yes, my Kindle has affected my life, just not in the way I would have imagined.
I know I’m late to the party, but ….
I have a Nook. I bought the Nook Color (based on an Android operating system).
If I were to go w/ a ‘b/w’, I’d go Nook because you can replace the battery. Most Barnes and Noble have them in stock, and you don’t have to send your whole unit in for repair — if you’re an avid reader, that would be like cutting off your arm for a couple weeks (to a month!).
I bought a screen protector — should have gotten the anti-glare protector — and a cover for my Nook Color. I have the ‘dubious’ honor of being the first person to purchase the Nook Color at the State College, PA store. They were still setting up the display when I got mine — even tho they had called to say that my (pre-ordered) Nook was in.
I did a lot of research before I bought mine. I agree w/ the poster above on the reasons:
* System Updates [one for Nook Color coming in January to include FLASH]
* Library Sharing
* Battery changing [have to send in my color! WAAAA … not sure why Nook took that backwards step!]
* Adding memory (if needed)
* Can read E-papers [think Project Gutenberg !] and not just proprietary ebook stuff
* Can play MP3
Just a few of the reasons I purchased a Nook
I know I’m late to the party, but ….
I have a Nook. I bought the Nook Color (based on an Android operating system).
If I were to go w/ a ‘b/w’, I’d go Nook because you can replace the battery. Most Barnes and Noble have them in stock, and you don’t have to send your whole unit in for repair — if you’re an avid reader, that would be like cutting off your arm for a couple weeks (to a month!).
I bought a screen protector — should have gotten the anti-glare protector — and a cover for my Nook Color. I have the ‘dubious’ honor of being the first person to purchase the Nook Color at the State College, PA store. They were still setting up the display when I got mine — even tho they had called to say that my (pre-ordered) Nook was in.
I did a lot of research before I bought mine. I agree w/ the poster above on the reasons:
* System Updates [one for Nook Color coming in January to include FLASH]
* Library Sharing
* Battery changing [have to send in my color! WAAAA … not sure why Nook took that backwards step!]
* Adding memory (if needed)
* Can read E-papers [think Project Gutenberg !] and not just proprietary ebook stuff
* Can play MP3
Just a few of the reasons I purchased a Nook
Advertisements for the Kindle didn’t tempt me, but when I saw the Nook in Barnes and Noble last December, I began coveting one. I resisted for several reasons: the huge stacks of books around my house and my heavy use of the excellent library system in my county. But I succumbed in June and I love my Nook. I’ve downloaded many free books onto it and have also downloaded books from the library.
I love being able to get free samples of a book before I purchase. In some cases, I have bought the actual book because I knew I would want to share it with someone. In other cases, the sample has made me decide not to buy the book in any form.
One minor drawback is not being able to easily look ahead in the book to see how far it is to the end of the chapter. On the other hand, a major advantage is that I can now read while I brush my teeth and while I wait for my polish to dry at the nail salon. (Reading is pretty much the same as breathing for me.) It’s great to always have a book with me and I especially love the ability to have multiple books with me on vacations.
Advertisements for the Kindle didn’t tempt me, but when I saw the Nook in Barnes and Noble last December, I began coveting one. I resisted for several reasons: the huge stacks of books around my house and my heavy use of the excellent library system in my county. But I succumbed in June and I love my Nook. I’ve downloaded many free books onto it and have also downloaded books from the library.
I love being able to get free samples of a book before I purchase. In some cases, I have bought the actual book because I knew I would want to share it with someone. In other cases, the sample has made me decide not to buy the book in any form.
One minor drawback is not being able to easily look ahead in the book to see how far it is to the end of the chapter. On the other hand, a major advantage is that I can now read while I brush my teeth and while I wait for my polish to dry at the nail salon. (Reading is pretty much the same as breathing for me.) It’s great to always have a book with me and I especially love the ability to have multiple books with me on vacations.
Forgot to mention that with the nook, you can read a book for free in a Barnes and Noble store for up to an hour a day.
Forgot to mention that with the nook, you can read a book for free in a Barnes and Noble store for up to an hour a day.
I have both an ipad and a kindle. I got the ipad first and had the kindle app on it. And loved it…but sometimes it’s heavy to hold to read. Just got my kindle 2 weeks ago… and love it too. Love the size and the light weight!
Enjoy!
I have both an ipad and a kindle. I got the ipad first and had the kindle app on it. And loved it…but sometimes it’s heavy to hold to read. Just got my kindle 2 weeks ago… and love it too. Love the size and the light weight!
Enjoy!
I was a reader until I became a quilter. Now pretty much the only books I read are quilt books. As such the Kindle (and their ilk) haven’t appealed to me (and believe me, normally it would) because I can’t read quilt books on it.
I did however get excited about the new color Nook at B&N but I tried it in the store but couldn’t really get it to work for me and I’m not sure how many if any craft (or specifically quilt) books would be available for it.
So for now, I’m staying on the sidelines until I hear different.
I was a reader until I became a quilter. Now pretty much the only books I read are quilt books. As such the Kindle (and their ilk) haven’t appealed to me (and believe me, normally it would) because I can’t read quilt books on it.
I did however get excited about the new color Nook at B&N but I tried it in the store but couldn’t really get it to work for me and I’m not sure how many if any craft (or specifically quilt) books would be available for it.
So for now, I’m staying on the sidelines until I hear different.