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It looks like the new in thing is the Kindle--representing someone being classy and knowledgeable. So even though I am not that classy and knowledgeable, I want to buy one. What's your experience with this device? Is it easier to simply buy/rent a hard copy book?

Humanlove 7 Feb 7
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31 comments

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0

When I went to China for a month for business, I knew there would be no way I could take enough reading material, and I did not know if I would be able to buy English language books where I was going. At the time, Kindle did not allow you to get books from the library, so I bought a Nook (Barnes and Noble). This has since changed. One thing I love is the ability to immodestly purchase the sequel at 3 am.

6

I just use the kindle app on my phone and iPad. I never thought I would say this but I love using it. It’s easier to see at my age. I can adjust the size of the text, the brightness of the screen. I do hate paying almost as much for a kindle book as I would for a hardback. I try to keep a look out for cheap or free books.

6

I am waiting for Kindle 2.0 A holographic book I can read from my bed that stays in my line of sight and turns pages when I look to the bottom right hand corner and shuts itself off when I close my eyes to sleep. Kindles and regular books keeps waking me up when they fall on my face.

@Stevil Technology drives our brains crazy..

@Stevil Technology drives our brains crazy..

@0752532706 Double crazy. I get it.

5

If you enjoy reading and read rapidly it's nice to have if the library is closed, a distance away or does not have a book on the shelf you're looking for. Plus you can adjust the type size to some degree and if reading in bed it's lighter and easier to prop up. I have this info via a freind who has one and gave me the run down before I bought one.

5

Basically, a Kindle is a cheap, stripped down Android tablet.

4

I love my Kindle Paperwhite. I can have a whole library in my pocket. Reading it is as easy as a paper book. I have left behind most of my library behind as I came to the US. I very seldom miss them. I took comics and books with illustrations with me. They do not so good on my Kindle.

Gert Level 7 Feb 7, 2018
3

I bought my first Kindle in 2010. I was going to Germany for a few weeks and knew I would have a lot of time to read. It had global 3G wireless built in so I could download new books and with a little hacking, do e-mail. It was great for that, I didn't have to haul around a lot of books. The fact that you can change the font size, contrast, and color is pretty awesome. There are lots of free books.

You can do all of this on a tablet (Android or iPad), smartphone or computer so if you already have one of those devices...

Seven years on and I thought it's a new gadget... Poor 0752532706.

3

How does having a Kindle represent anyone as being "classy and knowledgeable". Who decides these things? Maybe I'm just "old", but I'm not seeing it. It seems quite nonsensical to me.

Sounds like the jealous, bitter musings of someone without a Kindle...

JK. I agree with you. Kindles are commonplace. Like carrying a book around, it indicates you know how to read. Or you want to look like you can read... 🙂

3

Download the Kindle app for your phone. It's free, buy the books with your Amazon account.

3

I think you got that memo a few years late. 😉 That said, Im an avid reader and definitely enjoy being able to read on my phone so I don't have to hold up a book at bedtime. Lazy? Yes. Convenient? More yes.

Well, I have to hold up my Kindle in bed anyway

No. You don't. You can just use the app. 😉@Gert

3

I have 2 of them. I drag 'em out once in a while and charge 'em. It's just another distraction. Get the real book. Live a real life. That's my opinion. For what it's worth...

This is a good approach in today's world.

3

Library is less expensive -- but you have to get there, keep track of their books. It's not EASIER, but it has it's advantages.

I LOVE my Kindle.

2

Screw buying a Kindle. I run Kindle through my Samsung Galaxy. Works just fine.

Same here

2

I won't encourage anyone to do anything just for appearances. I would counsel against it.

Actually I am not someone who does anything for appearance, otherwise I would have this device since it has been around for almost ten years.

2

If its just to look classy and knowledgeable, I think it will be a waste of money. If its for reading, then ok. By the way, you have kindle edition apps in your mob too.

2

Don't have one, don't want one. I can get anything I need through the Library of Congress, for free.

Any book - fiction/no-fiction? Electronically? Are you serious?????? I'm being serious. 🙂

@BlueWave Yes. I'm enrolled in the program that supplies audio material for the visually-impaired, that's run through the LoC. Everything is free. They even sent the digital player for free. When I send back the cassettes, no postage either. I don't know if they do it electronically. Haven't looked into that. I would imagine they've got other programs for those who don't have vision issues. After all, it's our tax dollars that support it.

@KKGator Very good to know. Thanks!

2

Keep up with the Jones! Get that kindle!

@dbaecht there are other mobile choices without falling for every new, shiny thing. Jus' sayin'

@dbaecht right.

@dbaecht I say what's on my mind, but when it gets boring or repetitive or dead, I just say "right." I'm done at this end.

1

I have one and I love it easy to use you get thousands of different book. free.. you can adjust the font. you would love it,s worth it

1

I had a Barnes and Noble Nook back in the day. It was just enough like a tablet to frustrate the dickens out of me (horribly weak processor). After the Nook, I switched to the Kindle App on an iPad Mini and iPhone. That combo screams ( in a good way). I LOVE carrying so many books in the palm of my hand (sure makes travel easier), and LOVE being able to order and obtain the next book immediately.

Once my iPad dies, I might get a Kindle reader, since I can use the phone for surfing. I'll be looking for a good size (big enough for comfortable reading, but small enough to fit in my purse), good resolution, and back lighting when I do.

Zster Level 8 Feb 7, 2018
1

Electronic text is the best I feel.
I do not use a Kindle or expect to.
I have used software to convert book text to speech. Saving in MP3 format. I have been doing this since the aughts. My job allows me to freely listen to books as I work. I do not think I would have read so much otherwise, the last decade or so.

1

Books are a lot cheaper on the Kindle so if you like to read books go for it.

1

My wife has one and really likes it. She says that most of the time, it is quite easy to use.

1

I prefer physical books in general, but I do read on my phone somewhat. I just find the experience somewhat different, like a physical book, turning pages, feels more like a journey to me. And if I'm trying to flip back and forth between pages, as I'm sometimes won't to do, a physical book is way easier. But there's no denying that a digital reader (Kindle, phone, tablet) holds a lot more data in a far smaller space.

0

I have had a first generation Kindle Fire for over 5 years now. It's still going strong. It's perfect for reading, watching movies, or browsing Agnostic.com. 🙂

0

new technology can't beat it

0

I have read some science that the display can mess with sleeping patterns, eye strain is increased & it costs more $ than a book or a library visit.

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