Does Anyone Here Use A Kindle?

[Major Tom]

I'm tempted to buy a Kindle to lessen the time I spend sitting at my desk looking at the computer screen at home. Reading books while sitting at a desk staring at a computer screen doesn't really cut it for me, and it struck me that on the Kindle, I could also browse my favorite message boards.

Does anyone here use a Kindle to browse these forums and if so, does everything display legibly on the monochrome screen with the experimental Kindle browser?

 

[Rambler]

i use the Kindle app on my iPad. Works like a charm.

R

 

[hakuna matata]

I too use the Kindle app on my Ipod, really works well I think. I thought the screen would be too small, etc but it really is pretty easy to read and to use.

I know of one person who has the actual Kindle, and she loves it. Wait I know two actually, the first woman bought the second version and gave her old Kindle to another woman I know. They both love it.

 

[Major Tom]

It's the actual Kindle I'm interested in. I'm already convinced of the suitability of the non-backlit screen for reading text, but am particularly keen to know if the monochrome browser is adequate for browsing this, and other, forums that are mainly text-based.

Thanks for all replies so far.

 

[Westernskies]

DW bought me a DX for my birthday last summer, though I was initially skeptical, I love it. Battery life is incredible (if you don't forget to turn the wireless off...) and the electronic ink resolution is perfect for reading. Books download in a few seconds, and there is a ton of content available. I've got over 50 books loaded on mine, and a few pdf files as well.

The Ipad screen was too shiny/glossy/bright for me to read for an extended period of time, the matte screen on the Kindle is a lot easier on my eyes.

DW liked mine so much, I bought her one for Valentines Day. (every time I'd set mine down she'd grab it, load a book and start reading- I actually had to read paper books while she had mine tied up...) She got the smaller version, which has two benefits- It is easier to stow in her carry-on travel bag, and I was able to order the leather cover..red, for Valentines Day...with a built-in light.

They're marginal as a web browser, but work OK for text-based apps like ER.org. The bigger DX is better for reading newspapers, IMO.

If you want a great reader get the Kindle. If you want another computer, get a tablet with a reading app.

My 2 cents worth, for free.

 

[Major Tom]

That's exactly what I was hoping to hear Westernskies. Whenever I have caught a glimpse of a Kindle (usually by looking over someone's shoulder on the train) I've been surprised by how pleasant the text on that screen is to the eyes - almost like looking at ink on paper. I saw a Nook at Barnes and Noble yesterday and liked the display, but from what I'm reading, the Kindle is pretty much the best e-reader out there.

The fact that there are many pre-1923 books available for free download helps in justifying the cost of the device also.

 

[REWahoo]

I recall quite a bit of information about the Kindle and other e-book readers on this thread: http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/why-kindle-and-the-other-e-book-readers-50616.html

 

[JBmadera]

just got one, and love it. esp nice when I am reading outside. the screen is great.

 

[Bimmerbill]

I got a Color Nook, mostly because I could root it and use it as a tablet PC. I have not had any issues adjusting from printed books to it. Some say it doesn't work well in the sun, but I typically only read at bedtime so its not a worry for me.

I turn on the wifi and can check my email, gmail, surf the web, etc.

 

[donheff]

I got a Color Nook, mostly because I could root it and use it as a tablet PC. I have not had any issues adjusting from printed books to it. Some say it doesn't work well in the sun, but I typically only read at bedtime so its not a worry for me.

I turn on the wifi and can check my email, gmail, surf the web, etc.

+1 I also got the Nook Color. I didn't root it since I am waiting for a firmware upgrade that may meet me needs without that. I may root it later* -- particularly if I decide I want a Kindle App on the device. The main reason I would go with a Nook vs Kindle is that the Nook can read library books. I prefer to borrow books, not buy them. The main reason for a Color Nook vs a black and white is for non-book things -- browsing the web, email, etc., and for the touch screen.

* I did burn an Android mini SD card and have inserted that in the Nook to see what it is like as a full blow Droid tablet. It seems pretty nice but I couldn't figure out how to get the thing to write to the SD card so I couldn't install any additional apps

 

[MichaelB]

My Kindle DX was the best gift in years and it has allowed me to increase my reading by an order of magnitude. For me, however, the keypad is difficult and too limited. I haven't tried browsing yet and probably won't if the speeds are as slow as I have read.

We are still a few years away from a device that effectively combines reading with portable and home computing and does not require separate subscription fees.

 

[W2R]

I bought my Kindle over a year ago, and carry it with me constantly (in my purse). I read books on my Kindle every single day. My reading has increased markedly. I haven't read a DTB ("dead tree book", book made of paper) since I bought it. The Kindle is THAT good.

Buy one and find out for yourself!

 

[GregLee]

I just got email from Amazon that today they're selling the Kindle DX for $80 off. My first thought was they're reducing inventory getting ready to introduce a new model. I want one with colored electronic inks. (I can't help with the original question of the thread.)

 

[mystang52]

I have the [non-color] Nook and love it. I chose it over the Kindle because I can download books from my library...for free. Unless things have changed since my purchase, you cannot do that with Kindle.

 

[Moemg]

I have a Nook. The browser is okay for my needs . I had a Pandigital Novel which is basically the color Nook but it wasn't perfected yet so I returned it . They have since been working on it . The browser on that was way better than the Kindle or basic Nook browser and it is in color and can be rooted easily . I think it is also less expensive so check it out .

 

[Dudester]

Does anyone here use a Kindle to browse these forums and if so, does everything display legibly on the monochrome screen with the experimental Kindle browser?

I have a 3rd generation Kindle and an iPad. Interestingly, about 40% of iPad owners also own a Kindle. I find using the Kindle to read books a vastly superior experience to sitting at a computer to do the same thing. However, there are some caveats. The Kindle is VERY poor at viewing illustrations. For example, if you are reading a book that has some maps, the maps are typically displayed so small (because of the form factor of the Kindle) that are very difficult to read. So, it's best to use the Kindle to read books that are pure text, such as most fiction. In addition, some Kindle books are formatted very poorly compared to the print edition. For example, I am currently reading a biography of Bismarck on my Kindle, which is a good book except that the formatting is so mangled that it's difficult to read (I've gone to a bookstore and examined that hardcover edition to verify this point). another idiosyncrasy of the Kindle is that the Kindle software versions for various computers may format the book differently than the actual hardware device (I have also verified this point).

I have not extensively used the built-in browser. Note that the browser is billed as an "experimental" feature. My limited experience with it is that it's slow and very painful to use. I would never consider using it unless I had no other choice.

I do not use my Kindle to read blogs; although, the Kindle store makes it easy to subscribe to the RSS feeds of thousands of blogs. I do not know if the Early Retirement forum is one of the choices available via the Kindle store. There are 3rd party solutions for doing the same thing, but I have never investigated and of these.

 

[Major Tom]

I recall quite a bit of information about the Kindle and other e-book readers on this thread: http://www.early-retirement.org/forums/f29/why-kindle-and-the-other-e-book-readers-50616.html

Thanks REWahoo - very informative thread. I'm a big fan of searching a forum before posting a question but the knee-jerk reaction won over this morning. It could have been that I hadn't yet had my first cup of coffee........

 

[Major Tom]

I was hoping that the browser was a little better. If I can use it to browse forums like this one and check e-mail, then the free 3G starts to look quite attractive.

 

[REWahoo]

Thanks REWahoo - very informative thread. I'm a big fan of searching a forum before posting a question but the knee-jerk reaction won over this morning. It could have been that I hadn't yet had my first cup of coffee........

No problem...glad I could help.

 

[Westernskies]

Thanks REWahoo - very informative thread. I'm a big fan of searching a forum before posting a question but the knee-jerk reaction won over this morning. It could have been that I hadn't yet had my first cup of coffee........

I'd rather rely on a new thread for up-to-date information on consumer electronics technology, it changes so fast...

 

[Westernskies]

I was hoping that the browser was a little better. If I can use it to browse forums like this one and check e-mail, then the free 3G starts to look quite attractive.

Go to Best Buy and try it out. I believe their price is the same, anyway.

 

[check6]

Could someone explain what "rooting" is? I have looked but not found an answer. Thanks.

 

[Westernskies]

Could someone explain what "rooting" is? I have looked but not found an answer. Thanks.

It's what happens just prior to a thread closure...

 

[Dudester]

Could someone explain what "rooting" is? I have looked but not found an answer. Thanks.

I believe this expression was used in the context of a Nook ebook reader. A Nook is basically an Android tablet that has been crippled so that the only thing you can do with it is read ebooks. To "root" a Nook means to un-cripple the device so that it can be used as a tablet. Rooting involves "non-standard" techniques developed by "non-standard" members of the computing community.

Interestingly, rooting seems to be a term applied to android-based devices. For Apple-based devices, the preferred term seems to be "jailbreaking."

 

[donheff]

Could someone explain what "rooting" is? I have looked but not found an answer. Thanks.

It comes from Unix. Root access is administrator level access to the operating system. Gaining "root" is a hacker term for finding a way to gain access to the admin level of a system or device. There are online guides on how to gain root access to a Nook Color -- it is very easy. I haven't bothered with mine since I want to see what the new firmware offers (due out any day -- supposedly better browser, email and other features). I found a site that loads an Android Honeycomb (tablet OS) on a bootable min CD card. I have used that in my Nook to get a look at how it functions as a general use tablet. It seems OK as a small tablet but the more limited features of the store version have been optimized for the small space and work a bit more smoothly (IMHO). I will probably stick with the upgrade and skip rooting the thing.