Kindle

[Hilary B]

It's the combination of initial expense and limited 'need' that puts me off. If was cheap enough, I might be tempted, but at the sort of price mentioned, I wouldn't use it enough to be worthwhile.

[northepaul]

The other problem I have with them is: I used to have to do a lot of book reading on my computer when at uni (online libraries) and get awful headaches and sore eyes from staring at a screen for hours....dont get that with a book.

[TEB]

The other problem I have with them is: I used to have to do a lot of book reading on my computer when at uni (online libraries) and get awful headaches and sore eyes from staring at a screen for hours....dont get that with a book.

Have you used or got one then because its a totally different technology from reading off a computer, I get headaches from reading long passages off my computer screens but haven't yet from a kindle.

[Caro]

The other problem I have with them is: I used to have to do a lot of book reading on my computer when at uni (online libraries) and get awful headaches and sore eyes from staring at a screen for hours....dont get that with a book.

As TEB says, it's a different technology. E-readers (there are more than just the Kindle out there) are not backlit, hence no more strain on the eyes than a "real" page. It's also one of the reasons the batteries last so long.

[Flummery]

Very easy on the eyes. If computer screens were as easy to read as the Kindle I'd never be off here!

[Patchninja]

Well, I got one on Monday and loved it straight away. I was a good little french grape and bought from Amazon.com, it arrived in 4 days, and attached itself to the wifi network in about 5 seconds.
One feature that I love is that you can download a free sample of a book to see if you like it before you buy. I was reading in bed at 4.30 this am, finished a sample, bought the book and had it in a matter of seconds without having to get out of bed. Brilliant

[kentvegplot]

I've only just caught up with this thread. I was given a Kindle for Xmas because OH didn't want to carry the 6 or 7 paperbacks I normally take on holiday. Said holiday was in January, easy to read in full sun with the added bonus that (not having prescription sunglasses) I just increased the font size in order to read by the pool.

It won't replace the 'coffee table' books but it does mean I can carry around some very large books (bible, dictionary, thesaurus) without needed a sherpa.

Great battery life (if you don't have the wireless on all the time!).

I'm loving downloading samples of books before I buy - and I can download books from the library too (not in Kindle format, but the Kindle reads all sorts of e-book formats).

Can I recommend 1222 by Ann Holt.......?

[quark1]

I think Kindle, and its ilk (I think I was reading/hearing that Asda have a version of this device for around £59 either in store or coming soon!), are a great idea for travelling and perhaps for those with limited space to store books.

I do, however, like the feel and 'comfort' of actual books. Also I quite like the idea that I might get hold of a really old copy of something which has long been out of print and possibly never find its way onto these modern downloads lists - simply as no-one has demanded them as they are unknown. Little gems found in charity shops are great - not only for their quirkiness value - but I often think of the hands they've passed through before they have become mine. I was given a very old copy of the Rubiat of Omar Kyham (English translation) as a gift - its got turned-in edges to form up part of the hard-cover protection - looks as though constructed from rough-edged hand made paper - 'feels' very old perhaps mid/late 1800's? and totally unique in every way. I'm not sure that the same feel can easily be transferred to the electronic device. But if it were the only way to preserve the words - why not!?

Don't know much about Kindle etc - but hopefully it can be backed up to some kind of external hard-drive. If you lose your gadget or someone nicks it you lose your entire library.

Enjoy your new gadget - I might even get one myself one day and I quite fancy the iPad.

[SarzWix]

This is a great program that can convert all sorts of e-books into formats suitable for other e-book readers. So you can convert EPub to Kindle etc. It's free and open-source: calibre - About

[Flummery]

I?
Don't know much about Kindle etc - but hopefully it can be backed up to some kind of external hard-drive. If you lose your gadget or someone nicks it you lose your entire library.

Enjoy your new gadget - I might even get one myself one day and I quite fancy the iPad.

If you buy books from Amazon (which I usually did anyway, when I bought Dead Tree Books) the purchases are recorded and you always 'own' the book. If you delete them they are archived and you can get them back. No need to back them up.

[Flummery]

This is a great program that can convert all sorts of e-books into formats suitable for other e-book readers. So you can convert EPub to Kindle etc. It's free and open-source: calibre - About

You can get newspapers delivered too!

[Snadger]

I would like to hear a comment from anyone who has bought or been given a kindle and thinks they are rubbish?
I've heard all the pro's on here but non of the con's , apart from price. Also wondered if there are any plans for a coloured version in the pipeline? Yes..............I know that reading books are black and white, but the likes of gardening books and other hobby books have coloured photographs etc.

I left black & white telly behind when I got married many moons ago and I must admit I have misgivings about going back to mono chrome again!

[Pumpkin Becki]

Sorry Snadge, but I love mine too! It's a true object of desire, but it's practical and light, easy to use and easy to read, and it's just superb!

[Comfreyfan]

Another Kindle convert here - got mine for Christmas and I love it!

My friend has an ipad and we've compared toys - I want an ipad for my photos and she wants a Kindle for reading books - says she's not going to be happy reading on the ipad anymore. I can't explain the clarity of it, it's not like any other gadget screen I've seen, it's matt not shiny and looks like the words are printed on your screen, in fact it looks like the page from a book.

Even better I can increase the font when my eyes are tired. Also love the dictionary, move the cursor in front of a word and get an instant definition. I'll stop now - looks like I'm on commission too

[bramble]

I got an I phone for Christmas and have been re-reading all the classics which i was able to download for free.
I am an avid reader and bring loads of books on holiday so this will be a great saving on carrying heavy books and leaves more space for extra clothes.