Kindle 2

[TheFallGuy]

I received a bonus last week for most of the cost of a Kindle 2. That and I just did my taxes and with the credit I got back from buying a house, I can afford it.

The Kindle 2 (http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-Reading-Generation/dp/B00154JDAI/ref=amb_link_83624371_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0HPW8F5R536G4YPWA0QW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=472318531&pf_rd_i=507846)

So, the question is, what do ya'll think?

Pros, Cons?

[khigh]

I received a bonus last week for most of the cost of a Kindle 2. That and I just did my taxes and with the credit I got back from buying a house, I can afford it.

The Kindle 2 (http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-Reading-Generation/dp/B00154JDAI/ref=amb_link_83624371_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0HPW8F5R536G4YPWA0QW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=472318531&pf_rd_i=507846)

So, the question is, what do ya'll think?

Pros, Cons?

I don't have one, but I really don't think I will get one. I still like turning the pages and the smell of new and old books. You don't get that with a Kindle. And, yes, I still have a typewriter for writing books (I'm 22 years old- it just feels better to type stories on a typewriter than on the computer).

Maybe I am just old fashioned, but I don't think I would personally like it.

[Wilhelm Scream]

The free 3G wireless browsing makes it seem like a pretty sweet deal. I imagine that the browsing drains the heck out of the battery, though. It also seems a little too thin - possibly fragile. It doesn't come with a cover case. The price is a bit of a deterrent. Other than that, I would purchase one, if I could foot the bill.

[MrCapitalism]

I am the very happy owner of a K1. If you read a lot of books (I generally read at least 15 a month) it is a huge cost saver. As to Wilhelm's concern, I have found the K1 to be fragile and apparently the K2 isn't much better. The good news is that Amazon has been great about replacing the K1 free of charge if it breaks (and isnt' visibly damaged from abuse).

Another major selling point is the number of free and discounted books Amazon offers, as well as the free classics you can get from places like manybooks and feedbooks.

In short, take the plunge, Kindling is awesome.

[KyanWan]

I've been reading ebooks on a PocketPC for years now. I do like it ... but the battery life stinks (Color LCD!!) - not to mention burning the eyes after looking too long.

So - I have seen this: "Supports .... PDF, HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion."

Has anyone viewed converted ebooks/docs on the kindle2?

If they're good - the display looks 2X the size of my PPC! I'd buy this in a heartbeat if I know it's good ... but ... prob is, I can't try it ( I like to try before I buy - hold it, read it, use it. )

---

Er ... K2 is fragile? :(

My PPC has an aluminum case around it. Been dropped, sat on, thrown, the works - and it lived.

I'm guessing K1/2 wouldn't survive.

Hey, does this thing run programs too - or just read stuff ...

[TheFallGuy]

Thanks for the input. I hadn't heard about them being fragile, so that's a point to consider. However, like MrCapitalism said, it's a real money saver for book reading. ('Course the equilibrium point is in the far future.) One of the features I like is that I can have instant access to books no matter where I go. And getting the classics for cheap/free sounds great.

I haven't read War & Peace in a while and want to jump back into it. Can't find my paperback version of it anywhere.

[MrCapitalism]

For example: http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=1268197011&redirect=true&ref%5F=pe%5F15240%5F11678850%5Ffe%5Ftxt%5F4&tag=kindleboards-20

http://www.feedbooks.com/book/83

[MrCapitalism]

I've been reading ebooks on a PocketPC for years now. I do like it ... but the battery life stinks (Color LCD!!) - not to mention burning the eyes after looking too long.

So - I have seen this: "Supports .... PDF, HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion."

Has anyone viewed converted ebooks/docs on the kindle2?

If they're good - the display looks 2X the size of my PPC! I'd buy this in a heartbeat if I know it's good ... but ... prob is, I can't try it ( I like to try before I buy - hold it, read it, use it. )

---

Er ... K2 is fragile? :(

My PPC has an aluminum case around it. Been dropped, sat on, thrown, the works - and it lived.

I'm guessing K1/2 wouldn't survive.

Hey, does this thing run programs too - or just read stuff ...


The Kindle would not survive those situations. My first Kindle died because it got too much pressure while being in a carry on bag. You have to keep them in a secure case and treat them like crystal. But like I said, Amazon is great about replacing them free of charge.

As to your other questions. The Kindle has an eink display that looks like paper, so you don't get that eye burn that you do with reading from a screen. The battery life (at least on mine) is fabulous. I generally don't take a charger on trips with me, you can read off it pretty regularly for two weeks without charging it. If you turn on the wireless though, you will knock it out in about two days.

I convert documents (some authors like Tess Gerritsen have put up free ebooks in pdf format) and the quality varies. The books you get from Amazon look the best, along with any .mobi or .prc files. The Amazon converter email though does the trick for the most part. Occasionally the formatting will get a little weird, but it is always readable.

[MrCapitalism]

('Course the equilibrium point is in the far future.)

It really depends on your reading style. If you read a lot of hardback novels that are on the bestseller list, you'll make the Kindle worthwhile in no time. 9.99 vs. 27.99 adds up in a hurry.

[supreme_war_Pig]

I don't have one, but I really don't think I will get one. I still like turning the pages and the smell of new and old books. You don't get that with a Kindle. And, yes, I still have a typewriter for writing books (I'm 22 years old- it just feels better to type stories on a typewriter than on the computer).

Maybe I am just old fashioned, but I don't think I would personally like it.

Agreed. But some books are only worth one read. The good books though: you buy those. That's my plan anyway. I don't own a Kindle, but I've seen/used/held one, and they are pretty cool.

[BasicGreatGuy]

What do you do, when you have filled your Kindle up?

[MrCapitalism]

What do you do, when you have filled your Kindle up?

It can hold several hundred books, so generally, that won't be a problem you run in to. However, all your purchases are stored by Amazon, so you can delete them from the Kindle and redownload if you get a hankering to read it again.

[CaptainPike]

Unless a book contains absolutely critical information that I can't live without, I never pay retail.

So for me, the cost of the Kindle is far too high.

I think I read the whole Dark Tower series by Steven King for about 20 dollars by getting the books from half.com

[CaptainPike]

It can hold several hundred books, so generally, that won't be a problem you run in to. However, all your purchases are stored by Amazon, so you can delete them from the Kindle and redownload if you get a hankering to read it again.

That's interesting.

I wonder why they don't bother to store the mp3's that I've purchased.

[BasicGreatGuy]

It can hold several hundred books, so generally, that won't be a problem you run in to. However, all your purchases are stored by Amazon, so you can delete them from the Kindle and redownload if you get a hankering to read it again.

I would fill up the Kindle in to time at all. Seeing how you can't add memory to the device, it would end up being an issue for me. And from what I have read about the device, there are a lot of technical stability problems with the new Kindle.

If I had this device, and needed to reinstall previously purchased Kindle 2 specific books from 1,2, or 3 years ago, there is no guarantee I will be able to do so, save Amazon's word.

The concept is a good one for those that don't mind buying books and then deleting them when they have to etc., but I am old school. With the actual book in hand, I don't have to worry about all the issues and problems surrounding the Kindle. And with the research I do, it works out better for me, to have the actual book in hand. Much faster for me.

[2Parties1GlobalistGoal]

I like the idea of the Kindle but I'd wait a few years before purchasing a similar device...

[ThrowCop]

My company designed the display on the Kindles & they are a sweet little device. Knowing what it takes to make the display alone, the price is pretty reasonable...

But we are working on making it far cheaper & MUCH more durable.

[wayoverthehill]

I received a bonus last week for most of the cost of a Kindle 2. That and I just did my taxes and with the credit I got back from buying a house, I can afford it.

The Kindle 2 (http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Amazons-Wireless-Reading-Generation/dp/B00154JDAI/ref=amb_link_83624371_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-1&pf_rd_r=0HPW8F5R536G4YPWA0QW&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=472318531&pf_rd_i=507846)

So, the question is, what do ya'll think?

Pros, Cons?You got a bonus? How evil! Hope it doesn't get taxed at 90%. :lol:

How much are those things anyway?

[wayoverthehill]

I would fill up the Kindle in to time at all. Seeing how you can't add memory to the device, it would end up being an issue for me. And from what I have read about the device, there are a lot of technical stability problems with the new Kindle.

If I had this device, and needed to reinstall previously purchased Kindle 2 specific books from 1,2, or 3 years ago, there is no guarantee I will be able to do so, save Amazon's word.

The concept is a good one for those that don't mind buying books and then deleting them when they have to etc., but I am old school. With the actual book in hand, I don't have to worry about all the issues and problems surrounding the Kindle. And with the research I do, it works out better for me, to have the actual book in hand. Much faster for me.Up until a couple of weeks ago I had never heard of this device. For me it would be cost prohibitive. Even downloading books for $10 apiece would be too costly. So I'll stick to the good old library for my reading pleasure. Fortunately I live in a large suburb with an excellent library system. Besides there is nothing like a real book, IMO.

[ThrowCop]

Up until a couple of weeks ago I had never heard of this device. For me it would be cost prohibitive. Even downloading books for $10 apiece would be too costly. So I'll stick to the good old library for my reading pleasure. Fortunately I live in a large suburb with an excellent library system. Besides there is nothing like a real book, IMO.People (especially in these trying economic times) should be flooding into their local libraries!

Books, magazines, DVD's, CD, the Internet...

They are great places to do something good for yourself and/or your family for no real money.

[BasicGreatGuy]

Up until a couple of weeks ago I had never heard of this device. For me it would be cost prohibitive. Even downloading books for $10 apiece would be too costly. So I'll stick to the good old library for my reading pleasure. Fortunately I live in a large suburb with an excellent library system. Besides there is nothing like a real book, IMO.
I went to my local library for the first time in a long time the weekend my power was out. I had most of the books they had, in regards to American Revolution and Founding History. They have come a long way. There is another library a little farther away, that has a bigger selection. I need to check that one out.

I get most of my books on Amazon. And for the hardcovers I can't find there, I peruse Alibris and AbeBooks for quality used books. If it weren't for Amazon.com, I wouldn't be able to have the library I do.

If I was into the latest fiction best seller market etc., I would keep to the library.

[wayoverthehill]

I went to my local library for the first time in a long time the weekend my power was out. I had most of the books they had, in regards to American Revolution and Founding History. They have come a long way. There is another library a little farther away, that has a bigger selection. I need to check that one out.

I get most of my books on Amazon. And for the hardcovers I can't find there, I peruse Alibris and AbeBooks for quality used books. If it weren't for Amazon.com, I wouldn't be able to have the library I do.

If I was into the latest fiction best seller market etc., I would keep to the library.I have 5 bookcases in my house and they are all full. Most of the books I have had for anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Many are reference type books, especially my large collection of civil war and/or WW II books.

To me books are like old friends. I would rather spend time with them than go out and get new friends (or new books) :lol:

I hope they go to a good home when I leave this earth. Only another book lover could understand that.

[Darkblade]

i use a archos 7 IMT. the draw back is the screen size (its like the lcd monitors you see in head rest in high end suvs). the upside. up to 320 GBs of storage. color display. ability to play movies, music, flashes, photos, pdf format books and wireless internet browsing via an opera browser. also has some games and widgets (small application programs) though it uses a version of unix for it's OS you cannot access it without hacking so it is not a fully functional mini computer. it's also heavy. battery charge is kinda slow without additional hardware add ons and duration is also less than ideal without additional hardware. but you can with proper cabling play movies from its hard drive on a bigger TV and also with a slingbox and dish network you can record stuff ffrom the satellite to the device.

[TheFallGuy]

For example: http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=1268197011&redirect=true&ref%5F=pe%5F15240%5F11678850%5Ffe%5Ftxt%5F4&tag=kindleboards-20

http://www.feedbooks.com/book/83

Okay, with all those free romance novels.... But without the pics, is it worth it? :think: :lol:

How does it work with the feedbooks site? Would I download straight from the Kindle, or from the PC?

[TheFallGuy]

It really depends on your reading style. If you read a lot of hardback novels that are on the bestseller list, you'll make the Kindle worthwhile in no time. 9.99 vs. 27.99 adds up in a hurry.

True. I redid the numbers in my head. And it would only be a couple months, less than a year to pay itself off.

Could you provide more information about how you get books onto the kindle? Can I download to my computer then upload to the Kindle (and vice versa)? You've posted other sites (other than amazon) how does that work?

[TheFallGuy]

You got a bonus? How evil! Hope it doesn't get taxed at 90%. :lol:

How much are those things anyway?

Not to brag, but well-deserved. I've done a lot and provided a lot of essential training.

I'm not making enough to catch congress's attention.

[MrCapitalism]

True. I redid the numbers in my head. And it would only be a couple months, less than a year to pay itself off.

Could you provide more information about how you get books onto the kindle? Can I download to my computer then upload to the Kindle (and vice versa)? You've posted other sites (other than amazon) how does that work?


As far as getting books on the kindle, you have a few options. First, it does come with a USB cord, any book in .mobi or .prc can be directly loaded into it via USB.

Obviously the one that is easiest is just getting the books from Amazon itself. You can browse from the computer or from the device itself through the wireless network. I find it is easiest for me on the computer because you can see the prices before clicking through to the product page, plus it is just generally faster. You link a credit card to your Kindle and you can one click buy any book. They download in about 60 seconds for an average book.

As far as the non-amazon sites, there are several options. Both feedbooks and manybooks offer ways to download directly from the Kindle's web browser into your Kindle's memory. They are both pretty convienent.

If you are looking at books not on those sites, especially someplace like Scribd, you can download in PDF. There are several options there, the easiest being just emailing the pdf file to your unique kindle.com address. It converts the book for you and sends it back to you over the wireless connection. If you are a real stickler for format, you can also download programs that allow you a bit more freedom in your conversion.

A great place to check out is www.kindleboards.com (http://www.kindleboards.com), they have a lot of information, as well as monthly threads on bargain books and free books.

[MrCapitalism]

More information: http://www.feedbooks.com/help/kindle

[blackcatrun]

I have a feeling a few here wont believe me for saying this.


This was my invention ripped off me by an invention company whom I sent several hundered dollers and the plans too and got nothing back but a demand for more money.

This was the second invention company that has done this too me.

The first one was for a very small grass trimmer the second was for the "look book".

I see they didnt waste the idea.

[blackcatrun]

I have 5 bookcases in my house and they are all full. Most of the books I have had for anywhere from 10 to 30 years. Many are reference type books, especially my large collection of civil war and/or WW II books.

To me books are like old friends. I would rather spend time with them than go out and get new friends (or new books) :lol:

I hope they go to a good home when I leave this earth. Only another book lover could understand that.

True Books are great but this was more for travel and for the kitchen in garage or other projects replacing paper books that can be ruined.
It was also suppost to be used with blueprints protable device of large buildings for rescue crews or construction. The uses are many beyond just reading for this device. information of many diffrent types can be held in a small place for instant access.

It wasnt suppost to replace good reading books at all.

[TheFallGuy]

As far as getting books on the kindle, you have a few options. First, it does come with a USB cord, any book in .mobi or .prc can be directly loaded into it via USB.

Obviously the one that is easiest is just getting the books from Amazon itself. You can browse from the computer or from the device itself through the wireless network. I find it is easiest for me on the computer because you can see the prices before clicking through to the product page, plus it is just generally faster. You link a credit card to your Kindle and you can one click buy any book. They download in about 60 seconds for an average book.

As far as the non-amazon sites, there are several options. Both feedbooks and manybooks offer ways to download directly from the Kindle's web browser into your Kindle's memory. They are both pretty convienent.

If you are looking at books not on those sites, especially someplace like Scribd, you can download in PDF. There are several options there, the easiest being just emailing the pdf file to your unique kindle.com address. It converts the book for you and sends it back to you over the wireless connection. If you are a real stickler for format, you can also download programs that allow you a bit more freedom in your conversion.

A great place to check out is www.kindleboards.com (http://www.kindleboards.com), they have a lot of information, as well as monthly threads on bargain books and free books.

You are a gold mine of information. Thank you.

[MrCapitalism]

You are a gold mine of information. Thank you.

Well, I consider myself a Kindle evangelist. I've had the thing for 6 months and I love it. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[TheFallGuy]

Well, I consider myself a Kindle evangelist. I've had the thing for 6 months and I love it. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Will do. Thanks.

Right now, I'm doing a little more research on it. I think I might be getting one.

[TheFallGuy]

Bumping this up.

Okay, I'm doing my research and looking at alternatives. Right now, I'm looking at the Kindle 2, Sony Reader PRC-700BC, Sony Reader PRS-505 (Silver or D Blue), and the Astak EZ Reader.

I dislike how you have to pay to convert word docs and .pdf files to a readable format for the kindle (something like $.10 per file). Although, I read you can download a converter for free and then send it to your Kindle. So, the question is, do I have to email it to the kindle, or can I hook it up to the compy and upload that way? I'm assuming both are applicable.

With the Sony, the only option is to upload from the computer--so make sure I have the files/books on it before I go out and about. But, there is the external memory that I can plug in.

Which formats are best to read in anyways?

What about .mp3 files. I have several audiobooks on mp3, how does that work?

[Haplo]

The wife wants this as we both love to read but the price is high. At least she's one of those read it once people so that would save memory as I like to read the same thing over and over.

The problem would come down to its reported delicateness and I can't have it at work and she have it at home at the same time

[TheFallGuy]

The wife wants this as we both love to read but the price is high. At least she's one of those read it once people so that would save memory as I like to read the same thing over and over.

The problem would come down to its reported delicateness and I can't have it at work and she have it at home at the same time

I've looked at the price issue there too, but if you can get new books for cheap (sometimes a fraction of the cost) and others for free it pays itself off over several months. I believe with Kindle you can read it once, delete it off your kindle and Amazon will back up your purchase. So, even though you've removed it from the kindle you have it in an electronic library that amazon keeps track of or something.

I've also read about the apparent fragility of the kindle, but I've also read about amazon being great at replacing them--as long as it is under the warranty and even if it isn't (from what I've read). Just don't tell them you dropped it.

[TheFallGuy]

Well I ordered my Kindle 2 last night. Hopefully, I'll get it early next week so I can start collecting books on it.

[zerk]

I <3 love my Kindle 2. I was the first one on the Alaska North Slope to have one!

[MrCapitalism]

Bumping this up.

Okay, I'm doing my research and looking at alternatives. Right now, I'm looking at the Kindle 2, Sony Reader PRC-700BC, Sony Reader PRS-505 (Silver or D Blue), and the Astak EZ Reader.

I dislike how you have to pay to convert word docs and .pdf files to a readable format for the kindle (something like $.10 per file). Although, I read you can download a converter for free and then send it to your Kindle. So, the question is, do I have to email it to the kindle, or can I hook it up to the compy and upload that way? I'm assuming both are applicable.

With the Sony, the only option is to upload from the computer--so make sure I have the files/books on it before I go out and about. But, there is the external memory that I can plug in.

Which formats are best to read in anyways?

What about .mp3 files. I have several audiobooks on mp3, how does that work?

Gald that you wound up with the Kindle 2, I think you will love it when you get it. Just to clear up a few of the questions you have.

1.) Amazon says they cahrge 10 cents a conversion but I know of no one who has actually been charged. I've converted dozens of files and never paid a cent. Although, you do have the option of having htem convert it for free and send it back to your email address where you can then upload it from your computer.

2.) You can play both mp3s and Audible audiobooks over the Kindle, though I will be honest and tell you I've never used the feature (thats what the Ipod is for), so I can't tell you much about it.

3.) Best format is .mobi which is the native format for the Kindle.

[TheFallGuy]

Gald that you wound up with the Kindle 2, I think you will love it when you get it. Just to clear up a few of the questions you have.

1.) Amazon says they cahrge 10 cents a conversion but I know of no one who has actually been charged. I've converted dozens of files and never paid a cent. Although, you do have the option of having htem convert it for free and send it back to your email address where you can then upload it from your computer.

2.) You can play both mp3s and Audible audiobooks over the Kindle, though I will be honest and tell you I've never used the feature (thats what the Ipod is for), so I can't tell you much about it.

3.) Best format is .mobi which is the native format for the Kindle.

Thanks. ETA: Friday.

Getting impatient. :lol:

BTW: I joined the Kindleboards as TheFallGuy. So, if you see an idiot over there asking too many questions... :lol:

[MrCapitalism]

So you have your new baby yet?

[TheFallGuy]

Got it on Friday. Downloaded 130 books to it.

I love it. It's great.

The only problem I see, is that even though I turn off the whispernet, I've got half the battery charge on it. Other than that, it's great. Read Crito and I'm in the middle of Brothers Karamazov.

[MrCapitalism]

Got it on Friday. Downloaded 130 books to it.

I love it. It's great.

The only problem I see, is that even though I turn off the whispernet, I've got half the battery charge on it. Other than that, it's great. Read Crito and I'm in the middle of Brothers Karamazov.
]

Fantastic. The battery life generally improves after a few charges.

[TheFallGuy]

I'll have to take that into account. I was sorta hoping so.

Either way, I'm really loving it.

[blackcatrun]

I'll have to take that into account. I was sorta hoping so.

Either way, I'm really loving it.


I am glad you are loving it. Makes me feel alot better some how.
I knew it was a good idea and would catch on if people got one and used one.

I will explian that I do have issues with the patient company that made your new kindle 2.
To think it only cost me 500 bucks to have it ripped off me.
There must be a better way to get an idea patiented with out going through these companys that take peoples money and then demand 10 grand up front in cashier check. Thats not exactly what they advertized at the start nore was it mentioned until they got my 500 dollers. So the idea is gone to them...only to find that idea in production three years later when the statue of limitations runs out.
Not a good feeling to know about it. In fact it like seeing the words "hey sucker we got you".
There must be a better way to get a patient...

[TheFallGuy]

I am glad you are loving it. Makes me feel alot better some how.
I knew it was a good idea and would catch on if people got one and used one.

I will explian that I do have issues with the patient company that made your new kindle 2.
To think it only cost me 500 bucks to have it ripped off me.
There must be a better way to get an idea patiented with out going through these companys that take peoples money and then demand 10 grand up front in cashier check. Thats not exactly what they advertized at the start nore was it mentioned until they got my 500 dollers. So the idea is gone to them...only to find that idea in production three years later when the statue of limitations runs out.
Not a good feeling to know about it. In fact it like seeing the words "hey sucker we got you".
There must be a better way to get a patient...
If this is true, you'd be better off taking it to a patent lawyer and paying them directly to research the patent laws and whether one exists or not. Why waste your money on a third-party company that can and will steal inventions from people.

[CaptainPike]

I got a chance to use the Kindle 2 tonight so I dug up this thread.

The screen is impressive. Very sharp. I thought it would distort like an LCD when you press on it, but it didn't. Very easy on the eyes.

Another thing I like is the free wireless. How this is possible I'm not sure. It uses cellular technology for wireless, but there is no charge for using it. Must be built in to the cost.

I still don't think it's worth the money. If the price comes down, it might be worth getting one. But if the newest Kindle is any indicator, the price is going up. Not down.