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Hi there. I'm a BIG reader and have recently started considering the possibility of using the new Kindle DX. I've always been an old fashioned type of gal and just love the feel of a good book in my hands, not to mention that "library smell" of those borrowed ones. Though, now with times that are changing and shelf space getting more and more limited, I've decided to reconsider...My question, - does anyone currently use this technology? - Any likes or major dislikes? Thanks so much!

Lani

I was considering it a few months ago. I think the cost of the product plus the cost of the kindle downloads just seemed too much. I thought the price for download would be a lot cheaper and didn't see the benefit when it came down to it. I love books....the turn to electronics had to be a better investment in the long run. Maybe when they come down in price.

For me I also love the experience of holding a book in my hand and reading 'the book'. For me, I've been spening a lot of time in front of my computer using it like the typewriter it is to me to get my book manuscript typed into for sending to publisher, and so, I like to get away from the computer to go read a nice book. The only thing I've found useful for a book on line was locating the text for a beautiful writing by St. Teresa of Avila which a pastor friend of mine got me interested in. My friend told me the book I was working on, Communions With Christ, reminded her of the writings of a 14th century mystic that my friend had studied in seminary classes & was written in the 1500's! Some caring Catholic nunns had uploaded this old text on line and I was so thankful to find it this way because I was so curious about it! This allowed St. Teresa's message to go round the world, while in those days that St. Teresa lived she only knew that a few of her closest friends ever read her thoughts on paper.
Peace
Sharon

Hi Lani,
We've had a couple of discussion threads going on the pros and cons of the Kindle. You may find some answers there.

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/1...

http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/7...

I have a Kindle 2 and I had some of the same worries when my husband pre-ordered it for me for Valentine's Day. I worried about the hard copy "book" feel, the smell of it, etc. But I've actually been really pleased with it. Not only is it one less paper copy but it also clears up the clutter in my home. I like the size of it (it fits anywhere) and I can use it for internet access in a pinch. I love how the screen reads like a book, too, it doesn't feel like you're looking at a computer screen while reading. I also really like how it will read the book out loud to you if you want. I've used this while driving and even at work and on the bus. Overall, I'm a fan. Only Kindle books, my favorite hard copy books and library books left in our home!

Good luck in making your decision.

Danielle wrote: "I have a Kindle 2 and I had some of the same worries when my husband pre-ordered it for me for Valentine's Day. I worried about the hard copy "book" feel, the smell of it, etc. But I've actually be..."
I've had my Kindle 2 for about 3 months now and I absolutely love it! Some of the classics can be dowloaded for free or very little money. It is lightweight, portable (it goes with me while I wait for appointments) and will be great for traveling. I still buy books and I still enjoy the feel of a book. The Kindle is easier on my eyes (you can adjust the print) and I wouldn't want to be without it.

Danielle wrote: "I have a Kindle 2 and I had some of the same worries when my husband pre-ordered it for me for Valentine's Day. I worried about the hard copy "book" feel, the smell of it, etc. But I've actually be..."
I've had my Kindle 2 for about 3 months now and I absolutely love it! Some of the classics can be dowloaded for free or very little money. It is lightweight, portable (it goes with me while I wait for appointments) and will be great for traveling. I still buy books and I still enjoy the feel of a book. The Kindle is easier on my eyes (you can adjust the print) and I wouldn't want to be without it.

Sweetviolet60 -- I love the classics you can get for free and Amazon also does Kindle freebies from time to time. I love having mine, too!

I've only had my Kindle 2 for a few weeks, but I already love it. I thought I would miss the feel of books, but I really don't. It takes getting used to, but overall is a great tool for readers.

I think they look cool and I love the anti-clutter aspect. I just already have so many books on my shelves that I can't justify the cost for the device or purchasing ebooks.

I might reconsider once my stash dwindles. That'll be at least 40 years, though.

I know a lot of libraries have ebooks now. Are those compatible with the Kindle? IF anyone knows let me know. I want one myself but that would be a great way to get books inexpensively if they are compatible with one another.

I am thinking of getting the kindle for my birthday. Anyone have an opinion about waiting for the new updated model vs the one already on the market. I am really not sure what the difference is other than about 100+ dollars.

Meg, isn't the new one already on the market (the Kindle 2)? Or is there another new one on the way? The 2 was just released a few months ago. I have the first generation Kindle and I love it. I still love books too though.

Go to to read about a lot of different ebook readers. Amazon isn't the only one, and you may find that another brand is a better fit for your needs. For instance, Kindle isn't particularly the favorite for library ebooks. Also with the new Kindle DX, there are some fears that its screen will be easily breakable.

Additionally, there are many sites that offer free classics, including Feedbooks.com and Manybooks.net.

I can't afford a kindle - but I do often download sample chapters from Kindle store to my iphone and read the first part of the book if I like it I then order the full thing either in paperback or hardcopy.

I can say from a popularity standpoint I'm seeing a lot more sales from Kindle as of late so they are really "catching on".

-- Robin The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising (Oct 2009)

The new one that is coming out soon is bigger so you have a larger page

Thanks for those links Katie. I downloaded some new freebies for my Kindle. :o)

not to be a patootie but.....

BEWARE OF ONE THING.....

I have both a Kindle AND a Sony eReader. (Long story short)....IF by chance you should have an "accident" and break the Kindle be prepared for no affordable solution.

Kindle has no sites for repairing it. Although it has a "warranty" it is only for damage sustained while shipping it to you. If you have an accident...there is no coverage. This they call "limited coverage." SO...although you have spent a pretty penny on the actual device...AND...downloaded all kinds of books onto it which are only accessible on a WORKING gadget....their solution? PAY them another $180 for a refurbished machine OR buy another or the upgrade if you have the Kindle 1.

Personally....I am very angry at this "solution."

CONVERSELY......

The Sony eReader not only comes with a warranty but you can also purchase an extended warranty to make it a 3 year warranty and THEY COVER ACCIDENTS. Not only did Sony repair our first machine for only the cost of shipping (<$30 with insurance) BUT....we did it again and this time they sent us a refurbished upgrade FOR FREE. Now THAT is SERVICE. Not to mention...their customer service is great.

SO.....just consider....just in case....you have an accident. I am all about the eReader now. I am sorely disappointed in the Kindle....for that ONE reason. But in today's day and age and the economy being like it is....REALLY...I can't afford to pay the $180 for a replacement...on a luxury I can do without.

P.S. My husband's job takes us all over the world and we are living in countries where books in English are either non-existent or difficult to find...which is why having the eReader/Kindle is such a must for ME...the bookworm. I've had the eReader for almost 3 years and my hubby got me a Kindle for Christmas as a back-up luxury item. I am also a mom of 4 kids 4 and under....(includes 4 year-old twins)...so accidents are a given. I am very disappointed in the Amazon Kindle mostly for that one reason.

Pamela, thank you very much for this information

I debated for several months what to do since I was equally torn between the eReader and the Kindle. In the end, I decided to the Sony eReader, and I LOVE it! The Sony is nice because it will support several different file types. I'm so addicted to my little toy that it goes everywhere with me, even when I know that there is no chance I'll get to use it!

I'm really wary of the new "reading technology". It just seems like every aspect of the world these days is forced to be technical and electronic. Something like reading shouldn't involve installing, downloading, charging, etc. It just makes the entire experience too annoyingly modern and tedious.

I think I'm just way too loyal to paper books. I love paper books, I love seeing them on my shelves, I love shopping and browsing for them. I don't think I want a eReader or Kindle because I don't want to have to deal with trying to figure out the software, downloading books (and paying more than I do for used paper books), worrying about someone stealing it, worrying about getting it wet, worrying about dropping it, and having to worry about replacing it if a problem occurs.

The only time I might cave and finally buy one is if I'm taking a long trip and I don't have the space to pack more than a 2 books. Otherwise, I love my good ol' paper books!

The Borders coupons just received include one for the Sony Reader PRS 505 for only $199 through June 14. I'm not interested in an e-reader, but thought thought some of you might be interested.

Since I do travel internationally, the Sony Reader will come in very handy. It will be so nice to travel with more books that I can possibly read in two weeks, and not have the weight of those books to carry around. Here's to hoping that the baby will sleep on the flight so I can read! (Then again, any reading I get to do on the flight will probably consist of the children's books that I read to my daughter during the flight!)

My hubby just surprised me with a Kindle2!!! Whoohoo!!! YIPPEE!! I feel so spoiled! =D I can't wait to try it out!!!

I am a techno-geek girl in every other aspect of life...love my iphone, my ipod, my ibook, my blog, my digital camera, you get the picture. For some reason, I am resistant to the ebook idea...it must be my love for all things book - the feel, the smell, the sound of the pages turning, the print and the remnants of previous owners of used books...

Not ready to give up the experience yet, I suppose. I'm sure one day I'll cave...likely when I take a long vacation. :)

Lani wrote: "My hubby just surprised me with a Kindle2!!! Whoohoo!!! YIPPEE!! I feel so spoiled! =D I can't wait to try it out!!!"

I am so happy for you, I have the k1, never leave home without it. Please post and tell us how you like it!

I have a Kindle and really like it. However, I don't read all of my books from it. I usually save it for when I travel, or when I'm going to read a book that I don't feel like I need the hardcopy in my library. It is very useful, as you can bring so many books with you without lugging all the weight around (even just around town in your purse).

There is nothing like the real thing...the smell, the feel, and the satisfaction of finishing a real book. Kindles (and other e-readers, I'm sure) are just very useful and practical if you are a big reader and/or traveler.

There are a lot of people who want the feel and smell of a book - I certainly understand that. But I also think that "once you go Kindle" you get hooked and don't go back. At least that is the impression I get from people who have "taken the plunge". I hear a lot of "You can have my Kindle when you pry it from my cold dead hands" comments.

In any case --- I'll make sure all my husband's books are on Kindle on release date. His publisher was origianally "not keen" on the idea.

-- Robin The Crown Conspiracy | Avempartha | Nyphron Rising (Oct 2009)

I see the Kindle now has a free version for PC and IPhone, in case anyone is interested.

I'm a tactile person and thought I'd hate reading books electronically. Have to tell you, I haven't looked back once.

I read a lot more now cause I carry my kindle everywhere.

Also, my hand doesn't cramp, when I travel my bag isn't heavy with books, i have instant access to email and any popular book for download and newspapers too, I can eat and read and walk on a treadmill and read - finally (funny how I put those two things together...ha!). Anyway I recommend seeing if you can borrow one (some libraries have them) before buying it, maybe it's not for you, or maybe you'll fall in love with it.

Elizabeth wrote: "I see the Kindle now has a free version for PC and IPhone, in case anyone is interested."

I just downloaded the Kindle app for my Blackberry a couple nights ago. I've played around a little bit, but it's pretty neat - this means that when I'm bored at work I can pretend I'm checking email or texts but really I'm reading :o) And I like that you can download some books for free - I just downloaded Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison on my phone and didn't pay anything!

anyone have any opinion on the difference between the nook and the kindle? I know one person who has a kindle, but I haven't been able to really experiment with it, and I don't know anyone with a nook. Since the price seems to be comparable, are there any significant differences?

Elizabeth wrote: "I see the Kindle now has a free version for PC and IPhone, in case anyone is interested."

There is Kindle for Mac as well!

I have the Sony Ereader as well, I love mine! I am able to download free books, I am also able to get ebooks from the library and they offer new books often, right now I am currently holding 125 books on my reader, and the memory available is amazing. Sony has an awesome return policy and the new ebook is a touch screen and in color. FYI
My sister in law has the Kindle and hers freezes and crashes often, and when she asked about fixing it, they said she must have gotten a lemon, and that there was nothing they could do about it.

Sue wrote: "anyone have any opinion on the difference between the nook and the kindle? I know one person who has a kindle, but I haven't been able to really experiment with it, and I don't know anyone with a n..."

The Kindle and Nook are very similar. I have a Kindle and my friend has a Nook. The Kindle's battery lasts a lot longer between recharges, probably because the Nook has the touch screen instead of a little keyboard. With the Nook, you can lend a book out for 14 days to someone else who has a Nook, but once a book has been loaned you can never loan it again. They both use the e-ink, which I think is wonderful. I can't stand reading on backlit screens or lcd's because of the eye strain which causes me to get tension headaches and migraines, so e-ink is much better. Amazon's books are usually cheaper than Barnes & Nobles for the ereaders, and not just by a few cents, often by anywhere from $2-7. They each use different file formats, but both of them can use other types of files also and can download books from other sources. It's also very easy to convert a file as long as it isn't protected by a DRM. The main things I really enjoy about the ereader are 1) the space it saves because my bookshelves are overfull 2) I don't have to go to the bookstore every time I want a book and 3) I can download free samples (usually anywhere from the first 1-5 chapters of the book) and read them before I decide whether or not I want to spend the money, so I don't have the whole buying blind stigma that is associated with a lot of internet purchasing.

As far as the couple of comments about not being able to get a Kindle serviced, I am not sure I believe them. I broke my Kindle, and it was completely my fault. (I dropped my phone right onto the screen and shattered the e-ink display. An impact point was obvious.) I called Amazon and they overnighted me a new one immediately, for free, and emailed me a shipping label to send the other one back in its packaging. I didn't even have the accident protection on mine. Other than my own clumsiness, I have never had a problem with either of my Kindles and I've had this one for almost a year. I have heard nothing but good things about Amazon's customer support regarding the Kindle. Everyone who I've ever encounted who has had an issue with their Kindle that resetting it did not fix has had a new one overnighted to them as well as long as the warranty wasn't expired. And the people whose warranties were expired were given the opportunity to purchase a refurbished Kindle at half the price. In fact I would say that Amazon's customer service is a HUGE reason to get a Kindle over the Nook, as Barnes & Noble has rarely been anything but horrible to me.

A good place to go if you have questions regarding the Kindle or any other ereader, or to ask about Kindle vs. Nook comparisons, is
The people there are friendly and knowledgeable and can answer any question you might have.

Here's two articles on the Kindle vs Nook comparisons. The first is the brief overview of differences. The second is a more detailed look.

I still think by waiting a year, a better Nook and/or Kindle will be released that won't have the same issues as before. Because the Nook's app availability on multiple platforms, Kindle stepped up the game to match! So now they're available on: PC, MAC, iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch and Blackberry.






I currently own a Kindle DX. I bought it mainly to test out for my grandmother. And I love it! I flip betwen the DX, library books and Border's books. The one downside or confusion I have is putting a .pdf file onto the Kindle. Sure I've had the file converted to Kindle format but it's DARN HARD locating the file on my Kindle to read!! The title doesn't show up on my Home page! :( I had to search and fiddle around. SNIFF!

You can use to convert files to the correct format for your ereader, and also to change the metadata like author name and title so that those crazy little files will end up in the right places when sorted. Very easy to use.

I have had my kindle for a year and a half, and I love it. I have never had a problem with it, so I can't comment on their customer service. I still buy regular paper books, but only the ones that I LOVE, and want to have a hard copy of. I must admit that it is frustrating when I have to read a regular book now because they are very cumbersome compared to the Kindle. It has cut down on the clutter in my house tremendously....there used to be piles and piles everywhere. I don't know anyone who has another type of ereader, but I would compare the prices of books on each system. I love the free or low priced books from amazon, and I rarely pay more than $10 for a new release book.

I have had my Kindle since June, 2008 and love it. I also have the Kindle app for my ipod touch. It's a little harder to read on the small screen but somehow I seem to do it.

Jenny, I've heard many similar stories about wonderful customer service from Amazon!

I too have a Kindle and I absolutely love it. It's been a lifesaver since I moved to rural Japan, where English books are very hard to come by.

Jenny wrote: "Sue wrote: "anyone have any opinion on the difference between the nook and the kindle? I know one person who has a kindle, but I haven't been able to really experiment with it, and I don't know any..."

FYI.. I was just going by what my sister in law shared, was a bit insulted by your comment, couldn't tell you how the service department is because the Kindle wasn't out when I purchased my Sony ereader. I haven't a problem and was just sharing what I had heard...

There are libraries lending ebooks. The San Antonio, TX library is an example. I don't know if they support a Kindle format, but the Sony eReader site has a list of libraries that lend books compatible with their reader. You might want to see if a library in your area is lending books because that may help you in your purchasing decision.

I love, love, love my Sony. I bought it when they still had a model with an integrated light. The light was not perfected with the e-ink technology, so they no longer sell this model. I read mostly in the dark, so if I ever had to replace it I would probably find a used one.

From what I understand, a Kindle means you must purchase Kindle books. The Sony ereader is compatible with more formats, so I have more options regarding where to buy my books. With that said, Amazon has competitive selection and pricing, so this won't make a difference for most people. I have only found two books not available for my Sony eReader. Just as with music, the publishers get to decide which books become ebooks and who they will distribute them through.

I just received an email yesterday that publishers are changing the way ebooks are sold, priced, and distributed. It did not elaborate much other than most bestsellers will still be $9.99 and the books may become available in an ebook format sooner. At the same time, I have a feeling that was just the positive spin on something that may really impact me!

I have a Kindle 2 and thought I'd use it all the time, but I find that I am still reading the majority of books the old fashioned way. Although this is more for the fact that I share with others, and am so excited to be able to discuss them I am willing to pay for the copy. I am not willing to loan out the Kindle, however!

This is actually my second Kindle 2, mine froze up and wouldn't recharge and I did have an excellent Amazon experience as well. They replaced it right away.

I had a Kindle 1 originally, and the 2 is much improved.

I also find that I read books on my iPhone with the Kindle app just as often as the Kindle itself. Mainly because I am caught waiting unexpectedly somewhere... but I do love how the two sync so I'm always on the right page.

It would be nice though, if the Kindle was able to use other e-books more easily. I've emailed pdf books to it at 50 cents a piece, but you don't have the same interaction or sharing to other devices.

I do quite a bit of traveling for work and the Kindle is SOO nice for that. Although I was afraid to take it to the beach for fear someone would swipe it while I was in the water!

Tiffany wrote: "From what I understand, a Kindle means you must purchase Kindle books. The Sony ereader is compatible with more formats, so I have more options regarding where to buy my books."

As long as they're unprotected, the Kindle can also read DOC, DOCX, PDF, HTML, TXT, RTF, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP, PRC and MOBI files.

I have many books in MOBI format on my Kindle from FeedBooks.com :)

AngelaSunshine wrote: "I also find that I read books on my iPhone with the Kindle app just as often as the Kindle itself. Mainly because I am caught waiting unexpectedly somewhere..."

Same here, but with the Kindle For Mac app when I have nothing to do at the office ;)