Kindle advice please

[droverjess]

Which kindle should I have for birthday and Xmas?
DH says I can have one now. 

I have looked and it seems a bit confusing.
I do have an iPad and iPhone, so not sure I need Internet, or do I to keep up with technology.

So all help please in choosing the right one for the job, whilst being sensible.

Thanks so much.
Xxx DJ

[fundj&e]

DJ i have no idea 2

on the home page type in kindle and a few threads will come up, good luck 

[Cuilidh]

Hi Jess,  I'd be lost without my kindle but I don't know if my comments will be at all helpful as it is many years since I bought mine and things may have changed.

The actual model you get is up to you, they all do much the same thing, although I guess whether you get wifi or not is an important consideration.  I think the main thing to look for is to ensure that you get the model for your country - that was certainly the case when I got mine, but this may have changed now.  Also, I would strongly encourage you to get a cover for it as this offers protection from scratching, etc.  Some covers have inbuilt lights which can also be helpful if you are sleepless and want to read in bed at night without disturbing your DH.

Anyway, as Uni suggested, search for kindle on this forum and you are sure to come up with some thoughts and ideas that will suit you.  Personally, I had never heard of a kindle until it came up in a thread on this forum at some stage and I've been a convert ever since - especially as I don't have an iPad, etc.

Good luck and enjoy it.

[Bootobethin]

I have had a kindle for several years now and love it and use it all the time. Choose the model you want (I have a Kindle Keyboard 3G). There are more modern models now. My advice is to get a cover with light for protection and then you can read any where. I would also get one with 3G so you can down load books where ever you are otherwise you have to be near wifi. There is no cost to use the 3G. Also check that the kindle and charger is appropriate for Australia (or where ever you are) Amazon will automatically check this if you buy from them.
These are great for reading and so easy to use and manage.
Enjoy

[kyton]

I have the first Kindle that was sold to Australia and love love love it. I even got my 72yo mother in law hooked on one. She resisted for 18mths until I finally convinced her how wonderful they are. Ours are both 3G enabled so we can download books from anywhere.

I also have an iPad but the beauty of a Kindle is that you can read it in direct sunlight - try doing that on an iPad, just doesn't compare. So for instance when we go on holidays we take both but only the Kindle comes on the beach with me. Another great thing with our situation is both Kindles are on my account so any books that are bought can be put on both Kindles for the one price.

Great for spectacle wearers - going to the hairdressers, can increase the font size so I can continue to read without glasses.

[Wonder]

Hi DJ, I would be lost without my kindle and currently have the  model which I think is just called Kindle, it has the buttonspn the side and DH has the touch, and I'm just waiting for the new paperlite to arrive. The new model has a built in light on the screen so you don't need a cover with the light.  I personally wouldn't bother with the 3G, the  models are more expensive and unless you don't ave access to wifi it's very simple to download books a few at a time and have them there ready.  I also prefer the buttons rather than the touch screen but depending on the model you choose you may not have a choice and you will soon get used to whichever method you go with. I also prefer a sleeve rather than a cover because I don't like to add any bulk to the actual kindle but again it's personal preference. I  old have a look on the Amazon website and compare the modes you are interested in. Lastly to my knowledge none of thm come with a power charger but the do come with a lead to charge from te computer. Have fun researching.

[gertbysea]

Love my Kindle so much I have actually purchased 5 or 6 and given them away.  

My first was the  keyboard which was great but then came the Touch which I hated. It was light and easy to use but too easy really.  I kept turning the pages and skipping chapters as there was no place to put my fingers  when putting it down for a moment. I gave it away too.

Now I have the Kindle with  a keyboard on the screen and buttons to turn the pages and it is the best ever. I have a Kindle cover with built in light.


But there is the new Kindle paperwhite which looks interesting and has a built in light from above which is better to read with than say the iPad which is backlit. This Kindle has a much better battery life but I would not consider it as it has the touch screen which I hated.


First  download Kindle on your computer and set up an account. Download some books  and see how you like it. Buy your Kindle of choice  then hook it to your  computer by included cable  and after registering it all your books will automatically and magically will hop on to your lovely new Kindle. Do buy a cover for it when you buy it. I find I do not use the light much but it can be handy but not necessary .

This is my Kindle http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051QVESA/ref=fs_tq

And this  is my cover http://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Lighted-Leather-Paperwhite-Keyboard/dp/B004SD213O/ref=sr_1_2?s=fiona-hardware&ie=UTF8&qid=1355002271&sr=1-2&keywords=Kindle+cover+with+light

If you buy the paperwhite you do not need a lighted cover.

You do not need a screen protector.  

Once you have set up an account you can download  to all devices. All my books come to all my iPads, all my computers and my DH and DD's  Kindles and I pay only once but I do download a lot of freebies as well.


The best is that people can then gift you a book or a voucher or add to your Amazon account. You can, in less than one minute and with one click, start reading a new book. You can  set up your wish list and others can see what you would like if you want of just keep it to yourself for future shopping. Particularly handy when you read a review but do not want to buy it NOW?


Gert

[Amanda]

I've bought two f them.
I gave the first to my 80 year old mother a couple of years ago and she loves it.  I then bought myself the next model.  I only have wifi, which is adequate although I'm thinking the 3G might be better when you are travelling and want to get new books.

If you have an iPad, you probably don't need the touch screen although you really do need one with a light in the cover - that is a marriage-saver in our house.  I have an ipad & use that for magazines etc, but just love my Kindle for straight reading and intend to get the kids to get me an Amazon gift card for xmas so I can buy all the stuff on my wishlist!

[Emme]

Just echoing what Gert has said. Mine is a 3G/Wifi keyboard with leather cover + light.  Love it, use  Wifi at home, but can also use 3G (when you can get reception)  does not cost here in OZ while travelling. Mine holds 3,500 books.  Gift cards are wonderful to use to purchase books. Saves many entries on Credit Card.  

Marie

[johnro]

My sentiments echoed - thanks Marie and Gert xx

[KerrynN]

I don't have a kindle but my mum does and she loves it. She was very excited to discover that she could use her iPhone as a hotspot for the kindle (which is wifi) when she is not near her computer.

[gertbysea]

I don't have a kindle but my mum does and she loves it. She was very excited to discover that she could use her iPhone as a hotspot for the kindle (which is wifi) when she is not near her computer.

Well I never knew that!

Good one.

Gert

[droverjess]

Thanks so much for all this very useful info.
Decided to go and have a play with the different ones at local pc world when I get time.
Hopefully  sometime this week as working full time all next week.

[flavourofthemonth]

DJ, your going to love it. We are a 3 Kindle family... So far. LOL! We all have the plain janes. Mine was the first available to us Aussies. It has a keyboard. My husband's and daughter's is the next model where they removed the keyboard and put it onto the screen instead, thereby making the Kindle slightly smaller. None of us has 3G and in several years use, have never missed it. They all have wi fi though.

I bought the cover with light and regret spending the extra money as I never use the light. The others have plain cheaper covers and are happy with those. My cover is also noticeably heavier than the other two. I wouldn't buy a cover with built in light again however as you've read, others love them.

Best of luck deciding. I'm sure you'll love which ever model you decide on. Be sure to let us know.

[Wonder]

Finally got notification this morning that my new Kindle Paperwhite is on it's way to Australia. Still not sure if I'll keep it now that I bought the mini ipad but it looks like I could sell it on ebay for about double what I paid so will see what I think when it finally arrives.