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Kindles

(37 Posts)
janthea Tue 20-Aug-13 09:58:07

I know this is a long shot and there is probably no one out there who owns a Kindle but I need advice grin

Seriously though, I'm sure I can rely on you all for advice. My daughter has previously shown no interest in having a Kindle. I have suggested it on many occasions as she, like me, is a mega reader. Now, she is wondering whether it may be a good idea as she is running out of space for all her books.

There are obviously different models and I just wondered about GNs' experience with them. I have the Kindle app on my iPad, but never use it as I don't want to fill up my memory with books. Maybe I should get one too!

Now I will await your advice!

Sel Tue 20-Aug-13 10:04:53

janthea very useful when travelling but I still prefer books at home. I've had the old kindle and the new one, with the light - there's no comparison - the latest one is worth the extra cost without doubt. It's easy to read outdoors and at night in a dark room (my partner sleeps when head hits pillow, grrr)

Charleygirl Tue 20-Aug-13 10:08:17

There was a recent thread about discussing the merits of Kindles. Have a look for that. I found it useful, being in a similar position to your daughter.

Ariadne Tue 20-Aug-13 10:12:08

I now use my Kindle all the time, and am very happy with it. I have watched, in amusement, all my die hard "I'm never having one of those" former colleagues (nearly all English teachers) gradually become converted. We all have one now.

My 17 year old, and 9 year old DGDs each have one, and love the portability. I agree with you sel about the one with the light - I never found a suitable clip on light.

janthea Tue 20-Aug-13 10:16:05

Laldies - that's useful to know about the one with the light.

Charleygirl Haven't found the thread to which you refer.

ginny Tue 20-Aug-13 10:46:14

janthea I wonder why you though no one would have a kindle ?

I have a kindle fire and I use it most when I am away from home. So much easier to have loads of book at your finger tips and of course save so much weight if you are flying.

Ariadne Tue 20-Aug-13 10:53:33

ginny think it was a joke!

pamelaJEAN Tue 20-Aug-13 12:14:56

I have a Kindle Touch, which I love... however it is not the same as the look, feel and smell of a new book... I am hooked on both, the convenience of downloading a book any time any where... but still love books.

storynanny Tue 20-Aug-13 12:23:13

I've been an avid reader all my life and regular user of the library but 2 years ago had a kindle for my birthday, I absolutely love it. I still use the library and buy some books but the kindle is my holiday, beach, train etc companion, I just slip it into my bag with its lovely pink cover and off I go. It's coming on my cruise with me next week.
I love it so much that I'm thinking of upgrading to the version with a backlight as my partner too falls asleep the minute his head touches the pillow!
The only problem is that we are a wifi free household and so when I want to download the books I've ordered on the iPad I have to go somewhere where there is wifi. Not really a problem though I just take it with me when I go to the library as they have free wifi.
If you are buying one I also recommend the one with the light and also touch screen keyboard.

j08 Tue 20-Aug-13 12:28:51

Kindle Fires are not kind to the eyes. Useful for reading in bed when other half wants the light out but for any other time you really need the e-reader type.

storynanny Tue 20-Aug-13 12:35:10

I didnt mean the kindle fire, I meant the kindle paperwhite

Charleygirl Tue 20-Aug-13 12:46:30

Janthea-April the 12th I think, 2013. I typed in Kindle in Search at top right hand side and scrolled down to find it.

MrsSB Tue 20-Aug-13 13:11:05

I have the basic kindle and I love it (i don't read in bed though).. I had one before, then when I got my tablet I thought I could use the app so sold the kindle. However, I found the tablet to be pretty difficult to read in bright sunlight, and of course it is bigger and heavier, so I bought a replacement kindle from Ebay. I wouldnt be without it now.

nonnasusie Tue 20-Aug-13 14:05:02

I'm hoping for a kindle for my birthday in a couple of weeks!! I'm relying on my technophobe son to choose the appropriate model!! I'm an avid reader but I can't get hold of English books here so a kindle would be ideal!

Aka Tue 20-Aug-13 14:06:31

I'm on my third Kindle and it's a Kindle Fire. Apart from reading in the dark as J0 pointed out, I'd just as soon have the basic model which is great for reading outside too.

Aka Tue 20-Aug-13 14:07:32

PS if I wanted to read in the dark I'd used the Kindle App on my iPad anyway.

Aka Tue 20-Aug-13 14:08:30

PPS one really great advantage is you can download and read a couple of chapters before opting to buy.

j08 Tue 20-Aug-13 14:14:51

I bought the £69 one for my daughter. She's very happy with it. It's the newest and lightest. Which is important.

janthea Tue 20-Aug-13 14:22:42

Ariadne grin It WAS a joke. I know that a great many of GNetters have Kindles which is why I came here for advice.

janthea Tue 20-Aug-13 14:23:46

charleygirl I'll check that out. Thanks.

ginny Tue 20-Aug-13 14:50:34

janthea8 & *Ariadne Yes, I did realise it was a joke and thought I had put the smiley face on. Must be my age !

feetlebaum Tue 20-Aug-13 14:50:53

Mine is the old keyboard Kindle, the first of the Kindle 3s - back when they really took off.

Reading in bed is something I have done since childhood, and the Kindle is ideal for it - no more heavy volumes slipping out of my hands and thudding on the deck... and (once I figured out the necessary security code to connect via my wireless router) it's wonderful to finish a book, log on to Amazon and buy another - all without getting out of bed!

Bez Tue 20-Aug-13 15:05:22

I have one of the early Kindles which has a keyboard too- I have no problem with reading in a poor light as I also have the cover with an inbuilt light which always shines in the right place. I like the cover as it gives more of the feel of a normal book. I do still read books but the Kindle is so handy for buying books and having them delivered easily and quickly wherever you are.
I would not like to replace my reference and dictionary type books with Kindle editions though!

janthea Tue 20-Aug-13 15:16:35

Thank you ladies for all the very useful advice. My daughter has decided that she's going to get ME the Kindle Paperwhite 3G/WiFi one for Christmas!! And her husband will give her the same one for Christmas. All sorted!!

Once again thanks for the advice. grin

grannyJillyT Tue 20-Aug-13 15:52:39

Hi Janthea,

I have a Kindle Fire HD which I won! I would not have bought a Kindle for just books, I actually don't use it for that it gives me a headache. I use mine like an IPad. I do play games on it (at my age 60!) like patience, I booked my holiday, Drs appointments - it is quicker than my laptop. There is nothing like reading from a book, that won't change for me. But it is horses for courses, good luck whatever you decide. sunshine