Open Side Menu Go to the Top
Register
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device

02-09-2011 , 02:07 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by atakdog
Anyone here have experience with warranty returns? I got my son one (the 3G) for Christmas, and he reports that it's displaying weird stuff and making a whining noise. Unfortunately he's across the country and his mother will be as uncooperative as is humanly possible, so it would be nice if I could tell her the process is really smooth.
I've returned the Kindle 2 TWICE. Both times for a ****ed up screen.


You call them, they send you out another and put a hold on your credit card. Then they release the hold when you send them back the defective one. They send out a self addressed sticker.

It is super easy.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-09-2011 , 02:28 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by otnemem
I thought I'd share my recent experience with Kindle 3 v. Nook. Get the Kindle 3. It is just so much better on every imaginable level. It's lighter, smaller and faster. The Amazon shopping experience is leagues ahead of B+N (search results are better, "Other shoppers also looked at...", etc. All better. The Nook was extremely laggy moving up and down through lists, plus the touchscreen had some response issues. I thought I wouldn't like the physical buttons versus the touchscreen keyboard, but the Kindle interface is much quicker and easier to use. Plus if you use things like the dictionary, when you navigate to a word on Kindle, the definition automatically pops up at the bottom of the page. On the Nook, you have to push a button then wait a few seconds for the definition to load.

I feel bad for people, like myself, who bought the Nook over the Kindle. There is simply no competition.

Also, there are tools for removing DRM from library books, so you can conceivably convert any library book to mobi for Kindle.
The bigger problem than DRM on ebooks is Amazon refusing to support THE standard for ebooks, which is the ePub. I don't want to have to do a conversion every time I get an ePub I want to read.

Many public libraries now also loan out eBooks for ereaders and pretty much all of them use ePub.

Why Amazon does not want to support this is just bizarre, but it is a deal-breaker for me. I had a Nook previously (bought it when it came out, insta-sold it when iPad was announced) and it definitely was laggy. Not being able to read my library of eBooks is worse...
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-09-2011 , 02:39 PM
Anyone else addicted to samples? I haven't been able to actually read an entire book because I go on these 'shopping sprees' for samples. This looks interesting... might as well get the sample. Related books? Get those too. Someone made a list for this genre? Might as well get the samples!

Then when I sit down to read one, even if I enjoy it, I think 'hmm, but what about this other sample, that one might be better'.

On a serious note, the ability to sample the books has to be my favorite feature. There's no telling how many books I could have saved the $10 on in the past if I was able to weed them out by reading the sample first.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-09-2011 , 02:43 PM
a kindle is a definite 2+ per household type item. my wife has pretty much snagged mine for her own use. nice christmas present. next year, i'm getting her a subscription to playboy to get even.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-09-2011 , 02:44 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MikeyObviously
I've returned the Kindle 2 TWICE. Both times for a ****ed up screen.


You call them, they send you out another and put a hold on your credit card. Then they release the hold when you send them back the defective one. They send out a self addressed sticker.

It is super easy.
Good to know, sort of. Not thrilled that I'll get charged for a second one if atakpup's mother doesn't do her part in returning the thing, but not much I can do about that.

Thanks.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-09-2011 , 02:45 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by Freakin
The bigger problem than DRM on ebooks is Amazon refusing to support THE standard for ebooks, which is the ePub. I don't want to have to do a conversion every time I get an ePub I want to read.

Many public libraries now also loan out eBooks for ereaders and pretty much all of them use ePub.

Why Amazon does not want to support this is just bizarre, but it is a deal-breaker for me. I had a Nook previously (bought it when it came out, insta-sold it when iPad was announced) and it definitely was laggy. Not being able to read my library of eBooks is worse...
I've never had an epub to mobi conversion take more than 15 to 30 seconds. I can live with waiting.

EDIT: Correction, 41 seconds. Just tested.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-09-2011 , 03:09 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by xx44
Have mine for a week, and by far my favorite gadget. I highly recommend the case solely for the nightlight, it perfects bedtime reading.
Yeah, I got the amazon lighted case too, and I'm really glad I did. It's a bit more expensive than the ones available from other manufacturers, but the fact that it runs off of the internal battery, and that the light doesn't take up any extra space, more than makes up for the slightly higher price. Now I just have to figure out a way to pry it out of my girlfriends hands.

Also, I agree with otnemememento that there's no comparison between the kindle and nook. I did a side by side in the bookstore, and the nook was inferior in every respect. To be fair, the nook was a demo and had been quite abused, but it was still thoroughly disappointing.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-09-2011 , 03:19 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by otnemem
I've never had an epub to mobi conversion take more than 15 to 30 seconds. I can live with waiting.

EDIT: Correction, 41 seconds. Just tested.
what tool are you using? Anything that can do them in batch?
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-09-2011 , 04:10 PM
Yeah, calibre. You can batch convert your entire collection in one shot.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-09-2011 , 04:15 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by otnemem
Yeah, calibre. You can batch convert your entire collection in one shot.
Well I guess that's about it. Outside of hackability the Kindle is still the best option.

I've already told myself I'm picking one up again when they are sub $100, which I expect to happen within a year or so
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-09-2011 , 04:25 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by atakdog
Good to know, sort of. Not thrilled that I'll get charged for a second one if atakpup's mother doesn't do her part in returning the thing, but not much I can do about that.

Thanks.
My original Kindle was a gift, but the hold was placed on my credit card. So it isn't who originally bought it...it is who is returning it.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-09-2011 , 04:51 PM
i love my nook but if i had to get another reader it would be the kindle, simply for the availability of books and the shopping experience. It only takes 2-3 min to strip the DRM off a kindle edition and convert it to epub, but it's not worth the hassle imo.

also on bn.com I've encountered multiple books listed with no nook edition, but had the nook edition available in a completely separate listing.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-11-2011 , 02:05 PM
I have always enjoyed dealing with Amazon. Last night the metal hook from the lighted case broke off and got wedged into the slot on the Kindle. I called support they did not even asked what happened and said they will send a replacement that will be here on Monday.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-11-2011 , 02:11 PM
Project Gutenberg alone makes the Kindle a virtual LDO must-purchase. If you appreciate the classics, or if you have or plan on ever having a kid who will go to school, then the device practically pays for itself. It's a much nicer reading experience than a computer screen, and all the books are free.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-11-2011 , 02:20 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrWookie
Project Gutenberg alone makes the Kindle a virtual LDO must-purchase. If you appreciate the classics, or if you have or plan on ever having a kid who will go to school, then the device practically pays for itself. It's a much nicer reading experience than a computer screen, and all the books are free.
This was a big part of the reason I got my kindle, but I'm having a hard time finding the Gutenberg books for Canada. Anyone have links?
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-11-2011 , 03:34 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by runout_mick
This was a big part of the reason I got my kindle, but I'm having a hard time finding the Gutenberg books for Canada. Anyone have links?
Huh? Are you not allowed to download from them in Canada? Or is your Kindle mobi format different? Or what's your problem?
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-11-2011 , 03:48 PM
Maybe he wants them in dual-language with alternating order on every page.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-14-2011 , 11:23 PM
I read through the thread and didn't see anything re: the Dx vs other models. Does anyone feel the DX is worth the extra large screen? I'm debating between the 3 models (WiFi vs 3g vs DX) and trying to decide which is the best fit.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-14-2011 , 11:43 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrWookie
Huh? Are you not allowed to download from them in Canada?
Correct, the books on the American Gutenberg site are unavailable for download to Canadian IP addresses. Something about the copyright laws being different in each country.

I did find one Canadian Gutenberg site, but it's an unusable mess. It's like they took apart the internet and decided to rebuild it using Legos, crayons and cat food. I was just wondering if any Canadians had found a more usable site/directory.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-14-2011 , 11:50 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MuyTheRat
I read through the thread and didn't see anything re: the Dx vs other models. Does anyone feel the DX is worth the extra large screen? I'm debating between the 3 models (WiFi vs 3g vs DX) and trying to decide which is the best fit.
For casual reading, the K3 is plenty big enough. Any more would be cumbersome. I have not once wished the screen was bigger, If any thing, I'd want it to be very slightly smaller, so it'd fit into my cargo pants pocket.

I've not used a DX so can't speak to advantages it might have.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-14-2011 , 11:55 PM
Quote:
Originally Posted by MuyTheRat
I read through the thread and didn't see anything re: the Dx vs other models. Does anyone feel the DX is worth the extra large screen? I'm debating between the 3 models (WiFi vs 3g vs DX) and trying to decide which is the best fit.
definitely not. if you're going to get something bigger you might as well get the low model iPad for $100 more.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-15-2011 , 12:41 AM
Thanks for the responses, placing my order for the K3 tonight!
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-15-2011 , 12:51 AM
absolutely love mine, its great for people with ADD when it comes to books, being able to switch to a different book if you aren't in the mood for what you had been reading is great
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-15-2011 , 07:58 AM
I've had my kindle 3 wifi for about a month and it is soooo awesome. By far the best thing I've bought in ages.
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote
02-15-2011 , 11:57 AM
Quote:
Originally Posted by runout_mick
Correct, the books on the American Gutenberg site are unavailable for download to Canadian IP addresses. Something about the copyright laws being different in each country.

I did find one Canadian Gutenberg site, but it's an unusable mess. It's like they took apart the internet and decided to rebuild it using Legos, crayons and cat food. I was just wondering if any Canadians had found a more usable site/directory.
You might try archive.org (is there an archive.ca?). They have all the selection that Gutenberg has, and maybe they're less picky?
Kindle: Amazon's new wireless reading device Quote

      
m