PROS & CONS OF KINDLES? - Page 2

Trix · ‎03-16-2010

After my experiences with e-readers (Kindle and Nook), I for one will never go back to paper books. I like having a book with me most places I go and the e-reader just made that a whole lot easier. A few of the early models were weighty, but the newer tablet versions are lighter than the old WalKman CD players. In fact, I've owned sunglasses which have weighed more in their case than a Kindle. Buying books is another thing which has changed over the years. With my first reader, I bought almost all of my books (some titles were $1 to $5), but most were the price of buying a copy of the actual book. Over the past 2 or 3 years I have greatly decreased buying books at all because my local public library has an extensive collection of titles available for borrowing same as regular books.

Not that it matters, but QVC has sold both Kindle and Nook in the past since e-readers came on the market. I have purchased each one of mine from QVC. I may be wrong, but Amazon only manufactures Kindle now as part of the Fire Tablet collection. Considering how inexpensive QVC and HSN sell Fire Tablets why not order one to see how you like it. If you don't there is the cost of returning, but there's no way to really get the true experience of whether or not you'll like one unless you have one to use. Even if you check out a model at Best Buy or Target, it's not the same as giving one a test run in your life. BTW: Best Buy and Target charge a restocking fee for electronics, so if you return there you still lose 15% of the purchase price.

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

First you might want to head to Amazon and take a look there.

I like reading and it took a while for me to get on board with the ereaders but once you do it, there are advantages, but I go to the library just as much.

there are kindles just for books such the paperwhite etc. (which I have)

buying and downloading books is simple,

and then kindle tablets that do more.

go to Amz and look then come back

I think Target carries them in store and Amazon has sales all the time and you could buy a refurbished or returned one and save yourself some money, I did that and it was just fine.

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

I couldn't imagine being without my Kindle Paperwhite!

It's my second Kindle which I've been using for several years and I love it so much that I got one for my husband too. During the summer we go to the beach once a week and we bring a lot of stuff...from beach chairs, towels, food, umbrella, etc. It's nice to bring a book or several books for that matter without any of the added weight or bulk.

It has a back light with a paper like screen which makes it easy & comfortable to read with no glare while out in the sun. The screen has been designed for sharpness & clarity which I find easier on the eyes than many books. Plus one can adjust the font size to your personal needs!

It's also great for travel (though who knows if it will be allowed on planes in the not too distant future). I load several books in mine when visiting my mom in Florida. Yet if I bring 4 or more new books it only weighs a few ounces in my bag. It's so convenient!

Another feature that I like is if you don't know a word you can place your finger over it for a few seconds and the definition will come up.

Kindles are great! I'm surprised you don't know anyone who has one. Everyone in my book club does.

ETA: The cons for me are "how to" or cookbooks. Kindles are great for novels & biographies. I prefer a regular book when it comes to a cookbook for example. I like seeing color photos in many cook books plus it's easier with a real book to go directly to certain pages.

Keep in mind there is a HUGE difference between an ereader like a Kindle Paperwhite vs. a tablet like a Kindle Fire or iPad. I have an iPad mini but don't use it as a reader. It's a different screen experience.

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

@Kachina624 wrote:
You don't have to have a Kindle to read books online. I download onto my tablets, both an iPad and a Samsung, and read them there. I like that I can carry it with me and read books and my magazines anywhere. I also like not having to store books. I don't have room for a lot of them.

agree I have the kindle app on my phone and iPad it's great.

Trix · ‎03-16-2010

I learned something here today. I wasn't sure, but thought Amazon had discontinued selling Kindles which weren't Fires. Gee, the Kindle White sounds perfect for someone who just wants to to read boks and isn't interested in other tablet applications. That said, when I stepped up from an e-reader to tablet I was amazed at how much I enjoyed using the tablet, particularly away from home, even if I wasn't reading.

StraytoStay · ‎07-18-2016

I have one I'm typing on now, but I hate reading books on it. I'd rather hold a paperback, and the kindle gets heavy after a while. The battery gets warm, or needs charging, it's a drag (for me), when I can just set down my paperback and not charge that. I haven't tried it much, unless I have a free book downloaded, but remember it had reading speed options and I must have messed up saving my spot once, it was just easier with a book. Plus, I like to trade in my paperbacks at the used bookstore. Or, if they can't accept them I will donate them. If they're awful, they can be recycled, too!

StraytoStay · ‎07-18-2016

Oh, one thing, I tried to download a free Harlequin novel once and it wouldn't let me. Only Amazon books maybe? Anyone can elaborate and give you more info, but some sites aren't affiliated with Amazon.

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

@StraytoStay wrote:
Oh, one thing, I tried to download a free Harlequin novel once and it wouldn't let me. Only Amazon books maybe? Anyone can elaborate and give you more info, but some sites aren't affiliated with Amazon.

I download a lot of books from my library onto my Kindles, just check with your library!

I bought my first one in 2007 (a Nook) but switched to a Kindle a year or so later (I got VHS instead of BetaMax in 1979 too). LOL!!!

I loved them (had about 6 different ones) with the Voyage being my favorite a little over the Paperwhite--which also is excellent for reading.

I switched to a Mini IPad about 2 years ago and haven't picked up the Kindle since. I absolutely love it.

I can't imagine going back to dragging around all those books, paying fines on them, keeping up with your place, holding them open, and getting RID of them. I always read novels and biographies on my IPad, but beautiful decorating and gardening and cookbooks I still buy.

The IPad does everything well, is easier and brighter to read, and is my choice heads and shoulders for a reading device. It is especially great if you have any vision issues. But, the Paperwhites and Voyages are wonderful too. . . and you wouldn't go wrong with either of them.

Zhills · ‎11-15-2011

I know you specified reading with the Kindle but I don't read. My kindle is my computer that I can hold and use while sitting in my recliner. Love my 4 Kindles. My latest one has Alexa built in.