How Many of You Have A Kindle?

I had better get one. I hate reading on a PC.

I have books I need to read and review, but loathe trying to read on my computer.

How about you?

There are several options. You might want to look into an ipad. That way you wouldn't be limited to Kindle, but could have other readers like Nook and Kobo as well, at no charge. You would also have the advantage of other apps, like shopping lists and organizers, cookbooks, internet access, etc. It's like having an iphone without the phone. I like reading my books on my phone. It fits into the palm of my hand, and the only disadvantage is having to "turn the page" so often.

Ann

I picked up a netbook for $150 on a real deal sale. I get frustrated with it because the whole palm rest seems to be mouse sensitive - and sometimes it deletes everything I type. Otherwise, I love it. I have a computer, an ebook reader, a tablet, a camera and it weighs nothing.

A tablet is difficult to type on from what I have heard and you need to attach a keyboard. A Kindle thought becoming more like a computer/cell phone does not have a keyboard. I can read very well on my netbook. My only improvement would be a netbook that converts to a tablet and has cell phone capabilities. That would be the best of all worlds.

A friend of mine was going to give me an iPad but I hemmed and hawed until the friend didn't buy it for me after all. I would have liked one for the snob value.

DK, most netbooks/laptops that have the touch-seneitive mouse allow you to use a setting that disables it when a real mouse is plugged in. I use a small mouse that I bought at Walmart because I don't like the standard laptop mouse. When it's plugged in (usb), the regular mouse thingie doesn't respond.

You can find the option in the Control Panel's mouse applet.

Alice, if all you plan to use the Kindle for is reading books, the new $77 one is good. You need to be in good light, though. They work best outdoors on a bright day. But I've used my K1 in the living room with a good lamp nearby.

Me. Love it.

Thanks for the mouse idea. I do have a usb mouse - but then I need a surface to use it. I often have my netbook in my lap like others use an iPad.

I forgot to ad that I also have a smart phone that I have often used to read a good book. I had a series of IV treatments and found the smart phone handy for reading during the treatments because I could read in the palm of my hand. I could expand the font size, etc. It did drink the battery...

Here's a piece I published in my column in January of '94

Migrant Mouse

I'm doing a lot of traveling lately and taking a laptop along. With more and more of my work being done in Windows, a mouse has become a necessary traveling companion. If you've ever tried using a mouse on an airplane you know that the space on a typical tray table is limited, and there isn't enough room to maneuver your mouse. I checked out those clip-on trackball devices and found them too hard to use. So, to solve the problem, I slide a note binder into my lap under the tray table and run the mouse around on the binder. But now, when I sit there with my hand in my lap, out of sight and moving around in circles, the other passengers and the flight attendants tend to stare. I stopped trying to explain. It only makes it worse when I tell them that I'm manipulating my mouse.

I have a Galaxy Tab, which is Samsung's answer to the iPad, I guess.

But it has both Kindle and Nook on it. I've used both a little. But really, I am not excited about either.

I understand the 'convenience' of nook and kindle.

However, I would rather just carry and read a 'real' book.

Al, that was just too funny if a bit off my preferred humor....

Several of you have e-readers. When you buy books from kindle or ibooks, the online sales sites automatically install the books in your readers. But when you go for one of the PD books, such as those on Stanza, the site delivers the book file, and it's up to you to get it into the reader.

Do you know how to do this?

If you are presented with a choice of formats do you know which one fits your reader so you can download the correct one? Typical formats are: pdf, epub, mobi, pdf, and azw.

No, Al,

I know nothing . I have books on PC and don't like reading them . If I get a Kindle will they transfer or will I need to buy them again?

It depends on the format. If the PC books are for Kindle for PC, they'll transfer fine. If they're pdf, they'll transfer, but you might not like what they look like. Kindle doesn't read other formats that I know of. But there's a free conversion program called Calibre that you can use.

Thanks, Al.

I have wondered a lot about this. Right now, I can read off my computer screen if I have my contact lenses in. Without, it is all a white blur. When I read a printed book, I have to take my contact lens out and put the book four inches from my face to read the words. I am wondering if I bought an e-reader if it would be like reading from a computer screen, only small and in my hand. I need a lot of light to see to read.

Love,
Betty

Betty,

What is the cause of your vision loss? I am worried about you. My mother-in-law, 91, has macular degeneration in one eye.

They are slowing it with treatments every month--an injection.

Thank you, all, I ordered a Kindle Fire and will have it on Thursday. Only $199.00--not the bottom or the top of the line.

You are very good salespeople.

Betty Fasig wrote:

I have wondered a lot about this. Right now, I can read off my computer screen if I have my contact lenses in. Without, it is all a white blur. When I read a printed book, I have to take my contact lens out and put the book four inches from my face to read the words. I am wondering if I bought an e-reader if it would be like reading from a computer screen, only small and in my hand. I need a lot of light to see to read.

Love,
Betty

Didn't you say you got an iphone for Christmas? You can download both Kindle and Nook readers free. You can make the font as large as you want; the only problem is flipping the pages so frequently, but I personally like having it fit in my hand.

Ann

I love it--it came yesterday. I have finally joined the gizmos owners.

I didn't think I'd like it, but I have to admit I love my Kindle. I still like paper books...esp. if it's one written by a friend.

I have the 3G. It allows me to send my manuscript to the Kindle email, then I get the voice to read it to me. I have found errors this way--I will hear them where I read past them. Very helpful. However, I understand the Fire doesn't have the text to speech thing. Too bad. It is a good thing.

Madhatter!

So glad to see you. I wondered where you were.