I just ordered my Kindle and cannot wait to start using it.

What accessories do you all recommend? Is the case that comes with it sufficient, or should I consider an alternative?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Lots and lots of books....

The only really necessary thing is a book light. I like the Xtraflex 2 on the Amazon website, with the high and low settings.

The case takes some getting used to, but you can get by with it. Just like getting used to the large page forward and page back buttons, it takes some time to get used to the gentle snap-and-push-in the case takes.

I bought a spare charger, just so I have one upstairs and one downstairs, but that wasn't necessary. There are some nice aftermarket cases, depending on what your needs in a case are.

It does come with a short instruction file on it, which doesn't quite answer all of the questions you might have, but that's what we're here for....

Thank you for the quick response. I have every intention of filling it with books ASAP.

I guess I didn't realize the booklight was so necessary. I've never really found the need for a booklight when reading paper books on an airplane, so, I figured the Kindle would be about the same. I guess not. I'll hold off, though, and buy one after I've tried out the Kindle.

I do have a lot of free classics that I've downloaded from here and places like Feedbooks (http://www.feedbooks.com). Personally, I haven't filled my Kindle in advance with books to read. I have a ton of free samples, but I don't feel the need to buy a book unless I want to read it right now. Getting a book is so convenient that unless I'm collecting for collecting's sake I don't see a big benefit to it. I might buy a few books in advance this week because I'm leaving the country next week on a trip and I'm not sure how good my Internet access will be while I'm away but here at home, I have Whispernet everywhere I am in my day-to-day life.

i would agree that the most important accessory for a reader is books. ;) be sure to take a look at the free books available on this site ("e-books" link in the blue bar at the top of the page ; for kindle, get mobipocket format) as well as other sites like feedbooks.com, munseys, etc.

i don't know what conditions you like to read in but i always read with ambiant light from a lamp so i don't need a special booklight ; i think that in general, if you have enough light to read a paper book, you have enough light to read a kindle. i know that a lot of people need booklights so they can read without disturbing other people by keeping the light on. i think you're right, wait until you have it, and see how you like it. you might not need a booklight at all.

i actually have LESS need of a booklight with my kindle than with paper books... when reading in dim light, where i might have needed a booklight for a paper book, i can just increase the font size 1 or 2 notches on my kindle, and voila! readability.

i actually have LESS need of a booklight with my kindle than with paper books... when reading in dim light, where i might have needed a booklight for a paper book, i can just increase the font size 1 or 2 notches on my kindle, and voila! readability.

heh, good point. try THAT with a paper book ! :p

And, I have only found it necessary to have a book light where I would have needed one for a regular paperback or hardback as well.

So ... if you generally don't read with one, reading the Kindle won't change that.

I'd recommend a replacement cover, both from a security and an aesthetic standpoint. I've got a M-Edge brown faux-leather cover which I like a lot. It completely changes the profile of the Kindle and holds it securely in place.

Jim

I just ordered my Kindle and cannot wait to start using it.

What accessories do you all recommend? Is the case that comes with it sufficient, or should I consider an alternative?

Thanks in advance for the advice.
I too would recommend the M-edge cover. I have the red one and it's really nice, plus it folds back with a wider left edge that makes it easier to hold without pushing the page buttons on the Kindle. Additionally, get a library card. Many public libraries offer mobipocket format ebooks that will work with your Kindle, with a little conversion.

A book stand is very nice. I have one on my breakfast table where I read the Chicago Tribune every morning.

Oh, if we're talking covers ... I still love my zippered cover from Franklin Covey. :D

Or .... get a custom one from Frank N. (You'll have to look up the website by searching here in the forum for "Frank N." ... it's got a dog in the title.

You need a Kindle Reader t-shirt from Cafepress

Another vote for the m-edge case! I got my Kindle last Thursday, and wasn't thrilled with the stock case, so I ordered the m-edge case. Spent the weekend with the stock case and got more used to it by Monday, but when my m-edge case arrived there was no comparison.

It's only been a day but so far the m-edge case is much better. I like the quality, the feel, and the sense of security (I just didn't trust the stock case even after I got the hang of that little notch).

Thank you for your replies.

The new Kindle has shipped & has an estimated arrival date of 8/27. I can hardly wait! I have, so far, resisted the urge to buy any accessories or books for it until I have it in my hot little hands. It is difficult, though. I love to shop!

Thanks again for all your advice!:thanks:

My two cents worth. We have two Kindles here and bought a third as a present. I found the standard cover works just fine so far as long as a couple of pieces of Velcro (tm) are added to the back of the Kindle and its cover. I have also placed a shim made of a small folded strip of business card (creased lengthwise to help keep it in place.) under the right hand buttons to lower their sensitivity to being accidentally pressed. You will love your Kindle, Lots of good advice and help in this thread. Stand by for increased book buying (although there are many good freebies). :thumbsup:

"Lots and lots of books....
he only really necessary thing is a book light. I like the Xtraflex 2 on the Amazon website, with the high and low settings

Perfect recommendation! After the book light, the next thing I bought for my Kindle was a small strip of velco to hold it in the case. I take the subway to work and the velco adds to piece of mind.

I too like the m-edge cover. But, hey folks! Don't forget at least a 2-gig sd card. Now let's fill that bad boy full o' books!

I do have a lot of free classics that I've downloaded from here and places like Feedbooks (http://www.feedbooks.com). Personally, I haven't filled my Kindle in advance with books to read. I have a ton of free samples, but I don't feel the need to buy a book unless I want to read it right now. Getting a book is so convenient that unless I'm collecting for collecting's sake I don't see a big benefit to it. I might buy a few books in advance this week because I'm leaving the country next week on a trip and I'm not sure how good my Internet access will be while I'm away but here at home, I have Whispernet everywhere I am in my day-to-day life.

You have way more will power than me!! I just got my Kindle on Wednesday and have bought 6 books so far with plenty more lurking around on my wishlist!:bookworm::p