Is the Amazon Kindle suitable for reading 3rd party PDF files?

Outsider · 12-26-2010, 10:52 AM

I have some PDF files which I'd like to read on a mobile device. I thought about buying a Kindle, but I don't know how well that device works with PDF files. Does it read any PDF file or only those purchased through Amazon? Is it possible to upload said PDF files using a USB cable or do they first need to be uploaded to the internet and then be wirelessly downloaded onto the Kindle? What's the reading experience of PDF files like? Will they automatically resize to fit the Kindle's screen or will I find myself constantly scrolling left and right, up and down?

HarryT · 12-26-2010, 12:02 PM

Most PDF file are sized for an A4 or US Letter sized page, and will therefore display very poorly on a 6" Kindle. The Kindle, almost uniquely amongst eBook readers, supports no form of PDF reflow; you have to "pan and zoom" to read a large page, which is painful in the extreme.

The Kindle DX, with its 9.7" screen, is a much better proposition for reading PDFs.

SkyDream · 12-26-2010, 12:33 PM

Kindle DX needs a firmware upgrade to provide better PDF features. Unfortunately this doesn't seem to happen before 2012...

HarryT · 12-26-2010, 12:36 PM

Even with its current firmware, it's a heck of a lot better for PDFs than the Kindle 3.

SkyDream · 12-26-2010, 12:40 PM

Nope.
Ok, because of it's big screen. But that's the only plus. K3 has lot more PDF features like dictionary support, annotation. I'm currently thinking about returining my Kindle DXG 'cause of those missing features and try the PocketBook 903 or some other big screen device.

mean_gene · 12-26-2010, 08:30 PM

I have converted a lot of PDFs through Calibre and the Amazon email conversion process and have been pleased with the results. It's not perfect but it works well enough; haven't had any panning or font size issues.

12-26-2010, 10:52 AM	#1
Outsider Junior Member Posts: 2 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: none	Is the Amazon Kindle suitable for reading 3rd party PDF files? I have some PDF files which I'd like to read on a mobile device. I thought about buying a Kindle, but I don't know how well that device works with PDF files. Does it read any PDF file or only those purchased through Amazon? Is it possible to upload said PDF files using a USB cable or do they first need to be uploaded to the internet and then be wirelessly downloaded onto the Kindle? What's the reading experience of PDF files like? Will they automatically resize to fit the Kindle's screen or will I find myself constantly scrolling left and right, up and down?

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12-26-2010, 12:02 PM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Most PDF file are sized for an A4 or US Letter sized page, and will therefore display very poorly on a 6" Kindle. The Kindle, almost uniquely amongst eBook readers, supports no form of PDF reflow; you have to "pan and zoom" to read a large page, which is painful in the extreme. The Kindle DX, with its 9.7" screen, is a much better proposition for reading PDFs.

12-26-2010, 12:33 PM	#3
SkyDream Wizard Posts: 1,377 Karma: 9400 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Europe Device: PRS-650, iPod touch 4G, iPad 3	Kindle DX needs a firmware upgrade to provide better PDF features. Unfortunately this doesn't seem to happen before 2012...

12-26-2010, 12:36 PM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Even with its current firmware, it's a heck of a lot better for PDFs than the Kindle 3.

12-26-2010, 12:40 PM	#5
SkyDream Wizard Posts: 1,377 Karma: 9400 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Europe Device: PRS-650, iPod touch 4G, iPad 3	Nope. Ok, because of it's big screen. But that's the only plus. K3 has lot more PDF features like dictionary support, annotation. I'm currently thinking about returining my Kindle DXG 'cause of those missing features and try the PocketBook 903 or some other big screen device.

12-26-2010, 08:30 PM	#6
mean_gene Enthusiast Posts: 41 Karma: 10 Join Date: Dec 2010 Device: Kindle 3G/Wifi	I have converted a lot of PDFs through Calibre and the Amazon email conversion process and have been pleased with the results. It's not perfect but it works well enough; haven't had any panning or font size issues.

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