Quote:
Originally Posted by Pingu
Excellent thanks.
So to confirm
-I can instantly download books without being connected by cords to a computer with just the Wifi version as long as I am in a Wifi zone..
-if I want to download anywhere, anytime I need the 3G.
-forget using the internet browser section of a Kindle, it's of no consequence.
Another thing I'm pondering. If the Aussie dollar fell really badly against the US dollar then I'm going to be paying more for books for as long as that situation lasts. I mean, it's great now because the dollar is awesome, but do I set myself up for paying more if things go the other way?
I have also read that I can use other places to buy books and put them on a Kindle using Calibre. Is this correct, and is it easy to do?
You guys rock, thanks soooo much.
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Yep, you will after buying your ebooks have them (within reason) instantly on your Kindle. I tend to buy my ebooks on my computer through Amazon.com, and by the time I hit the Buy button and walk to my Kindle is is either in the process of or has finished downloading it. You can also email files to your Kindle (free over wifi, small fee over 3G). And you have the option of using a cable if you prefer, or if you want to load MP3s onto it (not sure if you can download them via wifi).
The web browser I would forget using at home as you'd have access to a PC so that is the most appropriate option. If you go for the 3G model then it is usually enough to get you out of trouble when you are out and about. Don't forget, the Kindle is an e-reader, not an internet tablet.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alison C
Many thanks, Julie and Solicitous, for your very helpful replies.
I have managed to avoid the "not available to you" on every book I've tried, so either I've just been lucky, or Amazon definitely thinks I'm still in the UK - good news either way!
I found the small print on returns, and not only is it 30 days from receipt, but this period is extended over Christmas: so for any Kindle bought from 1 Nov, you have until 31 Jan to return it. Sweet.
Battery life: the Sony salesman I spoke to said that the 650 had a much longer battery life than the Kindle (but he would, wouldn't he?!). From what Solicitous has said, that's not fair comment?
Finally, could I ask whether your Kindle is your preferred mode of reading, or would you rather read a physical book, all other things being equal? If I thought I'd use the Kindle a lot at home as well as on holiday, I'd be just about ready to take the leap!
(I think I am the world's worst procrastinator - it took me ages to talk myself into buying an iPod, and I wouldn't be without it now.)
Thanks again. I'm so glad I found this forum.
Alison
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Battery life is a questionable issue. According to Amazon the Kindle can last upto 4 weeks of average reading, Sony say 10,000 pages or upto 2 weeks on the PRS-650. These are rough indicators I suppose. My wife's Kindle lasted 29 days on the first charge, she read around 1-2 hours a day and I did some tinkering with the wifi (if you leave wifi on it is estimated to be 3 week). Your mileage will vary but a 3 hour charge of the Kindle once very 4 weeks does not eat into my reading time at all.
Now preferred mode of reading? Well my first ereader was a 5" Astak Pocket Pro I bought bit over 12 months ago. Some people like the feel and smell of a book, I myself wasn't all that attached to the feel of a book. The reader did initially feel small and light, and the biggest "issue" for lack of a phrase to overcome was with a paperback I could feel the thickness of the pages I'd read and get an approximate feel for how far I had gone through the book. The ereader took that away from me. After about 4 hours of getting use to it I absolutely loved it. Then I got my Kindle a bit over a month ago and love that even more.
I have read the odd paperback since getting my first ereader, but I find the Kindle so much easier to hold, I read faster on it, can set the appropriate font size to my liking (I don't like large print/hardcover books). It is my preferred reading method. Now on top of that keep an eye on this forum, on regular occasions Amazon have free ebooks (usually for a limited time).