Should we consider used K1?

twowheels · 12-21-2010, 02:30 AM

A coworker who really liked my K3 now tells me that Santa might be bringing him a K3. If so, his K1 will be on the market. My girlfriend keeps stealing my K3 making it unavailable to me when I want to use it! I'm thinking about buying this K1 for her, knowing the very real risk that I'll get stuck with it. :-) I've offered to buy another K3, but she doesn't want to spend the money -- she won't admit that she is using it so much.

If I were to buy the K1, would we be greatly disappointed by it after using the K3? How different are they in usability in normal usage? Does anybody have any good images representing the differences in the screens? I know that we'd not have PDF support on it (which sucks, she does read PDFs, increasing the chances that I'd lose my K3), but are there any other major differences for just .mobi or Amazon purchased ebooks?

Also... what is a fair price? I don't want to cheat him, but I don't want to overpay. Also, since we don't care whether it has 3G or not that's not of great value to us, so if the value of the K1 with 3G is close to the price of a K3 WiFi, then I'll probably pass.

Thanks!!

Figlilly · 12-21-2010, 03:10 AM

Well I only know what I have read here - that the K1 is bigger and heavier and the screen is not so good. I think you would be disappointed if you are used to the K3.

Unless you are a collector or nostalgic, it is probably always better to choose the latest versions of any gadget.

Your girlfriend probably will not like it either so your fears of being stuck with it may well come true. Your girlfriend may not want to invest the money in a new K3 now but you might find that you end up buying one anyway as well as being stuck with the K1 which neither of you want.

TheKindleWorm · 12-21-2010, 04:09 AM

I haven't had a K1 but have had the K2 and I know I'd hate to go back to that now after having the K3 - even though I loved the K2 at the time! The K3 screen uses a better technology for a start which means the text is clearer and easier to read. That makes a huge difference.

It's very hard to really appreciate old technology after using newer models unless, as Figwit says, you're a collector.

I did read somewhere also that e-ink degenerates over a period of use - albeit long so I would be wary of spending money on that. If it was being given freely then of course - but to pay money for it unless it is ridiculously cheap, no thanks.

If you're serious about buying - at least do your homework on ebay first and check how much K1s are currently selling for.

HarryT · 12-21-2010, 04:18 AM

One thing to consider with a K1 is that the battery capacity will now be severely diminished compared to what it was when it was new, so you'd perhaps need to factor in the price of a new battery.

I'd honestly suggest getting a WiFi K3; it probably won't cost you that much more.

jocampo · 12-21-2010, 08:22 AM

Maybe this is a bit off-topic but one of the things that I've start to think about about ereaders and all these nice technology is donate or buy the very old ones to public libraries or poor families. I do have a decent job and with all respect, we are a bit spoiled here in USA, so bringing education and technology to those who cannot afford it is one of the best gift someone can give. And reading and education is a gift for the rest of your life.

Think about it! ;-) ...

abookreader · 12-21-2010, 09:04 AM

Personally - I'd consider it if they wanted $20 or $30 bucks for it but from what I've seen they usually sell for much more than that. Anything beyond that and I'd do as Harry suggests and just getting a new with a Warranty WiFi K3.

alism · 12-21-2010, 09:58 AM

When I was looking to upgrade my sony prs500 a couple years ago I got the Kindle 1. I hated it is was too big, heavy and I could not hold it without turning the pages. I know that when you are used to one type of form factor it can take awhile to get used to something different. So I did try for almost 3 weeks to exclusively use the Kindle but I still hated it and sent it back.

Now when the kindle 3 came out I was very hesitant to get one considering how much I didn't like the previous one I tried. I love the kindle 3 and would think even if I had liked the kindle 1 it would be very hard or impossible to go back to it. Unless the kindle 1 was very cheap (and even then I personally do not think it would be worth it) it probably isn't the best buy. Like Harry said the battery life is probably not very good. I know my 2 year old 505 battery life was notably starting to slow down.

Doug Huffman · 12-21-2010, 10:30 AM

Battery age is more of an issue than degradation of e-ink, that I have not yet encountered. On the broader landscape of 'technology' there is not sufficient difference between K1 and K3 to warrant one over the other for that reason alone.

daffy4u · 12-21-2010, 10:55 AM

iReaderReview did a recent blog post on Kindle 1 in today's e-ink world against Kindle 3 (it wins in a few cases).

What if we had the original Kindle today, for $150?

I use mine for back up storage and it's the simplest "get out of DRM jail" card for Kindle books.

HarryT · 12-21-2010, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daffy4u

I use mine for back up storage and it's the simplest "get out of DRM jail" card for Kindle books.

"Kindle for PC" is even easier, to my mind.

daffy4u · 12-21-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

"Kindle for PC" is even easier, to my mind.

They might be equal. It's Calibre plug-in as well and since all my books are automatically sent to my K1 on purchase, I don't have to go through the hassle of re-downloading them to K4PC and then using the plug-in. I connect a K1 about once a month or more depending on my purchasing disease.

twowheels · 12-21-2010, 11:35 AM

Interesting article, thanks for the link. I think that I agree with the sentiment that it's only worth buying if he offers it very cheaply. We'll see how much he says, but I'm now leaning away from it.

daffy4u · 12-21-2010, 11:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by twowheels

Interesting article, thanks for the link. I think that I agree with the sentiment that it's only worth buying if he offers it very cheaply. We'll see how much he says, but I'm now leaning away from it.

If you started with K3, using a K1 will freak you out, so it's probably better to stick with K3.

OakIris · 12-21-2010, 11:59 AM

From what you have said about your girlfriend taking and using your K3 (and denying that this is a frequent occurrence) if you do get the K1, make sure you like it because chances are you will end up using it (as you already mentioned) while she permanently confiscates your K3.

If you can afford it, I agree with others here that you should probably spring for the Kindle 3. Though Amazon is still selling accessories and some replacement parts for the Kindle 1, who knows how much longer they will do so, and they certainly aren't developing new firmware for it.

Still, take a look at your friends Kindle 1 and see if you like it. The article that daffy4u linked for us found that the Kindle 1 actually compares quite favorably to the Kindle 3. If the price is right, perhaps you will find it fits the bill until you can comfortably afford to buy a Kindle 3.

Holly

ProfCrash · 12-21-2010, 12:41 PM

I love my K1. Tavi is a great. I use him at the beach and in potentially dangerous situations (ok so at the beach). But I would not use him as my day to day reader any more.

Octavia, a DXG, is just that much easier to use and better to read off of. Ignoring the screen size, there is a huge difference between the functionality and screen contrast. The K1 will not have collections and will have 4 Grey Scale resolution. The K3 has collections, 16 gray scale resolution, and the Pearl Screen.

There will be a decent size and weight difference with the K3 being lighter and smaller.

The K3 is going to get firmware updates. The K1 has not gotten a firmware update since just after the K2 was released.

Go with the K3.

12-21-2010, 02:30 AM	#1
twowheels Wizard Posts: 1,853 Karma: 13432974 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Kobo Clara HD, iPad Pro 10", iPhone 15 Pro, Boox Note Max	Should we consider used K1? A coworker who really liked my K3 now tells me that Santa might be bringing him a K3. If so, his K1 will be on the market. My girlfriend keeps stealing my K3 making it unavailable to me when I want to use it! I'm thinking about buying this K1 for her, knowing the very real risk that I'll get stuck with it. :-) I've offered to buy another K3, but she doesn't want to spend the money -- she won't admit that she is using it so much. If I were to buy the K1, would we be greatly disappointed by it after using the K3? How different are they in usability in normal usage? Does anybody have any good images representing the differences in the screens? I know that we'd not have PDF support on it (which sucks, she does read PDFs, increasing the chances that I'd lose my K3), but are there any other major differences for just .mobi or Amazon purchased ebooks? Also... what is a fair price? I don't want to cheat him, but I don't want to overpay. Also, since we don't care whether it has 3G or not that's not of great value to us, so if the value of the K1 with 3G is close to the price of a K3 WiFi, then I'll probably pass. Thanks!!

12-21-2010, 09:58 AM	#7
alism Connoisseur Posts: 57 Karma: 1055730 Join Date: Oct 2009 Device: Aura HD, Kindle 3, KPW,	When I was looking to upgrade my sony prs500 a couple years ago I got the Kindle 1. I hated it is was too big, heavy and I could not hold it without turning the pages. I know that when you are used to one type of form factor it can take awhile to get used to something different. So I did try for almost 3 weeks to exclusively use the Kindle but I still hated it and sent it back. Now when the kindle 3 came out I was very hesitant to get one considering how much I didn't like the previous one I tried. I love the kindle 3 and would think even if I had liked the kindle 1 it would be very hard or impossible to go back to it. Unless the kindle 1 was very cheap (and even then I personally do not think it would be worth it) it probably isn't the best buy. Like Harry said the battery life is probably not very good. I know my 2 year old 505 battery life was notably starting to slow down. Last edited by alism; 12-21-2010 at 10:01 AM.

12-21-2010, 03:10 AM	#2
Figlilly Zealot Posts: 122 Karma: 2514066 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Australia Device: Kindle Oasis 2&3, Paperwhites, Kindle Touch, Kobo Clara, IPad Air2	Well I only know what I have read here - that the K1 is bigger and heavier and the screen is not so good. I think you would be disappointed if you are used to the K3. Unless you are a collector or nostalgic, it is probably always better to choose the latest versions of any gadget. Your girlfriend probably will not like it either so your fears of being stuck with it may well come true. Your girlfriend may not want to invest the money in a new K3 now but you might find that you end up buying one anyway as well as being stuck with the K1 which neither of you want.

12-21-2010, 04:09 AM	#3
TheKindleWorm Guru Posts: 860 Karma: 177868 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: East Anglia UK Device: Kindle 3G, iPhone 3G, iPod 4G, PB 360, Sony 600 sold, Kindle 2i sold	I haven't had a K1 but have had the K2 and I know I'd hate to go back to that now after having the K3 - even though I loved the K2 at the time! The K3 screen uses a better technology for a start which means the text is clearer and easier to read. That makes a huge difference. It's very hard to really appreciate old technology after using newer models unless, as Figwit says, you're a collector. I did read somewhere also that e-ink degenerates over a period of use - albeit long so I would be wary of spending money on that. If it was being given freely then of course - but to pay money for it unless it is ridiculously cheap, no thanks. If you're serious about buying - at least do your homework on ebay first and check how much K1s are currently selling for.

12-21-2010, 04:18 AM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	One thing to consider with a K1 is that the battery capacity will now be severely diminished compared to what it was when it was new, so you'd perhaps need to factor in the price of a new battery. I'd honestly suggest getting a WiFi K3; it probably won't cost you that much more.

12-21-2010, 08:22 AM	#5
jocampo Layback feline Posts: 3,034 Karma: 6980745 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: USA Device: Oasis 2nd gen, Sony DPTS1, iPad Pro 10.5"	Maybe this is a bit off-topic but one of the things that I've start to think about about ereaders and all these nice technology is donate or buy the very old ones to public libraries or poor families. I do have a decent job and with all respect, we are a bit spoiled here in USA, so bringing education and technology to those who cannot afford it is one of the best gift someone can give. And reading and education is a gift for the rest of your life. Think about it! ;-) ...

12-21-2010, 09:04 AM	#6
abookreader Wizard Posts: 1,516 Karma: 2567610 Join Date: Oct 2009 Device: Kindles - Keyboard, Fire, 2-US, iPhone, iPAD	Personally - I'd consider it if they wanted $20 or $30 bucks for it but from what I've seen they usually sell for much more than that. Anything beyond that and I'd do as Harry suggests and just getting a new with a Warranty WiFi K3.

12-21-2010, 10:30 AM	#8
Doug Huffman Banned Posts: 102 Karma: 7860 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Washington Island, across Death's Door, Wisconsin, USA Device: KINDLE 3 WiFi	Battery age is more of an issue than degradation of e-ink, that I have not yet encountered. On the broader landscape of 'technology' there is not sufficient difference between K1 and K3 to warrant one over the other for that reason alone.

12-21-2010, 10:55 AM	#9
daffy4u I'm Super Kindle-icious Posts: 6,734 Karma: 2434103 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Long Drive, Calinadia Candafornia Device: KDXG, KT, Oasis	iReaderReview did a recent blog post on Kindle 1 in today's e-ink world against Kindle 3 (it wins in a few cases). What if we had the original Kindle today, for $150? I use mine for back up storage and it's the simplest "get out of DRM jail" card for Kindle books.

12-21-2010, 11:35 AM	#12
twowheels Wizard Posts: 1,853 Karma: 13432974 Join Date: Nov 2010 Device: Kobo Clara HD, iPad Pro 10", iPhone 15 Pro, Boox Note Max	Interesting article, thanks for the link. I think that I agree with the sentiment that it's only worth buying if he offers it very cheaply. We'll see how much he says, but I'm now leaning away from it.

12-21-2010, 11:59 AM	#14
OakIris Addict Posts: 310 Karma: 18487 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Colorado Device: Kindle 3 WiFi; Kindle Paperwhite	From what you have said about your girlfriend taking and using your K3 (and denying that this is a frequent occurrence) if you do get the K1, make sure you like it because chances are you will end up using it (as you already mentioned) while she permanently confiscates your K3. If you can afford it, I agree with others here that you should probably spring for the Kindle 3. Though Amazon is still selling accessories and some replacement parts for the Kindle 1, who knows how much longer they will do so, and they certainly aren't developing new firmware for it. Still, take a look at your friends Kindle 1 and see if you like it. The article that daffy4u linked for us found that the Kindle 1 actually compares quite favorably to the Kindle 3. If the price is right, perhaps you will find it fits the bill until you can comfortably afford to buy a Kindle 3. Holly

12-21-2010, 12:41 PM	#15
ProfCrash Tea Enthusiast Posts: 8,554 Karma: 75384937 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Somewhere in the USA Device: Kindle1, Kindle DX Graphite, K3 3G, IPad 3, PW2	I love my K1. Tavi is a great. I use him at the beach and in potentially dangerous situations (ok so at the beach). But I would not use him as my day to day reader any more. Octavia, a DXG, is just that much easier to use and better to read off of. Ignoring the screen size, there is a huge difference between the functionality and screen contrast. The K1 will not have collections and will have 4 Grey Scale resolution. The K3 has collections, 16 gray scale resolution, and the Pearl Screen. There will be a decent size and weight difference with the K3 being lighter and smaller. The K3 is going to get firmware updates. The K1 has not gotten a firmware update since just after the K2 was released. Go with the K3.

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