Some questions about + should I get a Kindle? (located outside US)

krysjez · 01-22-2011, 09:49 AM

Hello all,

A relative of mine's travelling to the US (for only about 5 days, though, so I have to act fast), presenting an opportunity for me to buy a Kindle. Been reading up on the Kindle 3 WiFi only version and a few things have made me hesitate about placing the order:

Kindle page on Amazon has a significant number of negative reviews, mostly listing complaints about poor build quality and the Kindle freezing up. Because I'm located outside the US, it means I won't be able to send a broken device back to Amazon for replacements.
...and no user-replaceable battery, same issue
The battery life is apparently nowhere near the full month Amazon touts - about two weeks, at best
To buy anything on Amazon, I'll have to use a VPN with servers in the US and be extra paranoid when using Amazon.com lest they find out I'm not from an 'authorized country'.
Kindle doesn't support ePub! which my local libraries use

But my research so far has also shown that the Kindle is probably the best device for me....I think. The screen's supposed to be fantastic, page turns are fast, good WiFi support, it's the lightest of the popular readers, and the lowest-priced as well.

A bit about my situation:

Thrifty student (can't afford more than US$150, probably)
Heavy reader - hours at a go, so need a good e-ink screen with no glare, which I heard Sony Reader's touchscreen has.
Live in Singapore
Read a lot of free ePub, PDF books from Project Gutenberg and Archive.org - it'll be useless to get an eReader which can't read my books
Poor eyesight (I wear progressive addition lenses for 500 deg myopia and 100 deg astigmatism) so adjustable contrast and font size is a plus
Need a fairly strong/durable reader that can withstand knocks from being carried around in my schoolbag. How well does the Kindle hold up without a case?
Fairly tech-savvy, so setting up a VPN is all right, just really troublesome
Need Chinese character support
Have WiFi set up at home

Do you think I should go ahead and get the Kindle now? Or keep waiting until Amazon relaxes its restrictions/a good, affordable eReader pops up in Singapore? I looked at Sony's Readers and they seem to be really good as well, but they're so expensive...

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

PS: I'm not in desperate need of an eReader or anything...just that I don't often get the chance to buy US-only products without having to pay extra for concierge services and shipping.

Elflaede · 01-22-2011, 10:26 AM

As a heavy reader myself, the screen on the Kindle is fantastic. You can read for hours and hours with no problem. The battery life is extended massively by turning off the wi-fi when you are not using it.

However if you're planning on carrying the kindle around in a schoolbag, you will definitely need a good case for it.

Free epubs/pdfs can be converted with a program called Calibre into mobi format which the Kindle reads.

FF2 · 01-22-2011, 11:05 AM

I believe I've read that the NEW Sony's do not have glare since the touch screen sensors are not UNDER the glass but "beams" from the bezel area above the screen. But they are not cheap.

Bilbo1967 · 01-22-2011, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FF2

I believe I've read that the NEW Sony's do not have glare since the touch screen sensors are not UNDER the glass but "beams" from the bezel area above the screen. But they are not cheap.

That's correct - on both counts.

dwig · 01-22-2011, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krysjez

...
Read a lot of free ePub, PDF books from Project Gutenberg and Archive.org - it'll be useless to get an eReader which can't read my books

Any PG or Archive.org ebook in ePub format can be converted to MOBI for the Kindle. You can use Calibre (my choice) or KindleGen (I use the Kindle Previewer app which incorporates KindleGen when I want to go this way). Both are free. PG books can also be downloaded in Kindle format.

Battery life is often misreported. The type of battery technology used in ereaders and other common modern devices does not deliver its full potential for the first 2-3 charge/recharge cycles. Disregard any reports that are based on first use.

Also, the Kindle has a very powerful search function that can search all of the loaded books. This requires that the device index every book when it is downloaded into the device. When a significant number of books are loaded into the device at once, as often happens with a new device, this indexing can take many hours and the constant processor use and heavy file read/write functions put a much higher than normal demand on the battery.

The "one month" battery life prediction is based on no new books being added, hence no indexing, and no wireless operation (Wifi or 3G) during that month. I find that for my use (heavy reading = 1-3hrs/day & minimal WiFi=10-20min/week) I get about 1-1/2-2 weeks of use before the battery indicator drops to below 1/2. I will generally have added 4-6 short stories and 1-2 novels, and deleted about 1/2 that much, during that time.

krysjez · 01-22-2011, 11:46 PM

Well, said relative has just called to say that a Kindle WiFi was spotted in Best Buy, and that it's already been purchased. And before I even came back here to read the responses! But thank you all for your time. This looks like a really good community. I look forward to posting around here.

FF2 · 01-23-2011, 12:26 AM

Enjoy it when you get it.

jehane · 01-23-2011, 07:57 AM

I know your decision has been made for you already, but comparing the Kindle and Sony, the main factors to consider are:

Kindle - wi-fi, price
vs
Sony - build quality, epub support (public library), touchscreen

The relative importance of these features will determine which suits you. Both use the new Pearl screens (no glare on the touchscreen) and from what I've read the battery life is about the same. Note that a lot of PG books come in mobi format. I don't know about archive.org. btw, if you decide that a Sony is worth the extra cost, you can always return the Kindle.

Andrew H. · 01-24-2011, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jehane

I know your decision has been made for you already, but comparing the Kindle and Sony, the main factors to consider are:

Kindle - wi-fi, price
vs
Sony - build quality, epub support (public library), touchscreen

The relative importance of these features will determine which suits you. Both use the new Pearl screens (no glare on the touchscreen) and from what I've read the battery life is about the same. Note that a lot of PG books come in mobi format. I don't know about archive.org. btw, if you decide that a Sony is worth the extra cost, you can always return the Kindle.

One of the best features of the Kindle (although perhaps not important to the OP) is the ease of shopping on Amazon (along with the ability to, of course). This is often neglected in device-to-device comparisons, but it has a significant effect on actual usage.

ProfCrash · 01-25-2011, 09:33 AM

Get a cover. The Kindle is great but it needs to be protected if you are going to be carrying it in a back pack. A nice solid cover will keep your Kindle safe and cozy and feeling loved.

krysjez · 01-28-2011, 04:15 AM

Yes, I've surmised that from other posts around here...but covers are really expensive. They cost like half of the price of the Kindle, which to me is ridiculous (and unaffordable).

Any way to roll my own?

Andrew, the ease of shopping on Amazon turns into a big hassle when you're not located in the US...

HarryT · 01-28-2011, 04:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krysjez

Andrew, the ease of shopping on Amazon turns into a big hassle when you're not located in the US...

That depends WHERE outside the US you are. It really couldn't be easier if you live in the UK, for example.

A cover is essential for any eInk device. Don't even think about it - just get one. You certainly don't need to spend half the cost of the reader on one.

dmacmart · 01-28-2011, 08:32 AM

My first cover for my eInk device was a journal purchased from a dollar store, removing the pages, and used fabric hair bands to hold it in place. It did the job till I found a leather one for a price I was willing to pay. (from eBay I think)

ProfCrash · 01-28-2011, 09:07 AM

People have used velcro strips to hold Kindles into non traditional covers.

Fbone · 01-28-2011, 07:53 PM

I guess it's too late now. But I was going to ask you to look at Singapore's Library and see if they have what interests you. With 16,000+ titles and a thrifty student ...

01-22-2011, 09:49 AM	#1
krysjez Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Stanza on iPod Touch, Kindle 3 wifi	Some questions about + should I get a Kindle? (located outside US) Hello all, A relative of mine's travelling to the US (for only about 5 days, though, so I have to act fast), presenting an opportunity for me to buy a Kindle. Been reading up on the Kindle 3 WiFi only version and a few things have made me hesitate about placing the order: Kindle page on Amazon has a significant number of negative reviews, mostly listing complaints about poor build quality and the Kindle freezing up. Because I'm located outside the US, it means I won't be able to send a broken device back to Amazon for replacements. ...and no user-replaceable battery, same issue The battery life is apparently nowhere near the full month Amazon touts - about two weeks, at best To buy anything on Amazon, I'll have to use a VPN with servers in the US and be extra paranoid when using Amazon.com lest they find out I'm not from an 'authorized country'. Kindle doesn't support ePub! which my local libraries use But my research so far has also shown that the Kindle is probably the best device for me....I think. The screen's supposed to be fantastic, page turns are fast, good WiFi support, it's the lightest of the popular readers, and the lowest-priced as well. A bit about my situation: Thrifty student (can't afford more than US$150, probably) Heavy reader - hours at a go, so need a good e-ink screen with no glare, which I heard Sony Reader's touchscreen has. Live in Singapore Read a lot of free ePub, PDF books from Project Gutenberg and Archive.org - it'll be useless to get an eReader which can't read my books Poor eyesight (I wear progressive addition lenses for 500 deg myopia and 100 deg astigmatism) so adjustable contrast and font size is a plus Need a fairly strong/durable reader that can withstand knocks from being carried around in my schoolbag. How well does the Kindle hold up without a case? Fairly tech-savvy, so setting up a VPN is all right, just really troublesome Need Chinese character support Have WiFi set up at home Do you think I should go ahead and get the Kindle now? Or keep waiting until Amazon relaxes its restrictions/a good, affordable eReader pops up in Singapore? I looked at Sony's Readers and they seem to be really good as well, but they're so expensive... Thanks in advance for your opinions. PS: I'm not in desperate need of an eReader or anything...just that I don't often get the chance to buy US-only products without having to pay extra for concierge services and shipping. Last edited by krysjez; 01-22-2011 at 09:54 AM.

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01-22-2011, 10:26 AM	#2
Elflaede Member Posts: 14 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Sony PRS-505, Kindle 3	As a heavy reader myself, the screen on the Kindle is fantastic. You can read for hours and hours with no problem. The battery life is extended massively by turning off the wi-fi when you are not using it. However if you're planning on carrying the kindle around in a schoolbag, you will definitely need a good case for it. Free epubs/pdfs can be converted with a program called Calibre into mobi format which the Kindle reads.

01-22-2011, 11:05 AM	#3
FF2 Wizard Posts: 1,105 Karma: 1025784 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: WiFi Kindle3	I believe I've read that the NEW Sony's do not have glare since the touch screen sensors are not UNDER the glass but "beams" from the bezel area above the screen. But they are not cheap.

01-22-2011, 11:46 PM	#6
krysjez Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Stanza on iPod Touch, Kindle 3 wifi	Well, said relative has just called to say that a Kindle WiFi was spotted in Best Buy, and that it's already been purchased. And before I even came back here to read the responses! But thank you all for your time. This looks like a really good community. I look forward to posting around here.

01-23-2011, 12:26 AM	#7
FF2 Wizard Posts: 1,105 Karma: 1025784 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: WiFi Kindle3	Enjoy it when you get it.

01-23-2011, 07:57 AM	#8
jehane Book addict Posts: 441 Karma: 2650464 Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Antarctica/Australia/Ohio Device: Sony PRS-300/T1/Asus TF101	I know your decision has been made for you already, but comparing the Kindle and Sony, the main factors to consider are: Kindle - wi-fi, price vs Sony - build quality, epub support (public library), touchscreen The relative importance of these features will determine which suits you. Both use the new Pearl screens (no glare on the touchscreen) and from what I've read the battery life is about the same. Note that a lot of PG books come in mobi format. I don't know about archive.org. btw, if you decide that a Sony is worth the extra cost, you can always return the Kindle.

01-25-2011, 09:33 AM	#10
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	Get a cover. The Kindle is great but it needs to be protected if you are going to be carrying it in a back pack. A nice solid cover will keep your Kindle safe and cozy and feeling loved.

01-28-2011, 04:15 AM	#11
krysjez Junior Member Posts: 4 Karma: 10 Join Date: Jan 2011 Device: Stanza on iPod Touch, Kindle 3 wifi	Yes, I've surmised that from other posts around here...but covers are really expensive. They cost like half of the price of the Kindle, which to me is ridiculous (and unaffordable). Any way to roll my own? Andrew, the ease of shopping on Amazon turns into a big hassle when you're not located in the US...

01-28-2011, 08:32 AM	#13
dmacmart Fanatic Posts: 534 Karma: 696908 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Ottawa Canada Device: Kobo Mini, Glo, Arc, H2O, iPhone, iPad 2, (husband)Touch	My first cover for my eInk device was a journal purchased from a dollar store, removing the pages, and used fabric hair bands to hold it in place. It did the job till I found a leather one for a price I was willing to pay. (from eBay I think)

01-28-2011, 09:07 AM	#14
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	People have used velcro strips to hold Kindles into non traditional covers.

01-28-2011, 07:53 PM	#15
Fbone Is that a sandwich? Posts: 8,288 Karma: 101697116 Join Date: Jun 2010 Device: Nook Glowlight Plus	I guess it's too late now. But I was going to ask you to look at Singapore's Library and see if they have what interests you. With 16,000+ titles and a thrifty student ...

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