I dropped my Kindle! :(

SouthernSun · 07-22-2013, 12:37 AM

Hi all,

After two faithful years by my side, I've dropped my Kindle Keyboard on the ground. Not only did I break the official case, but the Kindle itself seems to have some sort of internal damage. I didn't buy extended warranty with my original purchase.

So, I'm in the market for a new reader. I have no brand-loyalty and no issues with which format my books need to be in. However, I enjoy simplicity. I don't care about rooting, hacking, fonts, decals or any of the likes - I just want to be able to ignore the fact that I'm holding a device, and sink into my story.

Thus, finger print magnets are a no-no (so I'm tentatively ruling out the Paperwhite). I have no strong feelings one way or the other about front-lighting, as I'll turn it off when I use the device. (I've played with a friend's Kobo Glo and another friend's Kindle Paperwhite - the light goes off immediately or they look horrible to me). I just want something incredibly basic.

I'm thinking about a Kobo Touch or a basic Kindle. Any opinions as to which I should choose?

crich70 · 07-22-2013, 01:03 AM

Despite what you said I'd go with the Kindle Paperwhite. It's easy to use with its touch screen and you don't need an external light source to read at night either. I never really have had a problem with remembering that I'm using an ereader when I use it. It's just a book to me when I enter the story.

HarryT · 07-22-2013, 01:37 AM

I'd recommend the PW, too. Its matt screen doesn't show fingerprints at all.

crich70 · 07-22-2013, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarryT

I'd recommend the PW, too. Its matt screen doesn't show fingerprints at all.

And it has a texture very close to paper when you swipe your finger across it to turn the pages.

SouthernSun · 07-22-2013, 03:36 AM

It's the bezel that's a fingerprint magnet on my friend's paper white. I don't really want to spend that much money on an ereader that I had a pretty unpleasant time reading on when I tried it out!

meeera · 07-22-2013, 04:23 AM

Turn the light down to its minimum, then only turn up till the page has good contrast. You should not be able to see the device "glowing" unless it's pitch dark - if you can, the light level is up too high.

It really does improve reading in mid-level or lowish light for most readers, used properly and not cranked up. If you are truly positive that you're not one of those people, then sure, a basic Touch or similar could be ok - bearing in mind that readers like the Glo also have a slightly better resolution as well as a few other little differences; so check that they don't make a different to you before deciding.

Katsunami · 07-22-2013, 06:39 AM

If you don't want to have issues with fingerprints, then you have several options.

1. Rule out any black reader; especially the glossy ones.
2. Put it into a book-type slipcase that covers the sides of the reader.
3. Put one of those decorative stickers on it.

I went with option 2.

jineapple · 07-22-2013, 07:09 AM

I've been in the same situation as you (out of guarantee too) and got a paperwhite.

First, contact Amazon's Customer Support and you might get a discount for a new model if you send your old one in, even if you have no guarantee on it. (I had the option of anything (but the keyboard) in the Kindle Family). I got a refurbished Kindle PW(with full guarantee) for 91€ as opposed to 115 € without the discount (or 129€ for a completely new one).

When I was trying it out in a shop before I too didn't particularly like the light - but it IS great when in dim or dark surroundings (Although I don't really understand the recommendation to set it to bright levels in bright rooms, looks much better without imo). In most cases, it's best to leave it off, if you turn it up until the screen is actually white like the name suggests then it won't be that pleasant, but if you use it sparingly enough it's great for readability. I rarely go above 8(from 24) in the brightness setting. I've also been reading for hours in more or less pitch darkness without any eye fatigue.

As said above, with a case (That'll also protect it if you should drop this one), you won't notice any fingerprints.

Another advantage the Kindle has over other e-readers is its shop - By far the most extensive, with easy, effortless shopping. I don't know how important shopping on the reader is to you, but imho this is the one area where the Kindle still is absolutely superior to its competitors.

But as said, definitely try contacting Amazon's CS, you'll get ereaders cheaper than elsewhere and with full guarantee.

Araucaria · 07-22-2013, 07:10 AM

Or you could consider buying a second-hand Kindle Keyboard on eBay (other auction sites exist, so they tell me).

Quite a lot of people upgrade to something newer because they like the latest in hardware, and sell the old readers off. A bit cheaper than new (and anyway, the Keyboard version isn't available new, now, is it?)

ottdmk · 07-22-2013, 02:50 PM

If you like a basic e-reader, I can recommend the Kobo Touch. One of the irritating things for me is that it just works. (Irritating because it makes justifying the expense of an Aura HD extremely difficult.)

poohbear_nc · 07-22-2013, 06:28 PM

I too recommend contacting Kindle Customer Support first - they are very good about offering replacements at lowered costs - no matter how you broke it.

If not, the PW is a fine replacement - you can use a slipcase or skin to minimize the fingerprint issue. Once you've experienced front lighting, you'll never go back!

SouthernSun · 07-22-2013, 08:18 PM

I already hae experienced front lighting, on a friend's device - I truly don't like it and don't see the extra cost as justifiable when I'll be keeping the front lighting off.

AnemicOak · 07-22-2013, 08:27 PM

Some thoughts for you (sorry if I ramble a bit)...

The basic Kindle is quite a nice little reader unless you do a lot of typing for annotations/notes and searches on your reading device.

Since you're coming from a Kindle if you decide to go with a Kobo or something else make sure you look at a few books on one if you can. The look of things is a bit different and it can be tough getting used to the widows & orphans and long paragraph issues (this is for side-loaded ePub's and applies to others that use the Adobe RMSDK/ADE such as Sony), plus the unique Kobo quirks. Then again those may turn out to not be big deals for you but may be something to check into before you decide on one, for me even after reading 38 books on my Aura (my light stays off [well, it came in handy once]) I still find some of the Kobo issues take me out of the story while reading (but I've been mostly Kindle since 2009 & it took me a couple books to get used to that after a Sony). I'm thinking about going back to my Kindle Touch, that or using the Calibre plug-in to make sure I only load kePub's onto the Kobo.

If you really liked your Kindle Keyboard there are a lot of used ones available for that model as well.

HarryT · 07-23-2013, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SouthernSun

I already hae experienced front lighting, on a friend's device - I truly don't like it and don't see the extra cost as justifiable when I'll be keeping the front lighting off.

Have you tried using it for real in the circumstances in which it's most useful - reading in poor light?

Billi · 07-23-2013, 02:13 AM

Turn on the light if it is too dark to read, SouthernSun! You're too young to spoil your eyes by reading in bad lightning conditions.

07-22-2013, 12:37 AM	#1
SouthernSun Connoisseur Posts: 59 Karma: 166452 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Australia Device: Kindle Keyboard	I dropped my Kindle! :( Hi all, After two faithful years by my side, I've dropped my Kindle Keyboard on the ground. Not only did I break the official case, but the Kindle itself seems to have some sort of internal damage. I didn't buy extended warranty with my original purchase. So, I'm in the market for a new reader. I have no brand-loyalty and no issues with which format my books need to be in. However, I enjoy simplicity. I don't care about rooting, hacking, fonts, decals or any of the likes - I just want to be able to ignore the fact that I'm holding a device, and sink into my story. Thus, finger print magnets are a no-no (so I'm tentatively ruling out the Paperwhite). I have no strong feelings one way or the other about front-lighting, as I'll turn it off when I use the device. (I've played with a friend's Kobo Glo and another friend's Kindle Paperwhite - the light goes off immediately or they look horrible to me). I just want something incredibly basic. I'm thinking about a Kobo Touch or a basic Kindle. Any opinions as to which I should choose?

07-22-2013, 07:09 AM	#8
jineapple Enthusiast Posts: 37 Karma: 107250 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Germany Device: Kindle Paperwhite	I've been in the same situation as you (out of guarantee too) and got a paperwhite. First, contact Amazon's Customer Support and you might get a discount for a new model if you send your old one in, even if you have no guarantee on it. (I had the option of anything (but the keyboard) in the Kindle Family). I got a refurbished Kindle PW(with full guarantee) for 91€ as opposed to 115 € without the discount (or 129€ for a completely new one). When I was trying it out in a shop before I too didn't particularly like the light - but it IS great when in dim or dark surroundings (Although I don't really understand the recommendation to set it to bright levels in bright rooms, looks much better without imo). In most cases, it's best to leave it off, if you turn it up until the screen is actually white like the name suggests then it won't be that pleasant, but if you use it sparingly enough it's great for readability. I rarely go above 8(from 24) in the brightness setting. I've also been reading for hours in more or less pitch darkness without any eye fatigue. As said above, with a case (That'll also protect it if you should drop this one), you won't notice any fingerprints. Another advantage the Kindle has over other e-readers is its shop - By far the most extensive, with easy, effortless shopping. I don't know how important shopping on the reader is to you, but imho this is the one area where the Kindle still is absolutely superior to its competitors. But as said, definitely try contacting Amazon's CS, you'll get ereaders cheaper than elsewhere and with full guarantee. Last edited by jineapple; 07-22-2013 at 07:15 AM.

07-22-2013, 08:27 PM	#13
AnemicOak Bookaholic Posts: 14,391 Karma: 54969924 Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Minnesota Device: iPad Mini 4, AuraHD, iPhone XR +	Some thoughts for you (sorry if I ramble a bit)... The basic Kindle is quite a nice little reader unless you do a lot of typing for annotations/notes and searches on your reading device. Since you're coming from a Kindle if you decide to go with a Kobo or something else make sure you look at a few books on one if you can. The look of things is a bit different and it can be tough getting used to the widows & orphans and long paragraph issues (this is for side-loaded ePub's and applies to others that use the Adobe RMSDK/ADE such as Sony), plus the unique Kobo quirks. Then again those may turn out to not be big deals for you but may be something to check into before you decide on one, for me even after reading 38 books on my Aura (my light stays off [well, it came in handy once]) I still find some of the Kobo issues take me out of the story while reading (but I've been mostly Kindle since 2009 & it took me a couple books to get used to that after a Sony). I'm thinking about going back to my Kindle Touch, that or using the Calibre plug-in to make sure I only load kePub's onto the Kobo. If you really liked your Kindle Keyboard there are a lot of used ones available for that model as well. Last edited by AnemicOak; 07-22-2013 at 11:32 PM.

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07-22-2013, 01:03 AM	#2
crich70 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 11,310 Karma: 43993832 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Monroe Wisconsin Device: K3, Kindle Paperwhite, Calibre, and Mobipocket for Pc (netbook)	Despite what you said I'd go with the Kindle Paperwhite. It's easy to use with its touch screen and you don't need an external light source to read at night either. I never really have had a problem with remembering that I'm using an ereader when I use it. It's just a book to me when I enter the story.

07-22-2013, 01:37 AM	#3
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383099 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	I'd recommend the PW, too. Its matt screen doesn't show fingerprints at all.

07-22-2013, 03:36 AM	#5
SouthernSun Connoisseur Posts: 59 Karma: 166452 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Australia Device: Kindle Keyboard	It's the bezel that's a fingerprint magnet on my friend's paper white. I don't really want to spend that much money on an ereader that I had a pretty unpleasant time reading on when I tried it out!

07-22-2013, 04:23 AM	#6
meeera Grand Sorcerer Posts: 5,814 Karma: 68407974 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Australia Device: Kobo Libra 2, iPadMini4, iPad4, MBP; support other Kobo/Kindles	Turn the light down to its minimum, then only turn up till the page has good contrast. You should not be able to see the device "glowing" unless it's pitch dark - if you can, the light level is up too high. It really does improve reading in mid-level or lowish light for most readers, used properly and not cranked up. If you are truly positive that you're not one of those people, then sure, a basic Touch or similar could be ok - bearing in mind that readers like the Glo also have a slightly better resolution as well as a few other little differences; so check that they don't make a different to you before deciding.

07-22-2013, 06:39 AM	#7
Katsunami Grand Sorcerer Posts: 6,111 Karma: 34000001 Join Date: Mar 2008 Device: KPW1, KA1	If you don't want to have issues with fingerprints, then you have several options. 1. Rule out any black reader; especially the glossy ones. 2. Put it into a book-type slipcase that covers the sides of the reader. 3. Put one of those decorative stickers on it. I went with option 2.

07-22-2013, 07:10 AM	#9
Araucaria Bibliophile Posts: 166 Karma: 934516 Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Cantal in the French Auvergne Device: Kindle Voyage, Kobo Libra H20, Kindle PW2, Moon Pro on Lenovo tablet	Or you could consider buying a second-hand Kindle Keyboard on eBay (other auction sites exist, so they tell me). Quite a lot of people upgrade to something newer because they like the latest in hardware, and sell the old readers off. A bit cheaper than new (and anyway, the Keyboard version isn't available new, now, is it?)

07-22-2013, 02:50 PM	#10
ottdmk Wizard Posts: 1,220 Karma: 3804496 Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Device: Kobo Libra 2, Lenovo Tab M10 FHD Plus, Lenovo Tab M9	If you like a basic e-reader, I can recommend the Kobo Touch. One of the irritating things for me is that it just works. (Irritating because it makes justifying the expense of an Aura HD extremely difficult.)

07-22-2013, 06:28 PM	#11
poohbear_nc Bah! Humbug! Posts: 63,375 Karma: 135239851 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Durham, NC Device: Every Kindle Ever Made & To Be Made!	I too recommend contacting Kindle Customer Support first - they are very good about offering replacements at lowered costs - no matter how you broke it. If not, the PW is a fine replacement - you can use a slipcase or skin to minimize the fingerprint issue. Once you've experienced front lighting, you'll never go back!

07-22-2013, 08:18 PM	#12
SouthernSun Connoisseur Posts: 59 Karma: 166452 Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Australia Device: Kindle Keyboard	I already hae experienced front lighting, on a friend's device - I truly don't like it and don't see the extra cost as justifiable when I'll be keeping the front lighting off.

07-23-2013, 02:13 AM	#15
Billi Wizard Posts: 3,388 Karma: 14190103 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Berlin Device: Cybook, iRex, PB, Onyx	Turn on the light if it is too dark to read, SouthernSun! You're too young to spoil your eyes by reading in bad lightning conditions.

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