Kindle for PC: A redeeming feature

Mike L · 11-12-2009, 10:28 AM

Like many of the folk here, I was disappointed with the sparsity of features in the Kindle for PC software, but it does have one unexpected benefit that makes it worth keeping: the ability to download and read free samples in one step.

Until a few weeks ago, there was no way for those of us who are outside Whispernet to obtain the free samples. The samples could only be sent to a Kindle (or an iPhone / iPod which had the Kindle app installed).

Recently, Amazon changed their system to permit downloading of the samples to a computer, from where they could be transferred to a Kindle via USB. So at least we were able to obtain the samples, but the whole process was a bit of a performance.

But now, when you register your Kindle for PC app to your Kindle account, the Kindle for PC appears on the "Deliver to" menu, which means we can obtain and read a sample in one seamless step.

This is a definite plus. Because of it, I won't be uninstalling the Kindle for PC app (although I doubt I'll be using it for anything else).

Rootman · 11-12-2009, 11:37 AM

I'm with you was underwhelmed by the lack of features on the software, allowing the direct download to PC and / or to Kindle on the PC was a positive move. Now if they'll just see the worth of embracing the epub format and sweep the market.

I'll keep it on the PC's as well but plan to use Calibre for all my library functions - that is when my Kindle DX finally arrives. Grrrr . . . I'm such a cheapskate opted for free ground delivery via USPS and they have a delivery date set at the 17 of November after I placed the ordered it on the 6th.

kennyc · 11-12-2009, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike L

...

Recently, Amazon changed their system to permit downloading of the samples to a computer, from where they could be transferred to a Kindle via USB. So at least we were able to obtain the samples, but the whole process was a bit of a performance.
...

That's my preferred method in any case.

I don't turn the whispernet on unless I have to.

kennyc · 11-12-2009, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rootman

I'm with you was underwhelmed by the lack of features on the software, allowing the direct download to PC and / or to Kindle on the PC was a positive move. Now if they'll just see the worth of embracing the epub format and sweep the market.

I'll keep it on the PC's as well but plan to use Calibre for all my library functions - that is when my Kindle DX finally arrives. Grrrr . . . I'm such a cheapskate opted for free ground delivery via USPS and they have a delivery date set at the 17 of November after I placed the ordered it on the 6th.

Dude. That's just not right. You spend $500 on a reader and then have it delivered by wagon train.....

blackberry7 · 11-12-2009, 12:21 PM

The whispernet signal is weak in my area so I do most of my kindle downloads to computer and tr over through usb anyway. I'm a kindle newbie and I didn't know the usb tr option was new so I guess I waited till the right time to buy because I've been looking at Kindle since the first ones came out. The pc app would be useful to because I have school texts on it and I know I need a backup device so I can read them on in the event that my kindle breaks, or gets lost, stolen, etc. But I have a mac, not a pc so my choices are to go out and buy a cheap pc laptop or just sit tight and wait for the mac app which they say they're working on. I'm leaning toward the latter and keeping the money I would spend on a cheapie pc laptop for some other kind of pocket computing device.

kennyc · 11-12-2009, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackberry7

..... keeping the money I would spend on a cheapie pc laptop for some other kind of pocket computing device.

or books!

Mike L · 11-12-2009, 02:28 PM

Blackberry7,

You're right that the Kindle for PC app would make a good back up. Keep in mind that it will only recognise books that you bought from the Kindle store. If you obtained public domain books elsewhere and transferred them to your Kindle, the app won't know anything about them.

If I was you, I'd be inclined to wait until the Mac version of the app comes out. After all, it's not time-critical. If disaster struck and you lost your Kindle, you'd still be able to open your books in the app later on. It's not as if you need to install it in advance.

Rootman · 11-12-2009, 02:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennyc

Dude. That's just not right. You spend $500 on a reader and then have it delivered by wagon train.....

Yep, If'n it can be done stupid - I'm the one to do it that way!

11-12-2009, 10:28 AM	#1
Mike L Wizard Posts: 1,479 Karma: 3846231 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Device: Kindle 3, Samsung Galaxy	Kindle for PC: A redeeming feature Like many of the folk here, I was disappointed with the sparsity of features in the Kindle for PC software, but it does have one unexpected benefit that makes it worth keeping: the ability to download and read free samples in one step. Until a few weeks ago, there was no way for those of us who are outside Whispernet to obtain the free samples. The samples could only be sent to a Kindle (or an iPhone / iPod which had the Kindle app installed). Recently, Amazon changed their system to permit downloading of the samples to a computer, from where they could be transferred to a Kindle via USB. So at least we were able to obtain the samples, but the whole process was a bit of a performance. But now, when you register your Kindle for PC app to your Kindle account, the Kindle for PC appears on the "Deliver to" menu, which means we can obtain and read a sample in one seamless step. This is a definite plus. Because of it, I won't be uninstalling the Kindle for PC app (although I doubt I'll be using it for anything else).

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11-12-2009, 11:37 AM	#2
Rootman Groupie Posts: 181 Karma: 478 Join Date: Oct 2009 Device: Android & FBReader	I'm with you was underwhelmed by the lack of features on the software, allowing the direct download to PC and / or to Kindle on the PC was a positive move. Now if they'll just see the worth of embracing the epub format and sweep the market. I'll keep it on the PC's as well but plan to use Calibre for all my library functions - that is when my Kindle DX finally arrives. Grrrr . . . I'm such a cheapskate opted for free ground delivery via USPS and they have a delivery date set at the 17 of November after I placed the ordered it on the 6th.

11-12-2009, 12:21 PM	#5
blackberry7 Junior Member Posts: 3 Karma: 24 Join Date: Nov 2009 Device: none	The whispernet signal is weak in my area so I do most of my kindle downloads to computer and tr over through usb anyway. I'm a kindle newbie and I didn't know the usb tr option was new so I guess I waited till the right time to buy because I've been looking at Kindle since the first ones came out. The pc app would be useful to because I have school texts on it and I know I need a backup device so I can read them on in the event that my kindle breaks, or gets lost, stolen, etc. But I have a mac, not a pc so my choices are to go out and buy a cheap pc laptop or just sit tight and wait for the mac app which they say they're working on. I'm leaning toward the latter and keeping the money I would spend on a cheapie pc laptop for some other kind of pocket computing device.

11-12-2009, 02:28 PM	#7
Mike L Wizard Posts: 1,479 Karma: 3846231 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Edinburgh, Scotland Device: Kindle 3, Samsung Galaxy	Blackberry7, You're right that the Kindle for PC app would make a good back up. Keep in mind that it will only recognise books that you bought from the Kindle store. If you obtained public domain books elsewhere and transferred them to your Kindle, the app won't know anything about them. If I was you, I'd be inclined to wait until the Mac version of the app comes out. After all, it's not time-critical. If disaster struck and you lost your Kindle, you'd still be able to open your books in the app later on. It's not as if you need to install it in advance.