How exactly to get Kindle books for non-Kindle?

petercreasey · 09-04-2012, 04:08 PM

Can someone provide the exact sequence to access Kindle bargain/free ebooks without installing the Kindle (or other) software? NOTE: I already have Calibre and use it regularly, but never for Kindle...only for Sony.

How do I recognize KDP ebooks versus whatever other kind they have?

Then what are the steps I follow to get the books for Calibre?

Thank you!

HarryT · 09-04-2012, 04:14 PM

You can't. You need to install "Kindle for PC" (if you have a Windows PC, that is).
You can't download Kindle books unless you have some form of Kindle - either a real Kindle reader or a Kindle app - registered with Amazon.

Apache · 09-04-2012, 04:17 PM

The Kindle for PC is free and I only have it so I can download Amazon's books.
Apache

HarryT · 09-04-2012, 04:19 PM

Yes, but since the OP states that he doesn't want to install it, he's out of luck

.

Apache · 09-04-2012, 06:12 PM

Personally, it being free, I have no qualms about installing it.

Apache

cromag · 09-04-2012, 08:48 PM

I bowed to necessity, but I resent it. It is free, but it takes up space in my computer for (what is essentially) their storefront, makes (yet another) redundant folder for itself in My Documents, communicates without necessarily asking me first, etc., etc.

Don't mind my griping. I had a lousy sleep last night.

petercreasey · 09-04-2012, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cromag

I bowed to necessity

C, Thus far (at least), I have NOT bowed and have no intention of bowing.

Too many other options! And ebooks!

Wald07 · 09-04-2012, 11:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apache

Personally, it being free, I have no qualms about installing it.

Apache

As usual Apache, we are like minded.

Good idea for a thread, Pete.

Just soooo many freebies on Kindle. I didn't bow, I ~CAVED~

Good luck on your mission.

Iznogood · 09-05-2012, 12:06 AM

Personally, I don't like kindle for PC either, especially since I like Linux better than Windows. I have a dual boot Windows/Linux, and I'm very restrictive about what gets installed on my ordinary Windows partition. But I use VirtualBox to create virtual Windows machines where kindle for PC and other crapware gets installed. In virtual machines, anything goes

Wald07 · 09-05-2012, 12:09 AM

Goes right over my head...

Iznogood · 09-05-2012, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wald07

Goes right over my head...

Sorry. I'll try to explain better.

On an ordinary installation of Windows you have to format your drive and install all software when you need a fresh installation. if you install crapware/adware/spyware on purpose or by accident, you need an expensive anti-virus to remove it again. Once spy-ware is installed, someone can watch your every move.

Virtualbox is a program that makes it possible to have a virtual machine, i.e. you start virtualbox, boot the virtual machine, and it runs separately from your ordinary installation.

On the photo you see a Linux desktop with a Windows environment in a separate window; this is a virtual Windows machine. All crapware/dubious software can be installed on the virtual machine. If you get spyware on the virtual machine it doesn't affect your primary installation, and it is much easier also to delete an infected virtual installation and make a new fresh installation.

It takes some work to set it up, learn to use it, and some space for virtual storage, but it's a great way for "sandboxing" dubious/unwanted software

cromag · 09-05-2012, 12:31 AM

I have Kindle For PC on my (Windows XP) desktop, but find that the 20 inch widescreen monitor is less than ideal for extended reading.

I have an Ubuntu netbook that is a bit better for reading, and can come with me to the comfortable chair in the living room. It took me a lo-ooo-ong time, and a lot of tweaks, but I got K4PC working under Wine in Ubuntu. But, like a house of cards, I'm worried about making any changes that might unexpectedly cause it to crash.

But, if it does get a problem, I documented my steps -- and I suspect it would be easier to wipe and reinstall than getting the Malware off my PC back in 2007 was!

Iznogood · 09-05-2012, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cromag

It took me a lo-ooo-ong time, and a lot of tweaks, but I got K4PC working under Wine in Ubuntu. But, like a house of cards, I'm worried about making any changes that might unexpectedly cause it to crash.

Wine can be a pain in the you-know-what. I don't want to advertise virtualbox too much here, but I have found that it makes it possible to run native Windows-programs in ubuntu flawlessly. The only drawback is that it requires quite a lot of resources

Wald07 · 09-05-2012, 12:58 AM

Like a tech-brain to figure all this all out?

I am not so nearly advanced.

Gave in and bought a Kindle, in addition to my Kobo, and no knowledge to even run Calibre.
It's not all bad, being a simpleton, y'know...I get all the AMZ freebies

Barbara1955 · 09-05-2012, 01:11 AM

You need the Kindle for PC or what even your computer is to recieve Any Amazon eBook! Then you need Calibre to Strip DRM to change the Formate! To install on your reader to read. Me I am not smart enought to figure out the Strip LOL So I now have Sony for ebooks I want to BUY & Kindle for ALL those Freebies LOL I hate that eReaders Lock you into Buying eBooks from 1 Store! I hoping my Sony gives me more Freedom of Who I want to do business with!

09-04-2012, 04:08 PM	#1
petercreasey Wizard Posts: 1,147 Karma: 1119516 Join Date: Aug 2009 Device: Sony: PRS 950 & T1, Kobo: Aura One & Forma	How exactly to get Kindle books for non-Kindle? Can someone provide the exact sequence to access Kindle bargain/free ebooks without installing the Kindle (or other) software? NOTE: I already have Calibre and use it regularly, but never for Kindle...only for Sony. How do I recognize KDP ebooks versus whatever other kind they have? Then what are the steps I follow to get the books for Calibre? Thank you!

09-05-2012, 12:31 AM	#12
cromag Surfin the alpha waves ~~ Posts: 24,272 Karma: 459220161 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: New Jersey Device: Jetbook Lite & Mini, Nook STR, Kobo, Hanvon N516, Kindle 2, Androids	I have Kindle For PC on my (Windows XP) desktop, but find that the 20 inch widescreen monitor is less than ideal for extended reading. I have an Ubuntu netbook that is a bit better for reading, and can come with me to the comfortable chair in the living room. It took me a lo-ooo-ong time, and a lot of tweaks, but I got K4PC working under Wine in Ubuntu. But, like a house of cards, I'm worried about making any changes that might unexpectedly cause it to crash. But, if it does get a problem, I documented my steps -- and I suspect it would be easier to wipe and reinstall than getting the Malware off my PC back in 2007 was! Last edited by cromag; 09-05-2012 at 12:35 AM.

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09-04-2012, 04:14 PM	#2
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	You can't. You need to install "Kindle for PC" (if you have a Windows PC, that is). You can't download Kindle books unless you have some form of Kindle - either a real Kindle reader or a Kindle app - registered with Amazon.

09-04-2012, 04:17 PM	#3
Apache Readaholic Posts: 5,132 Karma: 89858112 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: South Georgia Device: Surface Pro 6 / Galaxy Tab A 8"	The Kindle for PC is free and I only have it so I can download Amazon's books. Apache

09-04-2012, 04:19 PM	#4
HarryT eBook Enthusiast Posts: 85,544 Karma: 93383043 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: UK Device: Kindle Oasis 2, iPad Pro 10.5", iPhone 6	Yes, but since the OP states that he doesn't want to install it, he's out of luck .

09-04-2012, 06:12 PM	#5
Apache Readaholic Posts: 5,132 Karma: 89858112 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: South Georgia Device: Surface Pro 6 / Galaxy Tab A 8"	Personally, it being free, I have no qualms about installing it. Apache

09-04-2012, 08:48 PM	#6
cromag Surfin the alpha waves ~~ Posts: 24,272 Karma: 459220161 Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: New Jersey Device: Jetbook Lite & Mini, Nook STR, Kobo, Hanvon N516, Kindle 2, Androids	I bowed to necessity, but I resent it. It is free, but it takes up space in my computer for (what is essentially) their storefront, makes (yet another) redundant folder for itself in My Documents, communicates without necessarily asking me first, etc., etc. Don't mind my griping. I had a lousy sleep last night.

09-05-2012, 12:06 AM	#9
Iznogood Guru Posts: 932 Karma: 15752887 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Norway Device: Ipad, kindle paperwhite	Personally, I don't like kindle for PC either, especially since I like Linux better than Windows. I have a dual boot Windows/Linux, and I'm very restrictive about what gets installed on my ordinary Windows partition. But I use VirtualBox to create virtual Windows machines where kindle for PC and other crapware gets installed. In virtual machines, anything goes

09-05-2012, 12:09 AM	#10
Wald07 Audiophile Posts: 452 Karma: 2470850 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Manitoba Device: Nexux7 2nd Gen & Kobo Touch	Goes right over my head...

09-05-2012, 12:58 AM	#14
Wald07 Audiophile Posts: 452 Karma: 2470850 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Manitoba Device: Nexux7 2nd Gen & Kobo Touch	Like a tech-brain to figure all this all out? I am not so nearly advanced. Gave in and bought a Kindle, in addition to my Kobo, and no knowledge to even run Calibre. It's not all bad, being a simpleton, y'know...I get all the AMZ freebies

09-05-2012, 01:11 AM	#15
Barbara1955 Non-Techy Posts: 4,454 Karma: 15499273 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: WV---USA Device: Samsung Cell Phone & Amazon Fires & Kobo eReaders	You need the Kindle for PC or what even your computer is to recieve Any Amazon eBook! Then you need Calibre to Strip DRM to change the Formate! To install on your reader to read. Me I am not smart enought to figure out the Strip LOL So I now have Sony for ebooks I want to BUY & Kindle for ALL those Freebies LOL I hate that eReaders Lock you into Buying eBooks from 1 Store! I hoping my Sony gives me more Freedom of Who I want to do business with!