Okay, I might have to break down and get me one of them Kindle thangs, because the storage / cost matrix looks like I’m going to be driven out of the actual-book-buying thing.
But seeing as I was last exposed to Kindle at about version 1.0, I need help from y’all to steer me towards the right one in terms of cost / facility / whatever.
The larger, the better, and the one most like a real book, the better still. Kindle? Paperwhite? Oasis? What are the differences / benefits of each?
Fuck me, I just saw the prices. I’m going to have to have a donations drive to afford one… unless I just get the cheapest for a hundred bucks — but with my luck, it’s going to be the same as my long-discarded v1.0.
HELP.
Update: okay, which tablet?
Is this one a good idea?
Sorry, no help from here.
I’m about as high-tech as a spike maul.
Remember, Kim – You don’t BUY a book on Kindle, you RENT it for an unspecified period. Because Amazon can delete it from your library, edit it, etc.
As a second choice buy a regular tablet and load the kindle app on it.
Now you will have a multi- function device as opposed to just a reader.
Ebay for good prices on used/ discounted tablets.
Either operating system works ( Apple or Android ) you decide if it makes a difference.
I see 8 and 10 inch tablets (new) on Amazon for under $100
This.
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That’s what I do, I just buy the e-book and it’s mine forever.
yeah, that’s what I did when the Kindle DX was discontinued. I now use an iPad instead, cheapest model I could get (no need for massively large memory, super high resolution screen, cellphone connectivity, etc. so why pay for it).
+1 – I use the Kindle app on my iPad and iPhone. You can also load non-kindle e-books and PDF documents (like public domain books, user manuals, and the like) into Kindle to access them on the go.
My experience has been that once a book is downloaded to the device, Amazon doesn’t remove it even if your “license” expires. I discovered this when I was able to read already downloaded books that my ex-wife had purchased and shared prior to our separation/divorce.
Yep.. A 10 inch Amazon fire tablet is dirt cheap and it reads like a real kindle.. Also don’t pass up getting electronic library loans to read on kindle app.. Look for Libby or hoopla app. Oh, and another cool thing the kindle app does is zoom the damn text to super size.. No more reading glasses!
the Barnes and Noble 10in Nook is $129 in stores (add in a cover). It’ll run the Kindle app and is a full Android tablet, so it’ll do other stuff.
I’ve tried a few Kindle or tablet type things. I think we have a tablet that lets you do other things as Beaner mentioned above. I haven’t used it much. I’m sorry I can’t be more helpful.
The nice thing about these tablet type devices is that you can keep a ton of books on them but the bad thing is that the provider can delete them or edit them. Many classic books are getting warning labels and being edited for modern sensitivities (read spineless crybabies)
JQ
re: renting books
There are ways to capture your books into an app like Calibre and store them in offline storage, so you actually maintain ownership. DRM is a problem but not an unsolveable one. It sucks that you need to go to extra steps, but it’s possible. Once you’ve done that, you can pass them on just like a real book.
re: Kindle
I have an obsolete years-old Kindle Fire whose battery is approaching end-of-life. I do most of my reading on the Kindle app on an iPad that I bought so I could Facetime my (late) brother in his nursing home during Covid.
Plus one on removing the DRM with Calibre. I am a huge fan of the Kindle, not tablets, because I look at a screen all day at work. I want e-ink, not a back lit screen. My eyes aren’t getting any younger, and this one is more like a book, plus I can make the font the size I like. The newish one with 32G of storage will hold everything.
I am on my third Kindle, I tore my shoulder up rather bad ten years ago, that was when I had my first Kindle and I had trouble holding a book when I was reading and the Kindle propped up on a pillow was a fine way for me to keep on reading books. I am now on my third Kindle, they are a bit cheaper now and much easier to use, I have Amazon prime and I read a lot of the free unlimited books, I always have a book in the process of reading and go through two or three books each week.
A few days ago I followed your recommendation and downloaded ‘Citizens of London’ and read and enjoyed the book. For the most part I think it was well written and really gave a good view of the weasel minded crap the FDR pulled on about everybody, he was a master at just dick’n around with folks. Some of the actual battle stuff as the book progresses was a bit thin but his views about the Air War were good. I had two uncles over in Europe during WWII, one a B-17 navigator and the other and artillery officer at the Battle of the Bulge, he got a medal for directing aircraft bombing from the ground when the sky cleared up. I don’t buy many books and this was a good one.
I purchased my wife one of the mid-level Kindles about a year ago and it is neat because books we are reading come up on each Kindle on the correct page where we last used them. If I need to charge my Kindle and she is not using hers I just go to the home page and open my book and read while mine is charging.
I know the stuff could evaporate some day but I am old and don’t need to add more books to the mess my kids will have to deal with some day, they are all readers and have their own books. Were I you Kim I would go for one of the higher quality ebooks, my print is just a bit crisper than my wife’s and both of these newer Kindles are much better than that first generation.
With two old messed up shoulders, one on each side, one dislocated skiing and the other with torn rotator from mis-stepping out of a jeep on a hill at the deer lease and having to grab the mirror to keep my fat self from falling down the hill which was a dumb thing to do and now I can read several books each week without the sharp pain I get holding a book for hours and hours.
I can’t remember the last time I bought a paper book. Don’t have a kindle or any reader, I have an iPad. If i want to read something, I search on line for free versions of it, and download it to my iPad. It stays there as long as I want, when I don’t want, I delete it. Sometimes I download it as a pdf. Might be a bit ragged format wise, but it’s still a free read……
I’m not in the kindle ecosystem, because I don’t trust Amazon to not delete my own sideloaded books.
I bought the wife a Kobo Nia, and she’s happy with it. $110. If you are just looking for something to read ebooks on (and not newspapers and magazines and whatnot) it’s great. Pair it with Calibre, and it works like any other epaper reader.
I plan to replace my old Nook with it when the Nook dies. The wife isn’t interested in the library lending functions on it, but I intend to explore that when I replace mine. Kobo is supposed to be great for interfacing with your local library. (And yeah, you can borrow ebooks from your city library over the internet.)
Correction: she has the Clara. The Nia doesn’t have the backlight option. $140.
Kobo and Calibre are great. I don’t use the library functions, but the screen quality is nice and I like the water resistance of some of the models. Makes one less leery of environmental conditions.
In answer to IS THIS A GOOD ONE, that set up is what I would call a tablet sized computer.
Much more than than is needed to read books and answer your emails.
Down size is that the 10 in screen can be the drawback if you are doing real computer work like spread sheets or photo editing.
I reserve my tablet for real light work , watching YouTube, emails and reading ebooks..
One email drawback on my tablet is I can’t build a group and send a message to that whole group with one click.
Short answer to your question is yes if you are intending to do heavy work on that setup and don’t mind the limitations, answer would be no if you really only wanted to do light stuff.
Another advantage to an Android tablet (which is what I use, with the Kindle app) is that you can also download an e-reader app like MoonReader which makes it easy to download and read non-Amazon ebooks such as the ones available from Project Gutenberg. Gutenberg has several advantages – Amazon can’t delete or modify the book; the books are public domain; many classic works are available (P.G. Wodehouse, Edgar Rice Burroughs, Mark Twain, H. Rider Haggard, and plenty more), and all are free to download.
For newer books, Baen’s entire catalog can be bought on-line at reasonable prices. Buy once, and you own the book and can download it in several different e-book formats. I use the Epub format for Moon Reader, and also download the PDF format for computers and anything else with a big enough screen to display the original book width well.
I just use the Kindle app on my phone. I vaguely recall having an early Kindle and finding it to be “okay” but I had a cell phone with the app then also and found myself using it more as it was always with me and why carry a 2nd device around? I’ve not had a Kindle since.
I’ve got a chromebook that I have the app set up on also, though I rarely use that device. Maybe when I get older and my eyes need larger print, perhaps.
I also sometimes read on the pc using the ” read dot amazon dot com” site.
I use Kindle Unlimited becuz I read a lot and the $12 a month for the subscription is far cheaper for me than actually buying books anymore.
Amazon Kindle app also works with Audible so if you like audio books or to read along while the audio speaks, you can also do that.
Another vote for getting a tablet and running the Kindle app. That’s what I do.
I have a Galaxy Tab 8″ which I find a good compromise between handiness in carrying around and reading screen size. (I hate reading books on a phone).
I find that as I get older I need a really bright light to read dead tree books. The backlit screen of my tablet is much easier on my eyes.
In addition to the Kindle library, I have a large library of books downloaded to my device (and backed up on my PC) that Amazon can’t touch, from various sources as others have mentioned.
It’s also a handy place to store equipment manuals (such as for my radio gear, vehicles, home appliances etc.) if I need to check something quickly without digging through a file cabinet.
Not getting rid of my dead tree books, but I haven’t bought one in years.
Had 3 Kindle units. Honestly the build quality was crap. Multiple failures. Gave up and just downloaded the app to my iPhone and my HP laptop (MS). They sync across devices, the devices hardware is rock solid and with my aging eyes I love the 15” screen on the laptop.
But I have to say I agree with above post. I only read stuff I don’t care about on Kindle. If I really like, love or value the read I buy hardcopy from either ebay or save and buy it from Amazon. Matt Bracken convinced me of hardcopy buying. E books are under total control of commie overlords !!! When my daughter was loving Tin Tin books I made sure to buy real versions of the “oh so terrible racist” ones.
I get physical books at GoodWill and SVdP for two-bits.
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Our local Senior Centers — Eugene and Springfield in Oregon — have book exchange shelves.
Our local authors always donate extra copies of their work, an excellent way for me to learn about the Eugene area and Oregon.
a)
I have a Kindle application on my telephone.
I have dozens of books waiting for time to read them.
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On the recommendation of BisonPrepper James M Dakin, I am working through the ‘COG’ series of Troy Grice… tons of fun!
.
b)
re — blue light
LED devices emit light in destructive wavelengths.
These impact the macula on the back of the eyeball, potentially leading to degeneration… a black spot in the center of your vision.
.
Anti-social and huddled in her apartment, my mother watched televisionprogramming 24/7/360° on the flat-screen.. and croaked just about blind from macular degeneration.
.
On my telephone, I adjusted the blue light to zero, but that turns some script invisible and cooking-show egg-yolks green.
.
c)
I visit elderly shut-ins.
One old gal was watching Game Of Thrones for the eleventy-hundredth time.
.
I was in the kitchen fixing snacks while a commercial came on.
I quietly grumbled “Alexa, where is my head…”.
.
Across the room under a blanket, her Kindle reader cheerfully answered “Your head is on your shoulders.”
.
The old gal has no Alexa, nor did she realize that Kindle reader has a microphone or speaker.
.
An aside:
Forgetful, the old gal needed a personal copy of the GOT series, so she ordered the DVD set ‘on-line’… to add to the dozen or so she already owns… while simultaneously watching the series on ZULU or ROKU or somesuch.
OBTW, never ever buy a new computer, for Reasons. Get it direct from the manufacturer’s site, or a reputable (reputed?) retailer. Let the infantile consumers find the failures.
.
I like the Kindle Paperwhite for sustained reading of text. It has better contrast than the base Kindle. It can be used like a paper book with the backlight turned off. With the backlight on, it’s still easier on the eyes than a tablet. However, it does not handle illustrations well. For books with photos or detailed graphics, or some in PDF format, the Kindle app on a tablet is better. The whole book library is kept synced on both, except for books copied from computer to the Kindle device.
There are many sources of free ebooks in addition to Project Gutenberg, such as archive.org. I download from such sources to my Mac, then copy over to the Kindle.
DRM doesn’t bother me as much as the possibility of stealth retroactive editing of ebooks. Amazon does issue updates to purchased books, but as far as I know, you have to ask for them through the website. Backing up original versions with Calibre may be a way to evade stealth editing. Turning off the Kindle’s wifi and copying over an old version of a book from computer might work to keep Amazon from messing with it. I don’t think they can mess with non-Amazon books manually copied from computer.
For pre-woke authenticity, there are still used bookstores.
Short and sweet: I love my Kindle Fire HD 10. It’s my 3rd Kindle, each one better and Bigger and better than the last. In addition to books, I use it for live streaming various things via YouTube and Amazon Video. I bought it during last fall’s pre-Christmas sales for under $90. It’s worth paying the extra no-as option. You really need the Prime program for full access. Must have Wi-Fi too. And I also added a
Fintie Case which I really like. And, an aside, I do not have a Google or Facebook email/account.
I leave the Financials and email on my full desktop only.
Kim, I am on my third Kindle. The current one purchased last year was one of the Paper White models without backlighting. Model M2L3EK (11th gen)
It has incredible battery life compared to any prior model owned (first and 5th gen).
I love it, have about 200 books on it for travel use. My only complaint is that I like multi volume space opera and the display truncates titles/author/numeric sequence which is mildly irritating when I try to read some in sequence. Other than that, great product.
List price new is silly. Occasionally it goes on sale or you find em on ebay sub 100 bucks new.
I have an old Kindle device, don’t remember what it’s called. Nearly all my Kindle reading is done on my desktop computer, with its large screen. I’d recommend using the free downloadable app on your computer, unless you’re adamant about having a separate unit.
I like my kindle paperwhite and do most of my fiction reading with that device. I strongly dislike trying to read on a laptop, tablet, or cell phone. I often read on the kindle in bed or in other awkward positions when a tablet will keep switching between horizontal and vertical format. I hate that. A tablet or laptop is better for most pictures and illustrations on kindle format books. Such illustrations are not as well handled by the normal kindle. If most of your reading is non-fiction with illustrations and you read it at a desk or table, I recommend a tablet or laptop app. For fiction reading or other works with few or no illustrations I strongly recommend one of the cheaper black and white kindles for greater portability and better readability.
I do have a sleeve that fits on one side of the kindle to give a better surface for holding the kindle in one hand.
I always buy a REAL book, one that I can read without worrying about batteries etc.
Books that I buy I read and re-read quite often, I bookmark sections or even paragraphs that I want to refer to.
Nothing electronic can compare to the real thing. That’s why REAL books are still published.
Preach it, Brother Steven.
Kim, most public library systems, especially in major cities, have an option to “borrow” books that you can read on your Kindle / Nook / tablet. You only need to buy the books you really want to keep.
Kim, Over the years I’ve had several devices to read kindle and nook books. Wont get into nook since you arent asking. I have a Kindle paperwhite with 32 gigs storage (effective 28-29 gigs at about $90) had a samsung android tablet, currently have an Ipad , a laptop and my android phone with the kindle app. Forget the lap top, too bulky. The paperwhite, while handy for stuffing in my pocket, just really doesnt sing to me. It’s black and white, the prints too small on the library home page, I sometimes scan my books in the ipad to decide what I’ll read next. My favorite device is my Ipad, 2150 books using 6.66 gigs of storage (300 nook books uses 1.64 gigs} I would recommend a decent quality tablet, they are so versatile. Mine has its own phone number and when I’m out and about uses data from my verizon account. An ipad will run $400 plus. I would strongly recommend a tablet, one versatile enough to do other things.
Spend the money and get an iPad. Get it new even from Amazon. Check this out: . Retina display is incredable. I buy one about every five years as the hardware becomes obsolete same with iPhone.
I don’t trust Google given their history. Apple is going to be around for the long haul.
Dan Kurt
P.S. Programming since the late 1950s as a teenager.
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https://osxdaily.com/2023/08/14/apple-deals-get-the-ipad-9th-generation-for-249-80-off/
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https://osxdaily[DOT]com/2023/08/14/apple-deals-get-the-ipad-9th-generation-for-249-80-off/
I have both an Ipad and a Kindle Paperwhite. I do most of my reading on the Kindle. It’s much lighter than a tablet, and fits in my pants pocket. I can download books for free from my local library. The Paperwhite version is quite an improvement over the basic Kindle. I would not spend the extra money for the Oasis.
I would check with your local library to see if you can download books from them in the Kindle format. As mentioned, many classics out of copywrite are downloadable for free. If your library only has books downloadable in the EPUB format, you may be better off with a tablet.
I have had Kindles for years. Mostly because travel, where size and weight of what you carry are a thing.
That said, I prefer paper books.
BTW – Plano has a great library system. Go on the web, search for books, reserve, they put them on the shelf for you.
And now that you are in the digital age – check out ‘libby’. You can check out e-books from any library. I read the entire Bosch series for free. So you can use your plano library account on it, and read for free.
Most recently, I have Kindle Fire. Which I only use when traveling. Here lately, it’s been giving me battery issues, so I may have to replace it. Or start carrying a full-size laptop. For reading purposes, I use the Kindle app on my smart phone.