Kindle

[2sp_]

I got my mum a Kindle Paperwhite for her Christmas and she loves it.

Mr P has struggled to find me a birthday present this year, and I was toying with the idea of getting one for myself.

I know that there are a few different types of Kindle, what would you all recommend?

[bednobs]

i have the paperwhite and love it. However, i do a lot of reading in bed, where the lit screen is good as it means i don't have to have the light on. The ordinary kindle is just as good if you do your reading in the day

[2sp_]

Thanks bednobs. I suppose it would help if I knew exactly what I expected from a Kindle!

[hc4361]

As I get most of my ebooks from public libraries I wouldn't have any Kindle. On the occasion I want to buy a book and Amazon is the cheapest, I buy it and read it on my smartphone and/or android tablet using the Kindle app.

[2sp_]

I don't have a tablet and I would like a decent sized screen so don't want to use my smartphone.

Good idea hc, if I had a tablet. Thanks anyway!

[atsgran]

I got a Kindle for Christmas and that one is fine for me, suppose it all depends what you want from it, my friend got a Kindle Fire and she loves it cause she can download loads of stuff like games and music which I'm not into, I just wanted it for reading.

[The Builder]

The Kindle Fire is the next one up, 2sp. Good reader, plus you can do all the things you're used to on a desktop or laptop........ music/films/TV/browsing etc.

Choose between a 7" display for good all round use, or the 8.9" for a display that's more like an ipad.

[2sp_]

I did spot the Kindle Fire, but not sure if I would actually use it for anything other than reading books. I've just bought a new PC so I don't really want to spend the extra money for functions I already carry out on my PC.

I wish Mr P had just picked one for me!

[bednobs]

HC makes a good point about library books - most libraries (not all) don't support kindle for their downloads. If library books are going to be important to you, have a look and see what ereader formats you can download from you local library.

[2sp_]

Our local library is rubbish, bednobs. I'm convinced that the front door is some sort of portal to 1682.

I think I'm drawn to the paperwhite.

[atsgran]

Amazon had loads of free books for your Kindle

[hc4361]

You can register with any and every county in the country for library ebooks. I'm registered with 6 and read them all on my eBook reader.

[bhg481]

Kobo do an equivalent of the Kindle paperwhite - have a look in WH Smiths. It has the advantage that you can read library books. If your library is rubbish join another one or several. Many libraries let you join even if you don't live in the area - just join online. My wife and I have both joined about 6 libraries.

[2sp_]

I didn't realise that, hc. No idea why, but I just assumed you would/could only use your local one.

I'm so blonde at times, hadn't really thought it through!

[gingejbee]

before you decide, take a look at this advice from Which?


http://www.which.co.uk/technology/computing/guides/how-to-buy-the-best-ebook-reader/

[atsgran]

Sorry should read - Amazon have loads of free books for Kindle

[bhg481]

I think hc is a bit over optimistic. Certainly Hampshire and Lancashire libraries have residential qualifications for membership, as do lots of others that I tried.

[2sp_]

Thanks gingejbee, I'll have a read of that.

[hc4361]

bhg, you can register with neighbouring counties online and as I live in the West Midlands there are plenty.
Hampshire requires you 'live, work or study' in Hampshire, so you don't have to reside in Hampshire but looking at the online registration form it would be easy to sign up.

And anyone can join Lancashire libraries - from their website
Anyone residing in the UK may join Lancashire library service. You can join at any age and it's FREE! You do not need ID to join the library. Exemptions from library charges apply to some categories of library membership. Documentary evidence will be required in some cases.

[bhg481]

hc - I thought I'd checked Lancs (as an ex-Lancastrian). Yes, anyone can join but ebooks are for Lancs residents only. That applies to several others too.
I think we are in agreement, though, that you are not limited to your local library and there are lots out there that have no residential/working qualifications.

[2sp_]

Can you swap ebooks between Kindles?