Busted Kindle

[goo_mason]

I have a 3G Kindle 3 (aka Keyboard) that I got when it was released (2 years ago now?). Other than the two hairline cracks in the casing, it's still as good as it was the day it arrived. For the first 20 months it was carried in a soft, hand-made zip-up pouch, stuffed in my rucksack and battered about in there.

It's lasted really well, considering! I wouldn't hesitate with getting another one.

 

[fossyant]

Having now successfully replaced two screens on smart phones, I've managed to find a place that sells Kindle screens for $46 delivered. Will take a few weeks from china. Reviews are very positive. Will order a strong case for it shortly.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I wonder how long e-ink screens will remain relevant - I love my Kindle because I can read it without my glasses on, but the same now goes for retina screen on my ipad.

 

[Norm]

I've yet to have an issue with a book cover cracking and, tbh, even if I did I could get a replacement for a few quid. I've been thinking about a Kindle for ages, the MIL has one and loves it but I just can't see a problem that it solves.

If I've got to spend that again, I'll get a nexus 7.

Looks like I got lucky with my first choice.

 

[fossyant]

I've yet to have an issue with a book cover cracking and, tbh, even if I did I could get a replacement for a few quid. I've been thinking about a Kindle for ages, the MIL has one and loves it but I just can't see a problem that it solves.

Looks like I got lucky with my first choice.

Got an iPad for work, and it's great, but expensive, not that I paid for it. The screens on the kindle are too weak. If more places sold replacements for a good price then it's not too bad.

Still considering a nexus 7.

 

[Andrew_Culture]

I've yet to have an issue with a book cover cracking and, tbh, even if I did I could get a replacement for a few quid. I've been thinking about a Kindle for ages, the MIL has one and loves it but I just can't see a problem that it solves.

Looks like I got lucky with my first choice.

Possibly the same problem pneumatic tyres solve over solid rubber tyres

 

[Raging Squirrel]

all electronics come with a guaranteed life expectancy that covers components that stop working effectively as long as it's not normal wear and tear. get them to replace it, insist that they do as it's design is not fit for purpose as has already been proven. There was an issue with PS3's and the heat sync for the processor not working for the expectancy of 5 years, and was only lasting upto 3 years, thats why they offered cheap repairs

 

[CopperCyclist]

The kindle app on the iPad works well for me (the wife has a Kindle though).

The downsides to it are that you can't read it in bright sunlight, and of course the price is much, much higher if you are purely after a ebook reader. The upside to that is you can read it in darkness!

 

[Judderz]

Having now successfully replaced two screens on smart phones.

My I ask what screens these phones were for, as I have a Galaxy S2 with a cracked screen, and not wanting to pay £140 to get it repaired, might be able to do it cheaper this way?

 

[fossyant]

all electronics come with a guaranteed life expectancy that covers components that stop working effectively as long as it's not normal wear and tear. get them to replace it, insist that they do as it's design is not fit for purpose as has already been proven. There was an issue with PS3's and the heat sync for the processor not working for the expectancy of 5 years, and was only lasting upto 3 years, thats why they offered cheap repairs

Tried that numerous times. I'd accept the busted screen if it had been dropped, but it just cracked as my son read a book. It is a design fault, but Amazon have washed their hands, as did my credit card company having tried them. Less than 18 months is not a good life span.

 

[Norm]

Possibly the same problem pneumatic tyres solve over solid rubber tyres

That's pretty much completely useless as an answer, isn't it?

The kindle is smaller than a book, but the size of a book has never been a problem for me. The kindle can hold thousands of books, but I only read one at a time so there's nothing that helps with. The kindle offers instant downloads, but i know how many pages I've got left so i can tell when I'm nearing the end of a book. The kindle books are more expensive, not transferable, only available from a very limited number of outlets and have to be read on a device which costs around £100 before it contains anything you want to read, needs charging and appears to be very fragile... Oh, and there is no peer pressure or marketing to try and persuade me to upgrade to a new grade of paper every 12 months.

 

[fossyant]

My I ask what screens these phones were for, as I have a Galaxy S2 with a cracked screen, and not wanting to pay £140 to get it repaired, might be able to do it cheaper this way?

Try eBay. I had to make sure I had either a Samsung or sony screen on my HTC desire. These phones have two screens, front digitiser and inner LCD. I paid £20 for a screen. Takes a little while and patience to replace.

 

[Monsieur Remings]

The fragility of the screens in all e-readers is an issue. But they don't just crack for no reason. Usually it's because there has been pressure on the screen at some point (carrying the e-reader in a bag with other items which have knocked against it for example) but also dropping it, knocking it off the table etc can cause it to crack. The screen doesn't necessarily break at the time, as your son has just found out. It's had a wee knock at some point previously but nothing noticeable, then the tiniest shock can trigger the crack. A bit like a tiny chip in your car windscreen, nothing to worry about, but then one day, crack!

Even though it's out of warranty Amazon offer you a replacement at a reduced rate..... if you'd bought another ereader, it'd just be your tough luck.

The crack on the housing of the keyboard version of the Kindle is a different thing, it's known defect, but as it doesn't affect it's use, you don't really need to worry. Though if it does bother you, it's worth contacting Kindle support as Amazon may replace it free of charge because it's a defect in that model.

In which case surely the damned thing needs to be a bit more durable, considering the whole point is that you can take it places, small as it is, and still read all your favourite novels without taking your whole bookcase to Margate on holiday..? No point leaving a Kindle at home, on display, in the cabinet.

There are too many technological gadgets that are, quite frankly, crap and which don't stand up to the job they purport to be able to do...

 

[Dayvo]

Shame.

Books don't break!

 

[fossyant]

In which case surely the damned thing needs to be a bit more durable, considering the whole point is that you can take it places, small as it is, and still read all your favourite novels without taking your whole bookcase to Margate on holiday..? No point leaving a Kindle at home, on display, in the cabinet.

There are too many technological gadgets that are, quite frankly, crap and which don't stand up to the job they purport to be able to do...

My case with amazon. Had lengthy conversations with their customer services. Best buy a tablet with a tough screen.