What do you know about kindles?

[SlowerThanASluggishSloth]

I would like to get hold of a kindle. The ONLY reason I want one is to check the formatting on some stuff I'm preparing for publication - basically it will be a sort of proof-reading tool. So, I'll probably buy one second hand. I don't know anything about kindles so I thought I'd turn to the CC massive for some help.

Are there any things I should bear in mind before parting with the cash?​

Are some versions better than others?​

Are there any known issues with any particular versions?​

Do they use generic connectors, chargers, etc?​

What would you want to know before you paid for one (obvs it must be legit )?​

Thanks in advance for all assistance.

 

[Davidc]

You should be aware if you're publishing for ereader:

Kindle's OK if you want to be locked into an Amazon monopoly.

The more open ereader is the Kobo, which uses the international standard ebook format.

In the UK the Kobo is supported for popular titles by Waterstones and WHS, the Kindle is only supported by Amazon. The Kindle is more popular than the Kobo in the US, UK and English speaking Canada AFAIK.

We have one of each here, the Kindle is the touch screen and WiFi enabled version.

Are some versions better than others?​

Only in convenience. Our Kobo isn't touch screen, the Kindle is and it is worth having​

​

Are there any known issues with any particular versions?​

Don't know. Th eone we have hasn't done anything nasty​

​

Do they use generic connectors, chargers, etc?​

Ours uses a micro USB connector, and will charge from any USB port or adaptor​

​

What would you want to know before you paid for one (obvs it must be legit)
Check the screen very carefully, and look out for any cracks, dents or scratches.
Make sure the USB connector isn't loose
Not sure how you can check it, but remember the batteries in these things are said to be non replaceable.
My suspicion is that all the present monochrome ones will be obsolete soon and replaced with colour versions so avoid paying too much!

 

[fossyant]

The only thing I would recommend is you get a case for it. The screens are very fragile and can just break without warning. That happened to ours. I've had it repaired. The new Kindle 4 gives you more choice of units. If you don't want the 3G just go for the cheaper WiFi models. The touch screen one might be a little tougher than the non touch, or you would hope so.

They all use standard mini USB chargers.

 

[ColinJ]

Why not use the Kindle Previewer software?

 

[jay clock]

I have a touch screen Kindle and the battery lasts for ever. A 4 week tour to Spain, never had to charge it. so probably 30-40 hrs of reading

 

[SlowerThanASluggishSloth]

Thanks for the point about Kobo; we expect to publish in more than one format and I've been using Adobe Digital Edition on my laptop to see what the e-pub formatting looks like. I thought that buying a kindle would be the best way of making sure that the conversion to .mobi files for the kindle was error-free. However, ColinJ may have come up with a good suggestion.

 

[SlowerThanASluggishSloth]

Thank you for your advice, fossy.

 

[SlowerThanASluggishSloth]

I have a touch screen Kindle and the battery lasts for ever. A 4 week tour to Spain, never had to charge it. so probably 30-40 hrs of reading

Thank you for that.

Reason for edit: incompetence

 

[SlowerThanASluggishSloth]

quote="ColinJ, post: 2112369, member: 712"]Why not use the Kindle Previewer software?[/quote]

Now that could be very interesting, Colin. It was something I was unaware of. I shall look into it - thanks for the link.

(PS Am still on stand-by for your call )

 

[ColinJ]

(PS Am still on stand-by for your call )

It would have been lovely on a day like today, but unfortunately it looks like murky conditions for the next few days. I'll keep an eye on the forecast and PM you a couple of days before the next forecast sunny day - cheers!

 

[Oldlegs]

You could also try calibre. http://calibre-ebook.com/download

Getting the best result in .mobi is a bit hit and miss depending on the source. Calibre is the best software I've come across for experimenting. Also contains an eBook viewer to check your results.

 

[SlowerThanASluggishSloth]

Thanks, Oldlegs. I've downloaded calibre and will be using it to convert my .epub files to .mobi files. I understand, however, from wiser heads than mine that conversions are not always flawless. I've downloaded the kindle previewer that ColinJ brought to my attention and hope to get stuck in tomorrow.

Have you already published for kindle?

 

[Oldlegs]

Only for personal use.

Kindle's a lot more portable than the alternatives for anything in text..

 

[TheDoctor]

If you're just after looking at kindle files, then download the Kindle app?

 

[robgul]

Having looked at all the e-readers the Kindle seemed to be head and shoulders above everything - link it to Calibre to handle library/conversions etc and it's brilliant (AND not a lot of people know this ... you can get quite a few daily newspapers and magazines delivered to your Kindle free via Calibre ... no ads, some pictures, all the text. I read the papers in bed each morning!)

There's a new e-reader coming out called Beagle - for just £8 - YES eight quid ... piece in the paper at http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/nov/08/beagle-e-reader-review yesterday.

Rob