Anyone Got a Kindle?

[Surely]

But either way, it's still cheaper to buy used books, even if you factor in the cost of the Kindle books being free (don't forget, you don't own them), the actual cost of the device will take you awhile to recoup the savings.

I recouped the cost of my Kindle within a few months. The special offers that I took advantage of saved me $40-50, and the one free book per month that I get as a Prime member saved me the rest over the past year. I've probably made a slight profit at this point.

Kindle book prices tend to generally be lower than buying actual new books. I'm sure used books can possibly be cheaper, but finding and going to a used bookstore isn't convenient for me.

 

[milbournosphere]

Kindle Paperwhite here. Upgraded from a second gen Kindle. I absolutely love mine. I also own an iPad. Like the OP, I find reading on the iPad screen to be quite hard on the eyes. The Kindle is far better.

 

[0098386]

Kindle Paperwhite here. Upgraded from a second gen Kindle. I absolutely love mine. I also own an iPad. Like the OP, I find reading on the iPad screen to be quite hard on the eyes. The Kindle is far better.

This is why I just preordered a Paperwhite. I have an iPad and iPhone, but I don't consider either a good book-reading device. Awesome display for showing off portfolios and stuff to clients, not so good for throwing hours into whilst reading.

I think they're released mid-next month here. Can't wait, it'll be my first Kindle. A bit gutted they dropped audiobook support, but I guess I have my iPhone for that.

 

[eric/]

I recouped the cost of my Kindle within a few months. The special offers that I took advantage of saved me $40-50, and the one free book per month that I get as a Prime member saved me the rest over the past year. I've probably made a slight profit at this point.

Kindle book prices tend to generally be lower than buying actual new books. I'm sure used books can possibly be cheaper, but finding and going to a used bookstore isn't convenient for me.

Yeah but you also have to factor in that you don't own the books, and that if Amazon finds you in violation of things they can just get rid of your library.

And what is the value of the free book you get? And what special offers?

And then there is the Wal-Mart effect where companies like Amazon essentially provide their service (books in this case) in a way that small businesses such as local book stores can't compete. Not that you are supporting that or anything, just something to think about for those who are trying to support local, small business.

I usually buy used books from either my local book store, or I buy them from a small company typically in Ohio.

 

[roadbloc]

I have a Kindle Keyboard and for eBooks it is perfect.

 

[Surely]

Yeah but you also have to factor in that you don't own the books, and that if Amazon finds you in violation of things they can just get rid of your library.

I don't really care if I own the books or not- it's very rare for me to reread a book once I'm finished with it.

And I'm not concerned at all of Amazon wiping my Kindle. Why should I be? There's that one story that's floating around the internets, but I think it's an isolated incident.

And what is the value of the free book you get? And what special offers?

The value of the free books I got? I didn't have to buy them. Saved me money. For example, I read the entire Hunger Games series for free. That series alone would have cost me around $20 give or take a few bucks.

The special offers? One that I remember was "spend over $100 and get $20 off your next purchase with Amazon". Stuff like that. I don't remember all of them. I buy a lot from Amazon, so offers like that are awesome to me.

And then there is the Wal-Mart effect where companies like Amazon essentially provide their service (books in this case) in a way that small businesses such as local book stores can't compete. Not that you are supporting that or anything, just something to think about for those who are trying to support local, small business.

I usually buy used books from either my local book store, or I buy them from a small company typically in Ohio.

That's great and all, but I'm a busy guy, and it's much more convenient for me to order something online or download a book than to go to a store and browse. I try to support local businesses when I can (ex. order from a local pizza place over Papa John's), but it doesn't always work out that way.

There are a lot of special offers on the Kindle for local businesses as well (Amazon Local). Same idea as livingsocial and groupon. That's a way to support local businesses via the Kindle.

 

[takao]

Yeah but you also have to factor in that you don't own the books, and that if Amazon finds you in violation of things they can just get rid of your library.

And what is the value of the free book you get? And what special offers?

And then there is the Wal-Mart effect where companies like Amazon essentially provide their service (books in this case) in a way that small businesses such as local book stores can't compete. Not that you are supporting that or anything, just something to think about for those who are trying to support local, small business.

I usually buy used books from either my local book store, or I buy them from a small company typically in Ohio.

in germany and austria prices of (german) books are fixed by law so amazon can't undercut in price and has zero price advantage

now guess if it makes any difference on where people are buying their books ... nope amazon is the 800 pound gorilla as well who now, ironically, is pushing out the major german book store chains,which were loathed by authors a decade ago, out of the market

don't get me wrong i buy from local stores, when i happen to to visit one, but here in europe there never have been many book store chains and thus outside of big towns the majority of bookstores meant that you had to order the book you wanted anyway, except you had to go to a store to do it

 

[tytbody]

I had a kindle.I know it's not the same but I had a kindle Fire. It was great. A bit thick but the Kindle itself was nice. it just had features I didn't like. If you want to just read then get the Kindle e-ink. Not the colors. it will make reading much more pleasant.

 

[eric/]

I don't really care if I own the books or not- it's very rare for me to reread a book once I'm finished with it.

Eh, well I guess it's this apathy that is contributing to companies continuing to bully consumers around with ridiculous patents and copyright laws.

And I'm not concerned at all of Amazon wiping my Kindle. Why should I be? There's that one story that's floating around the internets, but I think it's an isolated incident.

It illustrates the point. You're buying things, but you don't own them.

The value of the free books I got? I didn't have to buy them. Saved me money. For example, I read the entire Hunger Games series for free. That series alone would have cost me around $20 give or take a few bucks.

What I'm asking is what is the value of the monthly free book you get. For example, do you get $10 per month to buy a Kindle book, or $5? More?

The special offers? One that I remember was "spend over $100 and get $20 off your next purchase with Amazon". Stuff like that. I don't remember all of them. I buy a lot from Amazon, so offers like that are awesome to me.

On books or just purchases on Amazon?

That's great and all, but I'm a busy guy, and it's much more convenient for me to order something online or download a book than to go to a store and browse. I try to support local businesses when I can (ex. order from a local pizza place over Papa John's), but it doesn't always work out that way.

Well you can order books from Amazon, from local stores, or at least stores within your state.

There are a lot of special offers on the Kindle for local businesses as well (Amazon Local). Same idea as livingsocial and groupon. That's a way to support local businesses via the Kindle.

Hm. I've never heard of that.

The point though, isn't necessarily to discourage you from buying digital media or condemn you for buying a Kindle or anything, but to recognize that there are some injustices and problems going on right now. The biggest deal is the idea that you don't own digital content, so you can't resell it, etc... Followed by pricing other stores out of business. It's just something to keep in consideration when you're looking at the price of books.

 

[GoCubsGo]

Eh, well I guess it's this apathy that is contributing to companies continuing to bully consumers around with ridiculous patents and copyright laws.

[snip]

The point though, isn't necessarily to discourage you from buying digital media or condemn you for buying a Kindle or anything, but to recognize that there are some injustices and problems going on right now. The biggest deal is the idea that you don't own digital content, so you can't resell it, etc... Followed by pricing other stores out of business. It's just something to keep in consideration when you're looking at the price of books.

I'd like to see at least one reference outside the story floating around the Internet where this has happened. While I follow what you're saying, I think you're putting a great deal of stake in the one story we all likely read. Regardless, I would say that removing DRM is the way to go. Legal? I don't know but I will protect my purchases. /shrug

I have an iPad and was gifted a Kindle special offers ($79 version) and I find reading on the kindle is far more enjoyable than my iPad.

 

[eric/]

I'd like to see at least one reference outside the story floating around the Internet where this has happened. While I follow what you're saying, I think you're putting a great deal of stake in the one story we all likely read.

I'll clear it up real quick then. The point is that the precedent is there, and the line is in fact clear. You do not own digital goods. While it has been rare (only time I know of is this Amazon case, well, there are others but none that are relevant), it still happens and can happen.

Regardless, I would say that removing DRM is the way to go. Legal? I don't know but I will protect my purchases. /shrug

Well it's always going to be illegal when you don't own the media. That's the problem. You are paying for it and you don't own it.

I have an iPad and was gifted a Kindle special offers ($79 version) and I find reading on the kindle is far more enjoyable than my iPad.

I used to have a Kindle myself. Liked it quite a bit, but I'm philosophically opposed to not owning things that I buy in this context so I sold it.

Besides, having a giant library is the coolest.

 

[Surely]

On books or just purchases on Amazon?

On anything sold directly from Amazon, including books.

 

[LadyX]

I recommend not buying a Kindle due to the fact that the books are licensed to you (and Amazon can wipe and deactivate your account on a whim without due process or anything), and the fact that books are typically the same price, and occasionally more, than the physical copy.

You don't read more than one-two books at a time. Save the environment too.

I use Calibre like most of the users here wrote. I use Project Gutenberg to get my books as I love reading classic novels and like Mousse said all of them are free.

This is why I just preordered a Paperwhite. I have an iPad and iPhone, but I don't consider either a good book-reading device. Awesome display for showing off portfolios and stuff to clients, not so good for throwing hours into whilst reading.

I think they're released mid-next month here. Can't wait, it'll be my first Kindle. A bit gutted they dropped audiobook support, but I guess I have my iPhone for that.

When's yours due for delivery?

 

[Kashsystems]

I did, they told me to cough up $50 for a refurb, or offered me a discount on an obsolete Kindle Touch.

If you complain loud enough (get a supervisor) they will send you one free, I speak from personal experience. But I am the type of jerk worth getting off the phone

 

[leenak]

The point though, isn't necessarily to discourage you from buying digital media or condemn you for buying a Kindle or anything, but to recognize that there are some injustices and problems going on right now. The biggest deal is the idea that you don't own digital content, so you can't resell it, etc... Followed by pricing other stores out of business. It's just something to keep in consideration when you're looking at the price of books.

How many people resell books they buy anyway? I give mine away to local charities, which also was a big source of my used book collection. I rarely read a book more than once. I love my library but I enjoy the digital medium more than physical books.

 

[Jessica Lares]

If you complain loud enough (get a supervisor) they will send you one free, I speak from personal experience. But I am the type of jerk worth getting off the phone

I don't really want another Kindle anyway to be honest.

 

[maflynn]

I have the kindle touch and I use it for commuting. I find with it, I'm reading much more then I had without it. What I disliked about it, was the lack of precision of the touch screen (As compared to my iPad) and the lack of built-in lighting. This made reading in low light conditions troublesome.

I was debating the kindle paperwhite for 139 or waiting for the iPad mini. The price of the mini gave me some serious pause but for the added 181, I get access to all my apps on the mini, a better touchscreen in a form factor not that much larger then the kindle.

My current iPad 1 is largely unused due to its size. I prefer using a smaller tablet and so the Mini, fits the bill for me.

 

[GoCubsGo]

I'll clear it up real quick then. The point is that the precedent is there, and the line is in fact clear. You do not own digital goods. While it has been rare (only time I know of is this Amazon case, well, there are others but none that are relevant), it still happens and can happen.

First, I'm not sure if the story was true but it seems true. Whether it is precedent or not would depend solely on it being true. I agree, if the story is true then it can happen to anyone. I have never read the Amazon TOS but I would venture to guess they're covered if the incident was warranted. Again, the story is only the buyer's side.

Well it's always going to be illegal when you don't own the media. That's the problem. You are paying for it and you don't own it.

I guess I'd have to read the Amazon TOS. Have you? I would certainly expect that you have given the matter-of-fact speak you're pushing here. I can't say the TOS doesn't support your claim, yet.

I used to have a Kindle myself. Liked it quite a bit, but I'm philosophically opposed to not owning things that I buy in this context so I sold it.

Makes sense. Again, I have no factual knowledge as to whether or not I own the content. You telling me simply compels me to research but for now, I'm not sold. I often have to see for myself before I can really get on board with something. That's just how I am.

Besides, having a giant library is the coolest.

I grew up with a fairly large library. I'm a big fan of actual books but it is undeniable that I favor the kindle often when travelling, reading in bed with the lights off (I have a case with a light), and everywhere in between.

 

[Kashsystems]

I don't really want another Kindle anyway to be honest.

That is fair, I would make them give me one and then sell it to buy what I want. But that is me being me.

 

[Svend]

Obviously, the smart business decision for a company selling ebooks and ebook readers would be to go around wiping said ebooks off said ebook readers. That will really get the sales flowing in.

I'll clear it up real quick then. The point is that the precedent is there, and the line is in fact clear. You do not own digital goods. While it has been rare (only time I know of is this Amazon case, well, there are others but none that are relevant), it still happens and can happen.



Well it's always going to be illegal when you don't own the media. That's the problem. You are paying for it and you don't own it.



I used to have a Kindle myself. Liked it quite a bit, but I'm philosophically opposed to not owning things that I buy in this context so I sold it.

Besides, having a giant library is the coolest.

 

[eric/]

First, I'm not sure if the story was true but it seems true. Whether it is precedent or not would depend solely on it being true. I agree, if the story is true then it can happen to anyone. I have never read the Amazon TOS but I would venture to guess they're covered if the incident was warranted. Again, the story is only the buyer's side.

I guess I'd have to read the Amazon TOS. Have you? I would certainly expect that you have given the matter-of-fact speak you're pushing here. I can't say the TOS doesn't support your claim, yet.

Makes sense. Again, I have no factual knowledge as to whether or not I own the content. You telling me simply compels me to research but for now, I'm not sold. I often have to see for myself before I can really get on board with something. That's just how I am.

I invite you to take a look at the TOS (if you can read through all 600000000 pages), and read up on software and digital media licensing.

I grew up with a fairly large library. I'm a big fan of actual books but it is undeniable that I favor the kindle often when travelling, reading in bed with the lights off (I have a case with a light), and everywhere in between.

See that's what I bought one too. Pretty much those exact reasons. But ultimately I started wondering whether or not I need to have every book I own with me at all times, or whether one would just suffice. I decided that one was enough. Personal opinion though.

----------

How many people resell books they buy anyway? I give mine away to local charities, which also was a big source of my used book collection. I rarely read a book more than once. I love my library but I enjoy the digital medium more than physical books.

Well you know that every used book on Amazon.com (or from your local bookstore) that is used is a used book that's being resold right?

When the Steve Jobs biography came out, people bought it for X, then sold it on Amazon used for X-y.

And when you give your books away, often times they end up being sold by those charities.

 

[statik13]

another kk

Add me in as another happy KK owner. I refuse to read for more than a few minutes on my iPad; The Kindle is just that much easier on the eyes.

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the advantage the kindle offers for non-fiction books.

When we travel to a new country we find it very helpful to have a guidebook or two. What is not so very helpful is having to lug around all the weight from those quite heavy books.

We used to haul around 2-3 guide books in our backpacks plus a few fiction books to read while stuck around airports. That has now been reduced to a kindle and a kobo with electronic versions of those books. It cut probably 8lbs off of our travel weight. A big deal if you're backpacking for a few weeks.

 

[WoodNUFC]

I absolutely love my Kindle. I've had it for several years now. I've been using it to read the classics that I've wanted to read but didn't want to waste money or shelf space. That and it's great for library books. I've read more than enough readily available free material to pay for the Kindle several times over.

It doesn't matter that I can't sell an ebook either. I've never sold a book that I've purchased.