Kindle on netbook??

Lynsey

Hubby was going to buy me a Kindle for my birthday. Looked at one and don't fancy one.
Guy in PCWorld suggested we can download the Kindle software and use a netbook in a similar way??

Just recently bought a new netbook via the CPW half-price sale mainly for holidays and if it could be used as above it would not make sense buying a Kindle anyway.

Any idiots guides if possible please??

Lynsey

Fifer

Depends on what your main use is. The Kindle uses epaper which is the closest display technology to paper and is reflective, not transmissive/backlit so doesn't cause eye-strain. The netbook is an LCD display (probably) which is backlit, so less good for reading extensively, but colour, faster and more versatile. The kindle e-reader (as the name suggests) is optimised for reading. The netbook (as the name suggests) is optimised for browsing the net. Let your prime use guide your choice.

Lynsey

Thanks, the netbook was for use abroad mainly, especially now some hotels offer free wi-fi.
The Kindle would be a waste and I personally prefer "real" books.
But, if the netbook (which we now have) can be used via the Kindle software, then that's a bonus.

The display and colour differences were mentioned, but as the netbook only cost approx. £15 more than a Kindle, the value must be with the netbook??

Lynsey

nearlyrich

I have both, the Kindle is excellent for reading, the Kindle application for pc is Ok but holding a netbook on a plane, train, in a cafe or in bed is not great.

I also have the iphone app which is on my ipod touch again not great trying to read a 4" screen,

Lynsey

Thanks and I also thought a larger screen (10"??) might actually be better??

Lynsey

Tiddlywinks

I also prefer the feel of real books but you can't beat an e-device for storage when travelling.

I've recently had a couple of operations and couldn't hold a book. I researched loads of options including a netbook and ipad - the Kindle won hands down because of the matt display. The screen of a netbook or ipad is just too reflective to make reading enjoyable over more than a few minutes.

andythecal

I vote Kindle. The PC software's OK but you'll get eyestrain from reading it on a netbook.

Lynsey

Thanks Guys, so the general consensus is to buy a Kindle if you want an e-book reader??
I wouldn't get full value buying a Kindle, so might try and download the software and give it a try. Interesting about the eye-strain and reading other forums I might change the background colour to yellow/tan and see if it helps.

Cheers,

Lynsey

jackieblack

I've been having this debate with myself too.
Have decided that I will be taking my laptop to the USA/Canada with me this summer anyway and as the guidebooks weigh a ton I usually scan/photocopy relevent pages instead to reduce weight, but am considering installing kindle software and purchasing guidebooks as e-books so I can refer to them during the trip.

Not the sort of books you sit and read cover-to-cover, but may be handy to be able to dip in and out of as required.