New Kindle has arrived! (Pre-orders £89)

rmg1

I wouldn't mind a Kindle or similar e-book reader, but I'm curious as to how much the books are.
Are there any freebies about that can be downloaded?

danmanchester

rmg1 wrote: »

I wouldn't mind a Kindle or similar e-book reader, but I'm curious as to how much the books are.
Are there any freebies about that can be downloaded?

Yep there are hundreds of free books on the Kindle page and other sites too

Top 100 books Paid and Free

The latest books aren't that much lower in price to "real" books though.

rmg1

danmanchester wrote: »

Yep there are hundreds of free books on the Kindle page and other sites too

Top 100 books Paid and Free

The latest books aren't that much lower in price to "real" books though.

Thanks for that.
Looks like I'll have to pick one up now then.
Don't know whether to get the one with the keyboard or not. Does the one without have a virtual keyboard on screen?

danmanchester

rmg1 wrote: »

Does the one without have a virtual keyboard on screen?

Yes virtual on screen keyboard using the 5 way controller button as it's not a touch screen (I think!?)

rmg1

Thanks for that. I'll have to check what's what on each one before I make a final decision.

HooCanTellMee

I got a silicone cover for mine, lovely shade of purple, and it protects the Kindle as it has covers for the ports. Don't get really cheap silicone covers they are almost transparent and don't hold their shape so well. I also got a "hard case", just in case it needs packing in a suitcase or handbag!
I didn't realise there was a virtual keyboard on the new Kindle, it may be easier to use than the very small keys on the keypad. Especially if you have poor eyesight or chubby fingers, I have very small hands but still find the keys awkward, but that might be because I usually touch type on a full size keyboard.
Free books tend to be first of a series, but it does give you the option to find out if you would like the sequels! The free classic novels are great for a nostalgic re-read, or if you feel like trying a little "culture". This may stop my house looking like a very untidy library, books stacked all over.
Only one downside I have found, I wouldn't dare take it with me for a bath, love a read whilst soaking, but I think a non electronic book would be safest, don't you?
I probably ought to see if there are any instructions, as usual when I get something new, instead of which I got mine and just blundered in! Probably not using half of its options.

lesleyvhalifax

the new one has a shorter battery life and smaller storage i believe so i will be sticking with my trusted kindle 3 with keyboard

caleyles

I was fancying getting a Kindle at christmas time for myself as I read a lot but I think I might wait till the spring time. waterstones are bringing out their own e reader as competion to Amazon and they are claiming it will be as good if not better than the Kindle, We shall see?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-14841692

alanrowell

lesleyvhalifax wrote: »

the new one has a shorter battery life and smaller storage i believe so i will be sticking with my trusted kindle 3 with keyboard

Don't think it's intended as a replacement - more a bargain basement entry model to entice new folk to Amazon by pricing at below £100. As for smaller storage & shorter battery life, I've never met anyone whose used anything like the full capacity of the Kindle, nor flattened the battery.

girl_withno_name

danmanchester wrote: »

The latest books aren't that much lower in price to "real" books though.

This is my main issue with buying a Kindle and why I probably won't bother... I mostly read "girly" books which I pick up second hand either from charity shops, book sales or Amazon. I have the feeling it'd actually work out more expensive to buy the Kindle versions!