Kindle - which one?

Flat_Eric

I only realised the other day that the Kindle paperwhite was so called because this model has a built in light ! The new version of this is due out next month which of course is being promoted heavily on the retailer's website.

I've been nosing/reading up online / even popped into a bookstore today where they had the older model on display. I like the look of it and the features that it has compared to my kindle which I purchased a couple of years ago. (mine isn't touch screen/has side buttons instead). (I think cost £89 at the time of purchase)

Sadly it doesn't appear the new paperwhite is going to offer any audio features (so play audible books for example) so that got me thinking about the kindle fire which does .... but is the kindle fire (if I want it primarily as an e-reader) worth buying? I had a look at one in the bookstore and was surprised to see how bright the screen was and I think this would make (for me) reading difficult and not as user friendly. As from what I've read, it seems the kindle fire doesn't have the same e-ink technology. I like the idea of finally getting a tablet type device but not sure the cost is warranted if I can't use it as an e-reader first and foremost.

Anne_Marie_2

Is there a problem with the Kindle that you have? If not, there is no point in buying another one if you are looking for an e-reader.
If you are looking for a tablet, fair enough, but a tablet is never going to be as good as an e-ink reader for reading books, especially in sunlight.

Flat_Eric

Anne_Marie wrote: »

Is there a problem with the Kindle that you have? If not, there is no point in buying another one if you are looking for an e-reader.
If you are looking for a tablet, fair enough, but a tablet is never going to be as good as an e-ink reader for reading books, especially in sunlight.

Nope, no problem with my existing e-reader other than I keep wondering when its going to tell me its full.....

I would like a tablet device and the kindle fire fits my price range although if the reading side of it isn't as good then I'd need to weigh up how much I want it/need it.....

mummyroysof3

Battery life of he fire IMO is rubbish and my kids obviously agree cis they don't bother with it much. IMO the kindles are the best for reading and not tablets. If you really do want a tablet for its functions other than reading ten shop around and do some research. If you want to be able to just read then stick with kindle as that's what they are made for and do it well.

Tiglath

I have a Kindle Fire for reading and to be honest I don't think I'd get another one. You can't create collections for books (although I gather there is additional software which will enable you to do something similar), so you just have a long list that can be sorted by title etc. I had 1600 books that I like to keep on hand 'just in case' and it was unmanageable to scroll through; I ended up putting most of them in the cloud and download a few when I'm near WiFi but it involves planning ahead on my part. Most of all it's quite heavy to read in bed. I end up with another pillow over my knees to rest it on. I don't find it terribly responsive when I first turn it on and I've only had it for 3 months or so. I preferred my older Kindle Keyboard with side-buttons as tapping the right side of the screen to turn the page on the Fire is a bit hit or miss. I did get an E Ink when the Keyboard one died, but didn't like it much either. On the plus side I can read the Fire in the dark and can stream LoveFilm or surf the net in bed at home. I'm thinking of getting something like a Paperwhite for my e-reading; the Fire is really heavy and quite bulky in my handbag.

Anne_Marie_2

Flat_Eric wrote: »

Nope, no problem with my existing e-reader other than I keep wondering when its going to tell me its full.....

I would like a tablet device and the kindle fire fits my price range although if the reading side of it isn't as good then I'd need to weigh up how much I want it/need it.....

You can always remove books that you bought from Amazon, and get them back at any time. I always remove books when I have read them. I've got the original Kindle keyboard

As for wanting a tablet, well perhaps you should be thinking along the lines of having two devices, and not just one, particularly when you read the other comments made by people who have the Fire.
My Dad has both, and thought he would get away with just using the Fire on holidays, but realised that he couldn't see it in full sunlight, so needs to carry both.

If you do decide you really want a tablet, don't just confine yourself to looking at the Kindle Fire. Do a bit of research, and of course, you can check back on other threads on here, and obviously ask for advice on what's the best with your budget and requirements.

Anne_Marie_2

One other thing that I would add, is that on this forum, I have read of people who have sold their old e-reader Kindle, when they got a Kindle Fire or Fire HD, and have regretted it.

I thought that I wanted a tablet not too long ago, but when I tried some out, and hummed and hawed for several months, it was a really lightweight laptop that fitted my requirements. In the end, it was more expensive, but better for me. Also, it made me sell off some stuff that I didn't need or use any more, to help fund it. I have never regretted it, but I did take ages making a decision.

Not saying this is the case for you at all, just think carefully what you would want and use a tablet for. Try them out at local outlets first, and then, if you decide that is what you want, then start shortlisting, looking at reviews and price checking.

Becky_Boo

I have the original Kindle (with the keyboard) which I LOVE. I've got one of those cases with the lights on, so can read it in the dark. I also have a Kindle Fire which was a gift and I'm really not a fan. As far as tablets go, I find it sluggish and I really don't like to use it for reading either. Very sadly I stood on (and cracked) my original Kindle last week and I think I will have to replace it (I'm thinking second hand old style one again) as I just really do not enjoy reading from the Fire.

Anne_Marie_2

Becky_Boo wrote: »

I have the original Kindle (with the keyboard) which I LOVE. I've got one of those cases with the lights on, so can read it in the dark. I also have a Kindle Fire which was a gift and I'm really not a fan. As far as tablets go, I find it sluggish and I really don't like to use it for reading either. Very sadly I stood on (and cracked) my original Kindle last week and I think I will have to replace it (I'm thinking second hand old style one again) as I just really do not enjoy reading from the Fire.

Have a look on eBay. I think that you can replace the screen, but no idea of the cost. Might be more cost effective to get a 2nd hand one.

I totally agree with you on the Kindle keyboard, it is brilliant. When I saw the newer (at the time) lighter weight one, I thought it looked good, but no, much prefer the original. Damned shame they don't make them any more, as I keep hearing of folk wanting e-readers with audio capability, and they just don't seem to do them, other than in tablet form.

nearlyrich

My 2 year old keyboard kindle died just about the time the Paperwhite came out, I love it would not be without it.

debitcardmayhem

My "kindle" is a 4 year old Sony PRS-505 , excellent no wifi no 3g ,no touch screen, it's a book reader (well ok with audio too) If you want to read in daylight get e-ink type of device. Tablets I get on prescription , look out for threads mentioning calibre , and don't tie yourself to one format. if you want a tablet I use Aldiko on my phone (my non-prescription tablets are iPads and there are apps for reading Kindle formats amongst others).