Do You Have to Buy All the Books for eReaders?

by: admin - Filed under: eReader News & Updates

You know, one of the greatest advantages of owning an eReader is actually one that most eReader companies don’t mention in their sales literature… it’s the sheer number of free books available for download.  Since I bought my very first Kindle several years ago, I doubt that I have spent $50.00 on books.  That’s right, less than $50.00.  Back when I was reading traditional books, it was nothing for me to drop $50.00 every time I visited a traditional bookstore.  Now, it’s rare for me to spend even $10.00 on books for my Kindle Fire.  Why?  Because there are so many books available for FREE.  (And, those that aren’t free can cost anywhere from $.99 up to $12.99 or so.)

It’s so easy to find good reading material for your eReader…regardless of who you buy it from.  Every manufacturer provides access to some kind of online bookstore, whether you own a Nook, an iPad, or you’re like me, and own a Kindle Fire.

Kindle PaperwhiteWith Amazon, you just go to the Kindle bookstore, and you can scroll through thousands of books…of every genre, and a lot of them are free.  Anything from reprints of the classics to new authors who offer books simply to introduce you to their works.

And now, even your local library is getting into the act – most offer the option to “check out” eBooks online now…so you don’t even have to visit the library at all, but you can still take advantage of the many thousands of titles available at the touch of a button. Honestly, if I didn’t love my eReader for the portability, I would definitely love it simply for the availability of books!

And like I said before – most companies that sell eReaders don’t really sell you on the fact that you can get so many books for free, but the truth is, free books is probably the single biggest advantage to owning an eReader. Take it from a serious reader!

Oh, and by the way, if you know someone who loves to read… a Kindle makes the perfect gift!

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Kindle Touch or Tablet?

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, eReader News & Updates

[easyazon-image-link asin="B005890G8Y" alt="Kindle Touch, Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display - includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/417j8GAjnyL._SL500_.jpg" align="left" width="350" height="350"]Is there still a place for just plain eReaders?  Wouldn’t a tablet make a much better choice?  At first glance, you would think that would be the truth, however, with summer approaching (and outdoor time), there are a few things you might want to consider about eReaders and outdoor lighting. 

Especially if you’re an avid reader, the Kindle Touch will make the best dedicated eReader for the simple reason that the Kindle Touch is designed for reading.  Unlike a tablet, which is designed to function in many ways, the screen on your Kindle Touch has one main purpose, and that is to provide you with a comfortable reading experience, regardless of where you’re reading. 

Tablets are backlit, which means that they have a lighted screen, and just like a laptop computer, a tablet simply doesn’t work as well in bright sunlight.  You either cannot see the screen for the glare, or the backlighting will drive you crazy if you’re reading outside. 

An eReader, on the other hand, has no backlighting, so it actually reads better and with far less glare than either a tablet or a conventional paper book.  That’s right, an eReader is better for reading outside than a real book.  Kindle’s books have just the slightest grey tint, and that grey tint makes all the difference in the world if you’re reading outdoors, or even under harsh flourescent lighting. 

So, trust me, if you’re taking an eReader to to the beach this year…take a Kindle Touch and leave the tablet at home!

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Kindle Fire Video

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, eReader News & Updates

Last night, rather than read while laying in bed, I decided to try out Kindle Fire‘s video capabilities, and my free month of the Amazon Prime membership that came with Kindle Fire.

[easyazon-image-link asin="B0051VVOB2" alt="Kindle Fire, Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Xx9W8gdRL._SL500_.jpg" align="left" width="350" height="350"]It’s actually pretty easy to find something to watch on Amazon Prime… you just go to the video “store” and find what you want to watch.  Off to the right, it tells you if it’s available on your Amazon Prime membership.  After scrolling through a couple of different options…movies and television shows, I settled on watching the pilot for the show, “Lost.”

This was a show that I always intended to watch when it was on television, but never actually got around to doing so.  Regular television is hard for me, because I almost never watch television, and even then, rarely keep up with an actual show that is on once a week or something.  So, the option to choose the show and watch it when I want to is very appealing to me.

Once I selected the show “Lost,” the menu expanded to show me all six seasons.  Tap again, and then you can scroll through the episodes.  I chose the pilot since I had never actually seen the show.  Tap, and the show starts. It really is that easy!

I wasn’t really sure what to expect with the streaming video on Kindle Fire, but as usual, Amazon delivered a high quality picture with none of the pauses, screen freezes, or audio/video lapses that I have seen on other devices, including my high end laptop!

Did the small screen size bother me?  Honestly, at first it did, but as you’re drawn into the show, you do tend to forget the screen size.  And the crisp, clear, high definition display definitely ensures that you don’t miss out on the details!

Want to pause the action?  Tap the screen.  You can even turn off Kindle Fire and not lose your place…Kindle Fire puts the show on your recently used apps shelf, and when you go back to the video, you can resume right where you left off.

Maybe I’m behind on technology?  Maybe all devices of this type do this?   But, if you’re looking for an excellent video experience, with lots of selections, and that’s EASY…you definitely want to get a Kindle Fire!

 

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Using Kindle Fire for Facebook

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, eReader News & Updates

Like most Facebook addicts, one of the first things that I did with my Kindle Fire was to log into my Facebook account and update my status to read, “I’m playing on Facebook with my new Kindle Fire!” 

Of course, that illicited many “Likes” and comments right off the bat, with lots of people wanting to know if I liked the Kindle Fire, how Facebook looked on the device, etc.  And, since several of the people on my Facebook friends list also own Kindle eReaders, I definitely understood the questions.  I was not really pleased with the way the Kindle eReader handled Facebook…but not so with Kindle Fire! 

[easyazon-image-link asin="B0051VVOB2" alt="Kindle Fire, Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Xx9W8gdRL._SL500_.jpg" align="left" width="350" height="350"]Kindle Fire is the perfect device to use for accessing Facebook anywhere there’s WiFi.  In fact, Facebook is actually one of the preset apps that come up on the Kindle Fire’s main menu when you turn the device on.  All you have to do is tap the big blue Facebook icon, and it brings you right to the login screen. 

Then you simply tap the line for entering your email address, and the onscreen keyboard pops right up, allowing you to enter your email address.  Tap again, enter your password, and your Facebook account pops right up on screen.  Kindle Fire even offers to remember that you’re logged in, so you don’t have to login every time you want to access Facebook. 

I have to say, the Kindle Fire mobile app for Facebook is excellent, too.  The layout is familiar, with a few improvements…for example, the left side menu is hidden.  The first thing that you see is your “News Feed,” complete with the like buttons, comment buttons, etc.  To the right, there’s a little plus sign that, when tapped, brings up options for the post.  You can tap the word “Like” under the post to like someone’s post or status. 

Scrolling through the newsfeed is fun, too.  Instead of having to move your mouse, you simply swipe your index finger up or down, and your newsfeed scrolls…mine scrolled so fast it looked like it was spinning!  (Of course, you control the speed with your index finger…I was just having fun!)

If you want to update your own status, simply tap the blank line at the top, and the keyboard pops up.  There are lower case letters, tap the up arrow to capitalize, or tap the number/symbols key to get to the numbers and symbols.  Very easy!

If you want to see the left side menu, simply tap the icon at the top left of your newsfeed, and the full left side menu for your facebook page pops up.  You can look at your friends list, your apps, and any fan pages that you have. 

Want to see your pictures?  Simply tap the word at the top, and your photo albums are displayed in a grid across your screen.  Tap the album you want to see, and your photos pop up on the top half of the device, with the comments below.  Left and right arrows onscreen allow you to click through your photos.

All in all, using my Kindle Fire to update my Facebook status was definitely a positive experience…I can honestly tell you that there was not even a single feature that I did not like….Kindle Fire actually enhances my Facebook experience, and it will yours, too.

 

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Playing with Fire!

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, eReader News & Updates

I was so thrilled this evening to find my Kindle Fire waiting…not only did Amazon ship it early, but it arrived in ONE day instead of two days!

[easyazon-image-link asin="B0051VVOB2" alt="Kindle Fire, Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Xx9W8gdRL._SL500_.jpg" align="left" width="350" height="350"]Straight out of the box, the Kindle Fire was charged and preloaded to my personal Amazon account.  No messy setup, registration, or anything.  Just turn it on and start playing with it!

First off, the graphics on the Kindle Fire are excellent – the screen has a crisp, clear picture and there’s no messy transitions of any kind.  The touch screen did take a little getting used to, but it didn’t take long to figure it out, and I didn’t have to read the manual to do it.

Like most people, I did a quick run through of the major points…the books, movies, music…it’s all there, just as promised.  Then, of course, I updated my Facebook status to let people know that I was on my Kindle Fire – again, easy and fun.  Not at all like the Kindle 3.  Then I decided to surf the net – again, easy and fun.  Just as promised.

As for the eReader function, I have to say, I like turning the pages with just a swipe.  And, the screen did provide a crisp, clear page for me to read.  It is backlit, like most tablets, but that will just make reading in bed in semi darkness that much easier.

Is it what I expected?  Yes  Is Kindle Fire a good value?  Another resounding YES.  Would I purchase it again?Absolutely…Kindle Fire was worth waiting for!

Stay tuned over the next few days as I expand on the features of Kindle Fire!

 

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Buy Your Kindle at Walmart or Direct From Amazon?

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, eReader News & Updates

With yesterday’s announcement that Amazon.com will be selling the entire family of Kindle eReaders in retail stores throughout the country, you might be tempted to buy your Kindle at Walmart, Target, or Best Buy instead of direct from Amazon.com.  Is that necessarily the best choice?

[easyazon-image-link asin="B0051QVESA" alt="Kindle, Wi-Fi, 6" E Ink Display - includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/411H%2B731ZzL.jpg" align="left" width="300" height="300"]Although it may surprize you, Kindle has been available at Target stores for some time, however, there are real reasons why you may want to consider ordering your Kindle or Kindle Fire direct from Amazon.com, instead of just running to your local big box retailer to pick one up. 

First and foremost, when you order your Kindle direct from Amazon, you’re cutting out the middle man.  Although the pricing is the same, having your Kindle shipped direct from Amazon ensures that you are getting the most recent version of the software.  Models sold in stores may have been on the shelf for a few weeks or even months, and may not have the most current release preloaded.  While it’s no problem to update the software once you get it out of the box, and in fact, Kindle does it automatically, I would just prefer to have the lastest version when I open the box.

Secondly, if you order your Kindle online, depending on where you live, you may not have to pay a state or local sales tax on your Kindle.  Some states charge nearly 10% sales tax, which can add as much as 19.90 to the purchase of a Kindle Fire.  Ordering it online may actually save you money.

And finally, perhaps the biggest reason to order directly from Amazon is that, should you ever have a problem with your Kindle, Amazon will have a record of your order, date purchased, etc., and it will be far easier to get the support that you need to resolve a problem. 

Yes, you may have to wait a couple of days to get your Kindle when you order direct from Amazon, but in the long run, it may be well worth the wait.  Instant gratification is not always the best way to go, especially when shopping for eReaders.

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Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble nook, eReader News & Updates

Yesterday, Barnes & Noble announced a new $249.00 Nook tablet…it features a 7″ color touchscreen, comes preloaded with Netflix and Hulu, and is set to take on the Kindle Fire.  Will it be able to steal Kindle’s Fire?

[easyazon-image-link asin="B0051VVOB2" alt="Kindle Fire, Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Xx9W8gdRL.jpg" align="left" width="350" height="350"]Frankly, I just don’t see that happening.  Already the reviews on the new Nook tablet are lukewarm…no one’s really singing the praises.  No real innovation has been mentioned.  In short, the Nook tablet will likely appeal to current Nook owners,  and loyal Barnes & Noble shoppers, but it will not be able to compete with the Kindle Fire. 

Why?  Well, to be honest, at the price point of $249.00, compared to Kindle Fire‘s $199.00 price point, more people will choose Kindle Fire without even comparing the two.  And, once they do compare them, there will really be no question…Amazon’s offering one year’s membership to their Amazon Prime program with the $199.00 Kindle Fire, and this membership INCLUDES streaming video, music, and access to Amazon’s new lending library for Kindle books.  That alone means a huge savings for most tablet owners…with the price of the average book around $9.99, your Prime membership quickly saves you money on the latest books, movies, and more.

Frankly, with all that Amazon is offering with the Kindle Fire, I cannot even imagine that anyone would seriously consider buying any other comparable tablet over the Kindle Fire.

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Identity Theft & Bargain eBooks

by: admin - Filed under: eReader News & Updates

As if you didn’t need another reason to consider buying your eReader or tablet computer from a reputable source, the Better Business Bureau posted an article today with regard to eBook scams… and yet another way to steal our personal information!

[easyazon-image-link asin="B0051VVOB2" alt="Kindle Fire, Full Color 7" Multi-touch Display, Wi-Fi" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41Xx9W8gdRL.jpg" align="left" width="400" height="400"]Expect this scam to grow as fast as the popularity of e-readers and e-books grows, so keep this in mind when you are selecting your next eBook:

• Scammers often publish eBooks with useless, poorly written content, and sell it to you for a couple of dollars, or even give it away for free.  The catch is that the eBook has malware attached to steal your credit card information.

• Scammers often publish and republish the same book over and over using content spinners, and then putting each version under different titles, authors names, and on different venues.

• Scammers blatantly plagarize information from other sources, convert it into an ebook, and sell it in different eBook stores as original content.

• Scammers hold “Writing Competitions” and charge fees to entrants.  The “winner” has his/her book published digitally, and sold online.  The truth is, you can actually publish and sell your own book online for a few dollars.

• Look for an increase in spam directed towards eReaders and eBooks, with lots of advertising and links to both commercial and malware sites that will load viruses onto your eReader.

How can you avoid the coming wave of eReader scams?

• When buying eBooks, choose reputable online retailers to purchase your eBooks.  There are dozens of websites popping up every day selling eBooks.  Make sure your retailer has been online for a while.  If it’s an unfamiliar site, do a search to make sure that there are no complaints against the website.

Regardless of where you buy the eBook, try to stick with authors who have an established reputation, or that you already know.  If you do decide to buy from an unfamiliar author, see if you can download a free sample.  (Amazon lets you do this for free!)

• Remember that a great review doesn’t necessarily guarantee that the book is good or safe to purchase.  It’s very easy to write your own reviews, post them under different names, and influence sales dishonestly. When in doubt, do a little research on the author, the name of the book, etc., to see what may be online elsewhere about the book and the author.

• Never click on links inside eBooks.  Even if it’s an established, reputable author, the eBook could have been hacked, and the links put in after the author released the book for publication.  Visit the websites via your internet browser, instead of using the link.

• If you believe you’ve been scammed, seek a refund, or protest the charges with your credit card vendor.  Then, register your complaint with the seller’s customer service department to make sure the vendor who sold the book is aware of the problem. And, finally, write an honest review of the book and post it for others who may be tempted to buy the eBook.

As unbelievable as these new scams may seem, the fact that someone has already figured out how to exploit tablet computers and eReaders should be an even better argument for you to purchase your eReader or tablet computer from a reputable vendor with it’s own eBook store, and then stick with your vendor’s store.  Personally, I would never consider buying from any retailer other than Amazon.com.

Plus, with the release of the Amazon Library for Amazon Prime members, I won’t have to BUY every single eBook I want to read…I’ll simply borrow it from their library, read it, and return.  What could be better, easier, or cheaper???

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Kindle FIRE Really FIRES up the Competition!

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, eReader News & Updates

This just in:  Amazon has just introduced the Kindle Fire tablet…and get this, the price is $199.00!!!  And, you can preorder your Kindle Fire now through this link!

Check out this ad for the Kindle Fire:

 The Kindle Fire is going to be THE CHRISTMAS GIFT this year, so if you haven’t already done it, place your order for the Kindle Fire now!!

Come back to this website for our exclusive review of the Amazon Kindle Fire later today!

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Why I Keep Using My Kindle

by: admin - Filed under: Amazon Kindle, eReader News & Updates

You know, the one question that people ask me most when they find out exactly how many eReaders and tablet computers I have bought, reviewed, and actually keep laying around, is why they still see me dragging my Amazon Kindle with me whenever I go somewhere, or why it’s laying around the house when I’ve been reading a book.   “Why don’t you just use your tablet to read, too?”  is the question they invariably ask…except for my techie brother-in-law, that is. 

[easyazon-image-link asin="B004HZYA6E" alt="Kindle 3G, Free 3G + Wi-Fi, 3G Works Globally, Graphite, 6" Display with New E Ink Pearl Technology - includes Special Offers & Sponsored Screensavers" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WtSRWclnL.jpg" align="left" width="400" height="400"]When we recently took a family vacation to Texas, not only did I bring only my Kindle for reading, but so did he.  Of course, being the geeks that we are in my family, we discussed why neither of us brought a tablet computer, and neither of us brought a laptop…and the concensus was, simply this.  For the best reading experience, absolutely nothing beats the Amazon Kindle. 

Unlike tablet computers, the Kindle isn’t backlit, and you don’t accidentally hit the wrong button on the touchscreen, thereby loosing your place in the book that you’re currently reading.   The Amazon Kindle, with it’s eInk display, and manual page turning buttons on the sides, actually functions better as an eReader than any tablet computer on the market.  And, if you want to just read a book, there is no better device. 

So, yes, while I use one of my tablets whenever I want to search the web, update my Facebook status, or play a quick game of scrabble on Pogo.com, when it comes to reading a book, it’s going to be a long time until I retire the one device that just feels right, looks right, and works right for reading. 

Just like it took some time for many of us to consider switching from real books to the Kindle, they are going to have to retire the Kindle completely before I will switch to reading on anything else.

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