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Post by maryland on Mar 23, 2020 12:56:16 GMT
I have never read anything but actual paper books. Never planned to, so know absolutely NOTHING about kindles, e-books, etc. But because I have a limited number of books to read, and depending on how long the quarantine lasts, will run out before it's done. So, I am looking to buy a device where I can buy books, but prefer to get free library books.
So, what should I know before purchasing a kindle paperwhite? I found they have them at Target for $129. Can you get library books on that or is it only for buying books? Sorry, I am clueless about any of this! And how do I find out if it's even an option at my library (since it's closed, so I can't call and ask).
Besides using it to read during this time, it would be nice to have to take to the beach! So something that would work for now and future vacations would be perfect!
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scrappinghappy
Pearl Clutcher
“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
Posts: 4,306
Jun 26, 2014 19:30:06 GMT
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Post by scrappinghappy on Mar 23, 2020 13:01:59 GMT
Do uou currrently have a tablet? If so you likely dont need another device.
Go to your library website and look for digital resources. Ours has access to books through Overdrive, CloudLibrary and Libby. I use my iPad and dh uses his Samsung. Neither of us have a kindle device. You can also download the kindle App
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Post by tommygirl on Mar 23, 2020 13:18:41 GMT
I had no desire to read on an electronic device but once I started I really loved the convenience of it! I have had a Kindle Paperwhite and it was awesome. My dh upgraded me to an Oasis last year and it is wonderful also. I think the Paperwhite is an awesome place to start. During this weird time if you just want to get the kindle app you can use it on your laptop or ipad (or phone, but that is too small for me). Like you said, if you get a Paperwhite you can use it later at the beach or even if you want to sit outside in the sun right now.
My Mom prefers the Kindle Fire. She uses it to access Facebook and other games on the internet. The issue with Kindle Fire for me is that it is not good for reading outside or in direct sun.
Remember you can borrow books for free from libraries on it. There are different sites you can sign up for that will send you a daily email with ebooks that are on sale. My favorites are Modern Mrs. Darcy's email list and Bookbub. I rarely buy a book full price. I prefer to borrow a book from the library or if I see it go to $.99 or $1.99 I may pick it up.
You can sign up for kindle unlimited which allows you to pay a subscription price and then you select from their list so many free books a month. I do not subscribe because the available books are usually older, less popular ones.
Look for a thread here at the beginning of the month if you have Amazon prime. You get 1 free newly released book from 6-7 choices. If you choose to buy another selection they offer it at a discounted rate ($4.99 I think)
I think you will be really happy with your purchase if you get the Paperwhite!
Happy reading!
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Post by maryland on Mar 23, 2020 13:26:51 GMT
Do uou currrently have a tablet? If so you likely dont need another device. Go to your library website and look for digital resources. Ours has access to books through Overdrive, CloudLibrary and Libby. I use my iPad and dh uses his Samsung. Neither of us have a kindle device. You can also download the kindle App Thanks! I think my husband may! He has something that is just like a screen, I will have to ask him or my kids if that is a tablet. As soon as the family wakes up, I will ask!
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Post by maryland on Mar 23, 2020 13:29:19 GMT
I had no desire to read on an electronic device but once I started I really loved the convenience of it! I have had a Kindle Paperwhite and it was awesome. My dh upgraded me to an Oasis last year and it is wonderful also. I think the Paperwhite is an awesome place to start. During this weird time if you just want to get the kindle app you can use it on your laptop or ipad (or phone, but that is too small for me). Like you said, if you get a Paperwhite you can use it later at the beach or even if you want to sit outside in the sun right now. My Mom prefers the Kindle Fire. She uses it to access Facebook and other games on the internet. The issue with Kindle Fire for me is that it is not good for reading outside or in direct sun. Remember you can borrow books for free from libraries on it. There are different sites you can sign up for that will send you a daily email with ebooks that are on sale. My favorites are Modern Mrs. Darcy's email list and Bookbub. I rarely buy a book full price. I prefer to borrow a book from the library or if I see it go to $.99 or $1.99 I may pick it up. You can sign up for kindle unlimited which allows you to pay a subscription price and then you select from their list so many free books a month. I do not subscribe because the available books are usually older, less popular ones. Look for a thread here at the beginning of the month if you have Amazon prime. You get 1 free newly released book from 6-7 choices. If you choose to buy another selection they offer it at a discounted rate ($4.99 I think) I think you will be really happy with your purchase if you get the Paperwhite! Happy reading! Thank you so much! Lots of great info here! The one I saw at Target is Amazon Kindle Paperwhite 10th Generation 2018 release. Does that sound like a good one?
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pancakes
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,993
Feb 4, 2015 6:49:53 GMT
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Post by pancakes on Mar 23, 2020 13:34:52 GMT
I still have an early generation Kindle that works great. I doubt you’ll have issues with the quality of the machine.
You might prefer to read on a Paperwhite, even though you can read on your phone or any other device where you can download the app, if only to reduce eye strain or improve your reading experience so it’s as book-like as possible.
If your public library has a good selection of digital books, then you should have no problem borrowing them — that part really comes down to your library, not your device.
Otherwise, you’ve already gotten some good advice on this thread!
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Post by maryland on Mar 23, 2020 13:36:00 GMT
Another question - Can you listen to audio books on this kindle?
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,134
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 23, 2020 13:38:19 GMT
I found they have them at Target for $129. On sale from Amazon right now for $94. Do you have Prime? With Prime, you get some free books. Every month there is a "First Reads". You can pick one book out of several offered, for free. There are some other freebies offered and also some very inexpensive books too. Can you get library books on that or is it only for buying books? Yes. My Library uses something called Bridges. I log in using my Library card number. It is just like checking a regular book out of the Library. I can have it on my device for 2 (or maybe 3) weeks. Once the time is up, it goes away. I have found as long as I do not close out of the book, even after the time is up, I can still continue to read it, as long as I keep my Paperwhite charged. But there are also limited quantities of books to check out too. You might have to get on a wait list for some of the popular books. There are some books that took a couple months for me to move up to the top of the list to be able to check them out. And how do I find out if it's even an option at my library (since it's closed, so I can't call and ask). Is your Library closed completely? Mine is closed to the Public, but still staffed. I can call in if I need to. I was able to set my stuff up on my own, but I did need to know my Library card number. I'm sure each Library system differs though. Do uou currrently have a tablet? If so you likely dont need another device. The app works great on a tablet or your phone. But once I got my Paperwhite, I loved it so much more. The screen makes it so easy to read in all light conditions. My kids had the regular Kindles (non-Paperwhite) and I was amazed at how much better I liked the Paperwhite, and it's special lit screen. It is an e-Reader only, it does not do anything else.
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iowgirl
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,134
Jun 25, 2014 22:52:46 GMT
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Post by iowgirl on Mar 23, 2020 13:39:39 GMT
Another question - Can you listen to audio books on this kindle? No. I downloaded the Audible app on my phone. I am sure there are other audio book apps that don't cost though. I need to check into that. I am not much for audiobooks. Love Podcasts though, but I am running out of them! LOL
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Post by CarolinaGirl71 on Mar 23, 2020 13:40:36 GMT
You might try out the Kindle app on a tablet and see if you're interested. If you are, I'd recommend the Paperwhite for long term reading. It's lighter and more comfortable to hold than a tablet, IMHO.
If you have a library card, you can probably sign up online at your local library and choose downloads there.
I have seen on Facebook that the New York City Library is opening it's collection to everyone during this isolation period. I'm not sure how that works, but I'm sure you can figure it out.
I love my Paperwhite!
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Post by catck on Mar 23, 2020 13:42:31 GMT
If you have Prime you can borrow books free from Amazon plus there are sites which list free books. I rarely buy books! The sites I use are BookBub and Freebooksy but there are probably more. I love my Paperwhite!
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Post by Basket1lady on Mar 23, 2020 14:19:56 GMT
Buy from Amazon. The customer support is great and you can get one with ads which cuts the price—the $94 mentioned. You only see the ad when you turn it on and then it’s gone as soon as you swipe to your book. And you can pay the extra $ and get the ads shut off if you really can’t stand them.
There is also the basic version of a Kindle available for $60. If you always have a light source, you can consider that. The Paperwhite has a back lit screen that is easy on the eyes and allows for you to read in a dim or dark room, but I did fine with a regular Kindle for years.
You can get them with or without an internet connection. I really recommend without an internet capability. I don’t use it enough to justify the extra expense and can use WiFi or my phone as a hot spot if needed. You would need WiFi to download a book, but that takes less than a minute and then you don’t need it again until you check out another book.
If you have a Kindle Fire, iPad, or other tablet, you can get a Kindle app. The app is similar to using a Kindle, but a little more clunky. And you have a blue screen vs e ink to read off of. I always have books on my phone. It has a continuous scroll feature, so you sort of read and scroll down as you read (rather than tapping the device to go to the next page). I don’t even notice it anymore.
You cannot listen to an audiobook on a Paperwhite, but it does have text to speech where a computer generated voice reads the text. Search for examples on YouTube. It’s not for me, but obviously some people like it or the option wouldn’t be there.
As others have said, check your library for available books. I find there is a wait for the bestsellers. But my library system just added 40,000+ classics that are always available.
Once you set up your Kindle/Paperwhite, it’s very simple to use. I have mine set to upload books from the library automatically when I check them out.
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Post by flanz on Mar 23, 2020 14:26:04 GMT
I still have an early generation Kindle that works great. I doubt you’ll have issues with the quality of the machine. You might prefer to read on a Paperwhite, even though you can read on your phone or any other device where you can download the app, if only to reduce eye strain or improve your reading experience so it’s as book-like as possible. If your public library has a good selection of digital books, then you should have no problem borrowing them — that part really comes down to your library, not your device. Otherwise, you’ve already gotten some good advice on this thread! I agree! My Paperwhite is a few years old and I love that thing. Being able to make the font a comfortable size and adjust light level to what feels good to my eyes under diff indoor and outdoor conditions is the bomb! Enjoy!
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Post by monklady123 on Mar 23, 2020 14:44:33 GMT
Are you the one who lives in Pittsburgh? If so, then yet you can borrow ebooks from the library. They use Overdrive. You should buy the Paperwhite from Amazon if you can because it's less expensive. Get the one "with ads" or whatever they call them "might be "promotional")... they're not really ads like for products, it's just suggested books, and that screen only appears when you first open your kindle. Also a good reason to buy it from Amazon is their customer support that can help you get it set up (if the Peas can't, of course ) Once you do that then we can walk you through how to borrow a book.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,710
Location: Houston, TX
Jun 25, 2014 22:47:49 GMT
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Post by smartypants71 on Mar 23, 2020 14:55:53 GMT
I love love love my Paperwhite. I prefer it over using the Kindle app on my iPad because it's so much lighter and I don't get the eye fatigue that I get from my ipad. Yes, you can borrow library books, but they can be an extremely long wait for popular ones. It is definitely a stranded-on-a-desert-island item.
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Post by freecharlie on Mar 23, 2020 15:01:01 GMT
If you don't need the backlit feature and think you will only use it while libraries are closed, you can get a regular kindle. They are cheaper.
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scrappinghappy
Pearl Clutcher
“I’m late, I’m late for a very important date. No time to say “Hello.” Goodbye. I’m late...."
Posts: 4,306
Jun 26, 2014 19:30:06 GMT
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Post by scrappinghappy on Mar 23, 2020 15:06:46 GMT
Another question - Can you listen to audio books on this kindle? No, but you can on a tablet or a Fire
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Post by maryland on Mar 23, 2020 15:08:53 GMT
I still have an early generation Kindle that works great. I doubt you’ll have issues with the quality of the machine. You might prefer to read on a Paperwhite, even though you can read on your phone or any other device where you can download the app, if only to reduce eye strain or improve your reading experience so it’s as book-like as possible. If your public library has a good selection of digital books, then you should have no problem borrowing them — that part really comes down to your library, not your device. Otherwise, you’ve already gotten some good advice on this thread! I just want to make sure I am understanding correctly. So the paperwhite helps with eye strain and improves reading experience so it's book like? That would be great!
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Post by maryland on Mar 23, 2020 15:10:21 GMT
I found they have them at Target for $129. On sale from Amazon right now for $94. Do you have Prime? With Prime, you get some free books. Every month there is a "First Reads". You can pick one book out of several offered, for free. There are some other freebies offered and also some very inexpensive books too. Can you get library books on that or is it only for buying books? Yes. My Library uses something called Bridges. I log in using my Library card number. It is just like checking a regular book out of the Library. I can have it on my device for 2 (or maybe 3) weeks. Once the time is up, it goes away. I have found as long as I do not close out of the book, even after the time is up, I can still continue to read it, as long as I keep my Paperwhite charged. But there are also limited quantities of books to check out too. You might have to get on a wait list for some of the popular books. There are some books that took a couple months for me to move up to the top of the list to be able to check them out. And how do I find out if it's even an option at my library (since it's closed, so I can't call and ask). Is your Library closed completely? Mine is closed to the Public, but still staffed. I can call in if I need to. I was able to set my stuff up on my own, but I did need to know my Library card number. I'm sure each Library system differs though. Do uou currrently have a tablet? If so you likely dont need another device. The app works great on a tablet or your phone. But once I got my Paperwhite, I loved it so much more. The screen makes it so easy to read in all light conditions. My kids had the regular Kindles (non-Paperwhite) and I was amazed at how much better I liked the Paperwhite, and it's special lit screen. It is an e-Reader only, it does not do anything else. Thank you so much! Yes, I think we have prime! I hardly ever order online, but my husband and kids have, so I will have them help me!
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pancakes
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,993
Feb 4, 2015 6:49:53 GMT
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Post by pancakes on Mar 23, 2020 15:10:32 GMT
I still have an early generation Kindle that works great. I doubt you’ll have issues with the quality of the machine. You might prefer to read on a Paperwhite, even though you can read on your phone or any other device where you can download the app, if only to reduce eye strain or improve your reading experience so it’s as book-like as possible. If your public library has a good selection of digital books, then you should have no problem borrowing them — that part really comes down to your library, not your device. Otherwise, you’ve already gotten some good advice on this thread! I just want to make sure I am understanding correctly. So the paperwhite helps with eye strain and improves reading experience so it's book like? That would be great! That's what the Kindles are good at! Minus the Kindle Fire, which is more like an iPad.
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Post by maryland on Mar 23, 2020 15:11:15 GMT
Are you the one who lives in Pittsburgh? If so, then yet you can borrow ebooks from the library. They use Overdrive. You should buy the Paperwhite from Amazon if you can because it's less expensive. Get the one "with ads" or whatever they call them "might be "promotional")... they're not really ads like for products, it's just suggested books, and that screen only appears when you first open your kindle. Also a good reason to buy it from Amazon is their customer support that can help you get it set up (if the Peas can't, of course ) Once you do that then we can walk you through how to borrow a book. Yes! Carneige Library is the best! I only get books there, but would love ebooks!
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Post by monklady123 on Mar 23, 2020 15:14:49 GMT
Are you the one who lives in Pittsburgh? If so, then yet you can borrow ebooks from the library. They use Overdrive. You should buy the Paperwhite from Amazon if you can because it's less expensive. Get the one "with ads" or whatever they call them "might be "promotional")... they're not really ads like for products, it's just suggested books, and that screen only appears when you first open your kindle. Also a good reason to buy it from Amazon is their customer support that can help you get it set up (if the Peas can't, of course ) Once you do that then we can walk you through how to borrow a book. Yes! Carneige Library is the best! I only get books there, but would love ebooks! You're all set then! Get the Paperwhite and then we'll get you set up, or Amazon will. Their online chat is quite good, although don't try to find the link on their website. Just google "Amazon online chat" to get the direct link. They hide it well on the site. I like doing the online chat because you don't have to deal with a bad connection to an overseas representative, and you don't have to try to understand an accent through that bad connection.
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Post by maryland on Mar 23, 2020 15:15:42 GMT
I found they have them at Target for $129. On sale from Amazon right now for $94. Do you have Prime? With Prime, you get some free books. Every month there is a "First Reads". You can pick one book out of several offered, for free. There are some other freebies offered and also some very inexpensive books too. Can you get library books on that or is it only for buying books? Yes. My Library uses something called Bridges. I log in using my Library card number. It is just like checking a regular book out of the Library. I can have it on my device for 2 (or maybe 3) weeks. Once the time is up, it goes away. I have found as long as I do not close out of the book, even after the time is up, I can still continue to read it, as long as I keep my Paperwhite charged. But there are also limited quantities of books to check out too. You might have to get on a wait list for some of the popular books. There are some books that took a couple months for me to move up to the top of the list to be able to check them out. And how do I find out if it's even an option at my library (since it's closed, so I can't call and ask). Is your Library closed completely? Mine is closed to the Public, but still staffed. I can call in if I need to. I was able to set my stuff up on my own, but I did need to know my Library card number. I'm sure each Library system differs though. Do uou currrently have a tablet? If so you likely dont need another device. The app works great on a tablet or your phone. But once I got my Paperwhite, I loved it so much more. The screen makes it so easy to read in all light conditions. My kids had the regular Kindles (non-Paperwhite) and I was amazed at how much better I liked the Paperwhite, and it's special lit screen. It is an e-Reader only, it does not do anything else. Yes, library completely closed. Our state closed everything but life sustaining businesses last week.
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Post by maryland on Mar 23, 2020 15:17:10 GMT
If you don't need the backlit feature and think you will only use it while libraries are closed, you can get a regular kindle. They are cheaper. Thanks so much! I will look into that too!
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Post by Skellinton on Mar 23, 2020 15:18:52 GMT
I don’t think reading on your iPad or tablet and reading on your kindle even come close to comparing. The kindle is so much better in all the ways listed above, but the biggest to me are eye strain and being able to read at night without keeping my husband awake.
It also doesn’t sound like you have your own tablet you will definitely want your own device to read on otherwise you will have to borrow someone else’s all the time.
I get books all the time from my library, it is very easy to do. I haven’t met anyone who has regretted a paperwhite purchase.
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Post by freecharlie on Mar 23, 2020 15:19:39 GMT
Dont forget to go through ebates. It won't pop up, you have to go through the website or the app but they often give 5% on amazon devices
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Post by monklady123 on Mar 23, 2020 15:21:42 GMT
If you don't need the backlit feature and think you will only use it while libraries are closed, you can get a regular kindle. They are cheaper. Thanks so much! I will look into that too! Honestly, don't get the regular tablet, get the Paperwhite. The page looks like a book and there's never a glare. You can take it outside on the deck, to the beach, sitting in a waiting room somewhere with bright lights... it's never a problem seeing the screen. I suspect that you'll grow to love it, even as you continue to read paper books. So you might as well have the real deal... I just love using it for reading in bed because it's so much lighter than many books. And because the light is "soft" it doesn't disturb dh while he's sleeping.
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Post by maryland on Mar 23, 2020 16:12:08 GMT
Thanks everyone! After freecharlie mentioned the regular kindle being cheaper, I looked it up at Target. But what came up was the paperwhite, and they had just dropped the price of the Kindle Paperwhite to $84.99 (from $129.99), Thanks freecharlie! So I called Target, they matched the online price, so I picked it up! I will have to have my kids help me set it up, but I'm so happy to have it for when I finish my books.
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Post by tommygirl on Mar 23, 2020 16:20:51 GMT
Congrats on your new kindle!!! I think you will love it!
Even if your library buildings are closed check out your library system website. Our libraries are closed but they have updated their website with information on how to borrow books digitally. Also as someone already mentioned Audible is having an extended free trial right now if you want to listen to audio books.
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,769
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Mar 23, 2020 16:25:47 GMT
Since you have prime, you will be offered a book free every month from a selection of six new publications, not sure if you have to sign up for it, it's been so long I can't remember. Plus there is a section called prime reading with a wide selection of books and magazines. You can borrow up to ten at a time. Once you return one you can borrow another. There is also an offer called Kindle Daily deal with a number of books for 99p (Uk)
I have the old kindle which works very well for me, you can open categories to group your books by subject or author or whatever works for you.
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