kindle

[poky]

The kindle fire is android, yes, so you can download android apps to it (and yes, there are a crapton of them), with a couple minor caveats: 1) most of those apps are designed for phone-sized things, so you'll have the same issues people do with running iphone apps on an ipad - some apps just don't look as good (it's not a functionality thing, just aesthetics, and a lot of app makers are keeping larger screensizes in mind, now, too). and 2) my understanding is that out of the box, you can only download android apps that are on the AMAZON android market, not the main google market...but I also understand that there's a reasonably simple workaround for that, so it's probably not a serious limitation.

[peggyfromwastate]

I use the basic kindle e-reader for everything. I have downloaded books using 3G and I think last summer when I did that there was an $0.08 charge for the browsing time over 3G. I believe they have done away with the charge. Anyway usually I have the connectivity turned off (preserves battery life) and I just use wifi through our home network to download books and sync with my iPhone over the kindle app.

My kindle was a gift a year ago- and I thought I'd never use it. But I do use it all the time and I read much more now (it's so convenient) and I really do love it. I think since you are an anti-clutter gal, you'll appreciate it too!!

One thing I do not do us kids books over the basic kindle. I think those would definitely be better over a backlit- but I'm waiting for an iPad for that vs the kindle fire. Ahhhh, dreams for attendinghood. Dh would buy me one today if I let him, but he doesn't do the budget and I know it's just not a good idea.

[GrayMatterWife]

I got my mom a Kindle Fire for Christmas. She had an earlier model of the Kindle, and LOVES the new one!

DH got me a B&N Nook (whichever one is the newest version) for Christmas. He got me a Nook because he landed a $300 B&N gift certificate after completing a survey distributed by a spine rep! Yay, me! I love it for its convenience re: accessing the internet. I have left my computer at home while I have been traveling extensively since about mid-December (it was an early Christmas gift). The e-Reader feature is fine--it makes it convenient not to have to tote a book during travel. But, honestly, I am old school. I love the feel of a book, cracking the spine, holding it in my hands, then eventually putting it on my shelf. I do not feel any "reward" from reading on the e-Reader. It is like really unfulfilling sex.

[ladymoreta]

I love my Kindle. It's so easy to read, especially the really long fantasy books I like, which would never fit in a purse and were hard to read on the elliptical at the gym. Not to mention we donated almost all our books and got rid of our bookshelves.

I think I would love the Kindle Fire. My Kindle is an older model, and graphics, like maps, are terrible. For that reason, I can't really imagine reading magazines on it, although I haven't ever tried. I think I would really miss the battery life, though, so I may just keep the e-ink version for reading and put an iPad on my someday wishlist.


Laurie

[SoonerTexan]

I have an old kindle from my MIL I hardly ever use, but want to start trying now that I have a lot of forced "free time" nursing. I pulled it out and saw the charging cord was completely shot. We thought an animal had gotten to it but then saw loads of reviews on Amazon that mention the same issue. Anybody else have that issue?

MrsK, based in your description of what you do with books/magazines, I think you would live a Kindle or Kindle-like device. I just didn't use mine because I stopped reading much in general, not because the device sucked.

[MrsK]

Yep, he got me a kindle. Now what? App recommendations? Does anyone know how to sync it with a google calendar? Is there a pinterest app? What do I do with this thing?

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

Yep, he got me a kindle. Now what? App recommendations? Does anyone know how to sync it with a google calendar? Is there a pinterest app? What do I do with this thing?

Reading while nursing is nice because it's light and one-handed. You can get newspapers on subscription if you're not into books.

[SuzySunshine]

Is it a regular Kindle or the fire? I don't think you can put apps on the regular one but maybe I'm just not using mine to the full potential.

[niener]

Which Kindle did you get? The Fire?

I've heard frustrating things about the Pinterest app but haven't tried it myself.

[spotty_dog]

I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas. I haven't found any good apps for Google products in the store, but they look great on the web browser and work beautifully. I've used Gmail and the Calendar and although my Apple mail and iCal are my primary products I use, it's almost enough to make me switch! I also don't see a Pinterest app. My kids use it to play chess and tic-tac-toe. They are clamoring for me to download Cut the Rope but I would never get my Kindle if they had that addictive a game on there! Big warning, turn OFF wi-fi before handing it to a kid. The Kindle is set up for one-click purchases through Amazon, and certain curious little ones could *cough* buy a book off your wishlist, buy an app, AND buy a downloadable video before you get wise...(did you know that Amazon's return policy for digital purchases is really great?)

The #1 thing I use my Kindle for is library books. I have gotten into reading SO much more fiction since I found that I can see a recommendation, go to the library Overdrive site, and place a hold. In just a few days or weeks I get an email that my book is available, I download it, and I'm good to go! No trip to the library, and unlike physical books that stagnate on my bedside table, I keep my Fire by my side most of the day and pick it up when the kids are playing nicely together to absorb myself in another chapter. The #2 thing I use it for is purchased books. Hm, I really wanted to know more about nonprofit accounting ASAP...hey look, Amazon has Nonprofit Accounting for Dummies for cheaper than the physical book, $9.99...one click and a few seconds later I'm reading. Oh, or I started reading the Hunger Games with a free download, but then I was hooked and wanted the next two (and of course the library hold list is long) so $6 bought me instant gratification. I try not to do that too much though! #3 is videos. You get a free month of Amazon Prime with the purchase, so you can get a TON of free videos in the video store. But you can also email mp4 files to yourself and watch those, like a yarn spinning instructional video I purchased from a 3rd party and then watched late at night while the kids slept.

I love it to death but now I kind of want an eInk one because I do get a bit of eyestrain and I can't see it in direct sunlight while hanging with the kids at the park. On the other hand my bedside light isn't adequate for reading so the backlight is kind of nice. Fortunately Amazon makes it super easy to download the same book to multiple devices.

[MrsK]

Ok, I've got questions:

1. Can I sync my kindle with my google calender? If not, can I synch cozi (for which kindle has an app) with my google calender?

2. I think there is an android pinterest app. Can I get it for my kindle?

3. I tried to make a subscribe and save purchase through the amazon store app. It didn't appear that I could do that. Can I? It would be super if I could just buy diapers when I notice I'm out without having to get out the laptop. But I save $7 per box using subscribe and save + amazon mom.

[MrsK]

Also, is there an Adobe Flash app?