Amazon Kindle

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Wed Dec 02, 2015 10:47 am

This may be the first year of my long and pointless life that I haven't bought a single book -- digital or otherwise. I've gotten plenty of new books this year, and the backlog of books I'm obliged to read (free copies in return for written reviews) will not be caught up before the end of the year.

Now, I don't know if you can do this with the regular Kindle tablets, but with the Fire versions you can install the Overdrive app, which allows you to connect to libraries you are a member of and check out books without actually setting foot in a library.

Question though -- is it possible to resell eBooks that you own? After moving in to my current house, I put my entire physical library up for sale, and it's slowly melting away (sold 2 books for a combined $60 this morning, woot!) I can't imagine that reselling ebooks would be anything but shady at best, though.

Another question -- is there any sort of app (or Kindle plug-in or Kindle feature I don't know about) that allows you organize ebooks? Now that my inventory is in the hundreds, finding what I have on particular subjects is becoming a real chore.

coopasonic · Post by **coopasonic** » Wed Dec 02, 2015 10:49 am

coopasonic wrote:
Pointer wrote:Steve Jobs weighs in on the Kindle:

"It doesn’t matter how good or bad the product is, the fact is that people don’t read anymore," he said. "Forty percent of the people in the U.S. read one book or less last year. The whole conception is flawed at the top because people don’t read anymore."
Seriously? 40% of the US read one book or less last year? People don't read anymore? What is he smoking?

EDIT: Source.
I believe it. I'm a pretty well educated guy with a cushy desk job and I go years at a time without reading a book, then I will read 3-4 books and go yaers again without. My wife is the same way. I've read hundreds of books I just don't take the time to do it much anymore.

Fast forward nearly 8 years and I read books pretty much constantly now specifically *because* of the kindle (the kindle app technically, but the kindle got me there).

McNutt · Post by **McNutt** » Wed Dec 02, 2015 11:01 am

I went from reading about 1 book a year (seriously) to about 15 because I got a Kindle. I also love that I can buy all the books I want and not have to worry about the space they will take up in my house.

Reemul · Post by **Reemul** » Wed Dec 02, 2015 11:50 am

It's funny how that Jobs quote makes it seem like 40% of the USA is 40% of the world. I mean thats what 120 million people read 1 book or less. To me that still left an enormous amount of people both in the US and elsewhere who could choose to read.

Reading still seems very popular, sure we all know people who don't read like we know people that don't watch movies, play games, drink, smoke, eat meat etc but it's no reason to write it off.

It seems a lot of people have the Kindle app on their phone and plenty still read real books along with those that read using ereaders.

Choice is always good.

gilraen · Post by **gilraen** » Wed Dec 02, 2015 7:14 pm

Jeff V wrote: Now, I don't know if you can do this with the regular Kindle tablets, but with the Fire versions you can install the Overdrive app, which allows you to connect to libraries you are a member of and check out books without actually setting foot in a library.

I can check out Kindle books from my library's website, without having any app on my Kindle (or in the case of my old Kindle, without even having wi-fi capability, it only has 3G, which isn't compatible with the library's checkout system - I have to connect it with a cable to transfer the file).

Jeff V wrote: Another question -- is there any sort of app (or Kindle plug-in or Kindle feature I don't know about) that allows you organize ebooks? Now that my inventory is in the hundreds, finding what I have on particular subjects is becoming a real chore.

Kindle lets you create folders to organize the books, I think Kindle Fire has something called Cloud Collections which works similarly.

coopasonic · Post by **coopasonic** » Wed Dec 02, 2015 9:44 pm

gilraen wrote:Kindle lets you create folders to organize the books, I think Kindle Fire has something called Cloud Collections which works similarly.

!!! how did I not know this?

Zaxxon · Post by **Zaxxon** » Wed Dec 02, 2015 9:57 pm

I don't know, but I find it hilarious.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 10:48 am

coopasonic wrote:
gilraen wrote:Kindle lets you create folders to organize the books, I think Kindle Fire has something called Cloud Collections which works similarly.
!!! how did I not know this?

I will have to look into this as well. Thanks!

LawBeefaroni · Post by **LawBeefaroni** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 11:11 am

Jeff V wrote:Another question -- is there any sort of app (or Kindle plug-in or Kindle feature I don't know about) that allows you organize ebooks? Now that my inventory is in the hundreds, finding what I have on particular subjects is becoming a real chore.

Calibre.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 11:46 am

LawBeefaroni wrote:
Jeff V wrote:Another question -- is there any sort of app (or Kindle plug-in or Kindle feature I don't know about) that allows you organize ebooks? Now that my inventory is in the hundreds, finding what I have on particular subjects is becoming a real chore.
Calibre.

I have that installed on my work computer (which I use to Kindlize non-Kindle ebooks, something I've apparently done 5 times as there is 5 books listed in the app). Is there an app that works in Android? The website doesn't seem to mention one.

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 1:42 pm

So, I did order a battery kit from Amazon. I'm really happy to be able to just continue using my Kindle. So thanks, HBA!

Zaxxon · Post by **Zaxxon** » Thu Dec 03, 2015 1:47 pm

I got an offer from my Amazon rewards card this am to buy a Kindle base, Paperwhite, or Fire tablet at 25% off. If anyone here has been looking for one on the cheap, I could have it shipped to you. I'm guessing just after they were 15-20% off for Black Friday there's not any interest, but thought I'd toss it out there.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 12:23 pm

Is this also the Fire thread? If not, lemme know and I will delete and repost.

If I understand correctly (and it's hard to just do that, given the chaos, and the fact that Amazon still lists discontinued models in SOME of its comparos, and has multiple comparos):

To get an equivalent Retina-beating screen of the older 7" HDX Fire, you have to pay $430 now? Screw that man, at that price, it's a no brainer to get an iPad.

It looks like there is a ton of low cost, low quality (both screen and build, from what I have read in reviews) options now, or a couple of really high end options that only a crazy person would pick over an equivalently priced iPad (me included, and I am much more Amazon-centric than I am Apple). Absolutely nothing in the middle anymore.

To make matters worse, the high end of the "low end" models make you choose between size, SD card capability, and screen resolution. If you want the best screen, you lose SD card ability, and size (6"). If you want the 8" sized screen, you get awful resolution and ppi (I hesitate to bring that acronym back up, but there it is).

As a comparison:

My old HDX 7
16GB
1920x1200 (323 ppi)
$195 at time of purchase
7" screen

New Fire HD 6
16GB
1280x800 (252 ppi)
$100
6" screen

New Fire HD 8
16GB
1280x800 (189 ppi)
$149
8" screen

If you want a screen as nice as the previous gen Fires, your lowest price option is $429! So it goes from $150 to $429! Nuts.

They really need to add some options in the middle, IMO...their high end stuff does not justify the price, and competes directly with an iPad, and the low end stuff has generally poorer specs than their older gen models (but admittedly, at much lower price points).

At the end of all this, I picked the HD6 primarily due to the screen. Going backwards in that dept. from the previous gen HDX already doesn't sit well with me, so the choice was between much worse screen quality vs. MUCH MUCH worse screen quality.

Whew. I feel better!

McNutt · Post by **McNutt** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 12:58 pm

I was really disappointed with Amazon's direction too. It seemed like they were going to take on Apple with high-quality devices at great prices in the hopes that consumers would use those devices to buy more from Amazon. I was very happy with that sell. Now they've shifted to inexpensive tablets that have markedly inferior specs. They were hitting home runs two years ago and now they seem to be happy with a sacrifice fly.

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 1:19 pm

HD series with 1280x800 is called HD because Amazon still have the "regular" Fire, which is 1024x600.

Amazon still have HDX refurbs... but only the 8.9. WiFi only refurb is as low as $219.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 1:38 pm

$199 @ Staples

Kasey Chang · Post by **Kasey Chang** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 1:42 pm

Jeff V wrote:$199 @ Staples

That's the 7 incher. The $219 I mentioned refurb was the 8.9 incher.

And $68 for the origami case which was $20 on launch? Ouch.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 1:43 pm

It seemed he was looking for a new replacement 7" HDX.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 2:42 pm

I am not against refurbs for certain items, but would not personally touch a refurb Kindle Fire...even when new, they can be quirky, hardware-wise.

YellowKing · Post by **YellowKing** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 3:33 pm

Yeah, my wife wanted to pick up a couple of refurbs for the kids, but then I reminded her that they already have access to her original Kindle Fire which they never play with because it's so slow and quirky. So why we would want to acquire two more is beyond me.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 3:39 pm

Well, they are CHEAP.

That's the primary reason I am buying another one...and for kids who are quite breaksy (and have a history of iPad dropping, to boot), it's an even better fit.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 4:04 pm

My baby's HDX has rubber baby bumpers that so far have worked great -- when he gets mad and throws it, it just bounces. It does nothing to protect the screen from daddy's knee when left on the car seat though.

gilraen · Post by **gilraen** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 4:47 pm

Does the HDX really matter for such a significant upcharge, vs. an HD model? I mean, there's only so much screen quality you can get out of a 7" screen anyway, why pay an extra $50-$100 for a previous-gen model?

McNutt · Post by **McNutt** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 5:02 pm

When the HDX was released they made a big deal about the quality of the speakers. I have a second generation Fire and an HDX and the speakers on both are excellent. I don't know how good the speakers are on the new models.

I also can't say how sharp the screen will be to my eye, but the screen on the HDX is pretty awesome. If you plan on using the tablet for reading that screen resolution might make a bit of difference to you.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 5:24 pm

gilraen wrote:Does the HDX really matter for such a significant upcharge, vs. an HD model? I mean, there's only so much screen quality you can get out of a 7" screen anyway, why pay an extra $50-$100 for a previous-gen model?

If you value a leading class screen, then yes, though I would argue that's ALL it has going for it...the interface, and various other quirks would make me go the iPad route any day in that price point. Not even mentioning the Apple app store vs. the cut down Amazon app store (which most people would consider first, more than hardware I think).

It was one of the reasons when we discussed reading platforms, what was better, a Kindle Paperwhite, or this crazy hi-res screen...many ppl thought I was nuts because I said I preferred this screen over the Paperwhite. I think those same people had not actually SEEN this model, though.

It's that awesome and clear.

EvilHomer3k · Post by **EvilHomer3k** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 5:38 pm

McNutt wrote:When the HDX was released they made a big deal about the quality of the speakers. I have a second generation Fire and an HDX and the speakers on both are excellent. I don't know how good the speakers are on the new models.

For the base model 7" complete crap compared to the original HD.

McNutt · Post by **McNutt** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 5:46 pm

I listen to a lot of music on my HDX through the speakers when I try to calm my baby. I also watch a lot of shows/movies through Prime, so I wouldn't be willing to skimp on the speakers or resolution.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Dec 08, 2015 5:53 pm

McNutt wrote:I listen to a lot of music on my HDX through the speakers when I try to calm my baby. I also watch a lot of shows/movies through Prime, so I wouldn't be willing to skimp on the speakers or resolution.

Yeah, the HD6 I just bought (current gen!) has a mono speaker, believe it or not. I considered that, because moving to the HD8 gives you a stereo speaker, but again, you lose the higher res screen of the 6.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Sun Dec 13, 2015 5:01 pm

Fire HD 6 looks fine, resolution-wise.

OTOH, managing, editing/adding a second profile to your account for a second kid, with Freetime, etc. is a freaking nightmare. BOO Amazon, BOOO!

I know this, after being on Amazon cust svc chat for the past 2 hours. I will not be buying anymore Fire's going forward. Sorry, son, you will be on some different OS from your sisters. Not going through this crap again.

Zaxxon · Post by **Zaxxon** » Sun Dec 13, 2015 5:35 pm

Just curious, but what was the Free time problem? It's worked fine for me so far, though I haven't done a ton with it.

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Sun Dec 13, 2015 7:32 pm

Carpet_pissr wrote:
McNutt wrote:I listen to a lot of music on my HDX through the speakers when I try to calm my baby. I also watch a lot of shows/movies through Prime, so I wouldn't be willing to skimp on the speakers or resolution.
Yeah, the HD6 I just bought (current gen!) has a mono speaker, believe it or not. I considered that, because moving to the HD8 gives you a stereo speaker, but again, you lose the higher res screen of the 6.

What about pairing it with bluetooth speakers? Would that be an option for you guys?

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Sun Dec 13, 2015 8:27 pm

Zaxxon wrote:Just curious, but what was the Free time problem? It's worked fine for me so far, though I haven't done a ton with it.

Apparently they have not thought about people who want to buy 2 Kindles, and have two Freetime accounts in the same family. It's a shared thing. And I have one 11 YO and one 8 YO. They have an option now for "teen" Freetime, but I would say it's on the verge. Anyway...they are interested in completely different content, and apparently there is no easy way to do that.

Just frustrating to spend so long (and deleting my daughter's profile and data in the process) and to get to the end of it and for them to say "nope, you can't do that". Argh.

Zaxxon · Post by **Zaxxon** » Sun Dec 13, 2015 8:44 pm

Ah, yes that would suck. I've only got one kid old enough to use it, so I haven't run into that.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 1:56 pm

My baby figured out how to use his to turn on the TV via the Fire Stick. He also figured out how to buy something (I thought it was locked out)...and that something was season 1 of Caillou for $15

At least he could have bought something that was so ubiquitous and free everywhere.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 1:58 pm

LOL....HATE that smarmy, pretentious bald kid.

Luckily none of my three kids were big fans.

coopasonic · Post by **coopasonic** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 2:28 pm

Carpet_pissr wrote:
Zaxxon wrote:Just curious, but what was the Free time problem? It's worked fine for me so far, though I haven't done a ton with it.
Apparently they have not thought about people who want to buy 2 Kindles, and have two Freetime accounts in the same family. It's a shared thing. And I have one 11 YO and one 8 YO. They have an option now for "teen" Freetime, but I would say it's on the verge. Anyway...they are interested in completely different content, and apparently there is no easy way to do that.

My 9 and 6 year olds each have their own Fires with their own profiles in Freetime with their own settings and content.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 4:03 pm

coopasonic wrote:
Carpet_pissr wrote:
Zaxxon wrote:Just curious, but what was the Free time problem? It's worked fine for me so far, though I haven't done a ton with it.
Apparently they have not thought about people who want to buy 2 Kindles, and have two Freetime accounts in the same family. It's a shared thing. And I have one 11 YO and one 8 YO. They have an option now for "teen" Freetime, but I would say it's on the verge. Anyway...they are interested in completely different content, and apparently there is no easy way to do that.
My 9 and 6 year olds each have their own Fires with their own profiles in Freetime with their own settings and content.

Can you please teach Amazon customer support how you achieved that? They really should know.

Do you have two, single Freetime Unlimited accounts, or the family plan?

coopasonic · Post by **coopasonic** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 4:47 pm

Separate unlimited subs that came with the kindle fire kids editions last year... so I didn't do much of anything except set up the profiles when the tablets arrived. The tablets were already registered to my account when they arrived so it was just setting up the profiles.

rshetts2 · Post by **rshetts2** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 6:12 pm

I dont know if this would be any help but its a pretty comprehensive guide to how to set up and use free time for multiple children:

http://www.howtogeek.com/178303/how-to- ... -freetime/

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Mon Dec 14, 2015 6:24 pm

AWESOME. thankyouthankyouthankyou