It's my own fault really. Not understanding the technology, I shouldn't have assumed; I should have checked the list of devices that I could use to read ebooks from my local library.
Kindle, my Christmas gift from my husband, is not one of them!
The Book Depository, my favourite online bookstore (because it has free shipping to Australia), also does not sell ebooks that can be read on Kindle.
I rarely buy books - the exceptions to this are gifts and craft books: I prefer those in printed versions so I can look at them over and over, in colour. Yes, I got one craft ebook for Christmas - I read that on my PC because the screen is larger so I could see the images in full colour but I would have preferred a "real" edition! (BTW, I'm not being ungrateful - I chose all four of those Christmas gifts myself and the ebook was the only format I could get of that particular book)
I had pictured being able to carry several books when I travel without the bulk of actual books. But I never planned on buying them: that's what my library membership is for, especially now I can download both audio books and ebooks (without leaving home).
So, what will I do with my Kindle?
One of the girls at work loves her kindle, she buys from amazon, says it costs about $1- $2 for a book, perhaps you could check that out?
ReplyDeleteAmazon from Australia is as expensive as buying hard copy from Book Depository - very annoying. Something about regional licenses. Which is why there are pirate sites that do e-books free now... My question is, what kindle is it and what library formats are supported? My ipad has a 'kindle app' so I can download from amazon and there are various conversion tips. Perhaps find out what format your library books are in and google 'convert FILE FORMAT to kindle'? Or ask librarian? Or swap for an ipad ;)
ReplyDeleteReturn it and get a nook!
ReplyDeleteAny way you could try selling it online, and use the money to buy a Nook (if that matches up with your library)?
ReplyDeleteOh dear, Lynne, I'm sorry. However I still think a Kindle will give you pleasure - even if you have to buy your books through Amazon. They are really not expensive, and are immediately available on your Kindle. And you can take your entire library with you on holidays. Don't get rid of it too hastily.
ReplyDeleteOh no! What a stinker! I'm not an e-book kind of gal, but I'm sure you'll find a happy use for your new Kindle.
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of books available that are free-from Amazon for little to nothing and also from Librovox. You will learn to love it....
ReplyDeleteJust remembered, Lynne, that there are a couple of groups for ereaders on Ravelry. Basic and advanced threads there too.
ReplyDeleteYou should be able to convert the files you get to readable versions for the kindle. There have been a few threads in the OTF group on Rav recently about the difference between ereaders. Might be worth doing a search before you sideline the Kindle.
ReplyDeleteYou should definitely look for free books on Amazon.com. I rarely pay for an e-book unless it is something brand new that I would have bought anyway. Bonnie at quiltville is always posting links for free books on her site and I keep my eyes open for those as well as checking out the link when I download those that says something like, "People who bought this book also purchased..." My local library started with e-books only available in some odd overdrive format, but now offers kindle books as well. I use my i-pad kindle app, but am never short of books to read. Don't give up on the kindle yet, it is just a matter of figuring out how to take full advantage.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. Can you read pdf's on a Kindle. That would be a boon if you could read knitting patterns on it.
ReplyDelete