Pondering the purchase of a Kindle

[StarGazer]

Hi all, I'm new here with a couple of questions.

Even though there may be a new model coming out quite soon, do you think I should spring for one now or wait a bit? What's the generally accepted answer to this? I know there has been rumor for quite awhile but many sources are now saying it's very likely for August. Only problem is I go on vacation in August and I would love to have this for it. Not to mention summer reading in general.

How is the sound quality if listening to some background music while reading in a not so quiet environment? I suppose the battery will drain quite a bit faster, no?

Of the rumored improvements to the new model, do you really feel there is any one thing that should give me pause in buying the older one?

Also, I hear talk of a K2 model and a K2i model. What's the difference there?

Thanks all,
Chris

[Geoffrey]

The rumors for the kindle 3 center mostly around it being slimmer and faster with sharper images.  I'm sure there will be more to it, but that's all I've really heard so far.   (And, I'm sure I'll be getting one.  )  The upside is that you'll have the most current version.  The downside is you might miss your trip and there won't be as many accessories to go with it right at first - and I personally like having a protective case for Sister Yasmini so she doesn't get dinged up while I travel.   

Now, there is nothing wrong with the current kindle version and I think/hope you will be very happy with it.  But waiting on a rumor vs. a purchase is an sticky decision ....

Regarding K2 and K2i, the original K2 only had wireless access in the US via Sprint and the newer k2i has access across the world from AT&T and their partners.  Beyond that, they're exactly the same.  Currently, Amazon only sells the international version as the k2 but we differentiate here and on other sites simply because different people have the different versions.

Unfortunately, others will have to comment on the sound quality as I've never used mine to hold music.

[Scheherazade]

It's hard to say on the waiting.  All of the buzz is that Amazon will announce a new, slimmer Kindle in August.  Announce doesn't necessarily, and probably doesn't, mean it will be in stock.  And Kindles tend to sell out pretty fast.  Amazon usually has them up for preorder months in advance, so since we aren't even seeing that yet I would expect it to be released very late 2010 or even early next year.  This is all conjecture, of course, but the rumors are just an announcement.

So that's waiting 3 months to be told how long you'll have to wait for the new one.  I don't know that I need my Kindle much slimmer, but of course faster and crisper text would be good.  I find the text just fine on mine, but an improvement is an improvement.  Personally I believe if you keep waiting for the next big thing you're going to be waiting forever.  But this rumor is more substantiated than most so you at least have a time frame to go on.  I know just about everyone who has waited and bought a Kindle were mad at themselves for waiting.  You can always sell your K2 when the new one comes out, they tend to retain pretty near their value.

[MAGreen]

Go for it. The current model is wonderful and the "upgrades" won't be huge leaps for a couple more years. Just minor adjustments and such to keep it fresh in the market. If worse comes to worse and you really want the new version when it comes out, the older ones have pretty much always held value well so you could sell it and trade up. The only thing that would make me suggest waiting a bit is there may be a price drop with the new anouncement, but personally, I would get it now anyway. There's no real news about a price drop it is just speculation right now, and I feel that the Kindle is well worth the current price. With your trip coming in August, get it now. There really isn't a solid reason to wait if you can afford it. Many of us held off feeling it was a little to expensive, or we waited for the new version to come out, but after we got them, we felt like we lost that time we could have had using it.

As for sound quality, I have never used mine for that, but I did read several posts from people who were surprised and pleased with the quality of sound.

And now, you should head over to the Accessories board and find the cover, skin, and light you like best!

[nogdog~6op6ou]

Sound quality is nothing special. But then MP3's are nothing special to begin with in terms of sound quality, IMO.

In the end, buy a Kindle if you want to read e-books. It excels at that with its combination of the e-ink screen and the access to the Amazon e-book library, along with Amazon's excellent customer service. If you want a jack-of-all-trades mobile device and don't mind also reading e-books on it with a back-lit screen, get an iPad, Droid phone, etc.

[StarGazer]

Thank you all for the replies. I have no desire for an iPad or anything else with a backlit screen for reading. I already have a droid phone for everything else so I simply want a dedicated reader. It is not a pleasant experience reading on a screen of that size.

I'm no audiophile or anything so I probably wouldn't know an mp3 from a cd when listening. I just happened to see that it does play music and this could help in loud places like train stations or even on the train at times.

I've never actually used a Kindle before so I think I will go to a local Target, hopefully they have them, and I can check it out. This will probably push me over the edge and I'll just end up getting one. I was really surprised to see just how many free books are out there as well. All of the great literary works are all on Amazon and are FREE. Many of those books alone will keep me busy for quite a long time. Me being new to the whole eReader world, well it just has me very excited to have all the great classics and new bestsellers and many of my all time favorites all in one small device I can bring with me wherever I go. Fantastic! So you see, I don't know that I really even want to wait. Or if I even can. 

Regards,
Chris

[Fuzzy Dunlop]

Hi all, I'm new here with a couple of questions.

Even though there may be a new model coming out quite soon, do you think I should spring for one now or wait a bit? What's the generally accepted answer to this? I know there has been rumor for quite awhile but many sources are now saying it's very likely for August. Only problem is I go on vacation in August and I would love to have this for it. Not to mention summer reading in general.

How is the sound quality if listening to some background music while reading in a not so quiet environment? I suppose the battery will drain quite a bit faster, no?

Of the rumored improvements to the new model, do you really feel there is any one thing that should give me pause in buying the older one?

Also, I hear talk of a K2 model and a K2i model. What's the difference there?

Thanks all,
Chris

Chris - Amazon has a 30 day return policy (with free return shipping I believe) so why not buy a K2  towards the end of July and if a new gets announced in Aug you can always return the K2 by end of August and still have one or the other for your trip .

[Shadin]

I would go ahead and get it now.  Ive got a K1 since may 08 and never felt the need to upgrade it.  Kindles are great dedicated e-book readers.   Like others metioned,  you can always sell the used one later to upgrade to the new model when it comes.  I bet there are alot hoping to get a used k2 when the K3 comes out.

[Andra]

I'll bet that you are right and seeing one in person will push you over the edge.  Andr just think how much easier it will be to pack for your vacation - you won't need an extra suitcase for reading material!

Welcome to Kindlboards, by the way.  When you get a chance, head on over to the Introductions area and introduce yourself so you can be properly welcomed.

[Steph H]

All of the great literary works are all on Amazon and are FREE.

Just as an FYI -- some of the versions of those great classic literary works on Amazon are, well, not greatly formatted, and you'll also find versions of the same books that aren't free but merely really cheap (and some that aren't even cheap). For public domain books, anyone can put together a version and slap it up on Amazon for sale, whether free or not.  There are other places online you can also get them free, in better formats.  Check out the link in our Book Corner forum once you get your Kindle (we know you'll get one -- ) for Feedbooks (my personal favorite for those freebies), ManyBooks and more.

PS -- going on your screen name, are you also an astronomy buff, by chance?

PSS -- welcome to Kindleboards!

[ProfCrash]

You might be able to check one out at a Target near you.

I would go ahead and buy one. I got my K1 in October 2008 and have been very happy with it. I will probably get the new Kindle when it is released, not because I dislike Tavar but because I want a DX.

[nogdog~6op6ou]

And don't forget that Amazon has a 30(?) day return policy, and I'm guessing Target will, too (but I don't know for sure); so you can get one risk-free and then return it if it does not live up to your needs expectations.

[StarGazer]

Just as an FYI -- some of the versions of those great classic literary works on Amazon are, well, not greatly formatted, and you'll also find versions of the same books that aren't free but merely really cheap (and some that aren't even cheap). For public domain books, anyone can put together a version and slap it up on Amazon for sale, whether free or not.  There are other places online you can also get them free, in better formats.  Check out the link in our Book Corner forum once you get your Kindle (we know you'll get one -- ) for Feedbooks (my personal favorite for those freebies), ManyBooks and more.

PS -- going on your screen name, are you also an astronomy buff, by chance?

PSS -- welcome to Kindleboards!

Great information. Regarding the free books it appears you get clued into which are good and which are not by the user ratings. Heck, you can always delete it. It's free.
Thanks Steph! As a matter of fact I am indeed a stargazing buff  with my trusty 15" Dob.

[happyblob]

Hi all, I'm new here with a couple of questions.

Even though there may be a new model coming out quite soon, do you think I should spring for one now or wait a bit? What's the generally accepted answer to this? I know there has been rumor for quite awhile but many sources are now saying it's very likely for August. Only problem is I go on vacation in August and I would love to have this for it. Not to mention summer reading in general.

How is the sound quality if listening to some background music while reading in a not so quiet environment? I suppose the battery will drain quite a bit faster, no?

Of the rumored improvements to the new model, do you really feel there is any one thing that should give me pause in buying the older one?

Also, I hear talk of a K2 model and a K2i model. What's the difference there?

Thanks all,
Chris

I'm not a great fan of buying used stuffs but I think a refurb Kindle is just fine. Get one from Amazon if/when available.

[Steph H]

Great information. Regarding the free books it appears you get clued into which are good and which are not by the user ratings. Heck, you can always delete it. It's free.
Thanks Steph! As a matter of fact I am indeed a stargazing buff  with my trusty 15" Dob.

Nice...my largest is a 10" RCX, and a couple of smaller ones.  I think my Kindle habit has outpaced my observing habit lately though.   To keep this on a slight tangent, check out the cloudynights.com astronomy forums if you never have, we're every bit as friendly over there (usually) as these KB forums are; I'm moderator Steph over there.

And to get back on topic before one of our friendly mods here whacks me , yes it's always easy to delete a free book, and even easier than it used to be on Amazon as you can now delete them completely out of your account on the Manage Your Kindle page on the website; used to be you could 'remove' it from the Kindle but it would stay in your account/archive forever, haunting and taunting you.  But sometimes it's easier just to get a better version to begin with!

[AlexJouJou]

Get it now.

I'd been holding off since they came out...for a variety of reasons such as I couldn't give up the "feel" of my paper books, it was too expensive, I wouldn't get good use out of it, it was 1st generation tech and I don't usually buy that, and so on and so on and so on

Had I known the absolutely marvelous love affair I'd have with my Kindle I would never have waited and would have been amongst the first pre orders for the original.

It's a great device and I do not know how I did it w/o it. I love it!

[maddie80]

I am right there with you.  I got a kindle back for mother's day, but returned it because my husband convinced me I'd like a nook better (after they did their big software update).  I couldn't get friendly with the nook, so now I have neither.    I can't decide if I want to get another kindle 2, or wait until the kindle 3 comes out.  Sigh.

[Seamonkey]

I think you'll get it and fall in love with it, be it new from Amazon or Target.. or even a refurb.. get your extended Warranty from Square Trade and then decide on a cover.

Welcome to KB!!

[SMS]

For what it is worth, I too was deciding to wait or not to wait on K3.  Went to Target and held one and played with the buttons even though it was a non working model and that did it for me.  I got it yesterday and enjoyed it so much last night it would have been a shame to wait and lose out on that good feeling.  Another thing is when you buy a new tech product it is automatically going to be behind, if not then after a bit.  Someone on another discussion said that if you bought it at Target they had a 90 day in store return policy which if that is true then that would take you through August and then return it and buy the newest one.  Have not idea if that would work or not.  Just go buy it and start enjoying, if you enjoy reading this is the way to do it.

Good Luck!!

[fancynancy]

I agree with everyone else, Chris.  You sound like someone who is going to love the K2.  By the way, it's hard for me to even imagine it being any thinner.  It's already a pretty sleek little machine.  I looked at a Nook the other day in B&N and realized that the Kindle looks much better made and of higher quality, which I wasn't even expecting.  In any event, I envy you getting the K2 for $259.  When you buy it, just think of those of us who paid $359!  That should make you feel good.     Seriously, though, you're gonna love it!

[StarGazer]

Some brainstorming in no particular order...

Well, I went out to lunch today first to the Target than to BN. I have to admit both devices are pretty nice. But one thing that grabbed me right away was the weight difference. My wrist was getting tired holding that Nook brick for the 10 minutes I was playing with it. The Kindle was a heck of alot lighter. Some say the Nook has sharper and darker text but I didn't notice that. Perhaps if they were side by side I might.

Have to say the full color screen on the bottom was a little bit of a turn off. It just didn't seem to fit. I don't know. The book covers are pretty much useless as they are so small and without detail. They need to institute a better organization on that I think.

The games that were on the Nook were pretty cool. They worked quite well actually. The internet while no where near the quality of a computer was pretty good for an e ink device. How does the Kindle compare to the Nook with web browsing? I don't anticipate using it much though.

I think I am almost trying to like the Nook better but it just ain't happening for me...

[Ann in Arlington]

If you're going to be thorough, you should try out the various Sony versions as well. . . . .

[ElaineOK]

Technically, the Nook is just barely heavier than the Kindle, but it also felt a lot heavier to me.  I did like the slight curve to the back.  It seemed easier to hold, but the weight was a killer.  I think maybe the Kindle carries its weight closer to the bottom, and the Nook may be relatively top heavy.  At least, that was my impression of it.

Elaine
Norman, OK

[nogdog~6op6ou]

Some brainstorming in no particular order...

Well, I went out to lunch today first to the Target than to BN. I have to admit both devices are pretty nice. But one thing that grabbed me right away was the weight difference. My wrist was getting tired holding that Nook brick for the 10 minutes I was playing with it. The Kindle was a heck of alot lighter. Some say the Nook has sharper and darker text but I didn't notice that. Perhaps if they were side by side I might.

Have to say the full color screen on the bottom was a little bit of a turn off. It just didn't seem to fit. I don't know. The book covers are pretty much useless as they are so small and without detail. They need to institute a better organization on that I think.

The games that were on the Nook were pretty cool. They worked quite well actually. The internet while no where near the quality of a computer was pretty good for an e ink device. How does the Kindle compare to the Nook with web browsing? I don't anticipate using it much though.

I think I am almost trying to like the Nook better but it just ain't happening for me...

I'm not sure that any monocrhome display device is ever going to be great for internet browsing, plus the 3G connection speed at best makes connecting to any graphic-intensive site very slow. However, I do use my K2 with some regularity on mobile-friendly sites such as Wikipedia and Facebook, or even this site if you use the alternate link to the stripped-down mobile version.

Anyway, if you're looking for a book reader, I think the Kindle is still the champ. If other mobile device features are of importance to you, though, then it becomes a more difficult choice, having to weigh all those features in importance versus how each device supports them.