New Kindle User (kindle keyboard), couple questions?

[arbliss]

Day one with my new kindle keyboard, I got a migraine. It still bothers me occasionally when it flashes (when changing pages), but I read up on it and it appears there’s no way around that, since that’s part of the eink process?  Anyways, I’m getting used to it and like it a lot.  But I wondered about the mp3 player.  I dislike that I have little control over what plays. Especially since I would like to rip a couple audiobooks I have to mp3 format, and if I accidentally skip past the track I’m on, it seems I have to restart the device, or else go to the last track and wait for it to finish.  Anyone have any suggestions? Or know of any programs/things you can download to have more control over the music?  Or maybe an idea as to when there might be an update?  Overall I’m pretty satisfied, just new to the kindle and wanting to take advantage of all it’s features.  Also any recommendations as to a inexpensive cover, maybe one that has a light built in?  Any help is greatly appreciated!

-Adam

[Ann in Arlington]

Welcome arbliss!

Regarding the page flash. . .I expect you will get used to that. . . .you gotta blink now and then anyway, right?

As to the mp3 player.  I would not ever expect it to be any more than it is on the eInk devices. It's really not changed in the 4 years since the first Kindle was released.  In fact the basic Kindle without either a physical keyboard or touchscreen doesn't even have speakers. 

[arbliss]

Welcome arbliss!

Regarding the page flash. . .I expect you will get used to that. . . .you gotta blink now and then anyway, right?

As to the mp3 player.  I would not ever expect it to be any more than it is on the eInk devices. It's really not changed in the 4 years since the first Kindle was released.  In fact the basic Kindle without either a physical keyboard or touchscreen doesn't even have speakers. 

Oh I see.  Dang, I was hoping they were in process of updating that.  It'd be nice to have a file manager on the application itself, that allowed me to look at / choose the files I'm playing/opening.  I know you can download games/music/books, have you heard of any mp3 player (3rd party or official?) that you can download for it?

[Hadou]

I don't know if there's anything "official" for the Kindle as far as mp3 players go.  There might be something (or maybe just a function of the hack) available if you go the jailbreaking route.

But, either way, the mp3 function of the Kindle isn't very good.  I use mine for some podcasts as background noise when I'm working, and a couple audio books that I'm not worried too much about missing much since I've heard/read them numerous times before.

[Betsy the Quilter]

There's the Fire if you want something to use as a reader AND an mp3 player.... 

Betsy

[mikeschr]

You can put the mp3s in the "Audible" folder, and then they'll show up in your menu of books, and you'll have more control when playing them.

[arbliss]

You can put the mp3s in the "Audible" folder, and then they'll show up in your menu of books, and you'll have more control when playing them.

that's what i'm talking about!  thanks mike!  i will definitely utilize that trick

[dori chatelain]

I get migraines bad. they last sometimes for weeks. and I have a kindle keyboard. I find that if I read using my lighted case with the light on the flash is less intense. I also find that when I change pages when not using the light if I look away from the kindle I don't see the flashing screen. I read a lot on the kindle  and I find that I have less issues.  I now have a kindle fire I play games on it mostly and watch movies but I have found that when I do read on it the little I have actually read on it if I turn the screen black with white font it works better for my head also.

god bless and happy reading

[SusanCassidy]

I soon learned to blink when the page turns.  Totally unconscious, but handy.

[Museman]

I don't get headaches. The worst headache I've ever had (I'm 68) lasted maybe a minute or two. A migraine is something I've heard about, never had an experience remotely like it.

I've had my first e reader, also a Kindle Kayboard (gen. 3), about 24 hours. However, I've done tons of research the last 2 weeks or so prior to buying it off ebay, used.

Talking about a lighted case, I suggest staying clear of the Amazon lighted leather case that utilizes the Kindle's battery. Mine broke already, the tab that doesn't slide broke off. It's obvious to me that the design is responsible for this. It's just a thin piece of metal that gets continuous stress until it breaks off. I called Amazon today and they said there's no warranty on the case. I did a fix on it that's not likely to last, but maybe. It looks almost impossible to fix but I'm resourceful and persistent when it comes to fixing things, and yes, a little stubborn. However, if a case hadn't come with my Kindle I would probably buy the e-Luminator Touch Booklight:

http://www.medgestore.com/products/kindle3-eluminatortouch.psp

[Ann in Arlington]

Most people have had good experience with the K3Keyboard Amazon cases.  I have the non-lighted one and it works just fine.  Not saying they can't fail, just that it isn't really all that common.

[Linjeakel]

I've had the Amazon lighted cover on my K3 for about a year now, with no problems at all. If the Kindle is inserted into the case correctly, there's no stress at all on either of the hinges.

Even though I've taken it out / put it back into the case any number of times, both hinges remain as solid as they always were. It may be that you were just unlucky and got a poorly put together cover.

[Betsy the Quilter]

The pages blink when it turns? 

I've had a Kindle so long I don't notice anymore, LOL!

Betsy

[Ann in Arlington]

The pages blink when it turns? 

I've had a Kindle so long I don't notice anymore, LOL!

Betsy

Yep.  That's frequently reported by new kindle users. . . .but people tend to get used to it very fast!

[history_lover]

I don't get headaches. The worst headache I've ever had (I'm 68) lasted maybe a minute or two. A migraine is something I've heard about, never had an experience remotely like it.

Oh my God, count yourself the luckiest person on earth! I have been plagued with headaches and migraines since I was a teen.

Talking about a lighted case, I suggest staying clear of the Amazon lighted leather case that utilizes the Kindle's battery. Mine broke already, the tab that doesn't slide broke off. It's obvious to me that the design is responsible for this.

I had my K3/Keyboard and lighted case since they were first released over a year ago (think it was September 2010) and never had a problem with it - I've now given it to my mom since I got the KT and so far, so good. I'm sure you're not the only one to get a faulty product but as far as I know, faults are in the minority and it's not fair to judge them all based on a minority of faulty products - that happens with any kind of product.

[Betsy the Quilter]

Yep.  That's frequently reported by new kindle users. . . .but people tend to get used to it very fast!

I know...I moderate a board for Kindle users...
 

Betsy

[KTaylor-Green]

Hmmmm, I have had my K3 since May, my first kindle. I have never noticed the page blink. Maybe I was too excited! But I can see where something like that could trigger a migraine.  Hope there are fewer of those for you in the future!

[Ann in Arlington]

I know...I moderate a board for Kindle users...
 

Betsy

Really?  That's cool.  Me too! 

Have we met?

[valleycat1]

I don't think I ever noticed the page flash when reading, though I definitely notice it if I highlight or bookmark.  Fortunately it doesn't give me a headache.