So I noticed the version of the software was out of date (given the update email I received a few weeks before).
So it was time to update it with just a couple of clicks on the keypad.
And now I was up to date!
Next I figured I would buy some books via the Kindle to see just how easy it would be. And I was very surprised just how easy it actually was!
I could browse for books, and even see recommendations (just like my normal Amazon experience on a computer).
I did a search for a book I knew my Dad wanted and pressed the buy button, and that was it, it was purchased and downloaded to the Kindle without me having to do anything else!
There are also many free books on Amazon, including classics such as the Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (so I thought I would add that for him). If you are no longer connected to WiFi or there is a problem, any downloads will show as Pending.
You can also copy items to your Kindle by connected it your computer and just browsing the directories.
There is also a Manage My Kindle page on Amazon where you can see and change information about your Kindle, such as its email address, who can email it, your purchases, etc.
Here are the orders I made:
Hi Andrew,
Great review of the Kindle. I bought one for my Mom for xmas last year (’bout 3 months ago). She loves it.
I had to get the 3G version for her. She’s in a nursing facility and while they have wifi in certain areas, it’s not available in her room. So 3G it is! It works great for her. She loves to read and instead of stacks and stacks of books, she has just the tiny Kindle. She buys stuff all the time. And she finds the e-ink display very easy to read.
And about that recent update: it does not get pushed to the Kindle via 3G – only wifi. So, I prepared my laptop with the update and when I last visited, applied it thru the USB connection. Went without a hitch. Amazon did a great job with the self-applied instructions.
All in all, I agree (or at least my Mom does) with you, it’s a great e-reader.
thanks, thats useful to know about the update.
My Dad has already been buying books for it and the Kindle is still here with me until next week!
Glad your Mum likes it as well.
I’ve just got a Kindle Wifi for about two weeks. I’ve loaded it up with a number of free books for now.
It is very easy to read and light. Navigation is pretty intuitive.
The only two things I’m dubious about is the lack of color – some of my favorite books have either detailed drawings or photos, and very odd formatting on some Kindle edition books.
I love the fact that most of the Kindle editions are significantly cheaper than physical copies (as they should be).
If I get something with color later (such as the Barnes and Noble Nook Color) I will give this to my mom (as my dad already uses one).
thanks Gordon, I was surprised just how many really good free books there were! It should keep my Dad happy for months 🙂