Instant gratification

    It's been great to hear from those who took the plunge and downloaded the Kindle for PC or Mac app in order to read ebooks on their computer, and found that it worked splendidly. I mentioned this briefly the other day, but just in case anyone is confused about what the application is and what it does, I thought I'd say a little more, though I'm no expert, just someone who uses it.

    If you don't have a Kindle but would still like to read books which are published in electronic form, all you have to do is install the appropriate app (for PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad or Android). It is quite straightforward and it's free, and it means you can be reading a book on the screen in front of you within seconds. For each book, you can alter the font size and number of words per line to get a layout or density of text that is comfortable to the eye. You can make notes on the text (just like writing in the margin), highlight passages, search for words or phrases, e.g. should you want to return to a particular scene, and use the built-in dictionary to look up a word. The best bit is that, as with the Kindle itself, you just press a button and the book you want arrives in an instant, as if by magic!

    I read my ebooks on the Kindle, but I find the app very useful too, and if you're not currently in the market for an expensive device, it is a good substitute.

Comments

[ramblingfancy]

Thank you so much for this Karen! I find using it on my laptop is quite comfortable and who doesn't love the instant gratification aspect!

[serenknitity]

I wouldn't have believed anybody (even you) telling me that reading books on my laptop was pleasant, but I've just downloaded 'Blink' by Malcolm Gladwell via my local library, using Adobe Digital Editions, and have read a quarter already. I feel like I've taken a speed reading course!

I shall, of course, download the Kindle app, too. Love me some new technology.

[sandpiper]

What I love about the Kindle app is that, if you buy a book from Amazon (and there are other ways to get a book on your Kindle), it will synchronise between all your Kindle apps. This means I can read a book on my iPhone and my Kindle, and each knows where I am up to in the book.

[linda gillard]

It's funny. but I think my reading has also speeded up on my Kindle. I think it must just be the larger font size, which makes me wonder how much I've been straining my eyes - or at least struggling - with paper books.

[Helen Smith]

I got a Kindle a couple of weeks ago and I love it - but before that, I used Kindle for PC for about nine months. As you say, it's a great way to sample ebooks and dip into the digital revolution without committing yourself or spending any money on an ereader. I increased the font size and used a sepia background to try and make it easier to read on the computer.

[Barbara]

Our local library uses the "Overdrive Media" app to download "free" EBooks to IPhone or IPad!!! Wonderful service. You "keep" the book for three weeks.

[Nancy]

I tried that download last night but it would never accept the registration I've had with Amazon for years now - so, I came to the conclusion that I couldn't get that service with Amazon _unless_ I already owned a Kindle. It was my password that wasn't accepted - and I went through the whole process of trying to change my password _4_ times, with no success - so, I gave up. I tried to connect with Help on Amazon - also, with no success. Maybe I'll try again tonight.

[Barbara MacLeod]

Check which version of Amazon you are using. There is Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk. You may have been in the wrong one.

[Nancy]

Barbara, it was the US Amazon - I'll try again with the UK Amazon, I'm registered there too. Thanks for the suggestion.