E-books and e-book readers

[musungu]

I've always loved my books and found it very different to get rid of them. It would be a cold day in hell before you caught me reading a book on a 'computer'. Of course, my kindle has become part of my life now and has opened up access to an infinite source of reading material.

One thing I do miss, though, is the ability to pick up a book and know just what I'm taking on. You start out on Lord of the Rings, and you know you're in for a good long ride. When I start reading on kindle, I have no idea of the size/length of the book, and as I progress through it my kindle tells me what percentage of the book I've read, but not how many pages. For some reason I find that quite irksome.

On my paperwhite, if I hit the top of the screen, which brings up the home, search, and other buttons, it brings up the page I'm on, and total pages in the "book".

I still read the occasional book and am surprised that balancing it, turning the pages, etc are now more hassle than the Kindle.

Is it possible to get a summary of the book, just like one can from the 'jacket cover' on an actual book, using a Kindle?
Agree with that. One of the first things I do is check the page size of the book on the Kindle, using the above method, so I also know what I'm taking on.
However, occasionally, but only very occasionally, the format the book get downloaded in won't give page numbers.

[dtaai-maai]

Is it possible to get a summary of the book, just like one can from the 'jacket cover' on an actual book, using a Kindle?

Assuming this is your question, musungu, the answer is yes, if you use the calibre program to download your books to your pc - see posts on previous page. Downloading direct to kindle, I have no idea.

[lomuamart]

musungu,
What I tend to do when approaching a new author, or new book, that I've maybe found off a best seller list is simply to Google said book. Almost, without exception, you'll get a good precis together with ratings from readers.
"Good Reads" is one site that that will always come up on the first page of your search and has served me pretty well. If, from that, the book sound anywhere near interesting, I'll download and transfer to Kindle. After all, if it's turns out to be naff, then just delete.
I'm not sure if you can download straight to Kindle - other than through Amazon. Then again, I'm not exactly tech savvy - I always use Calibre.

[lomuamart]

Had a bit of a scare earlier with my Kindle Paperwhite.
After downloading a couple of books, I opened the device up to be told that it was undergoing a software upgrade. I assume it was getting this through my wifi connection.
This had never happened before and it took a good few minutes during which I was hoping that my book collection didn't get wiped out. The message, onscreen, told me not to turn the device off so I didn't and everything was eventually OK.
The display has changed slightly but it's essentially the same.
Has anyone else had one of these automatic upgrades before and if so how frequent are they? That was my first in around 15 months.

[caller]

1st one I've ever had as well. But I did get an email warning me about it and that it would take place automatically when connected to a Wi-Fi and that it wouldn't affect the content.

[lomuamart]

OK. I didn't get the email, or at least don't think I did as I have a number of addresses, most of which I don't use any more and can't remember the one I gave to Kindle.

[migrant]

No updates received for me

[oakdale160]

Which kindle model do you all recommend, and why?

[PET]

Which kindle model do you all recommend, and why?

Paperwhite for value but Kindle Fire if you want a mini I-Pad at more cost of course - just check out the specifications.

[oakdale160]

What does paper white do in addition to being able to download books and act as a reader. One other question. What is SIDELOADING?

[dtaai-maai]

Sideloading means loading onto the kindle from your computer.

[lomuamart]

I've only ever had the basic Paperwhite and it delivers books easily.
The format of downloads can be easily managed by using Calibre software.
The Paperwhite has a back light and it eventually feels like you're reading a book.
As above - if you just want a device to read books on then it's Paperwhite. I'm not sure what the tablet brings to the table but I'm sure there are pros and cons.
For simple reading - Paperwhite IMHO.

[musungu]

I bought a Kindle Fire from Amazon whilst in the UK last month and I cannot switch on the wi-fi now as it seems stuck.

Anybody with an idea as I do not think there is an agent for Kindle in Hua Hin. There is in Bangkok but I seldom go there.

Thank you

[brianks]

I have a Kindle Paper White and trying to figure out how to do something can be daunting. Try Amazon for help (which I am sure you have already done). Somehow those devices can be a bit complicated to us folks not used to all the strokes and movements necessary to get them to work right. Good Luck.

[dtaai-maai]

^^Yes, google "kindle fire cannot connect to wifi" and a number of troubleshooting options will come up.