Choosing an ebook

[Im f 1]

Hi, I've just started looking for an ebook and have some questions. As I understand, Amazon's Kindle brand is a way to go in terms of value. However, I have some concerns: first of all, is it possible to download random .txt/.fb2/.pdf files from a PC to the device, or am I bound to the integrated book store? Are there any significant experience differences between recent models and, say, 2015-2016 ones?

I'm looking for a device in a <125$ range and currently considering Kindle PaperWhite 2015 with ads, but have some doubts. My priorities are(in descending order) 0) not bad display and convenient interface 1) good battery life and responsiveness 2) audio support and 3) water resistance. If anyone happens to have experience with Amazaon ebooks, please share! And if you have any other suggestions, will definitely check them out

[Prodigy_Smit]

4 minutes ago, Im f 1 said:

Hi, I've just started looking for an ebook and have some questions. As I understand, Amazon's Kindle brand is a way to go in terms of value. However, I have some concerns: first of all, is it possible to download random .txt/.fb2/.pdf files from a PC to the device, or am I bound to the integrated book store? Second, is there an easy and non-destructive way(that does not involve spending more money) to remove ads from the "special offer" version? Are there any significant experience differences between recent models and, say, 2015-2016 ones?

I'm looking for a device in a <125$ range and currently considering Kindle PaperWhite 2015 with ads, but have some doubts. My priorities are(in descending order) 0) not bad display and convenient interface 1) good battery life and responsiveness 2) audio support and 3) water resistance. If anyone happens to have experience with Amazaon ebooks, please share! And if you have any other suggestions, will definitely check them out

There is a tool called calibre. https://calibre-ebook.com/ you can put basically any file onto it.

[Anywher]

Most ebook readers will read pdf and text files no problem. Kindle and other brands use a propriety file format for their ebooks but you can download Calibre to convert file formats and manage your ebook library.

 

As a long time kindle user I have recently changed over to the Kobo Clara. Reason being is the ability to change to color temperature of the backlight. Reading with a warm backlight in the evening is such a pleasure compared to the cold backlight of the kindle. Can't recommend it strongly enough but it does not have audio support.

[PorkishPig]

16 minutes ago, Im f 1 said:

is it possible to download random .txt/.fb2/.pdf files from a PC to the device

Every Kindle has an @kindle.com email address that will allow you to send most text-based file formats. There is software such as Calibre that can be used to convert files to the appropriate format for Kindle.

16 minutes ago, Im f 1 said:

Second, is there an easy and non-destructive way(that does not involve spending more money) to remove ads from the "special offer" version? Are there any significant experience differences between recent models and, say, 2015-2016 ones?

Amazon will let you pay to remove special offers. See https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GJHYWUURJ5A6YMBU.

16 minutes ago, Im f 1 said:

not bad display and convenient interface 1) good battery life and responsiveness 2) audio support and 3) water resistance.

I own a Kindle Paperwhite 2015. it does not have audio support or water resistance. You'll need to purchase a 10th gen (2018) or an Oasis for Bluetooth audio support and water resistance. There has not been a headphone jack on Kindles since the 3rd generation Kindle.

[Im f 1]

8 minutes ago, Smit Devrukhkar said:

There is a tool called calibre. https://calibre-ebook.com/ you can put basically any file onto it.

Thanks, this seems handy
 

 

2 minutes ago, PorkishPig said:

I own a Kindle Paperwhite 2015. it does not have audio support or water resistance. You'll need to purchase a 10th gen (2019) or an Oasis for Bluetooth audio support and water resistance. There has not been a headphone jack on Kindles since the 3rd generation Kindle.

And how is your battery life so far? Is the battery removable?

[PorkishPig]

3 minutes ago, Im f 1 said:

And how is your battery life so far? Is the battery removable?

Battery is not intended to be replaced, it can be done without destruction. It lasts about two weeks with 1-2 hours of daily usage on medium brightness.

[Im f 1]

9 minutes ago, Anywher said:

As a long time kindle user I have recently changed over to the Kobo Clara. Reason being is the ability to change to color temperature of the backlight. Reading with a warm backlight in the evening is such a pleasure compared to the cold backlight of the kindle. Can't recommend it strongly enough but it does not have audio support.

Kobo Clara is a bit pricy in my region . Which Kindles did you use?

[Anywher]

9 minutes ago, PorkishPig said:

There has not been a headphone jack on Kindles since the 3rd generation Kindle.

Ahh memories.. I loved my oddball kindle with the keyboard and headphone jack.

[Im f 1]

1 minute ago, PorkishPig said:

Battery is not intended to be replaced, it can be done without destruction. It lasts about two weeks with 1-2 hours of daily usage on medium brightness.

And it didn't die in 5 years? Sounds good

[PorkishPig]

Just now, Im f 1 said:

And it didn't die in 5 years? Sounds good

Nope, I have a 1st and 3rd gen Kindle still going strong. These suckers don't die.

[Anywher]

1 minute ago, Im f 1 said:

Kobo Clara is a bit pricy in my region . Which Kindles did you use?

Ah sorry to hear that, yeah it is priced roughly as the kindle paperwhite which is the more expensive model.

 

I've only had the basic model kindles. 3rd, 4th and 7th gen models. All being the basic cheapest model and all were great.  The basic kindle is a great first ebook reader.

[Im f 1]

4 minutes ago, Anywher said:

I've only had the basic model kindles. 3rd, 4th and 7th gen models. All being the basic cheapest model and all were great.  The basic kindle is a great first ebook reader.

I think, I'll get basic kindle 8 or 9, thanks)

[PorkishPig]

4 minutes ago, Anywher said:

Ahh memories.. I loved my oddball kindle with the keyboard and headphone jack.

I love my 3rd gen, which I paired with one of those OG Amazon covers with a pull out light. I used to load up music and a few audio books on it. It's an awful experience now, but I loved it at the time.