1621

The update is now freely available if you’re having problems.

1622

Kindle post, Wooooooo! (I’ve already gathered 70 freebies I may never really read, though some I’ve previously read.)

End transmission.

1623

So turns out the crack situation with my DX is a known problem with the Amazon DX leather case that attaches with the side hinges. If you open it the wrong way, you can bulge out and crack the case. This is pretty much something you’ll do if you use the device a lot since it’s easy to grab it upside down and try to open it the wrong way.

Since I’ve had it more than a year the odds of getting it repaired under warranty are slim. I’ve removed the old cover for now and ordered a replacement one that doesn’t use the prong attachments.

While I covet the DX2 I’d rather not spend that money needlessly due to poor engineering on Amazon’s part.

Amazon claims that this isn’t a design defect and that it’s just good old fashioned user error…

1624

The firmware update is now out. Early reports are that it fixes all performance and rebooting issues entirely.

1625

For anyone who wanted to look at a cheaper case (though I’m not sure how long the sale on Nook accessories is lasting), the Kindle 3 is small enough to fit snuggly into Nook cases. It’s a bit thinner, but there’s absolutely no wobbling on mine due to the angling of the sides. I opted for the case with Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland on the cover, which wasn’t actually on sale. Cheaper anyway.

I’m glad I ended up going with the 3G version. I haven’t been able to establish a reliable Wi-Fi connection yet, though I imagine that’s because of the poor quality of the public networks I’ve tried to access so far. Has anyone else done a good comparison on this?

1626

FWIW, the firmware update didn’t fix one specific issue I had, but everything else seems fine.

(The specific issue is with the Project Gutenberg War and Peace. If you go to the “start” (sic) of the book, then go back to the previous page, you get the last page of the table of contents. Back again gets the penultimate page of the ToC. Back again gets a 20 second freeze, and then suddenly you’re at the title page. Forward gets you a single-page table containing the entire ToC. I suspect there’s some combination of this particular markup and navigating backward that causes the freeze and subsequent re-rendering of the ToC.)

1627

My stepfather has done this to two kindles now.

See what happens when someone make technology that septuagenarians want to use (and can)?

1628

OK, got my Kindle 3G - woo hoo! And they should give these away, in the same way they should give away razor blade handles and ink jet printers, because I can tell even a voracious reader such as myself is going to order a LOT more books (I ordered 6 as soon as I got it.)

Questions though:

  1. How do I turn off the wireless without turning off the 3G? I see people saying the battery lasts a lot longer if the wireless is off (I assume they mean wireless as in wireless networks) and just use the 3G. But the only option is see is to turn the wireless on and off, and that also seems to turn off the 3G.

  2. What 3G networks do they use? I see out in the middle of nowhere Iowa, where I still get good 3G on phones, my Kindle is showing barely 2 bars and the word “Edge.” It still managed to download the 6 books, though.

  3. How do I delete something? I got a notice there was a problem processing my debit card for one of the books, even though the book downloaded fine, and my bank shows plenty of cash, and it is the same debit I used for all of the books at the same time. Also wanted to delete the “Welcome Jeff” note. Pressing the Del key while the note is underlined just brings up options such a Google, etc.
    EDIT ____NVM, FOUND THIS ON THE GUIDE.

Also - I assume the contrast is “set” - I don’t see that as an option. Wanted to set the background just slightly “whiter.”

Thanks

1629

And they should give these away, in the same way they should give away razor blade handles and ink jet printers, because I can tell even a voracious reader such as myself is going to order a LOT more books (I ordered 6 as soon as I got it.)

I don’t think that the reality matches that. As has been mentioned in this thread several times, since you can download samples for free there’s actually less urge to buy immediately – you can check out the samples and use them as reminders, and since you can buy at any time without thinking about it, you can delay purchases for a very, very long time.

Additionally, a lot of people buy Kindles for access to free books and PDFs.

I see people saying the battery lasts a lot longer if the wireless is off (I assume they mean wireless as in wireless networks)

No, they mean 3G. Basically anything involving a radio is going to suck power.

It still managed to download the 6 books, though.

Books are so small in terms of datasize that the barest signal at all will download an entire book very quickly.

1630

You have it backwards, Jeff. Wi-fi uses less power than 3G, and it’s best to shut both off when you don’t need a connection.

And contrast is fixed. To get it whiter you need to wait for the Kindle 4. ;)

1631

It’s giving you the whitest whites and blackest blacks it can manage already. It looks a lot better than the prev-gen ones, too, so be glad you didn’t get one of those.

1632

I saw my first Kindle 1 in the wild this evening on the train. It was kind of strange sitting there a seat or so back with my Kindle 3.

Also, while I am more than used to people approaching me randomly and asking about my Kindle, I think today also marks the first time it’s ever been done by someone who already owned an ereader (a Nook) but was curious about the Kindle specifically.

1633

Ah, gotcha. Hmmm - well, it reads just fine, but I suppose I expected the background to be white instead of grayish. Although, for a long reading session, that may actually be easier on the eyes.

And it is WAY too easy to order books. Just picked over “Over the Edge” - really good book on Magellan’s attempt to sail around the world. Push a button - boom, card is charged, book is in your hands. ;)

1634

My K3 WiFi arrived. Forgot that it doesn’t support Enterprise wireless, so I’m stuck with USB at work. I was already kind of regretting not opting for 3G after ordering but I keep telling myself that I probably won’t ever find myself in a situation where I’m desperate and 3G is my only option. Aside from this non-issue, I’m in heaven.

Edit: Anyone playing around with creating Kindle books and documents yet? I know the basics and want to take it to the next level, but the only good-looking sources of info I’ve found so far are not free.

1635

Looks like there is a clip available that addresses some issues with customers accidentally injuring their Kindles. Secures the Kindle to its cover. $5 seems steep for such a simple little thing but I’ll probably grab it anyway. Linky. Edit: Also looking at the dock and will probably grab that as well, since I’m already spending money and rely on USB at work anyway. Second linky.

After reading for about an hour and playing around with collections, my only big complaint is the crappy menu system. Feels very antiquated, but the features I need are there for the most part. This doesn’t bother me much now after spending time with it, so still loving my Kindle.

1636

Jeff, you need to find a Kindle 2 and look at the contrast on that screen. I smile every time I turn on my Kindle 3, the K3 is soo much better.

I felt bad giving my K2 to my wife because of the black-on-medium-gray.

Once you see a Kindle 1 or 2 in action, you’ll come back here and apologize to the K1/2 owners for even asking. :)

1637

An apple a day ,keep the doctor away. Some items in game, you will upgrade.

Enjoy yourselves in your life! worldofgame.net/4.shtml

1638

REPORTED!

Ah, I’ve always wanted to do that!

1639

An apple a day ,keep the doctor away. Some items in game, you will upgrade.

Enjoy yourselves in your life! worldofgame.net/4.shtml

1640

We have a 2nd gen. I love reading books on it but I must confess 3rd gen envy. We have to connect to our computer to get books here, it won’t connect to the 3g network here in OZ.

If only Amazon would ship this outside the US. Sigh.

Might have to hit up the 'rents for xmas this year.