NPR - any kindlers?

pahokie

I am being indecisive and need the opinions of anonymous internet friends to help me make up my mind. 

I am thinking about asking DH for a Kindle for my birthday, but I'm not sure it would be justified.  I generally buy books used, often for $3-4 each.  I turn lots of them back into the store for credit as well.  I occasionally buy new, but less than give books per year.  These I usually get at CostCo or Amazon, so they are discounted from marked price.

I don't go to the library.  I have nothing against it and realize that I should, but I can't manage to go find out if my card it still valid and active, or if I need a new one.  Yes, I know this is kind of pathetic, but such is my life with kids! I figure the ereader would enable me to check books out of the library online, which I would definitely do.

I am back on the project with the hour plus commute on public transportation, so I will be doing plenty of reading in the foreseeable future.

Considering that I am too cheap to buy many books at full Kindle price, do you think there are enough options available from the library or cheap (or free) from Amazon or other sources to make an ereader worthwhile? I would ask for one of the cheaper models, not the fire.

Thanks!

 

mwd

I have a tablet with a kindle app, that I occasionally read.  There are weekly free downloads, and some daily free downloads that can be good for kids.  On the other side, your daughter is about the age when my son started to enjoy many of the free programs at the library.  IMO, contact your library to see if you ca n download books from them, and in what format.  It may be worth getting a card again!

gimmietimmies

I vote for a tablet. You will be able to use it for a lot more than just books. I have downloaded dozens of free books as well on my eReader, but I've had it for quite some time. Take a look at the Sony tablet, tons of apps, does everything the iPad can do, and one thing the iPad doesn't - an SD card slot to expand the memory. I'm waiting for one, we'll also be using it to "manage" all of our electronic devices and to bridge the computers in the house. I should be able to stream Netflix off either the Bluray player or PS3 (or even T's PSP).

Our library "lends" books as well, your's might. I would think some of the learning apps would be great for kids as well. Like I said, still waiting.

MsAng02

I have the Kindle (original version) and just got a Fire. I am a Huge FAN of Kindles. I travel alot for work and it's wonderful. Def. splurge and get the Fire. That way you have books, movies, videos, games, web, etc. There are alot (!) of free books (and apps,etc) you can download, and lord knows I've probably downloaded 50 of those. I should also add that I am a book lover. I have stacks and stacks and stacks of books. If you know someone who has an ereader that you can look at, flip thru, etc, then do it. The Fire is heavier than I expected (the kindle is very light) but after 2 weeks I'm used to it.