REALLY basic, basic, basic questions

MrB · 10-21-2012, 03:59 PM

I would like to get hold of a kindle. The ONLY reason I want one is to check the formatting on some stuff I'm preparing for publication - basically it will be a sort of proof-reading tool. So, I'll probably buy one second hand.
I don't know anything about kindles

so I thought I'd turn to the mobileread massive for some expert advice.

Are there any things I should bear in mind before parting with the cash?
Are some versions better than others?
Are there any known issues with any particular versions?
Do they use generic connectors, chargers, etc?
What would you want to know before you paid for one (obvs it must be legit)?

Thanks in advance for all assistance.

hawhill · 10-21-2012, 05:08 PM

- Touch series are arguably the "current edition" kindles. This is the KTouch and the Paperwhite.
- What's "better"? Some have other means of data input, more or less storage space, higher or lower resolution and there's now one with illumination. In fact, the hardware is also a bit different, but K1, K2 and arguably KDX aside, that's not so noticable. The change in software from K3 to K4 (and to some extent K4 to K5) is more relevant, but I would classify it as "being different" rather that "better".
- As for the Paperwhite, that should be obvious from looking at the current threads. And some minor issues are present with other devices, but they are not likely to bite you for "light use", especially considering the purpose you're describing.
- Yep, generic connectors. So you can use generic chargers. Well, chargers can break and behave badly, just keep that in mind when you notice your $1.50 USB charger plug burst into flames.
- legit and working.

If I were in your position and had to turn every dollar twice, I'd settle with the cheapest one I could get my hands on, except for K1 and K2 (KDX won't be the cheapest and if it were, it would be a nice bargain).

alansplace · 10-22-2012, 03:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrB

I would like to get hold of a kindle. The ONLY reason I want one is to check the formatting on some stuff I'm preparing for publication - basically it will be a sort of proof-reading tool. So, I'll probably buy one second hand.
I don't know anything about kindles

so I thought I'd turn to the mobileread massive for some expert advice.

Are there any things I should bear in mind before parting with the cash?
Are some versions better than others?
Are there any known issues with any particular versions?
Do they use generic connectors, chargers, etc?
What would you want to know before you paid for one (obvs it must be legit)?

Thanks in advance for all assistance.

Download Kindlepreviewer.exe from the Kindle area on Amazon.com, it'll simulate all of the past & current Kindle models' display characteristics on a PC.

MrB · 10-22-2012, 07:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alansplace

Download Kindlepreviewer.exe from the Kindle area on Amazon.com, it'll simulate all of the past & current Kindle models' display characteristics on a PC.

Brilliant! I didn't know it existed. Thanks very much alansplace, that's saved me some time and money

10-21-2012, 03:59 PM	#1
MrB Very Slow Learner Posts: 51 Karma: 788 Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: UK Device: none	REALLY basic, basic, basic questions I would like to get hold of a kindle. The ONLY reason I want one is to check the formatting on some stuff I'm preparing for publication - basically it will be a sort of proof-reading tool. So, I'll probably buy one second hand. I don't know anything about kindles so I thought I'd turn to the mobileread massive for some expert advice. Are there any things I should bear in mind before parting with the cash? Are some versions better than others? Are there any known issues with any particular versions? Do they use generic connectors, chargers, etc? What would you want to know before you paid for one (obvs it must be legit)? Thanks in advance for all assistance.

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10-21-2012, 05:08 PM	#2
hawhill Wizard Posts: 1,379 Karma: 2155307 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Goettingen, Germany Device: Kindle Paperwhite, Kobo Mini	- Touch series are arguably the "current edition" kindles. This is the KTouch and the Paperwhite. - What's "better"? Some have other means of data input, more or less storage space, higher or lower resolution and there's now one with illumination. In fact, the hardware is also a bit different, but K1, K2 and arguably KDX aside, that's not so noticable. The change in software from K3 to K4 (and to some extent K4 to K5) is more relevant, but I would classify it as "being different" rather that "better". - As for the Paperwhite, that should be obvious from looking at the current threads. And some minor issues are present with other devices, but they are not likely to bite you for "light use", especially considering the purpose you're describing. - Yep, generic connectors. So you can use generic chargers. Well, chargers can break and behave badly, just keep that in mind when you notice your $1.50 USB charger plug burst into flames. - legit and working. If I were in your position and had to turn every dollar twice, I'd settle with the cheapest one I could get my hands on, except for K1 and K2 (KDX won't be the cheapest and if it were, it would be a nice bargain).

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