Technology :: Kindle Alternatives

Oprah Winfrey (a daytime diva and one of the richest women in the world) recommended the Kindle, Amazon.com’s digital-book reader. An Oprah Winfrey called the Kindle “life changing” and her “new favorite device.”

Life changing?  Wow.  But at $350 initial investment is the Kindle a smart solutions?  Note: There is a $50 discount to people who keyed in the code ‘OprahWinfrey’ to make the Kindle a cheap $309.  Is there something better?

Alternatives to Kindle

• Using your existing cell phone, PDA or Smartphone.  There is no reason to go out and spend for another gadget.  There are in fact free books . . . just wait for the title, not the gadget.
• Use your cell phone or internet device.
  • Internet Devices have more functionality and cheaper than a Kindle.  The devices come with VOIP, browser, email, Flash and and many supported software options.  These are perfect for those who do not need a laptop or want to spend the monthly fee on a cell phone.  A an example would be Nokia N810:
    
• Laptop – Laptops are getting smaller and smaller it is a better option over the expensive Kindle. This 7-inch WVGA display laptop weighs a scant 2 pounds, and offers as much as 5 hours of battery life.

Software Options

Microsoft Reader
A freeware (requires activation) e-book reader for the Windows and Pocket PC platforms. Available in multiple languages.

Adobe – Digital Editions
The softwThe Contemplation â’º Edit â” WordPressare offers an engaging way to view and manage eBooks and other digital publications. Use it to download and purchase digital bookand other publications.

Mobipocket
Mobipocket sells electronic books, or ebooks, for all PDA and Smartphones ( and for your PC)

Non Software Options

What is wrong with holding a book in your hand?  Is it that embarrassing to read Harry Potter on mass transit?  There are solutions to changing the book jacket . . .

• Cracked
• Flat Art
• Create Your Own

If you miss that feel of a page between your fingers and feel the weight of a book in your palms . . . then do not go technical.  Let go of the power

• Buying
  • Paying full price
    • Online – Everyone knows about Amazon, Half and B&N . . . but what about comparing all at once.  Go to Allbooks and AddAll to search online books stores in one place. This will allow you to get the lowest price possible.
    • Bookstore – Hit your latest mall, boxed store or better yet – - go to that small bookstore that you constantly pass on your way to Walmart. You will not be disappointed.
  • Used
    • Online (same as above)
    • Bookstore – Everyone has a favorite used book store. My favorites are located in Minneapolis, MN (Uncle Hugo’s Science Fiction and Uncle Edgar’s Mystery Bookstore) and Washington, DC (Second Story). If you do not have your favorite used bookstore, go out and explore.
    • Library – No mistake, my library card is my favorite card, but just about all Libraries have used book stores.  You not only can get excellent deals per books but most have “bag deals” – fill a back for a couple of bucks.
• Renting
  • Online – Netflix-like options
    • Paperspine
    • BookSwim
  • Library – If you do not have a library card, go and get one.  Going to the library to get DVDs, Audio CDs, and books at no costs beats all options.  Not only free but if your local library doesn’t have what you want . . . you get it within days via inter library loan.

Overall Opinion

There are too many complaints as to the location of the buttons, screen and too expensive for books (Read More . . .) and now cancellation hassles (PC World).   It is best to get the books to fit your lifestyle and not get another gadget that cost $360 (not counting the cost per book).

Basically, Oprah is not E.F. Hutton. . . . just because she talks you do not have to listen.

Tags: Alterntive, asus eee pc, Credit Cards, digital camera, kindle, librarianship, libraries, library, media center, public libraries