Kindle FAQ Sheet

Can I use OverDrive?
Not yet, but stay tuned for news later this year. Amazon and Overdrive have announced that they will have an agreement that will serve Kindle users.

Do I need a separate computer to use OverDrive?
We don’t know yet, but since the Kindle is WiFi-enabled, I think it will probably be able to access Overdrive without using a separate computer.

How many books will it hold?
With 4GB of internal storage (approximately 3GB available for user content), the newest Kindle holds up to 3,500 books.

How long does the battery last?
A single charge lasts up to two months with wireless off based upon a half-hour of daily reading time. If you read for one hour a day, you will get battery life of up to one month. Keep wireless always on and it lasts for up to 3 weeks. Battery life will vary based on wireless usage, such as shopping the Kindle Store, web browsing, and downloading content. Fully charges in approximately 4.5 hours via the included U.S. power adapter. Also supports charging from your computer via the included USB 2.0 cable.

Can I read the screen in sunlight?
Yes. The Kindle’s E -nk Pearl screen reflects light like ordinary paper and uses no backlighting, eliminating the glare associated with other electronic displays.

Screen resolution?
600 x 800 pixel resolution at 167 ppi (pixels per inch), 16-level gray scale

Size? Weight?
Two sizes: 7.5" x 4.8" x 0.335", 6” display (measured diagonally), 8.5 ounces; and the Kindle DX, 10.4" x 7.2" x 0.38”, 9.7” display, 18.9 ounces.

How large / how many sizes can I make the words display?
There are eight (8) adjustable font sizes and three (3) choices of fonts.

How do you turn the page?
There are buttons on each side of the Kindle for moving to the next page and the previous page, so it’s easy to turn the page no matter which hand you are holding it with.

Does it remember my place?
Yes, when you reopen a book you were reading, it opens at the last page you were reading. You can also set bookmarks and go to the beginning of any chapter.

How much does it cost?
Four models range from $114 (6”, WiFi, new) to $379 (9.7”, WiFi + 3G, new).

Do I have to subscribe to a service?
No. The WiFi model works with any wireless network. The WiFi+3G model works with both wireless and with the 3G cellphone network. The Kindle’s 3G connectivity is paid for by Amazon. There are no additional fees charged to the Kindle user.

Are the batteries self-replaceable or does it need to be sent in when they die?
The batteries are not replaceable. When the battery is no longer holding a charge, you will have to send your Kindle back to Amazon for service. The replacement is covered by the one-year warranty. A two-year warranty is available at extra cost.

Can I use it with multiple formats?
Yes. Kindle (AZW), TXT, PDF, Audible (Audible Enhanced (AA, AAX)), MP3, unprotected MOBI, PRC natively; HTML, DOC, JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP through conversion.

Can it connect to the Internet?
Yes, it uses a browser based on WebKit, but it is still considered experimental.

Can I use it to watch video?
No.

What else does it do?
It can read some books and periodicals to you using text-to-speech. Some books can be loaned for 14 days to a friend with another Kindle. The first chapters of most Kindle books can be read for free. Over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are available to read on Kindle, including titles such as The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, Pride and Prejudice, and Treasure Island. Built-in dictionary. Built-in access to Wikipedia. Highlight and annotate your books. Search function. Full QWERTY keyboard. Manually rotate screen between portrait and landscape orientation. In addition to getting books from Amazon, the Kindle can also receive digital magazine and newspaper subscriptions.

Conclusion?
The small controls still make the Kindle difficult to use for persons with vision impairments, and while the font can be controlled for the books themselves, the displays for the table of contents, the Amazon store, and other screens cannot be changed. But once the book has been opened and the font size and style selected, all the user has to do is turn the pages and turn the Kindle off when they’re done. (Or let it go into sleep mode.) The E-Ink technology is much easier on the eyes for extended reading than an LCD display. The Read-to-Me feature is a big plus for books and also for periodicals. Overall, the Kindle is an excellent choice for a reader who travels and doesn’t want to carry a heavy pile of books, or who wants the instant delivery of the latest bestsellers, or who can’t always get the book they want in large print, or who just likes the light weight of the Kindle compared to the latest Ken Follett tome.

Where can I get more information?
http://www.amazon.com/