What is a Kindle? What is Kindle Unlimited? Are books cheap or free on Kindle? Where can I buy a Kindle? Can a Kindle read to me? Will books go extinct? All these questions and more.
What is a Kindle?
A Kindle is an electronic device, that looks like a small tablet and is dedicated to ebook storage and reading. There are several different types of ebook readers, but the Kindle is Amazon's version and the most popular on the market (You may have also heard of a Nook or a Kobo). A Kindle is designed to read full-length novels on.
Currently, on Amazon, there are five different types of Kindles available:
Kindle (regular)
Kindle Paperwhite
Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition
Kindle Oasis, and
Kindle Scribe
These Kindles differ in battery life, screen size, storage, price, durability, water resistance, light settings, buttons, and capabilities. The Kindle Scribe comes with a stylus and can be used as a notebook.
What does a Kindle do?
A Kindle is an e-reader, which is like an electronic library of books that you can access, store, and read on a device. A Kindle is linked to the Amazon Kindle store, which you can access to search, view details, download samples, and make purchases. Any books or samples you choose will download onto the device so you can open and read them straight away. Think of it as a library that you don't have to travel to or wait for books to arrive at, and which probably has a much larger selection than you are used to.
Different Kindles allow you to read in different ways. Some allow you to swipe the screen to turn a page, while others have buttons. They allow you to highlight passages, make notes, search words on an electronic dictionary (a great feature when you reach a word that stumps you), and even do simple web searches.
Does the Amazon Kindle Store have every book on it?
No, it does not. If you like to read something on the rarer side or particularly nichey, you may like to check out the store before you buy a Kindle.
Why use a Kindle and not a tablet/iPad?
Battery life - This seems to be at the top of the list of reasons why people love to use Kindles. Most Kindles will last weeks on a single charge. One blog I looked at suggested that you could expect a Kindle charge to last 4 - 10 weeks!
Cost - Kindles are much cheaper than iPads
Screen - Kindles are meant to be better for your eyes, thanks to the screen and light options
Size - The size of a Kindle is similar to a paperback book
Kindles can do less than iPads - This means fewer distractions and contributes to the longer battery life, but it does mean that its capabilities are limited and certain types of reading (like graphic novels) may be better on a tablet.
Can a Kindle read to me?
Yes. You can use text-to-speech and Audible on certain Kindles. These features are limited in certain Amazon regions, like Australia (where I am). You can get Audible to work if you change your Amazon marketplace/region. I haven't tried this out (if you don't know what I'm talking about, keep reading for more info on Amazon marketplaces).
Where can I buy a Kindle?
There are lots of different places. A Google search tells me that you can buy a Kindle from Myer, eBay, Kogan, and Dick Smith, but they are also available at places like JB Hi-Fi and Officeworks for Aussies like me, so there are lots of places both instore and online. That being said, the Kindle is an Amazon device, so Amazon is going to have the full range of devices and accessories and will make it super easy to set up. Amazon also has regular sales where you can pick one up for a great price.
Note: Amazon has 21 different 'global marketplaces'/web addresses for different regions eg. Amazon.com (US), Amazon.com.au (Aus), Amazon.co.uk (UK) etc. If you wish to make a purchase on Amazon, you will need to make sure that you are on the right marketplace for your region.
What is the Kindle App?
The Kindle app is free and will turn any phone or tablet into an e-reader (without the great battery life, convenient size, and easy-on-the-eyes screen). The app gives you access to the Kindle store where you can make purchases and have the book show up on your device straight away. You can then read and store your books in the Kindle app, like a little library on your device.
What is Kindle Unlimited?
Kindle Unlimited (KU) is a monthly subscription that gives you access to a heap of free books, a bit like a streaming service (eg. Netflix) book library. Again, not all books are included in KU, so you may like to check if what you like is available before you sign up. You will also find a lot of new and indie authors put their books on KU (like me). This is in the hope that people will be more likely to take a chance on an unknown author without shelling out for a book they don't know whether they will love. Don't be scared though, lots of popular authors have books on KU too.
KU gives people a chance to try all sorts of books (you can borrow and return instantly), and is great for fast readers who tear through their books quickly. For those of you who are old like me, KU is a bit like a Blockbuster (stick with me), because you borrow the books and can only have 20 at a time before you need to return some so you can borrow more. Current price for KU at the time of writing is $13.99 AUD per month.
Are books cheap or free on Kindle?
Some books are perma-free, and some are free only for Amazon Prime users. KU is a monthly subscription - one fee and you can read as much as you like (but it doesn't include all books). Authors often run free book promos, where books are free for a limited time, and there are lots of newsletters you can sign up for that will keep you up to date about free books you might be interested in. You may also get access to free e-books through your library. So you can find and read lots of free books on a Kindle, but not every book all of the time.
Yes, ebooks are often cheaper than paperbacks, but not always.
Right now on the AUS Amazon store, I can buy:
Rich Dad Poor Dad for $10.99 on Kindle or $12.45 paperback (not on KU)
Boy Swallows Universe for $4.99 on Kindle or $9.00 paperback (not on KU)
Fourth Wing for $16.99 on Kindle or $14.00 paperback (not on KU)
Demon Copperhead for $7.09 on Kindle or $14.00 paperback (not on KU)
The Housemaid for $4.99 on Kindle or $14.00 paperback (FREE on KU)
Haunting Adeline for $7.06 on Kindle or $31.24 paperback (FREE on KU)
Will books go extinct?
I hope not!
Yes, I own a Kindle.
Yes, my books are available on Kindle and are free for Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
BUT...
While ebooks have their benefits, I think that nothing can beat holding a real book and I still love visiting my local library.
Happy reading,
Marley x
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