Decoding the Kindle
A Comprehensive Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Kindle
1st Edition
Published on 9. October 2008
90 pages
978-0-13-279709-2 (ISBN)
Description
This is the eBook version of the printed book.
The revolutionary Amazon Kindle is getting rave reviews, but most Kindle users feel that a far better manual is needed in order to get the most out of this extraordinary device.
Introducing Decoding the Kindle: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Kindle. Meticulously researched and painstakingly written to be the one Kindle resource you can't live without, Decoding the Kindle was written by Jim Cheshire, a passionate Kindle owner. It is a thorough guide covering all aspects of the Kindle. Unlike many of the other Kindle resources available, Decoding the Kindle is not a brief article on the Kindle. It's a comprehensive e-book designed to teach you everything you need to know about the Amazon Kindle.
Decoding the Kindle was written for all Kindle users, even those who have absolutely no technical expertise and are inexperienced in using a computer. Here are just a few of the many things you'll learn in this book:
? Tips and tricks to help make your basic Kindle reading experience more enjoyable.
? Details on where you can locate free books as well as tips on how you can search for hard-to-find free books.
? How you can use free software to convert books and edit author name, title, and other information.
? How you can use your own pictures for the Kindle screensaver, including details on what format of image you should use, how to convert your images, and links to free software you can use for image manipulation for the Mac and the PC.
? The best ways to take advantage of the Kindle's built-in Web browser, including how to use email, blog readers, eBay, social networking, and even manage your Netflix movie queue.
? How to listen to music while you read.
? How to listen to podcasts on your Kindle (and how to make the Kindle automatically remember your current place in your favorite podcast.)
? A comprehensive FAQ on the Kindle using carefully researched questions asked by Kindle users.
? Innovative ideas on using the Kindle for an information-storage device.
? Much, much more!
Much of the information available on the Amazon Kindle is actually misinformation. If you want a comprehensive guide with step-by-step, detailed instructions on how to get the most from your Kindle without all the fluff, there's only one clear choice: Decoding the Kindle: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Kindle.
Spend more time reading what you want and less time trying to figure out the Kindle.
The revolutionary Amazon Kindle is getting rave reviews, but most Kindle users feel that a far better manual is needed in order to get the most out of this extraordinary device.
Introducing Decoding the Kindle: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Kindle. Meticulously researched and painstakingly written to be the one Kindle resource you can't live without, Decoding the Kindle was written by Jim Cheshire, a passionate Kindle owner. It is a thorough guide covering all aspects of the Kindle. Unlike many of the other Kindle resources available, Decoding the Kindle is not a brief article on the Kindle. It's a comprehensive e-book designed to teach you everything you need to know about the Amazon Kindle.
Decoding the Kindle was written for all Kindle users, even those who have absolutely no technical expertise and are inexperienced in using a computer. Here are just a few of the many things you'll learn in this book:
? Tips and tricks to help make your basic Kindle reading experience more enjoyable.
? Details on where you can locate free books as well as tips on how you can search for hard-to-find free books.
? How you can use free software to convert books and edit author name, title, and other information.
? How you can use your own pictures for the Kindle screensaver, including details on what format of image you should use, how to convert your images, and links to free software you can use for image manipulation for the Mac and the PC.
? The best ways to take advantage of the Kindle's built-in Web browser, including how to use email, blog readers, eBay, social networking, and even manage your Netflix movie queue.
? How to listen to music while you read.
? How to listen to podcasts on your Kindle (and how to make the Kindle automatically remember your current place in your favorite podcast.)
? A comprehensive FAQ on the Kindle using carefully researched questions asked by Kindle users.
? Innovative ideas on using the Kindle for an information-storage device.
? Much, much more!
Much of the information available on the Amazon Kindle is actually misinformation. If you want a comprehensive guide with step-by-step, detailed instructions on how to get the most from your Kindle without all the fluff, there's only one clear choice: Decoding the Kindle: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting the Most Out of Your Kindle.
Spend more time reading what you want and less time trying to figure out the Kindle.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Boston
United States
Publishing group
Pearson Education (US)
Target group
College/higher education
ISBN-13
978-0-13-279709-2 (9780132797092)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Jim Cheshire is a computer professional and author and has published numerous bestselling books on Web design and application development. Jim has been featured in technical publications such as PC Magazine and MSDN Magazine and currently works as at Microsoft on the ASP.NET and IIS teams. Jim is an early adopter of the Kindle and has been eagerly absorbing everything he's been able to find out about the device for many months. He is also an avid reader and spends several hours every day with his Kindle. Jim lives in Texas with his wife and two children.
Content
Acknowledgments ....................................................................................................... 6
Dedication.................................................................................................................... 6
About the Author......................................................................................................... 6
Welcome to the Kindle................................................................................................ 7
Chapter 1: Getting Started with the Kindle......................................................................... 8
The Amazing Kindle ................................................................................................... 8
The Kindle's Unique Features.................................................................................. 8
The Kindle Home Screen ............................................................................................ 9
Sorting and Filtering the Home Screen.................................................................. 11
Items Available on the Home Screen Menu .......................................................... 13
Configuring Your Settings ........................................................................................ 16
Account Name ....................................................................................................... 16
Device Name.......................................................................................................... 17
Personal Info .......................................................................................................... 17
Primary Dictionary................................................................................................. 17
Annotations............................................................................................................ 18
Available Memory and Kindle Version................................................................. 18
Chapter 2: Reading Content.............................................................................................. 19
Reading on the Kindle ............................................................................................... 19
Keyboard Shortcuts While Reading....................................................................... 20
Using the Progress Indicator.................................................................................. 21
Using the Reader Menu ............................................................................................. 22
Using the Dictionary.................................................................................................. 24
Using Bookmarks, Notes, Clippings, and Highlights................................................ 25
Kindle Bookmarks ................................................................................................. 25
Using Notes............................................................................................................ 26
Clippings................................................................................................................ 27
Highlights............................................................................................................... 29
Chapter 3: Finding Content............................................................................................... 30
Using Amazon's Kindle Store ................................................................................... 30
Accessing the Kindle Store........................................................................................ 30
The Kindle and Digital Rights Management (DRM) ............................................ 33
Finding Books from Other Sources........................................................................... 33
Project Gutenberg .................................................................................................. 34
manybooks.net ....................................................................................................... 34
MobileRead............................................................................................................ 34
Planet eBook .......................................................................................................... 34
Baen Free Library .................................................................................................. 34
Feedbooks .............................................................................................................. 35
Fictionwise............................................................................................................. 35
FreeTechBooks ...................................................................................................... 35
Other Sources......................................................................................................... 35
Creating Your Own Kindle Content.......................................................................... 36
Address Book......................................................................................................... 36
Shopping Lists ....................................................................................................... 36
Your Medications................................................................................................... 37
Your Travel Itinerary ............................................................................................. 37
Study Notes............................................................................................................ 37
Meeting Notes........................................................................................................ 37
Inventory List......................................................................................................... 37
Using Search on the Kindle ....................................................................................... 38
Faster Internet Searching ....................................................................................... 41
Chapter 4: Managing Your Kindle Content...................................................................... 42
Using the Content Manager....................................................................................... 42
Accessing the Content Manager ............................................................................ 42
Using Amazon's "Your Media Library" .................................................................... 46
Transferring Items from Your Media Library ....................................................... 48
Using Amazon's "Manage Your Kindle"................................................................... 49
Your Kindle(s) ....................................................................................................... 50
Your Kindle-Approved Email List ........................................................................ 50
Your Default 1-Click Payment Method................................................................. 50
Your Active Kindle Subscriptions......................................................................... 51
Your Recent Orders and Individual Charges ......................................................... 51
Converting Files and Changing the Title or Author of a Book ................................. 51
Using Mobipocket Reader ..................................................................................... 51
Transferring Files To and From Your Kindle ........................................................... 54
Chapter 5: Internet and Email on the Kindle .................................................................... 56
Browsing the Web on the Kindle .............................................................................. 56
Basic Web Basics................................................................................................... 57
Navigating the Web with Basic Web..................................................................... 57
Basic Web Settings ................................................................................................ 59
Using the Kindle on the Web .................................................................................... 60
Reading Blogs on the Kindle ................................................................................. 61
Reading News on the Kindle ................................................................................. 63
Checking Movie Show Times................................................................................ 64
Checking Flight Status and Airport Information ................................................... 64
Accessing Traffic Information............................................................................... 64
Find Recipes........................................................................................................... 65
Browse and Bid on eBay Auctions ........................................................................ 65
Manage Your Netflix Movie Queue ...................................................................... 65
Social Networking on the Kindle........................................................................... 65
Email on the Kindle................................................................................................... 66
Google Gmail......................................................................................................... 66
Windows Live Mail (Hotmail)............................................................................... 66
Yahoo! Mail........................................................................................................... 67
Chapter 6: Pictures, Music, Audio Books, and More ....................................................... 68
Pictures on the Kindle................................................................................................ 68
Converting Pictures for the Kindle ........................................................................ 68
Adding Pictures to Your Kindle ............................................................................ 69
Using Your Own Pictures for the Screensaver ...................................................... 70
Reverting to the Kindle's Built-in Screensaver...................................................... 70
Playing Music............................................................................................................ 71
Listening to Audio Books.......................................................................................... 72
Playing Minesweeper ................................................................................................ 73
Using Google Maps with "GPS" Location ................................................................ 74
Taking Screenshots.................................................................................................... 74
Chapter 7: Kindle Resources and Accessories.................................................................. 76
Kindle Resources....................................................................................................... 76
Amazon's Kindle Page: www.kindle.com ............................................................. 76
The Amazon Kindle Guide, Free Books & Resources: thekindle.wordpress.com 76
Blog Kindle: www.blogkindle.com ....................................................................... 76
The Book of Kindle: thebookofkindle.com ........................................................... 76
Kindle e Reader: kindleereader.com...................................................................... 76
The Kindle Chronicles: www.thekindlechronicles.com ........................................ 76
Kindle Tank: www.kindletank.com....................................................................... 77
KindleOwner.com: www.kindleowner.com .......................................................... 77
Light My Kindle: www.lightmykindle.com .......................................................... 77
Kindlerama: www.kindlerama.com....................................................................... 77
Kindle Accessories .................................................................................................... 77
Kingston 1GB SD Card ......................................................................................... 77
Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Light.............................................................................. 77
Amazon Kindle Replacement Battery ................................................................... 78
iGo Everywhere PS00252-0003 ............................................................................ 78
iGo A00 Power Tip................................................................................................ 78
M-edge Genuine Leather Executive Case.............................................................. 78
M-edge eMotion Leisure Jacket for the Kindle ..................................................... 79
Monster ScreenClean Display Cleaning Kit .......................................................... 79
Amazon Kindle Sleeve Case from Vizu ................................................................ 79
Waterfield Designs Kindle Cases .......................................................................... 79
miniSync Retractable Kindle USB Cable .............................................................. 79
Chapter 8: Kindle FAQ..................................................................................................... 80
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kindle......................................................... 80
Are Kindle books the same as the hard-cover or paperback versions?.................. 80
Why doesn't the Kindle have a backlight?............................................................. 80
Why does the screen flash when I turn pages? ...................................................... 80
How long should the battery last between charges? .............................................. 81
Can someone else buy a Kindle book for me as a gift? ......................................... 81
I received a Kindle as a gift, but it's registered in that person's name. Can I fix
that?........................................................................................................................ 81
My Kindle locked up and when I turn it off, it stays on. What can I do?.............. 81
Can I create folders to organize my content?......................................................... 81
Can I take screenshots on my Kindle screen to post on a blog, a web page, or to
send them to someone? .......................................................................................... 82
What happens if I delete a book from my Kindle? ................................................ 82
If I subscribe to a newspaper, magazine, or blog on my Kindle, do I have to leave
the Kindle's power switch turned on for my subscription to be automatically
delivered?............................................................................................................... 82
Is it true that I need a credit card issued in the United States to be able to buy
content from Amazon's Kindle store?.................................................................... 82
Do I need a computer to use a Kindle? .................................................................. 82
Do I have to pay for wireless service to be able to use Whispernet on the Kindle?
......................................................................................................................... 83
Can I read a Kindle book I bought from Amazon on my computer? What about a
book I downloaded from somewhere else on the Internet? ................................... 83
If a book is not currently available in Kindle format, is there a way that I can
request that it be made available? .......................................................................... 83
Can I be notified when a book is made available in Kindle format?..................... 83
Is there any way that I can create my own Kindle books from a paper book that
I've purchased?....................................................................................................... 83
Is there any way to speed up the Kindle and its menu system?............................. 83
Should I turn off wireless when I'm not using it? .................................................. 84
How should I clean the Kindle screen?.................................................................. 84
How should I clean the Kindle?............................................................................. 84
Should I charge my Kindle after each use? ........................................................... 84
What if my family has more than one Kindle? ...................................................... 84
Can I use my Kindle outside the United States while traveling?........................... 84
Is there a way to see page numbers on a Kindle? What if I need to provide a page
number reference for a Kindle book citation? ....................................................... 85
Can I share a book I bought with another Kindle user?......................................... 85
Is it possible for a Kindle screen to get burn-in? ................................................... 85
If I have purchased a traditional book from Amazon, can I get a Kindle version
free?........................................................................................................................ 85
Is it possible to zoom in on images if they appear too small? ............................... 85
Does Amazon ever add new features to the Kindle? ............................................. 85
Is it true that I must have wireless access to Whispernet in order to read Kindle
content? .................................................................................................................. 85
I've heard that the Kindle cannot read PDF files. Is that true? .............................. 86
Index ................................................................................................................................ 87
Dedication.................................................................................................................... 6
About the Author......................................................................................................... 6
Welcome to the Kindle................................................................................................ 7
Chapter 1: Getting Started with the Kindle......................................................................... 8
The Amazing Kindle ................................................................................................... 8
The Kindle's Unique Features.................................................................................. 8
The Kindle Home Screen ............................................................................................ 9
Sorting and Filtering the Home Screen.................................................................. 11
Items Available on the Home Screen Menu .......................................................... 13
Configuring Your Settings ........................................................................................ 16
Account Name ....................................................................................................... 16
Device Name.......................................................................................................... 17
Personal Info .......................................................................................................... 17
Primary Dictionary................................................................................................. 17
Annotations............................................................................................................ 18
Available Memory and Kindle Version................................................................. 18
Chapter 2: Reading Content.............................................................................................. 19
Reading on the Kindle ............................................................................................... 19
Keyboard Shortcuts While Reading....................................................................... 20
Using the Progress Indicator.................................................................................. 21
Using the Reader Menu ............................................................................................. 22
Using the Dictionary.................................................................................................. 24
Using Bookmarks, Notes, Clippings, and Highlights................................................ 25
Kindle Bookmarks ................................................................................................. 25
Using Notes............................................................................................................ 26
Clippings................................................................................................................ 27
Highlights............................................................................................................... 29
Chapter 3: Finding Content............................................................................................... 30
Using Amazon's Kindle Store ................................................................................... 30
Accessing the Kindle Store........................................................................................ 30
The Kindle and Digital Rights Management (DRM) ............................................ 33
Finding Books from Other Sources........................................................................... 33
Project Gutenberg .................................................................................................. 34
manybooks.net ....................................................................................................... 34
MobileRead............................................................................................................ 34
Planet eBook .......................................................................................................... 34
Baen Free Library .................................................................................................. 34
Feedbooks .............................................................................................................. 35
Fictionwise............................................................................................................. 35
FreeTechBooks ...................................................................................................... 35
Other Sources......................................................................................................... 35
Creating Your Own Kindle Content.......................................................................... 36
Address Book......................................................................................................... 36
Shopping Lists ....................................................................................................... 36
Your Medications................................................................................................... 37
Your Travel Itinerary ............................................................................................. 37
Study Notes............................................................................................................ 37
Meeting Notes........................................................................................................ 37
Inventory List......................................................................................................... 37
Using Search on the Kindle ....................................................................................... 38
Faster Internet Searching ....................................................................................... 41
Chapter 4: Managing Your Kindle Content...................................................................... 42
Using the Content Manager....................................................................................... 42
Accessing the Content Manager ............................................................................ 42
Using Amazon's "Your Media Library" .................................................................... 46
Transferring Items from Your Media Library ....................................................... 48
Using Amazon's "Manage Your Kindle"................................................................... 49
Your Kindle(s) ....................................................................................................... 50
Your Kindle-Approved Email List ........................................................................ 50
Your Default 1-Click Payment Method................................................................. 50
Your Active Kindle Subscriptions......................................................................... 51
Your Recent Orders and Individual Charges ......................................................... 51
Converting Files and Changing the Title or Author of a Book ................................. 51
Using Mobipocket Reader ..................................................................................... 51
Transferring Files To and From Your Kindle ........................................................... 54
Chapter 5: Internet and Email on the Kindle .................................................................... 56
Browsing the Web on the Kindle .............................................................................. 56
Basic Web Basics................................................................................................... 57
Navigating the Web with Basic Web..................................................................... 57
Basic Web Settings ................................................................................................ 59
Using the Kindle on the Web .................................................................................... 60
Reading Blogs on the Kindle ................................................................................. 61
Reading News on the Kindle ................................................................................. 63
Checking Movie Show Times................................................................................ 64
Checking Flight Status and Airport Information ................................................... 64
Accessing Traffic Information............................................................................... 64
Find Recipes........................................................................................................... 65
Browse and Bid on eBay Auctions ........................................................................ 65
Manage Your Netflix Movie Queue ...................................................................... 65
Social Networking on the Kindle........................................................................... 65
Email on the Kindle................................................................................................... 66
Google Gmail......................................................................................................... 66
Windows Live Mail (Hotmail)............................................................................... 66
Yahoo! Mail........................................................................................................... 67
Chapter 6: Pictures, Music, Audio Books, and More ....................................................... 68
Pictures on the Kindle................................................................................................ 68
Converting Pictures for the Kindle ........................................................................ 68
Adding Pictures to Your Kindle ............................................................................ 69
Using Your Own Pictures for the Screensaver ...................................................... 70
Reverting to the Kindle's Built-in Screensaver...................................................... 70
Playing Music............................................................................................................ 71
Listening to Audio Books.......................................................................................... 72
Playing Minesweeper ................................................................................................ 73
Using Google Maps with "GPS" Location ................................................................ 74
Taking Screenshots.................................................................................................... 74
Chapter 7: Kindle Resources and Accessories.................................................................. 76
Kindle Resources....................................................................................................... 76
Amazon's Kindle Page: www.kindle.com ............................................................. 76
The Amazon Kindle Guide, Free Books & Resources: thekindle.wordpress.com 76
Blog Kindle: www.blogkindle.com ....................................................................... 76
The Book of Kindle: thebookofkindle.com ........................................................... 76
Kindle e Reader: kindleereader.com...................................................................... 76
The Kindle Chronicles: www.thekindlechronicles.com ........................................ 76
Kindle Tank: www.kindletank.com....................................................................... 77
KindleOwner.com: www.kindleowner.com .......................................................... 77
Light My Kindle: www.lightmykindle.com .......................................................... 77
Kindlerama: www.kindlerama.com....................................................................... 77
Kindle Accessories .................................................................................................... 77
Kingston 1GB SD Card ......................................................................................... 77
Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Light.............................................................................. 77
Amazon Kindle Replacement Battery ................................................................... 78
iGo Everywhere PS00252-0003 ............................................................................ 78
iGo A00 Power Tip................................................................................................ 78
M-edge Genuine Leather Executive Case.............................................................. 78
M-edge eMotion Leisure Jacket for the Kindle ..................................................... 79
Monster ScreenClean Display Cleaning Kit .......................................................... 79
Amazon Kindle Sleeve Case from Vizu ................................................................ 79
Waterfield Designs Kindle Cases .......................................................................... 79
miniSync Retractable Kindle USB Cable .............................................................. 79
Chapter 8: Kindle FAQ..................................................................................................... 80
Frequently Asked Questions About the Kindle......................................................... 80
Are Kindle books the same as the hard-cover or paperback versions?.................. 80
Why doesn't the Kindle have a backlight?............................................................. 80
Why does the screen flash when I turn pages? ...................................................... 80
How long should the battery last between charges? .............................................. 81
Can someone else buy a Kindle book for me as a gift? ......................................... 81
I received a Kindle as a gift, but it's registered in that person's name. Can I fix
that?........................................................................................................................ 81
My Kindle locked up and when I turn it off, it stays on. What can I do?.............. 81
Can I create folders to organize my content?......................................................... 81
Can I take screenshots on my Kindle screen to post on a blog, a web page, or to
send them to someone? .......................................................................................... 82
What happens if I delete a book from my Kindle? ................................................ 82
If I subscribe to a newspaper, magazine, or blog on my Kindle, do I have to leave
the Kindle's power switch turned on for my subscription to be automatically
delivered?............................................................................................................... 82
Is it true that I need a credit card issued in the United States to be able to buy
content from Amazon's Kindle store?.................................................................... 82
Do I need a computer to use a Kindle? .................................................................. 82
Do I have to pay for wireless service to be able to use Whispernet on the Kindle?
......................................................................................................................... 83
Can I read a Kindle book I bought from Amazon on my computer? What about a
book I downloaded from somewhere else on the Internet? ................................... 83
If a book is not currently available in Kindle format, is there a way that I can
request that it be made available? .......................................................................... 83
Can I be notified when a book is made available in Kindle format?..................... 83
Is there any way that I can create my own Kindle books from a paper book that
I've purchased?....................................................................................................... 83
Is there any way to speed up the Kindle and its menu system?............................. 83
Should I turn off wireless when I'm not using it? .................................................. 84
How should I clean the Kindle screen?.................................................................. 84
How should I clean the Kindle?............................................................................. 84
Should I charge my Kindle after each use? ........................................................... 84
What if my family has more than one Kindle? ...................................................... 84
Can I use my Kindle outside the United States while traveling?........................... 84
Is there a way to see page numbers on a Kindle? What if I need to provide a page
number reference for a Kindle book citation? ....................................................... 85
Can I share a book I bought with another Kindle user?......................................... 85
Is it possible for a Kindle screen to get burn-in? ................................................... 85
If I have purchased a traditional book from Amazon, can I get a Kindle version
free?........................................................................................................................ 85
Is it possible to zoom in on images if they appear too small? ............................... 85
Does Amazon ever add new features to the Kindle? ............................................. 85
Is it true that I must have wireless access to Whispernet in order to read Kindle
content? .................................................................................................................. 85
I've heard that the Kindle cannot read PDF files. Is that true? .............................. 86
Index ................................................................................................................................ 87
