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With the pace of everyday life accelerating all the time, carrying a collection of good ol' fashioned paperbacks isn't always the most convenient thing. Products like Amazon's Kindle provide a simple, efficient and easy-to-use way to collect your favorite books in one place and read them on the go. If you're curious about one of the hottest new tech items in literature, read on to learn how to use the Amazon Kindle.
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Introduction
- The Amazon Kindle is an e-book (electronic book) reader, that was initially released for sale on November 19, 2007. The device allows you to download books, newspaper and magazine sites, Wikipedia and more. It uses the same wireless 3G technology as cell phones, so you can access your Amazon account to download e-books no matter where you go.
Step 1: Downloading Books to Your Kindle
- You can download books to your Amazon Kindle from a variety of online services, not just Amazon.com. Prices for downloadable books from Amazon and other sources are relatively inexpensive, and you can also download free content from a variety of sources. The Kindle format is AZW, but Kindle will convert files from HTML, DOC, PDF, JPG, GIF, PNG and BMP to readable AZW files.
- MP3 and Audible formats 2, 3 and 4 are also available to be downloaded to your Kindle, but only through a direct USB connection.
Step 2: Using the Kindle's Keyboard
- The keyboard on the Kindle is not just a convenient way to type in what you're searching for; it also allows you to insert notes into whatever you're reading, making this a great feature for students and researchers on the go. There are also a number of helpful features only available via the Kindle keyboard, like capturing a screenshot and even advancing to the next section in audio books.
Step 3: Using Kindle Controls
- Aside from the keyboard, there are a number of controls on the Kindle that allow you to make simple maneuvers. For example, there are Previous and Next buttons that allow you to move through the pages as you read. There is also a five-button controller that allows you to navigate through the text on the page.
Step 4: Using Kindle with Your Computer
- Because the Kindle is designed to function on its own, port access is limited, but you can connect to your computer if necessary via the USB port.
Conclusion
- Using the Kindle is relatively easy and convenient when you're on the go. You can download books direct from Amazon and a variety of other sources, and can even convert files through email to the AZW format. MP3 and audio files are also compatible, meaning you could listen to an audio book while reading along.
- The keyboard feature is a great way to search for books and materials, but you can also use it to make notes within text. Navigate through text with the control panel, and if the need arises for you to connect to your home computer, you can do so through the USB port.
