Tuesday, 26 August 2014

Guide to Buying a Kindle

Thinking of buying a new Kindle as a gift for yourself or for someone else? Smart move! Not sure where to buy a Kindle or which one to buy? Let us help you choose! Even if you're still comparing e-readers and haven't made up your mind yet, we have the information you need to know and answers to your questions about buying a Kindle.

Read on to find out who needs a Kindle, when to choose the Amazon Kindle (and when to consider something else), and learn about some of the best accessories that we recommend.

If you're buying a reader or tablet as a gift, we'll tell you how to buy ebooks - and where to find free ebooks. We'll even recommend some favorite titles for her, for him, and for the kids.

A new Kindle would be great surprise for a new college student. Any model is easy to buy as a gift. Amazon will walk you through the steps on the order page. Just click here to choose a modeland you'll be well taken care of.


FAQ about Buying a Kindle

Get quick answers to your Kindle gift questions here. For more information and our personal reviews, scroll down below.


Where should I buy my Kindle? While the Kindle is now available in several office and department stores, you’ll find all the current Kindle models, with comparison charts and a full list of features, in the Kindle Store, which is where I recommend you buy because it’s where you can expect the best customer support. Amazon has a reputation for excellent customer service and if you ever have a problem, there are trained people available to help. Plus the Amazon site has great Q&A and Kindle chat areas where you can find answers or ask your own question. On each Kindle model’s page you’ll see a “buy” box similar to the one pictured here. Another reason to buy directly from Amazon? When your device arrives, it will be all set up for you with any books or other items that you’ve already purchased. There’s just nothing easier than getting started with a preregistered Kindle from Amazon, and I know that from personal experience.

Were can I get Kindle gift cards or gift certificates? To give a gift card or certificate for a Kindle or to give Kindle books as gifts, use the link above to go directly to the Kindle store and look in the left margin of the page.

Where do I go to buy Kindle books? Once again, the Kindle store has you covered. You’ll find Kindle newspapers, magazines, and blogs there too.

Where do I find free Kindle books? Get free ebooks in the Kindle bookstore by visiting this pageor check out our daily free book pick on our Kindle Today page.

Is it true that Kindle doesn’t come with a case? Yes, and we definitely recommend a case, cover, or sleeve for every model. There’s a huge selection (you guessed it) in the Kindle store. Check the customer reviews then choose something you really love.

So, bottom line question, which Kindle should I buy? Bottom line answer, it depends! In my opinion, if you want to simply read books and do very little online activity, you have two choices. The simple Kindle is an excellent bargain and may be all you need. You’ll probably want to buy a light, though, so choosing the Kindle Paperwhite might be a better choice. In fact, this model is now a hugely popular bestseller and I don’t hesitate at all recommending it. It’s a little more, but still very affordable, so your budget and whether or not you’ll need a lighted screen will be the deciding factors.

Now, on to the tablet versions of the Kindle. If you want to watch movies or play games and interact with others or surf the web, that’s when you need to look at the Kindle Fire. I own both a new Paperwhite for reading and two Kindle Fires (the original 7-inch wi-fi version and the 8.9-inch HD 4G LTE version so I can use it on the go) and use all of them, but for separate functions.

There’s no reason to spend more to get a better Kindle model if you don’t need it. The $69 little Kindle is an awesomely wonderful reader if that’s all you need. By the way, on the models where you can choose to buy with “special offers,” I recommend you do that to save a little bit of money. The ads you’ll see on the screensaver are often quite good, but they’re also very non-intrusive to the reading experience. Might as well save a few dollars up front and possibly save more with a special offer later.

You can meet each member of the Kindle family of e-readers and read our reviews as you scroll down this page. Also, each of the e-reader sales pages at Amazon.com has a comparison chart to compare Kindles. That’s a great place to see exact specifications for each of the models, which will help you make the best decision.

Which is the Best Kindle for You?

We'll help you decide in our Buyer's Guide.


Which is the best Kindle? While the page you're on answers many basic Kindle questions, refer to the page below where we help you choose the best device for you, depending on your reading habits and other preferences.

Why Choose Kindle?

What about iPad? We'll help you choose.


If you’re thinking about buying a Kindle for yourself or for a gift, you might also be wondering about the other ebook devices. Rather than a full-blown comparison of the Kindle to iPad or other tablets (many models seem to come and go), here are some reasons that you should choose Kindle over the other devices, as well as situations in which a different device might be a better choice.

The Kindle is small and lightweight. Many thousands of Kindle owners use Kindle to hold their vast library of books in order to free up space on their bookshelves and in their pockets or purses. Rather than hauling heavy books with them wherever they go, it’s so simple to stow a Kindle for a trip to the doctor’s office or a vacation around the world. The Kindle’s light weight makes it very comfortable to hold and read, and the Pearl technology e-ink is crisp, easy to read, and comfortable for long-term reading. There’s also no problem with glare when reading outside – at the beach or the bus stop.

What about a color e-reader? Kindle’s content is displayed using amazingly clear e-ink Pearl technology in multiple shades of gray. For serious readers, we think you’ll probably prefer one of the regular Kindle readers. But if you’re looking for an e-reader and entertainment device, check out the new, full-color Kindle Fire tablet. Read our review below. (We love our Kindle Fire!)

How about the iPad? The first issue with the Apple iPad is the price; expect to spend $600 and up without the monthly data plan (if you need that – and if you have an iPad, you probably do want internet access and, thus, a data plan). It’s true that the iPad screen is beautiful and impressive, but the backlit screen is hard on the eyes, so not good for those who read for hours on end. An additional factor is the size and weight. If carrying a larger device is no problem, consider holding a heavier device while reading for a long period of time. If your eyesight doesn’t fail you, the strength in your wrists might. It’s hard to imagine that a few ounces can make that much difference, but one of the biggest complaints among iPad owners is that they get tired from holding it.

Need internet access and want one do-it-all device? Then the Kindle Fire is definitely for you!

The Latest 6-inch Amazon Kindle

An excellent choice for people who simply love to read.


The $69 Kindle for 2013 - 2014Don’t let the low price fool you. This is the basic Kindle model, but it’s a beauty and is absolutely perfect as a dedicated e-reader. It would be great for a young reader, but with its adjustable font size it works well for older eyes, too.

This model has an on-screen keyboard that’s available when you need it.

We have one of these in our household. It belongs to my (adult) son and he absolutely loves it. It’s easy to hold, the controls are simple and easy to use, he likes that there is no keyboard to take up space, and the 6-inch e-ink display is amazingly clear and beautiful.

To buy a Kindle e-reader simply visit the Kindle storeand make your choice in the left column. Buying directly from Amazon is the easiest and best way to buy. Besides, their customer service (in case you need it) is second to none.

Looking for Books for Your Kindle? Free apps for your Fire?

Want to know about popular free books and bestsellers?


Then check us out on "Kindle Today" daily for our top picks. You'll find tips and tricks and more there, too. Check out Kindle Today on Facebook, too!
Daisy, me, and my KindleDaisy, me, and my Kindle Keyboard.