My Kindle Stuff

Maximize Your Kindle!

(Update 10/13/2009 – This has gotten old–Take a look at my updated article here)

With some minor configuration, either Kindle version will deliver so much satisfaction you won’t go back to dead-tree books. Kindle users have prompted a small flood of 3rd party accessories. Quickly replacing the poorly designed Kindle 1 (Kindle Klassic) cover seems to be the most popular, with skins, memory cards and carrying cases coming in close seconds. I’m not too keen on the skins for the K2, as so far they are only on the back of the device, and Amazon realized the mistake they made on the previous cover since the K2 comes bare.

In addition, free ebook websites are everywhere. You can read many classics when you have blown your book budget for the month, or dive into an extensive list of blogs.

Maximization!

Kindle 2 in Blue Fantasy skin and M-edge cover

Matching Skinned Kindle 1 w/ charger and iPhone

Amazon content

You can browse and download books from Amazon to your hearts content. The easiest books to find are from the various bestseller lists. I’m not the biggest fan of searching on Amazon, its too hard to really nail down a focused search although the browsing is great. Serious book browsers can take a look at some of my ‘pre-searched‘ lists. I have links to Amazon Books by category , Amazon Free Books by category, and Amazon’s entire list of Book Bundles – these are great deals as you can pick up multiple books for a price lower than the individual purchase price. I also have a link to what I’m calling the 99 cent store; the link connects to a custom search that lists all books for $.99, one for Fiction and one for Non-Fiction.

Non-Amazon Content

I have a list of various ebook sellers if you want to try your hand at book conversion for your Kindle. The list is by no means exhaustive, just the ones that I use regularly, and I also have links to some free ebook sites. You can also use the section on conversion to help you get non-Kindle formatted books onto your device.

You can also join the Sony eBook store and have a single source of free ebooks. Read about those details here, but note that all the books on that site must be converted to use. If you don’t want to try your hand at conversion, use .TXT files from any free book site and email to your Kindle via Amazon.

One of the best free book sites is feedbooks.com. This a the site that will also allow you to use the Kindle’s wireless service to download free books, but even better, to read your blogs free of charge. To those that ask “Aren’t blogs free?”, note that if you subscribe via Amazon, there is a charge. You can access their site on your Kindle where they have a complete How-To guide on using their site and adding content. Yeah, Feedbooks is an awesome site! If you find any other non-Amazon sites that allow you to utilize the Whispernet, let me know.

Other Kindle Must-Haves

Cover – Most ‘hard’ covers will do while you are carrying your Kindle where there’s a possibility of smash-age. You don’t want to crack or scratch your screen. I also use a soft neoprene cover for daily use when carrying in my purse. (Edited 4/21/09 – The neoprene cover pictured below works on my Kindle 1 and my Kindle 2)

Book light – I use my book light to read in bed and on hot nights outside, but it’s meant for any low-light setting. My Review is here.

Waterproof cover – If you travel and will be around water, sand or a lot of dirt, get one of these as well. Many folks use a zip-loc bag, but I wanted a cover that was certified waterproof. Below is the one I got. (Note: Do NOT get the smaller waterproof cover. The one that fits the Kindle is 9″x12″)

SD Card (K1 only) – If you want to keep large content on the K1 and have the ability to swap out, grab and SD card. I also use it to keep reference books that I don’t necessarily use all the time.

For Fun

I also use a skin on my K1. Your Kindle will look great and reflect your personality when wearing a skin in a matching cover. I’ll be adding pictures of my Kindle 2 when I get my skin and cover.