Okay, I lied. I have more kindle questions

[Remudamom]

How do I hook it up? Do I charge it with my computer? Is is hard to click it into it's cover?

 

How do I communicate with amazon? Does it have to be plugged into my computer to download a book? What if I'm too stupid to make it work?

 

I guess the kids will figure it out if I can't.

[Tullia]

First, you are not too stupid to make it work! The instructions are so clear that I was able to start downloading books within an hour--and you'll have to trust me on this one--for me to be able to do it was an amazing feat.

 

My Kindle was already charged when I got it, and there's a paper quick start guide that tells you just about everything you need to know to work the thing. I think that newer computers' USB ports will charge the computer, but my computer is old so I just plug into an outlet.

 

It does not have to be plugged into the computer to download a book, but you do have to turn on either the WiFi or the 3G if you don't want to involve the computer--the instructions for turning on the connections are in the quick start guide. The full-length user's manual is already loaded in the Kindle. And, even better there are good clear diagrams that show all the buttons and how the cable is used.

 

If all else fails, ask the dc, but if they roll their eyes remind them that you do lots of other stuff for them and it's payback time!

 

Did you get and Amazon cover with the built-in light? The hooks snap into the side, but I'm not sure how the other one works. The cover has good instructions too.

 

Enjoy!--Martha

 

ETA: I'm not sure what you meant about communicating with Amazon, but you can either contact the forums at the website, send an e-mail, or call. There is a toll free number for calls made in the U.S. The contact info. is on the back of the back of the quick-start guide.

Edited January 25, 2011 by Martha in NM
clarity

[Suzanne in ABQ]

How do I hook it up? Do I charge it with my computer?

It comes with a USB cable that plugs into the bottom of the Kindle. At the other end, you can either plug it directly into your computer, or you can plug it into an AC adapter (also included) and plug it into your electrical outlet to charge it.

 

Is is hard to click it into it's cover?

I got a cover that has elastic at all four corners to hold it in (instead of the clips). It's leather, and has a zipper all the way around, and pockets in the front to hold the QuickStart guide, and a few other things. It was much less expensive than the Kindle brand cover, and I like it just fine.

 

How do I communicate with amazon?

You mean to download books? Well, on the Kindle screen, there's a "button" you click to go to the Kindle store. From there, you can find and download books. There are many free classics. I started there. Within about 10 minutes, I downloaded at least 20 classics (including all of Jane Austen!) As for direct conversation with Amazon, I have no idea. I've never needed to do so.

 

Does it have to be plugged into my computer to download a book?

No. From the Kindle home page, on the Kindle screen, you go to the "Kindle Store" From there, you browse books and download directly to your Kindle. They'll be loaded into your Kindle account at amazon, too, and they'll show up on your computer, and any other Kindle device you may have (I have Kindle on my iPhone, and Kindle-for-Mac on my computer, too). Whatever books you download will show up on all your Kindle devices, automatically, at no extra charge. I believe you can access the Kindle store from your computer, too, but I haven't done so.

 

What if I'm too stupid to make it work?

If you can navigate this site, you can make it work. There is a detailed User's Manual pre-loaded in the Kindle. Just take a half hour to familiarize yourself with the buttons. You'll be fine.

 

I guess the kids will figure it out if I can't.

Yup.