BajaNomad

Kindle Cracking Up

MrBillM - 12-12-2011 at 10:23 AM

Awhile back, I noticed a Hair-Line crack in the corner of the frame on our "first" Kindle radiating from the lower corner of the screen area. Puzzled, I "assumed" it to be some sort of defect.

Loading a selection on the second Kindle (that I bought so the wife and I weren't forced to share) I noted with alarm that it had the cracks on BOTH sides EXACTLY where my wife grips the Kindle VERY firmly.

I'm NOW thinking that the damage has resulted from too much pressure from her thumbs.

I haven't yet found, in any Internet searches, any other instances, though.

Very Curious. One would Think that the construction wouldn't be THAT sensitive.

[Edited on 12-12-2011 by MrBillM]

Natalie Ann - 12-12-2011 at 10:42 AM

Wow. Your wife must have some grip strength!

Do you use the leather Kindle covers? After using my Kindle for nearly a year, I bought a leather cover for it. It made that lightweight Kindle so much easier to hold. It provides some cushioning for the device itself and, because the binding is meant to fold front to back, it makes the Kindle thicker. Increases the weight just a bit but I quickly got used to that.

For your, ahem :rolleyes:, next Kindle you might want to give the cover a try.

nena

NEXT !

MrBillM - 12-12-2011 at 11:44 AM

MY wife SAYS she's Afraid she'll drop it so she "MAY" have been gripping it too hard.

SURE sounds like it to me. I've always tenderly "Cradled" it in one hand. NOW she's doing the same.

So far, no operational problems as a result of the cracks, BUT I am ordering a "Spare" today since it looks like the Keyboard version is on the way out in favor of the "Touch" versions. We have become so addicted to the Kindle that I can't imagine being without one.

BTW, speaking of Kindle Covers, which we haven't tried, the hits I DID get on searches refer to the "Official" Kindle cover as being responsible for cracking from the Rivet placement on the Hinges. One Unhappy Consumer is/was suing Amazon for $5 Million Bucks and trying for Class-Action status.

NOW, I too enjoy reading, BUT ............

[Edited on 12-12-2011 by MrBillM]

Roberto - 12-12-2011 at 11:55 AM

Amazon should replace it. Worst case, you'll pay a very reduced price for a refurb unit.

DanO - 12-12-2011 at 02:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Amazon should replace it. Worst case, you'll pay a very reduced price for a refurb unit.


That is correct, if you call they'll ask you a bunch of questions, then send you a new one with a shipping label for you to return the old one. And FYI, the Kindle does not like being squashed in an overpacked suitcase. Significant flexing or pressure kills the screen.

bajafam - 12-12-2011 at 03:47 PM

I squished mine on our last trip to Baja - well, the kids did, and Amazon replaced it with hardly a blink. They have great customer service.

schwlind - 12-12-2011 at 04:16 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajafam
I squished mine on our last trip to Baja - well, the kids did, and Amazon replaced it with hardly a blink. They have great customer service.


Been using Amazon for years... and wholeheartedly agree, their customer service is unsurpassed.

And if you are a prime member... for any item listed as being "prime", you receive "free" two day shipping (in the states of course).

Warranty Query a Good Idea

MrBillM - 12-12-2011 at 04:38 PM

And certainly worth trying.

Dittos on the GREAT Amazon service. They have nothing to fear from the coming "sales tax" requirement.

Of course, they no doubt realize that they could almost give the Kindles away at cost if everybody was like me. Which they seem to be doing with the Fire. According to PC World, the production cost is $209. Sale price $199.

Although my original intent was to take advantage of all those free (and 99 cent) books (which I have), I quickly began ordering regular priced ($7.99 and up) books to the tune of about 65 or so by now. 46 in my Clancy-Connelly-Grisham-Wambaugh category alone. So much for good intentions. Ordering is SO easy.

Hook - 12-12-2011 at 04:38 PM

With all the great book exchange locations (marina, RV parks, restaurants, etc.) AND our own lending library of English language titles in San Carlos, I just haven't seen the need for one of these. Much prefer a good old analog book that can kick around in the cab of the truck w/o worry of theft. Into the fanny pack it goes should I run afoul of the pace of Mexico.

Besides, isn't the eye strain a bit much when reading for 1-2hours?

bajafam - 12-12-2011 at 04:42 PM

I love mine. I can bring 1500+ books along on every trip. Not to say that I don't still bring some good old fashioned books too, and comb the Asuncion Campo Sirena library every time...it's a great travel companion :)

NO Strain

MrBillM - 12-12-2011 at 05:07 PM

Speaking ONLY for myself, I have read the Kindle for hours on end late at night (in good light) without any noticeable strain.

It's a LOT different than trying to read a Computer screen.

If one had a Kindle for reference works ONLY, it would be worth it. A couple of thousand books in a Quarter-Inch thick package instantly available.

Bajahowodd - 12-12-2011 at 05:16 PM

Did I accidentally stumble into Off-Topic?

That said, IMHO, the kindle just acted accordingly when it realized it was in the grip of MrBill. :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

bajafam - 12-12-2011 at 08:03 PM

My favorite part of having a kindle is that I can read it in direct sunlight (read the beach!) without any glare. I have also found that I don't get carsick reading it while being a co-pilot on our long driving days. I have 600 books on mine at the moment, and I think I've paid for 3 of them :)

BajaBlanca - 12-12-2011 at 08:11 PM

amazing how addictive toys become !!! I don't have a kindle yet but I can bet I would love one ... there are soooo many books in our library that I haven't read yet ...so I will put it off for another year or two.

Clearing the Cracking Case

MrBillM - 12-12-2011 at 09:55 PM

Further Web search investigation leads to the conclusion that I "may" have to give the esposa a break on the breaks. Given her LONG history of breakage, I may have unfairly "assumed".

There are a number of complaints, notably on a UK "Kindle" Forum among others, that describe Kindle 2 and Kindle 3 Bezel Cracks radiating from the screen in "mostly" the lower right corner, but some on BOTH lower sides. One photo posted shows a crack virtually identical to that on my wife's unit.

Those who have contacted Amazon seem to be universal in their positive remarks regarding Amazon's replacing the units.

However, one discouraging note is that some have reported the replacements cracking.

It is STILL possible that the cracking may result from "grip" pressure, but if so, it would seem to indicate a flawed design.

Roberto - 12-13-2011 at 06:27 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajafam
My favorite part of having a kindle is that I can read it in direct sunlight (read the beach!) without any glare. I have also found that I don't get carsick reading it while being a co-pilot on our long driving days. I have 600 books on mine at the moment, and I think I've paid for 3 of them :)


How does that work?

Mula - 12-13-2011 at 06:41 AM

Wait til you have a hand that doesn't work, a broken arm or wrist.
The Kindle is a life saver!

bajafam - 12-13-2011 at 10:30 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Quote:
Originally posted by bajafam
My favorite part of having a kindle is that I can read it in direct sunlight (read the beach!) without any glare. I have also found that I don't get carsick reading it while being a co-pilot on our long driving days. I have 600 books on mine at the moment, and I think I've paid for 3 of them :)


How does that work?


The free books are widely available. Just go to Amazon.com, go to the Kindle store and choose Top 100 Free. You can do the same from your Kindle as well, through the shop the Kindle store link. I also subscribe to several blogs that detail the free ebook offerings, many publishers will put a new book out for free for a limited amount of time before releasing it at a price. You just have to catch them at the right time. I am also a reviewer for several publishers that offer up free books in exchange for an honest review. Many of them have begun offering ebooks for their selections.

If you are interested - my blog is This Little Mommy :)

bajamigo - 12-13-2011 at 10:53 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajafam
Quote:
Originally posted by Roberto
Quote:
Originally posted by bajafam
My favorite part of having a kindle is that I can read it in direct sunlight (read the beach!) without any glare. I have also found that I don't get carsick reading it while being a co-pilot on our long driving days. I have 600 books on mine at the moment, and I think I've paid for 3 of them :)


How does that work?


The free books are widely available. Just go to Amazon.com, go to the Kindle store and choose Top 100 Free. You can do the same from your Kindle as well, through the shop the Kindle store link. I also subscribe to several blogs that detail the free ebook offerings, many publishers will put a new book out for free for a limited amount of time before releasing it at a price. You just have to catch them at the right time. I am also a reviewer for several publishers that offer up free books in exchange for an honest review. Many of them have begun offering ebooks for their selections.

If you are interested - my blog is This Little Mommy :)


I understand several libraries also lend books via Kindle if you are a cardholder. As soon as I find my LA Public Library card, I'll test it. A friend of mine has been borrowing books from the Corona (CA) library (without leaving Punta Banda) with his Kindle.

bajafam - 12-13-2011 at 10:57 AM

Yes....that is relatively new for Kindle. You can also share books from other Kindle users or if you are an Amazon Prime member you can also "borrow" books for your Kindle for free. There is also a site (probably more if you search for Kindle Lending) called http://www.booklending.com where you can be matched with other users to borrow books.

[Edited on 12-13-2011 by bajafam]

[Edited on 12-13-2011 by bajafam]

More fun with the Kindle

greengoes - 12-13-2011 at 11:19 AM

How to share Kindle books.

For educational purposes only, I do not advocate the use of this information.