Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
I've been considering getting a Kindle 2. I'd like to hear feedback from you guys if you own one, specifically the Kindle 2 (but even the first one), please reply.
How do you find the book availability to be? Specifically trading related books?
Are there any issues with the charts and diagrams that would be in a trading book?
Kindles and Nooks...
I don't own one either.
I've considered them but decided my new netbook was a better option.
It will do all that the Kindle/Nook will do plus much more.
Netbooks can be purchased for as little as $200
Kindles and Nooks are overpriced.
The only advantage of the Kindle/Nook I see is the ability to download books from B&N or Amazon. They are using that method of keeping people buying from their stores by providing a proprietary format for ebooks.
(If you have not discovered, there are ways to get around the protection on these ebooks and view them on the netbook.)
With the way technology progresses, I expect the new Kindles/Nooks will quickly be upgraded to new and better. The netbook will upgrade easier since it is already more advanced. The Kindles/Nook will need a hardware change.
If you want the tablet type format, check out Asus Eee PC T91 or Gigabyte T1028. I'm sure other models will soon enter the market.
I guess I have just missed the point of having a small, limited, tablet to view text when you can get Full Video, Audio, Bluetooth, WebCam, Choice of Internet providers, 1gig or more of ram, external expansion, MS Office, Photoediting, Ninjatrader, Internet, Firefox, futures.io (formerly BMT), Flash, Java, PHP, Visual Studio, flash or regular hard drive options, etc on a simple netbook for the same or less $$$.
IMO Kindle/Nooks are a fad that will either evolve into a much more powerful platform or go away completely.
Rejoice in the Thunderstorms of Life . . .
Knowing it's not about Clouds or Wind. . .
But Learning to Dance in the Rain ! ! !
The benefit of Kindle etc. is the E-Ink display - you can read it in broad daylight (although need a lamp when it's dark!), and causes little or no eyestrain. It's very crisp, and it's much more enjoyable to read on after staring at screens all day.
I have a Kindle DX, and of the last 10 or so trading books I've read, 3 haven't been available, which were the more math-based, older books. Formatting can get a little wonky when you run into a full-page chart, although nothing unrecognizable. Loading can be pretty slow on charts too, especially in PDF's.
Overall I think it's been a good purchase. It saves a lot of space, and I read a lot more than I would otherwise. However, if I were looking to buy one now, I might wait for the newer readers coming out -- 1st gen vs 2nd gen benefits and all that usual stuff.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
Just wanted to update --- I bought my Kindle 2, and have had it for a few days. So far, I am really enjoying it immensely.
I actually sold all my paperback/hardcover books (wow, many trips to post office!) and am buying all new material and my all-time favs on Kindle in e-book format now.
The convenience of being able to highlight/clip paragraphs, or make notes, and have them all in one single place is really awesome. I plan to utilize that feature a lot and will be sharing some of my 'clippings' on the forum, after all I only 'clip' what I think is really important!
I put a few blogs and magazines on it, but for the most part I am all business, so it's probably 75% business books at this time and the rest of leisure/fun stuff. Being able to instantly switch and flip through the entire library is awesome. As is being able to sample the first 20 pages or so of a book for free, and in an instant. Then when you decide to buy, you have the book in just seconds.
I know some people were skeptical of the display showing Trading Charts properly, and I am concerned too. But really the books on trading I am reading these days are not methods of trading, so not many charts, but instead are all about psychology and money management aspects of trading. But the few charts I have seen seem totally fine to me, there is a zoom feature that works well and is quick and easy.
I'm sure the next version will make this one look obsolete, but man I've been on the cutting edge of computer tech for over 20 years, I am used to things being obsolete, so that doesn't bother me. I'll just ebay this one or give it to a family member, and get a new one. I chose Kindle over Nook because I'm a huge fan of Amazon and have been since they were barely known. I used to own lots of stock, wish I still did I'm not a big B&M guy so the attraction of Barnes and Noble really didn't do anything for me, I would rather go online and do my research, and not to mention save money. So amazon means Kindle. Even though I am a fan of Android, and Nook runs Android...
Battery life has been terrific. Speed and ease of use is terrific. I guess my dream would be a larger screen but no added weight or girth (or cost! lol), but give it time. Like others have said here, the e-ink display is fantastic. There is no comparison to reading an LCD monitor vs. the e-ink display. It is for sure the ideal solution for this medium.
I would probably get one if it had better PDF support (ie real pdf support, no conversion)
I've been using ebooks as my primary reading source for a number of years and have amassed a large library in pdf format, converting it all to kindle format would be time consuming not to mention that many of them don't convert correctly.
I do love the e-ink screen though, can't wait till those are more mainstream.
Right now I do most of my reading on hp tablet pc or ipod touch (which is an excellent ebook reader imo despite its small screen)
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
I am pretty sure the new firmware just released a few days ago adds native PDF support without the whole email@kindle.com conversion thing. I haven't hooked mine up via USB yet so the only PDF I tested I just was lazy and emailed it to my kindle address, it did have some conversion issues but it was a complex layout not a traditional book.
Cool thanks for the heads up, hadn't noticed that they finally released that upgrade. Just ordered a DX. Love the new $5.99 saturday delivery option on amazon prime ; )
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
hehe, awesome! Man I wanted the DX, but was trying to be reasonable with the spending Still have 21 days or so left on my return, Santa might yet bring me an upgrade LOL.
i'm also considering the kindle - the reason is - i cannot stand looking at an lcd any longer than i have to with my trading - and i've heard that e-ink is excellent in this respect... anything that merges the convenience of a computer with the advantages of a physical book gets my vote.
i'd still like to "test-drive" one of these before buying it...
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
Doug, yes I did, I used Amazon marketplace because it was soo much easier than ebay. I've got 150 feedback or so on ebay, but decided to try amazon marketplace for these, my first time selling on amazon. It worked well, but the fees were higher than ebay+paypal.
How do you see the iPAD Apple launched today, compared with the Kindle ?
The iPAD (with the iBook app), and the built-in iBookstore will enable you to buy books (on-line) that you can store on a Bookshelf on the iPAD. The cost is $499 (minimum config).
An American who wants to save trees! Not very credible. Could this be a rationalization process?
You like the Kindle, so you neede to find a reason why you like it. I bet that the true reason is something else. Could well be that it was the idea of your dog, LOL.
The Kindle has one inconvenient. Often the charts are not on the same page as the text. With a real book it is easier to look at page 52 and 54 at the same time. And it is also easier to go back a couple of pages, if you have forgotten the beginning of the story or want to compare a new idea with a prior statement of the author.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
LOL.
Well for me, I really enjoy my Kindle over traditional hardcovers or paperbacks. It is much easier for me. There are disadvantages to be sure, but the biggest disadvantage I would cite would be for the 'typical' person who resells or gives away his old books. Not possible with Kindle.
As for charts not being on same page as text, it's never been a problem for me. But I don't read too many books with charts, I am not reading 'methods' I am reading psychology and money management and etc. Still, I've come across many books with charts and illustrations and its never been a problem. There is also the Kindle DX which is bigger and solves this problem you mention.
Yes flipping back and forth is not as easy as turning a page. But it's not exactly hard.
As for the real reason behind the Kindle, it was a technology geek thing. Then I found I actually really liked it, sold all my real books, and haven't looked back.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
My experience says legit ebooks (like a copy of the book on PDF) are enclosed in the hardcover sleeve of the real book, on CD.
The reason Kindle is priced lower than the hardcover is because of the long term sales cycle. Publishers know Kindle books cannot be resold, so they grab a higher percentage of customers buying new books because there are no used book transactions they are missing out on. Plus, there are technical reasons why it SHOULD be cheaper, but its all business.
There is a Kindle app for PC, iPad, and etc etc, but I just use my Kindle itself.
I am sure that I will buy a Kindle or an Ipad, whatever is more comfortable for reading. I am just waiting for the technology to ripen a bit. I do not like to be the first one to have a new gadget.
When I bought my first PC, I realized one year later that it had lost 70% of its value. From there on, I only bought last year's products. Never regretted this. Always looking for good deals, is some fun.
When I am reading a PDF, HTML or text files on my PC, I use a small utility that can translate all English words via mouse click. My first e-book reader will have that capability as well, even if the designer of the e-book does not know it yet.
If it can fast translate from one language to another via touchscreen, it will for sure beat all traditional books.
Amazon is releasing a new version of the Kindle with Wi-fi and a updating the 3G model to include Wi-Fi. Looks like a few other minor improvements too.
I've had a Kindle for a while and as BM said its great from the eink technology aspect, it really does go ez on the eyes.. That being said the tablets are getting to me.. holding out on the ipad to see what the hp slate will look like and also if apple will come out with a macbook tablet.. i rather have a real os
Thanks for the answer. I do not want lots of apps, just the one which allows me to translate all English words that I do not understand by just touching them. That is my dream. Reading foreign language books and touch every offending word to make it confess immediately!
The following 3 users say Thank You to Fat Tails for this post:
Mike, eBooks are not big yet in NZ, world copyright issues slow down the release of such things outside of the USA. But tell me, why are eBooks so expensive ie nearly the price of the hardcover. Surely the price should be a fraction given the efficent distribution mechanism. Surely if they priced the eBook more sensibly, not only would they sell a lot more, but they would probably reduce the incidence of pirated copies of books.
Furthermore, I struggle with the price of eBooks when you think that as a customer your ability to deal with that eBook is limited compared to a hardcover ie you cannot resell it 2nd hand.
PS: my view is much the same for electronic versions of music and movies. If the distributors priced the electronic version at a discount that truely reflects the significantly reduced cost of distribution (and reproduction) they would a) sell a lot more and b) reduce the piracy market.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
I believe the price is determined not by what it should cost, but what people are willing to pay. Supply/demand, etc. Is an ebook a commodity? I know for me, when I chose the Kindle vs the Barnes and Noble Nook, or even the other ebook devices at the time, I mainly chose kindle based on Amazon's selection. They had the widest selection of books I wanted, and they had the best prices. I've been an Amazon customer forever, back when all they sold was books. Whereas Barnes and Noble has less selection, and higher prices, so it made choose the Kindle an easy one.
Yesterday I had a contact with an application developper. The Kindle device cannot be accessed by software developpers, so they cannot add their apps. This means that the Kindle never will have an integrated tool, which translates English words.
For the IPAD, you can get Kindle Apps as a free donwload. I can then read all e-books from Amazon and other suppliers and use my translation tool, which is browser-based and will translate all unknown words via popup.
It is now clear that the Kindle is a dead end of evolution, so I will wait a bit for prices to go down, before I purchase an IPAD or something similar that will allow me to read English books with all the comfort that I expect.
At this time, translate utility to mother language feature is not available on Kindle. We're regularly working on improvements to your Kindle experience. I've let the Kindle team know you're interested in this feature.
Instead Kindle comes with "The New Oxford American Dictionary" already on your Kindle. It's formatted to work with Kindle's Look Up and Search functions. Visit the link below to find additional dictionaries that can be used as the default dictionary on Kindle:
That is the truth. I have two MacBooks for about two years now, and the prices of their respective new models are understandably even higher; and my models' prices never dropped a cent. They never gonna drop their prices (unless you go for refurbished and second-hands); so I'll get my new iPad in August.
This is my first post at futures.io (formerly BMT) - appropriate that it's technology related as I'm a tech geek
I have a differing opinion regarding ebook readers. I own the ipad, and i find it's a terrible ebook reader - it's big (can't comfortably hold it in one hand), screen is glossy and reflective (for me, a worse experience than reading from my netbook or PC. In fact, I'm not at all that crazy about my ipad purchase - good for web browsing, but that's one of the last things I want to do. Plus my netbook is great and it has a keyboard!
Now I've used the kobo for a month and I loved it, but it's not supported here in Canada, plus the kindle specs are better. But the conclusion I came to - a dedicated ebook reader is far superior for those who are avid readers.
So I'm ready to take the kindle plunge but unsure of which size to purchase. I'm leaning towards the 9.7" screen, given I'll likely read a number of technical analysis texts with charts, but I'd love to hear anyone's specific experience with either size.
The following user says Thank You to Snoop for this post:
Well, this is a quick review as I've had the kindle DX for 5 days (amazon continues to amaze me at their ability to fill orders - 16 hrs from order to in my hands and I'm in Canada) and I can clearly state that it is awesome - head and shoulders above ipad as a book reader.
DX is a reasonable weight (noticeably lighter than the ipad) and the screen size is a must for me, over the smaller 6" version (which I could see owning as a 2nd device). I have plowed through a couple of trading related books already, and the charts display clearly and the text is crisp - truly easy on the eyes. It should be noted that my entire book collection is pdf, which is not really native to the kindle. But this version of software handles them well, but I actually look forward to purchasing new books
This is certainly one of my favorite purchases to date.
The following 2 users say Thank You to Snoop for this post:
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
That's awesome. Is this the third generation DX, I assume? They started shipping recently I think. I have a 2nd generation Kindle. Perhaps when the 4th generation comes out I'll take a look at adding a DX version I'm content with my smaller Kindle for now.
My trading buddy and I share our amazon accounts, so we get each others Kindle libraries without paying twice. Not recommended unless you 100% trust someone naturally But we have an unofficial policy that we personally buy every other book, so we get all the books for half cost more or less. You can just sign in to another Amazon account on Kindle, and it downloads their library to your Kindle. Then sign back in to yours.
Yes Mike, it's the 3rd gen DX. E ink has been improved in this version, other than that, no real difference for previous DX users. I'll likely wait for the 4th gen to add the smaller more portable 6" version.
I actually bought my first ebook today - Super Trader. I now see the benefits of ebooks in the epub format. And it was reasonably priced. That's the one complaint I have - generally there isn't much of a discount for ebooks, but that's more of an issue with the book industry. Similar to the state of the music industry 5 years ago. Eventually they'll embrace economies of scale.
Nice to be able to share libraries. Unfortunately, my trader buds barely read.
Does anyone know if and how to download a pdf file format on a Kindle. I have two books Mind over Markets and Markets in Profile and I would like to have them on my new Kindle without having to buy them.
Site Administrator Swing Trader Data Scientist & DevOps
Manta, Ecuador
Experience: Advanced
Platform: My own custom solution
Trading: Emini Futures
Posts: 49,778 since Jun 2009
Thanks: 32,304 given,
97,553
received
I believe you can do it with the USB cable, but I just email them to my @kindle.com address given when you signup. Amazon charges a small fee to convert the PDF. Usually $1-2 dollars.
Yes, you can drag and drop pdfs onto your kindle. When the USB cable is plugged into your desktop, the kindle is mounted similar as the ipod or an external hard drive. The current kindle software natively supports pdf so no conversion is needed. Some functionality is lacking when compared to Mobi or the amazon format. But most of my books right now are old pdfs I've had for some time and they read very well.
The following user says Thank You to Snoop for this post:
You can drag and drop the PDFs onto your kindle but the viewing experience is far inferior than the kindle format files. For one, you cannot increase the size of the font while viewing PDFs and for most of the PDF books, the native font appears very small on Kindle. You can zoom in but that makes the flow/sequence of pages cumbersome.
This is true if you're reading with the smaller kindle. I should have been clearer...
You can "read" pdf's on the kindle, but it's not preferred. But the way I saw it at the time, I could try it and if it didn't work out, then I'd buy the books in the preferred format. You'd have the same issue with adobe reader on your desktop if your screen was small enough. I'm reading on a DX and the larger screen is sufficient for all the pdfs I've tried so far.
If I want to purchase a title from the French Kindle store, I am not allowed to do so, because I am German resident. Owning a Kindle in Europe means that you are only allowed to download electronic books from your local Kindle store, but you won't get what you want to read.
All other Kindle shops are blocked.
I have a choice between Amazon.com and Amazon.de. If I choose Amazon.com, I cannot download most German books. If I opt for Amazon.de, I do not have access to many English books.
Solution 1: Buy two Kindles, one for myself (Amazon.com) and another one for my wife (Amazon.de), but then I will get confused....
Solution 2: Switch from Amazon.com to Amazon.de every few months. I would only lose my subscriptions for newspapers or weekly journals.
I'm not a big B&M guy so the attraction of Barnes and Noble really didn't do anything for me, I would rather go online and do my research, and not to mention save money. So amazon means Kindle. 
I'm content with my smaller Kindle for now.