Project Gutenberg and Kindle

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I read a lot of stuff from Project Gutenberg and I'd read more but I absolutely HATE reading from a computer screen.

I was thinking of getting an e-book reader, but I'm not sure if it would be worth it...

My question for any kindle users--Is it really like reading from paper or is it pretty much still like reading from a screen?

Also, have you downloaded free books from places like Project Gutenberg, and if so, do they display well on kindle?

I don't have a Kindle but do have a Sony PRS-505 which also uses an e-ink display. I download and read heaps from Project Guttenburg. It's actually easier to download from manybooks.net which has access to all the Guttenburg titles but allows you to download them in a specific format for whatever reader you use.

I absolutely love the display on my Sony and read from it almost exclusively. When I do read printed books now it is only because I can't get an electronic version for the Sony - I'd always chose to read an e-ink device over paper as it allows you to immerse yourself in the story more because you are not turning pages but simply gently pressing a button to go to the next page.

In my case it is just reading like from paper, although some people disagree.

If you're mainly buying it to read free texts and you are happy to connect your device to your computer to load books onto it then I don't know if it's worth buying a kindle with its wireless functionality (and its ugliness compared to a Sony).

I'd suggest you check out the ebook blog TeleRead ( http://www.teleread.org/ ) and especially the MobileRead forums ( http://www.mobileread.com/ ) to help decide which e-ink device would best suit your needs.

PS. I also own an iPod touch and find that great for reading short stories and for its portability. But if I have both devices to hand I'd always choose the Sony e-ink device to read on.

As is usual, I'm both ahead of the curve and behind it. I bought the Missus a Kindle for Christmas. But I've had problems finding all these free e-books everybody talks about. oh well...
The Kindle screen is non-relfective and easy to read. It's a nice size and shape so you can tilt it to prevent glare. I've only downloaded one book so far, but the Missus is quite taken with it. I must admit, this sort of technology really makes me feel like this is the 21st century ...

Instructions for the Kindle at to use the books from manybooks.net ( from http://manybooks.net/help/devices/kindle.php ):
"Quick Instructions - USB Transfer

This method can be used by Mac or PC users. (see Amazon's page on Using Kindle with your Computer for more information.

Download a Kindle or Mobipocket formatted file to your desktop computer.
Connect your Kindle to your computer with a USB cable.
Transfer the downloaded ebook file to your Kindle. (detailed instructions)
Quick Instructions - Direct Download

A walkthrough written by "iamnohs" in the Amazon Kindle users forum.

Open up the BasicWeb browser.
Enter the url http://mnybks.net
At this point you can search, browser, or enter a Book ID. Find a book you want.
KEY STEP: Click on the Mobipocket version of the book for download. ONLY THE MOBIPOCKET VERSION WILL WORK.
A pop-up screen will open on your Kindle. You supply the confirmation for the book to be downloaded, and in a few seconds it should appear in your home screen.
"Kindle" format (.azw) is also available as a desktop download from manybooks.net, to be transferred to your Kindle via USB."

So just surf on over to http://manybooks.net/ and you'll find 25,732 eBooks available and they're all free!

Hey!

Thanks for the advice and that link to manybooks.net--that place rocks!! !

You know, as much as I'd like one of those e-ink devices, I just can't see paying $200.00+ for a book reader when netbooks go for $300.00.

I know the display won't be near as good, but I think I'm gonna try this...
http://www.cnet.com/8301-18603_1-10188221-73.html

My little acer has win 7 starter and it won't let me rotate the screen, but I have a copy of XP. I'm gonna set up a dual boot and see how good the aspire is as a kindle alternative!

some tips: http://www.labnol.org/software/download ... dle/10990/
some links: http://www.43folders.com/2008/06/06/fre ... zon-kindle
directly on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/bestsellers/digital-text/

A tip of my hat to you all ...

Thanks, i'll try these out....

I love Gutenberg.

They have thousands of books I want to read

For example you have all read "The Wizard of Oz" but did you know that there were many other Oz books?

You have read "The Railway Children" by Edith Nesbit but did you know that she wrote many other great books which are on on Gutenberg?

I can download many great books but it is a pain in the butt to have to read them on my computer screen.

I need a hand held reader which is as much of a book as possible so that I can read in bed or while riding on the bus.

This has really opened up an entire subverse for me.
And it's given me an interesting idea.....

Care to share?

By the way, FBReader+Aspire netbook makes for a passable kindle substitute... until there's an e-ink reader for under $100.00.

Now, I just need unlimited time to read all the old history texts, Roman translations, and sci-fi/adventure pulp out there!! !

Funny you should ask ...

I've done some surfing around the Interweb and have found some comic books that will 'read' on Kindle, but not a specific site just for that.
You don't happen to be a HTML web page designer, do you ???