Amazon Kindle 3 - getting started
Option 1: Use the MIT Libraries Kindle account (pre-loaded)
This is the easy option if you just want to test the ebook reading experience. It's pre-loaded with free content (public domain and other free content).
Screen saver button is on bottom right, slide it and release to get started. Look for the Home button on the device. Use the Menu button and toggle button to access features.
Suggested things to try:
1. Read at least a whole chapter or a whole article.
2. Try changing the font size, typeface, screen rotation.
3. Bookmark some pages.
4. Highlight passages and take some notes.
5. Sort your titles in different ways.
6. Plug the USB cable from the Kindle to your computer. Copy a PDF file that you would like to read on to the disk that appears (this is your Kindle). Put it in the Documents folder of the Kindle. Unplug and read it on your Kindle. Try increasing the font size.
Subject liaisons:
Download some PDF content from MIT libraries ejournals or ebooks in your subject areas (on your computer) and try loading that on the Kindle by the method above.
7. Try the web browser (Home button, then hit Menu button, select "Experimental").
This is a wifi Kindle, so you'll need to be in a wifi zone to use the web. (Hint... this is very awkward on the Kindle!) Try searching Barton, Vera, or DSpace. Since there are no MIT certificates on the Kindle, you can enter your MIT username and password on the Touchstone screen when you are accessing licensed content.
Plug in the device to an outlet to recharge when it's getting low. Alternatively, you may remove the outlet plug from the cord and it becomes a USB cable, which you can plug in to your computer for charging.
Option 2: Use your own Kindle account
You may set up a free account for yourself on Amazon and register this Kindle to your account. (or use your existing Amazon account) This will allow you to test the shopping features, and add your own free or paid ebooks to the Kindle.
First you will need to deregister this Kindle from the MIT Libraries account.
To De-register: Click Home button, Menu button, select "settings", then "deregister."
(Joanne will register it back to the MIT Libraries account when you return it).
The books we are including for the MIT Libraries account are all in the public domain. Please leave them on the device, so we don't have to load them up again for the next loan.
On your computer, go to https://www.amazon.com/, your account/manage your Kindle. Follow their instructions under "register a new Kindle."
To put your previously purchased Kindle books on this Kindle, from your computer, go to the "manage your Kindle" page on Amazon's site (while logged in to your own account). There is a list of all your previous purchases, and from there you can use the "deliver to..." menu to send particular books to this Kindle.
When you return the Kindle, you can deregister it, which completely erases all of your settings. (use the same steps mentioned above). Don't worry, you'll still be able to read your purchased or free books using the free Kindle app on your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.
To delete your books from the Kindle, you must delete them one at a time.
Suggested things to try:
1. Read at least a whole chapter or article.
2. Try changing the font size, typeface, screen rotation.
3. Bookmark some pages.
4. Highlight passages and take some notes.
5. Sort your titles in different ways.
Load PDFs: (2 options)
6. a. Use the secret email address to email a PDF to the kindle (every Kindle gets a private email address)
(find for your own secret Kindle address on Amazon's site under Your Account/Manage Your Kindle).
6. b. Plug the USB cable from the Kindle to your computer. Copy a PDF file that you would like to read on to the disk that appears (this is your Kindle). Put it in the Documents folder of the Kindle. Unplug and read it on your Kindle. Try increasing the font size.
Subject liaisons:
Download some PDF content from MIT libraries ejournals or ebooks in your subject areas (on your computer) and try loading that on the Kindle by the methods above.
7. Try the web browser (Home button, then hit Menu button, select "Experimental").
This is a wifi Kindle, so you'll need to be in a wifi zone to use the web. (Hint... this is very awkward on the Kindle!) Try searching Barton, Vera, or DSpace. Since there are no MIT certificates on the Kindle, you can enter your MIT username and password on the Touchstone screen when you are accessing licensed content.
8. Try shopping in the Kindle store (home, menu, "shop in Kindle store"). Buy a book (or search for free books), and download one to the Kindle. Here's a page where you can browse for free books:http://amzn.to/hee65Y
9. Install the Kindle software on your PC or Mac, iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch.
Download from Kindle support page: http://amzn.to/NtyFL
Start reading a book on the Kindle, then switch to your computer or mobile device and try picking up where you left off.
Plug in the device to an outlet to recharge when it's getting low. Alternatively, you may remove the outlet plug from the cord and it becomes a USB cable, which you can plug in to your computer for charging.
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If you're interested, here is more information about giving Kindle books as gifts, selling a used Kindle, and registering/de-registering a Kindle.