For those of you who have a Kindle or Nook ...

[Anonymous]

Can you give me some information?

First, how do you back up your book collection -- does it sync with your computer? Anyone do this with a Mac?

And have you used it overseas? How do you charge it up?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Kindle backs everything up on Amazon, so if you lose it and get a new Kindle you can easily have all your books transferred to the new one. I've done it and it's incredibly easy.

The wireless downloading does not work overseas. If I am going to travel I just make sure I have plenty of book choices loaded on in advance.

It charges using a cord that plugs into the wall. If you turn off the wireless receiver the charge lasts a week or two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Kindle backs everything up on Amazon, so if you lose it and get a new Kindle you can easily have all your books transferred to the new one. I've done it and it's incredibly easy.

The wireless downloading does not work overseas. If I am going to travel I just make sure I have plenty of book choices loaded on in advance.

It charges using a cord that plugs into the wall. If you turn off the wireless receiver the charge lasts a week or two.

PP here. Obviously if you are traveling overseas you may need an adaptor to plug it into the wall.

[Anonymous]

Same with the Nook. Everything's backed up to your BN account. So if you lose your Nook or replace it, you can just get everything reloaded. If you forgot to download a new book you purchased while in the U.S., it will download while you are abroad. But you can't purchase new things abroad because of some sort of licensing issues. So I always load up before travelling as well.

[Anonymous]

New poster adding to the PP's comments on the Kindle. With the newest Kindles, there is an option to buy one that does work internationally. So if you do want to download when traveling overseas, you can with the right Kindle device.

[Anonymous]

Not OP, but wondering if you quickly get used to the kindle or nook-do you like it as well as reading paper now? I'm a big reader and need to stop buying more books before I'm buried alive.

[Anonymous]

I prefer my nook to paper reading and get quite irritated when I want to read something that isn't e-available.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I prefer my nook to paper reading and get quite irritated when I want to read something that isn't e-available.

Same here. I want a bigger selection, and Nook's is starting to get there (probably still not as big as what the Kindle offers). There's a bit of glare when reading at night with a little book (nook) light, but it's manageable. I can't mark up books like I'm used to (yes, I destroy books with notes), but there is a book mark function that's nice. And I "love" the search function because that saves me tons of time going back trying to look for something. So there are some little trade-offs, but overall, having a slim reader in my handbag is far preferable to adding to a collection at home or trying to take multiple books on vacation, etc.

It's also great for when you are somewhere, reading the tail end of your book, and want to start another. Pre-nook, I'd have to carry two on the Metro or flight, etc. Now there are bunches right there for me to read, and I can choose based on my mood.

[Anonymous]

Another charging option for the Kindle is to charge it through your computer's USB port. The Kindle I bought 4 weeks ago came with a charging cord that fits a standard US outlet AND an adapter that lets me charge it from my laptop. (The laptop connector also allowed me to download bus schedules onto my Kindle--very handy for me!)

I believe that the small Kindles (aka Kindle 2, distinct from the larger Kindle DX) are all international wireless equipped now.