Kindle version of books

andreams · Mar 28, 2013

I think it depends on the subject. For any science classes there is no way I wouldn't get a real book. For other easier classes without many diagrams and pictures I think e-books are great. I guess it really depends on your personal preference.

Saysfaa · Mar 28, 2013

I have a Kindle. I thought the same thing you did - e-books for the lighter weight. I can't see it working well with textbooks. As soon as I spent a little time with it, I abandoned the thought of getting etextbooks. I need to flip back and forth through the book as I go. I also look up just a single word or a short passage often. Kindle is aweful for that. Even the "search" function is extremely slow and imprecise compared to flipping through a real book. The lack of a folder system is another drawback (although I don't know how that works on an app.) I agree with andreams about the diagrams and pictures being an issue as well.

I am planning to take the binding off my large textbooks and three-hole punch them so I can take just the sections I need. At least, I'm going to try it once; I haven't yet because I haven't take enough classes at a time for the weight to become much of an issue.

Everline · Mar 28, 2013

Oh, how I would love to have all my textbooks on my kindle! I am a little skeptical about how it would work for me, just because I am so used to using regular textbooks. I've used e-books on my computer and they drove me a little crazy. I have no problem with some reference books and dictionaries in that form, though.

acedit · Mar 31, 2013

ITA ... I experimented with an ebook my first semester- was hoping to save money and weight. Although the idea is a good one, it doesn't work for my studying habits. I won't do it again.

However, when I graduate and pass NCLEX & begin my new career (positive thinking!), I will use ebooks as I continue my studies related to my specialty so that I always have them with me.

Music in My Heart · Mar 31, 2013

I have many textbooks in Elsevier's Evolve format and they work pretty well on a PC. Neither on my Kindle, Kindle Fire, nor iPad would I prefer to have the book that way. It's too hard to jump around.

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Mar 31, 2013

I like the physical feel of a textbook. On a Kindle it would be too hard to jump around in the text and you can't really highlight or make notes (well, you can, but it's different). I would much rather physically highlight and write notes as needed. Some of the text format and pictures/diagrams may also become warped on a Kindle.

I have an ebook on cardiovascular conditions on my Kindle. I cannot increase the size of the diagrams, so the small text is nearly unreadable.

Amnesty · Apr 1, 2013

For textbooks, I like having both versions if they're available. I'm usually not willing to pay for that, though, so I don't bother with it and just get the hard copy. Yes, it's harder to lug around, but I can't see all the color-coded sticky flags I put in the textbook all at once if it's in e-reader format. Not to mention that most end up being PDFs and Kindles are notoriously horrid for PDF versions of textbooks. As someone else has said, the images/charts/graphics don't resize properly, and scaling can be very tedious on a Kindle. You're better off getting one of the big 9" touchscreen tablets or a Sony E-Reader if PDF functionality with textbooks is your goal.

I still prefer the ones you have to lug around, though. Very helpful to be able to thumb through topics, hold your place and look something else up and then flip back, cross-check things, etc. Having your textbooks in an e-device might be helpful if you're on the job and need to quickly look up a topic, but for studying, nope!

vettechtoRN · Apr 2, 2013

I was thinking about getting my text books on my ipad but then I thought about what would happen if I forgot to charge the thing or worse yet if it broke!! That would suck!! A book can never run out of batteries or break down:) so I guess Im lugging the books around!

Stephalump · Apr 2, 2013

I was thinking about getting my text books on my ipad but then I thought about what would happen if I forgot to charge the thing or worse yet if it broke!! That would suck!! A book can never run out of batteries or break down:) so I guess Im lugging the books around!

That's a good point!

I have hard copy books and the e-book version of my two biggest, most used texts. I really love the portability of having them on my iPad - it means I ALWAYS have all of my school stuff with me. The search capabilities are great during clinicals and studying.

But as far as the initial reading, high kiting, and note taking...I love my big, heavy books and my pen and paper notes.