[LM_NET] HIT: Kindle Question from a non-kindle user

[Jacqueline Henry <JHenry@GANANDA.ORG>]

I received many replies.  In case you are interested - here is the
answer.
 
ORIGINAL QUESTION
 
I have just discovered a way to "convert" my netbook into an ebook
reader.  
http://lifehacker.com/5468581/turn-your-netbook-into-a-feature+rich-e+book-reader

 
...My question is - can ebooks books be downloaded from Amazon or
Barnes & Noble onto a laptop - or do  you have to own a Kindle or some
other proprietary ebook reader to be able to do so?
 
HERE IS WHAT I'VE DISCOVERED WITH HELP FROM MY FRIENDS ON LM_NET
 
I have found the software and downloaded it to my netbook.  The
netbooks is only 3 pounds - but that is quite a bit heavier than a
kindle.  I've downloaded 2 books so far.  I am using the trick of
reorienting the page by clicking control-alt-left (or right) arrow to
get the page into portrait orientation.  Then I use my lap desk
vertically, rather than horizontally, to hold the lap top and allow me
to have it slanted up more like a book.  So far, this seems to be
working.  I just have not had time to read for more than about a 5
minute trial.  I have a library book that I have to get through and get
returned tomorrow :-)
 
I anticipate that I will go for the iPad after it has been out for a
year.  It will combine my need for a travel computer and a reading
device.  I think it weighs a bit over a pound.  I suspect if I wait a
year or so - any glitches will be worked out, and it will be even
lighter.  So far - it is the only apple product that has tempted me. 
The desktop and laptop computers are too expensive and I don't use a
cell phone or an music player.
 
Thanks again!
 
 
Jacquie
 
"You see, I don't believe that libraries should be drab places where
people sit in silence, and that's been the main reason for our policy of
employing wild animals as librarians...."   (Monty Python)

"The Librarian, whose job is to heal ignorance, to keep life safe for
poetry and to put knowledge smack dab in the middle of the American
way." ~ The Philadelphia Inquirer, 9-20-03
 
“Education is not about filling a pail, it’s about lighting a fire."  ~
William Butler Yeats
 
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Jacquie Henry, MLS
Ruben A. Cirillo High School (GHS)
Gananda Central School District
3195 Wiedrick Road
P.O. Box 609
Macedon, NY  14502
315-986-3521 x 3144
jhenry@gananda.org 
Library Page: http://www.gananda.org/webpages/hslibrary/ 
Blog - Library Links For Teachers: http://rachslibrary.edublogs.org/ 
Blog - Wanderings
http://wanderings.edublogs.org/

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