Bogieblog

New Kindle Fire 10

The new one got here Wednesday afternoon. Here is the difference between an original Kindle Fire and a new Kindle Fire 10 (technically they now call it an Amazon Fire 10). Turned to same page of same book, with basically same font size. 1 page on the 10 is basically 2 pages on the old one. Oh yeah, I like it.

In the picture above it is in a softer carrying case. But, I figured I might as well go ahead and get a bluetooth keyboard for it (it is a "tablet" after all), and that comes with a hard case.

I'll use the soft case for every day use, but I'm sure the keyboard will come in handy at times.

One of the great things is that they changed the power cord to a connector that is the same as my phone, which is very convenient instead of juggling several different types of connector.

New Kindle Ordered

Glad I went back and looked at the communication from Amazon about my Kindle Fire 8 "expiring" at the end of the month. 1st generation from 2011 will no longer be able to download directly off the net. Sure, can move from my computer to the device via cable, but that's a PIA (did that a couple of times). I've been thinking about getting a newer model for a while - just because.

Anyway, last night I was browsing the Fire tablets thinking dang, I want a larger screen. I only use it for reading but I need bigger print, even using my readers, so am swiping the dang screen every couple of seconds. But, I was looking at the cost of the Kindle 10 and just couldn't justify the cost difference between the 8 & 10. So I put an 8 in my cart and figured I'd come back to it later.

This morning I was cleaning out my email inbox from "unreads" and decided to take a look at that particular communication (remember, I started this whole long story with that). Lo and behold, they had given me a code to use to get 50% off an 8 or 10 PLUS $15 in ebook credits. And here is the amazing part - the offer expires at the end of today. It was a no-brainer to access Amazon and change everything to a 10. At the same time I ordered a cover, screen protectors and an upgraded power cord. Since one of those items couldn't ship immediately, I instructed them to ship it all at once and got even more ecredits.

Can't beat that with a stick.

I Have to Upgrade my Reading

Amazon sent me an email last night informing me that my Kindle Fire is going to "expire" at the end of this month. That means, although I can still read off it, I can't download books directly off the net. I knew the thing was old, and have been playing with the idea of getting a newer one, but didn't realize I have had it since 2011 (first generation).

Sure, I could download to my computer, transfer to a memory stick, then transfer to the kindle, but that doesn't work so well when I'm not around my computer (like on a bus going to the Bronx zoo - LOL). I'll have to see if they come up with a good deal, or I can find a refurb (actually I don't think they are expensive at all, so new is probably the way to go). Actually it would be nice to get one that I don't struggle as much to read in the sunlight - and here is my excuse.

Twenty Seven Days

Twenty seven more days until the Last Great Race. Unfortunately with my work schedule (or lack of time at home due to work), I will not be able to provide race coverage as I have in previous years. I'm sure the racers won't notice though.

So far it looks like a group of 89 racers, with 16 women in the running - although that is subject ot change. The canine reporters are already putting up posts about subjects such as keeping healthy, happy dogs - and one of the reporters, Gypsy, is from New Hampshire. Hey, the canine reporters have already taught me something - one of the dogs that I thought was a Siberian-type puppy is actually a full grown Alaskan Klee Kai.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to this year's race.

Monster Hunter

The latest book in Larry Correia's Monster Hunter series is out: Monster Hunter Legion. Go buy yours!

Good Reads

If you like post-apocolyptic books, and own a device that you can read Kindle books on (phone, Kindle, PC), then you just might want to look into Yesterday's Gone series by Sean Platt and David Wright. there are 3 seasons and you can pick them up a week at a time, or a season at a time. Sometimes the individual ones are free.

This is somewhat different in how it is written and the outcome, but I immensly enjoyed it. There are some characters that you will not like, at first, then you will find yourself drawn to them. If you are squeamish, this probably isn't for you though.

If you have Amazon Prime, I can lend the series to you, just drop me a line with the info I need. Of course, I have no idea what info I need since I've never borrowed or loaned, but I think it is fairly easy. I believe I can only loan it to one person at a time, but since I only have 4 readers, and I'm guessing 3 of them don't read this type of book, I think it will be fine.

Kindle Fire Price drop?

Is Amazon set to drop Kindle Fire price to $149?.

Dang, I bought a refurbished Kindle Fire about a month ago for just slightly less than that (and let me tell you, the refurb's do not stay in stock long - I missed out the first offering I heard of). I certainly would have bought a new one for that price.

Vehicle Maintenance

Took the Jeep in for inspection yesterday. I waited until almost the last minute, just because I kept forgetting to make an appointment (remembering after the shops have closed, does not help a bit). Anyway, after 42k miles, in 2.25 years, it needed tires. I had figured I would need tires before the next snow season, so thought I would buy them in the fall. Alas, two of the tires were too far gone, and it is a front wheel drive vehicle, which means I had to replace all at the same time. And, of course, AT (all terrain) tires, even for my little vehicle, are not cheap.

Just trying to help out the economy in my own little way. I did have the foresight to have brought coupons that they had sent me several weeks ago, so in effect, the inspection (a normal $40 value) was free plus a little off the tires. Total cost, was $10 less than what just the tires were quoted at (including mounting and balancing). I had forgotten how much I hate the new tire highway whine until my drive home.

To add insult to injury, I'm pretty sure that I left my book in the waiting room, and I am not driving 32 miles just to get a book. On the plus side, WS works in the area, so maybe he can drop by and pick it up (if someone else didn't decide they really needed Larry Correia's book Spellbound: Part II of the Grimnoir Chronicles.)

Birding App

Cop Car forwarded and email to me on Friday about Amazon having the Audubon Birds: A Field Guid to North American Birds app on sale for 99 cents. Unfortunately, that was their Deal of the Day, and the email had been sent to her on Thursday, so it wasn't applicable when I received it. However, I looked around, and finally checked the Google Play store, and sure enough, they had it for 99 cents (that sale is over as far as I can tell, but it is on sale at theiTunes store if you have an Apple product). I immediately downloaded it and found that it not only is a field guide, but provide samples of the birds' songs too. Way cool.

You are given the opportunity, after download, of actually downloading the entire content (downloading the app just gives you access to the content, so saves memory if you don't have much) so that night I did so. The only issue I've had with it so far is trying to create an account, which allows the saving of life lists and sightings, but that may be me. Also, not a huge deal, just a bit of an annoyance.

Anyway, just wanted to give Cop Car a shout out for pointing out this app to me!

Good Read

I've been reading Perigee, by Patrick Chilis, for the last couple of weeks. I actually abought the electronic version and have it on my phone so I can read while in line at the store, or other times that I have a couple of extra minutes. I bought the book, not because I knew anything about the author, or the book, but because Amazon had suggested it to me and it was on sale for $0.99.

I have been thouroughly impressed - a very good book. If my airplane loving relative hasn't read it yet, I suggest she hie herself to the library (or the book store) and grab a copy. Oh, and I suggest it for anyone else that is in for airplane / aerospace thriller. Although I haven't finished it yet, I find it hard to put down when my couple of minutes of reading time is over.

Since I've recommended it, I'm hoping the ending doesn't suck!