Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Amazon Kindle 3 In Singapore

1) Updates
2) Preamble
3) How to buy a Kindle in Singapore
4) How to buy Kindle e-books in Singapore
5) Kindle pictures and shipment info
6) Calibre eBook management
7) PDF documents
8) Magazines
9) Usage in strong sunlight
10) Proof of residency email
11) Kindle 3 with Special Offers (NEW!)
12) Past newspaper mentions

Updated 13 November 2011: This post will no longer be updated. I'll continue the discussion at the new Kindle Touch entry.


Updated 28 September 2011: New Kindles! Starting US$79! This will really shake things up. I just preordered the Touch!








Updated 14 May 2011: I've just received the new Kindle with Special Offers. It's only USD$114; pictures below. I've also got a second Kate Spade Kindle case to go along with it.


Updated 24 February 2011: New Kindle advertisement, "The Book Lives On."



Updated 25 January 2011: My Kindle lighted cover has stopped working. Click here to read the refund story.
Updated 19 January 2011: Digital Life has a cover story on e-readers and the Kindle. There's just one thing. Hotspot Shield VPN is mentioned but I don't recommend it for the time being. (click = big)





Updated 17 September  2010: I'm getting reports from folks who are having problems with the Hotspot Shield VPN; it's not working for some reason. Do consider an alternate VPN. Amended buying procedure.


Updated 6 September: I received my Kindle 3! Updated price and took some new pictures with comments.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The book is one of the most ingenious inventions of all time. However, the book wasn't something that was created in one day. It has evolved continually starting with papyrus in Egypt then to Chinese scrolls then to movable type with the Gutenberg press. And it's now digitalised in the form of portable reading devices that allow you to read e-books. The best selling reading device now is the Amazon Kindle.

Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos just announced that sales of Kindle e-books have overtaken hardcover sales, and will overtake sales of paperbacks in 12 months. I just find that really astonishing. It's one of those things that you've heard about: things happen so fast in Internet time, and we're right in the middle of this revolution.



The next iteration of the Kindle is the new Third Generation device which is now USD139. (I bought the Kindle 2 for USD359 in May last year. What a price drop!) I've just pre-ordered the WiFi-only Kindle 3 after it's first shipment was sold out even before the product is released at the end of this month. I am now queuing in the second wave and will update this post when that happens.

Here are some reasons I've chosen the Kindle 3 instead of other reading devices:
Best online shopping company in the world: Even before the arrival of the Kindle, I've always bought books from Amazon. They are always reliable, have a great selection and website with lots of customer reviews.

Excellent support: Amazon's customer service support is legendary in the industry. I've called them a few times myself and have consistently received the highest level of service. It offers 30-day money back and price drop guarantee and I believe e-books are returnable too.

Best reading device: The Kindle is meant to 'disappear', a design philosophy that is very rarely adopted by product designers and suggests a sublime understanding of how it should be made and positioned. The user interface is intuitive and easy to use. The latest generation has eInk that improves contrast by 50%; very close to real paper, so they say. It's also probably the most user-friendly e-Ink reader.

Largest selection of books: The Kindle store doesn't claim to have every book there is, but my impression is that it does have the largest selection. I recently bought The HP Phenomenon and it could only be found in the Kindle store.

Best Laugh: One of the main reasons why Amazon is my top choice is due to CEO Jeff Bezos. (Just like how Steve Jobs is god to the fanbois lol) Jeff has one of the heartiest laughs I've ever heard. Most reports also suggest that's one of the most down to earth billionaires ever. I am happy to do business with folks like him.

In the meantime, if you're interested to see what the fuss is about, Bezos has a wonderful interview with Charlie Rose and it's really worth a look to see what makes Amazon tick and where the book market is going in the near future. The full 40-minute interview is here.



How to buy a Kindle in Singapore
Here are the steps I use. Do note that Amazon doesn't officially support Kindles in Singapore. There are instances where buyers were found to be not from 'authorised countries' and their accounts were disabled. Your mileage may vary. Caveat Emptor. Other than that, things have worked really well for many local Kindle users.
  • Create an Amazon account if you don't already have one.
  • Go to the Kindle page and buy yourself a Kindle. It will be automatically linked to your Amazon account. I prefer the WiFi-only version rather than the 3G+WiFi version. The added 3G isn't really necessary because worldwide surfing isn't guaranteed. Also, additional costs will be incurred for the transfer of documents if 3G (AT&T roaming) is used when there is no WiFi.
  • Ship it to a third party mail forwarder. I use Borderlinx who will then ship it to Singapore. Comgateway seems fine too though I've not tried them myself.
  • When you get your Kindle, you need to register it if it hasn't already been registered. After connecting to wifi at home>settings, register it by filling in your Amazon username and password at home>settings>register.


Some preparatory steps to take before buying books from the Amazon US store
  • Firstly, do NOT buy books using your Kindle's Whispernet/3G/WiFi. Don't buy from Kindle apps too.
  • You need to buy books using your Internet browser on your computer with a VPN installed. Use a VPN such as AlwaysVPN to make yourself situated in the US, in spirit. You may turn it off later when you're done purchasing. I can share my AlwaysVPN account with local Kindle users. Do not use Hotspot Shield; it's known not to work sometimes.
  • Exit your Internet browser.
  • Switch on your VPN. Open your browser.
  • Go to Manage your Kindle at the Kindle product page.
  • Go to 'your country'. Change your country to US if it's showing another country. Use any US address.
  • Buy a gift card with your local credit card, say USD50. Email the gift card to your email address. When you re/ceive it in the mail, apply the gift amount to your Amazon account. 
  • Go to your account, 'manage payment options', and erase your credit card info if you have any credit cards associated with Amazon.com . (Do this also whenever you buy something at Amazon using your local credit card.)
How to buy e-books from the Amazon US store
  • Again, do NOT buy e-books (even if the books are free) using the Kindle's Whispernet/3G/WiFi.
  • Ensure that you have sufficient funds in your account. If not, buy more gift cards and apply them to your account.
  • Exit your Internet browser
  • Switch on your VPN, open your Internet browser and go Amazon. Find your book and click 'buy now with 1-click', 'deliver to your Kindle'. If you choose to wirelessly send it to your Kindle, you should receive the book in less than a minute. You can also choose to download the file and transfer it to your Kindle using USB. If asked for the billing address, use any US address. Not that this address will not be used because funds will originate from your gift card balance.
  • Switch off the VPN
6 September update: I've received my Wi-Fi Kindle 3! The cost is USD139 (Kindle 3 WiFi) + USD60 (Kindle Lighted Leather Cover) + SGD 24 (Borderlinx shipping) = around SGD 300. The screen is just totally unbelievable; I can't see the difference between a printed page and the new E-Ink Pearl screen. More pictures below with additional comments. (click = big)

Free Amazon shipping (5-9 days). The shipment arrived at Borderlinx in 4 days, way sooner than Amazon's conservative figure.

  The fee charged by Borderlinx was SGD23.42. There were no additional GST, import fees etc. DHL's tracking system is GOOD!













This is quite interesting. First time users of E-Ink will try to peel the instructions sticker from the screen. Problem is: it's not a sticker; it's the screen!


The Kindle Lighted Burnt Orange Leather Cover is a thing of beauty; very well constructed and the light is just fantastic! The price (USD59) is also...uh... quite fantastic!



 The browser is fast. Obviously it's meant for casual browsing but it does work quite well.




A comparison  between Kindle 2 and 3. There is no contest: the black of the K3 is really much blacker.


11 September 2010 update
Having used the new Kindle 3 for a few days, I must say that it's wonderful device. Because my first Kindle was a Kindle 2 with no wireless (it's a CDMA device for the US market), the addition of WiFi is making a huge difference.

Firstly, I only need to use the VPN to buy books and the book get transferred wirelessly to the device. Also, if you looking for the 'classics' and wish to use sites like Gutenberg, you don't even need to go to the Amazon store. Just use the browser and directly download the .mobi file into the Kindle and immediately read it on your device.

A reader commented on the use of Calibre which allows you to manage your ebooks and to convert them to the Kindle format. The increase in functionality when one pairs up the Kindle with Calibre is astonishing. Calibre (a bit like the old Palm Avantgo) allows you to push rss feeds into the Kindle magazine format and this can be done wirelessly. It works really well!

23 September 2010 update
A reader sent me two PDF documents for me to try out. My impression of the Kindle reading was that yes, it's technically possible to read PDFs, but in reality, due to the size of the screen, it's not very feasible. After my investigation today, I've come to a rather surprising conclusion.

The screen of the Kindle 3 is so much better than the Kindle 2 that even the tiny words show up very well. Reading PDFs is very possible now! All pictures, click=big. The words are a little fuzzy as I wasn't using a tripod when I took these pictures and the lighting wasn't so good. While standard 'text pages' like these look good, magazine pdfs may not because the pages are bigger. YMMV.

At the bottom of this page, there are some 'missing words' which will appear when we magnify the screen or rotate the screen to landscape mode. 

 

Here we see that the dictionary works on an unconverted PDF document. 

Here is annotation in action. Highlight the words, then add your own comment.

28 September 2010update
I've managed to buy a magazine sold at the Kindle store just to test it out. The New Yorker costs USD3 a month so it's quite all right. I believe we cannot use gift cards to buy magazines so a workaround is to use yet another (!) credit card called Entropay. This is a 'virtual prepaid' credit card and the commission fee to 'load money' into it is 5%.

If you're not keen on paying for magazines, an alternative is to use Calibre and download magazines/news websites. So far I'm able to download Reader's Digest for free. Anything that is available for free on the Internet can technically be downloaded as an ebook using Calibre. It's very powerful.

3 October 2010 update
Here are more pictures of the Kindle in strong sunlight (click = big). There used to be a 'page-turn lag' issue but it has largely been resolved with the 3.0.2 software update.



 The content here are downloaded using Calibre which is pretty versatile in using RSS feeds and turning the content into 'magazine format'.




 Scrabble is a new Kindle game that is a joy to play.

This is Nikon PDF directly loaded onto the Kindle without modification.


1 December 2010 update
Some readers have asked for advice on how to proceed if they bought ebooks without using a VPN and are asked by Amazon to provide proof of residency. You can ignore the email. Going forward, you need to use a VPN and then go to www.amazon.com/manageyourkindle to change your country to US. Please use a VPN when buying anything, free or otherwise, at the Kindle Store. If you don't have one, email me, I can share mine with you.

14 May 2001 update:
Amazon has released a cheaper version of the Kindle 3 with Special Offers. It now comes with advertisements. The good thing is that the ads are completely unobtrusive. The screensavers (example below) are also ads now, and they are interesting because they keep changing! It's the Kindle I'd recommend now.


On the main index screen, some space is used for the advertisments. This replaces the space used by 1 book listing.


If you want to see the advertisement, you'll be brought to another page.

--------------------------
Previous related entries: Kindle 2 in Singapore (historical information on how to get the Kindle 2 here)

Unitasking and the Kindle (the concept that's opposite to multitasking, and mentions of Kindle in the local press)

Digital Life article:

720 comments:

«Oldest   ‹Older   201 – 400 of 720   Newer›   Newest»
jeffyen said...

Nataliya, I won't advise paying money to access that website. There are no indications what you're paying for and most books can be found at the Amazon's website and the free-books website found there too.

Anonymous said...

Thanks I'll follow your advice.

In case I want to buy ebook copy of new releases do I have any other resort other than amazon?

Thanks,
Nataliya

jeffyen said...

I think for new releases, Amazon is still the place to go. It has the largest collection of ebooks from what I understand.

Anonymous said...

Hi I need to register my Kindle manually and would like to do it by entering the serial number on the Mange My Kindle page. Ive searched the device but can't find the serial number. And the box and invoice have a few numbers on them. Very confusing.

Can you tell me where the S. No. is printed?

Thanks
Fiddler

jeffyen said...

Fidder, I think you should go to a wifi area and register the Kindle itself. Go to home>menu>settings, there should be option for you to register it.

Anonymous said...

Hi Nataliya and all, more information on mypadmedia:

http://www.google.com.sg/search?sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&q=mypadmedia+scam

-mj

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff I found the serial no it was the one starting with B008.... and entered it manually at the manage my kindle page (was using your always VPN)....thanks again btw.

Charged up the Kindle 3, downloaded the 3.0.2 update and it was a marked improvement in terms of interface fluidity and page turns...although I would like to see it one day get as responsive and zippy as a smartphone interface.

Screenwise, I was expecting more real estate (maybe Im a DX man after all), but I think its all a matter of getting used to things. As others have attested, readability and contrast are tops.

Chucked a book onto it and now its time to read :-)

Bembeng Arifin said...

Hi Jeff,
Got my kindle 3 today :)
Through borderlinx and got some more 30% discount coupon code from the web.
many thanks to your post :)

JohnJon82 said...

Hi Jeff,

Thank you for your blog post to clear things up. I read thru your blog and comments by others, but still not sure which one is the best to ship it over.

1. Borderlinx - I don't have citibank card, got one friend have it. Is it troublesome for him if I ask him to help me to buy thru borderlinx? (I buy Kindle from Amazon thru my account, ask Amazon to ship to friend's borderlinx account, or I can register my own borderlinx account and ask friend to login and pay the fee with his CC - The CC no. will bind to the borderlinx account?)

2. Seems like VPost have problem. Some say yes, some say no. Advisable to try VPost? I got a promo code from UOB got 20 dollar discount first time shipping with VPost.

3. Last resort, Comgateway. I think can use UOB CC for Comgateway? Saw some people in forum saying UOB also got promo code 15%.

Lastly, any of these shipping method need to pay GST? I planning to buy a Kindle 3 Wifi only, and the 60usd cover with light.

Thanks :)

Anonymous said...

Jeff, need another advice from you. So long i already purchased a kindle book from amazon, i can definitely transferred to the book to my kindle when my kindle arrives?

Reve

Anonymous said...

Jeff, need another advice. So long i successfully purchased kindle book from amazon. it will automatically be sync to my kindle once it arrived?

Reve

jeffyen said...

JohJon, the workflow is: buy the kindle, then send it to Borderlinx. You can send it to his account, you'll pay him later, and the package will be sent to his address. This arrangement is less messy. I've heard positive things from vpost in the last few days, will wait and see. Sure, you can use CGW too.

There's no need to pay gst if the entire purchase is less than SGD400, which is true for the K3wifi+lighted cover.


Reve, yes, you can either download the file, or transfer to your K3 wirelessly. It will automatically be synced if you switch the wifi on and press 'sync' on your K3.

Rick said...

Hi Jeff,
I love my kindle and have been enjoying it for 2 weeks now but I just found out that Im having the same problem when I use my kindle under direct sunlight. The shadow effect takes a bit more time when i turn the pages. Reading indoors doesn't have any problem. I remember someone had the same problem here before. Did the 3.0.2 update solve the problem?

By the way, how was your magazine trial subscription?

Rick

jeffyen said...

Rick, yes, 3.0.2 solves the page turn issue. I tested it over the weekend. Also just updated the blog entry with some 'magazine info'.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the update on the magazine subscription. Never thot that there exist a virtual credit card service. But after using Calibre, the amount of magazine feeds available is more than I ever can find the time to read. Don't think I will be subscribing to any magazine soon ;-)

CW

Min said...

Hi

Have been using the K3 for a week. So far so good, except that I have had problems with the TOC for the Classics books that I've downloaded. I distinctly remember that the TOC was working when I downloaded the books. But somehow a couple of days ago, the TOC does not work. Even when I Go TO the beginning and try to click any of the Chapters, it didn't work. Wonder if anything's changed. The Bibles TOC seem to be working though.

Anyone has similar problems?

Anonymous said...

are there anything else included when you buy a kindle (ear phones, others.)

Rick said...

Hi Jeff,

Where can u get/download free magazine feeds?
Can Calibre convert to Kindle format?

Regards,
Rick

Arthur said...

Hi,

Sorry if this is a stupid question but i just received my kindle and am wondering if there's anything wrong with it. The screen turns black and the text jumbles up whenever i flip pages. Is that normal? Appreciate any comments. Thanks!

jeffyen said...

Min, about free classic books, yes some of them have TOC issues. Maybe you've forgotten that there's no TOC for that particular book. If you pay a bit more say a few dollars more, the formatting may be better. Classic books can be improved by anyone and sold at the Kindle store.

Anon, there are no earphones. The only other thing that comes with the Kindle is the charger and the microUSB cord.

Rick, Calibre can convert text to Kindle format. It also has pre-defined magazine feeds. You can also add your own RSS feeds.

Arthur, if you're refering to the page refreshes when the next-page button is pressed, it's a characteristic of all eInk screens. You'll get used to it soon enough. Or you may try blinking when the page is turned.

Asdracles said...

I was walking around Funan and I saw a little HP stall selling mainly tablets/ereaders and so. They offer the Kindle 3 (no 3G) for 369 SGD. Do you think is it trustworthy?

I know that ordering online is a bit cheaper, but I would save the hassle and would get it in person if so.

I'm also interested mainly in PDF texts more than in buying books.

jeffyen said...

Asdracles, I won't get it there since it's SGD200 from amazon, unless they provide substantial guarantees etc. If you want to read pdfs, it's better to test drive it first because of the small size of the screen. A DX, or even an iPad, may be better for pdfs.

tongkiat said...

Hi Jeff

I finally got my K3. Have to say the experience is a very +ve one. It is many times better than my old iRiver Story

I've upgrade the firmware to 3.0.2 preview and hack the kindle to display my own screensaver:)

Anonymous said...

hi tongkiat care to share how you hacked to display your own screensaver?
Jeff, how do you use Calibre to download Reader's Digest for example? Do you know of other free mags to try?
kerr

jeffyen said...

kerr, you can use Calibre's 'pre-made recipies' for downloading magazines, or you can tweak them yourselves. Essentially, if a news source offers RSS feeds, getting Calibre to work with it is quite easy. I've just uploaded a few more pictures of magazines.

tongkiat said...

Have a look at this link

http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88004

PS: do it at your own risk :D

Rick said...

Hi Jeff,

Your Today RSS is cool! How did you put the different RSS feeds: Singapore, Hot News, World... under one menu? I thought it would create a separate link for each in my Kindle TOC.

Regards,
Rick

Rick said...

Hi Jeff,

I think I got it! It's just different feeds under 1 recipe. I'll try it out tonight :)

Thanks!

Regards,
Rick

Anonymous said...

hello jeff, how is the text-to-speech performance? Is the text2speech something that Kindle itself does or it is embedded in the kindle book? When you upload a pdf or upload a non-kindle book using calibre will the text2speech still work?

pzz said...

hello,jeff. my english is poor,i came from PRC.now, i also want to buy a kindle3. yesterday, i surf in amazon and sign a VPOST account. i buy a kindle and write the VPOST address.BUT latter i receive an email which i need fax my bill to USA and so on. I used the M1 mobile card surfing. Please give me some advice. THANK you very much!

pzz said...

sorry, i don't know how can you reply me. my email is pzz315@yahoo.com.cn. thanks very much

Reve said...

Hi Jeff, how do you download the free reader's digest to your kindle?

Reve

Unknown said...

I've a friend who's going to buy the Kindle for me using his account (he resides in the US) and he is going to load in a couple of ebooks on my behalf as well.
When he comes back to Singapore, he will deregister his Kindle and transfer it to my Amazon account. In theory, that's how it works. I would like to know if there are any practical issues to this approach ?
Thanks in advance for your reply.

jeffyen said...

Anon, text to speech is done with 'robotic voices', similar to the Garmin GPS (the voices come from the same company, Nuance Communication). It's listenable but some may not find it very useful. It is a Kindle feature and as long as the publisher allows it, it will work, except for unconverted PDFs. Normal text should work too I believe.

Reve, the RD material is done using Calibre. There are pre-created 'recipies' that can be used.

A, the plan sounds doable and correct.

Rick said...

Hi Jeff,

Can Calibre convert PDF into Kindle format?

Regards,
Rick

jeffyen said...

Rick, from what I gather, Calibre does convert pdf to .mobi (one of the kindle formats). YMMV. I'll just let amazon convert it by emailing the file to myname@kindle.com

Rick said...

Thanks dude.

Regards,
Rick

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for your post. It is very helpful. I can now buy books, not available in my region, using AlwaysVPN.

Cheers,
Mike

Anonymous said...

Can I buy the BUILT neoprene case in Singapore? Has anyone bought it, and how do you find it?

Thanks!
Mark

PC said...

Hi.

Latest Borderlinx coupon till 31/12/2010 is 730317. It works!

Paul

siurui said...

Hi jeff, does calibre convert pdfs and other ebooks to the amazon kindle format that allows for annotations and instant dictionary, resizing and all the features a kindle ebook offers?

jeffyen said...

siurui, I think calibre's specs say that it does convert pdfs, though I've not tried it myself. I load native PDFs, and highlighting, annotations, instant dictionary, resizing and searching for words in the document all work properly.

Vera said...

I must have bought over 20 books and five Kindles (through Borderlinx) already on Amazon without a VPN and without using gift cards on a local credit card and without any issues so far. I guess the checks and "note of death" are random as you suggested.

To be safer than sorry though, I'm going to try and heed some of the advice I'm reading on this blog.

Just to be sure I understand correctly, what bloggers here are saying is it safer that I buy books from Amazon on my computer and then turn on my wifi on my Kindle just to have my books downloaded to it right? That's what I've been doing with no issues.

If I should start using a VPN however, Jeff, can you share details of your account that you have generously offered?

Thanks
Ve

jeffyen said...

Yes Vera, it's a random thing. Some people buy a lot without hassle, and some are sent the 'note' after buying their first book. Your workflow is correct; email me for more information about the vpn.

JohnJon82 said...

Hi Jeff,

Order my Kindle Wifi last Sunday through comgateway. The Kindle reach Singapore already according to DHL but not yet out of deliver.

I use my local credit card to buy, did not see what u write on the Kindle 2 post. Amazon suggest me some books for kindle after I bought, I tried click to download (free book like Sherlock Holmes). It say not supported and now the website don't recommend books to me anymore...

Can still use the VPN to fake my IP? Change my account address in the account info, and then delete the credit card info. Does it help?

Lastly, AlwaysVPN need to pay for downloaded bandwidth? Since u share with people later u go bust...

jeffyen said...

JohnJon, email me for vpn info, it's free for you lol. Like I mentioned in the instructions, please use a vpn before getting any books, even free ones.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,
I was wondering do you know where can I get a 6inch screen protector for my Kindle 3 locally? I River e book reader models are sold locally and I thought its not a problem to source a 6 inch screen protector, and oh boy I was wrong.

Chee Yong

JohnJon82 said...

O thanks, sent you an email already.

Too bad DHL don't work on Sunday, my Kindle is at their facility in Sg since 2pm. Will get it tomorrow I think. Ordered last Sunday morning through comGateway. Still ok for the waiting time.

jeffyen said...

Chee Yong,
I'd highly recommend that you don't get a screen protector. The screen will be less clear and it will defeat the purpose of the eink screen somewhat? Normally the screen won't get scratched unless one purposely scratches it I guess.

JohnJon,yes DHL will ship tomorrow morning if you're lucky. I actually find all the mail forwarders very fast nowadays...

Vera said...

Chee Yong, I G-masked my screen and it is fine - doesn't change the look and feel of it. Paid $15 for it. Click here for full listing of outlets.

http://www.gmask.com/retail-outlets/singapore.html

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

I would like to know if the text-to-speech function works for "mobi" files ?

Thanks
Wee

Anonymous said...

Hi everyone, I am interested in getting a Kindle 3 however I am only a student and do not possess a credit card.

Just wondering if anyone out here from Singapore would be able to help me order an additional Kindle 3 when they are ordering one for themselves. I will be willing to share the shipping cost.

Anyone interested can email me at:
chiam_jack_sheng@hotmail.com

Thanks in advance,
Jack

Anonymous said...

hi jeff, i'm using atunnel.com to change my IP location to US. it's similiar to alwaysvpn but it is not safe or secured. weird thing is that when i use atunnel.com to surf amazon.com the free books isn't free when using alwaysvpn. why is that? most of the free books that see in atunnel cost 2dollars in alwaysvpn. Weird! got any thoughts jeff?

jeffyen said...

Jack, how about applying for a debit card? You don't need to have any income because it's a pre-paid card. I cannot confirm that it will work for all web transactions but it's worth a try.

Anon with atunnel.com, I don't quite understand what you're saying. You are using alwaysvpn and atunnel together? Just use atunnel by itself and see what happens.

zayphyoe said...

Hi Jeff,

I wonder if you can help me answer some questions. I understanding the book buying part. But, do i need to register the kindle that we bought first before we transfer the books via USB?

If i need to, how do we do it?
Is Amazon OK with Singapore IP address for registering?
if i buy kindle DX without wi-fi, how can i register?

Thanks in Advanced
Zay

jeffyen said...

Zay, yes you need to register if it's not already registered when it arrives. The DX has 3G, so just use that. I haven't tried 3G before, but I suppose registering is OK as you're not buying books with it.

To register, go to 'menu'>'register' and enter your amazon username and password.

zayphyoe said...

I see. I hope the their 3G network is working in Singapore.

Anyway, we a group of friends are buy 3 kindle together to save shipping cost. Would there be any chance that all three items will be linked to my account if order together?

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff, can I view Native .PDF and .DOC files out of the box on Kindle3. my main intention is to read all my colletion of IT documents while I am commuting. your comments will definitly help me at great extent to make a decition either to go for ebook reader or to tablet.
best regards,

jeffyen said...

Zayphyyoe, I'm not sure you're going to save a lot by doing a bulk buy. The shipping cost is already quite cheap since you can use the code 730317 to get a huge Borderlinx discount. If you specify your purchases as 'gifts', (place Kindle in your Shopping Cart and check the box next to "Add gift-wrap/note" when completing your purchase), they won't be pre-registered to your account.

Anon, native pdf can be read and Word .doc files can be easily converted using Amazon's conversion facility. However, I don't think this is the only thing to think about. Tablets are better at 'jumping about pages' if you require reading documents in this way.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff, thanks for the Quick reply, I am now a bit confident to get a Kindle 3. as you mention the Native .PDF can be viewed on the Kindle. about the word documents I can convert them to .pdf using Acrobat.
I still have one more Question, why we need to go through "Borderlinx" when we can place order through "Amazon". need some clarity please.
really appriciate your kind inputs and support you are rendering here in SG.
Apologies for my ignorence and trouble with these funny Q's.
cheers!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for the very helpful tips. I followed your instructions on installing Always VPN, buyinh gift card , deleting cc info etc and purchased a book. It was delivvered to my kindly via Wifi. I am pretty sure i did remember to switch on the VPN but didnt realised i could check my ip address. Today, got the dreaded email from Amazon to verify my details as they detected I was overseas. Could you advise what shd I do next?
1. Can i just ignore the email. Lie low and pray that I can still purchase books ( before that I will double check my IP address first)?
2. or shd I de-register my Kindly and set up a new acct with it?
3. I dont have anyone overseas who can change my cty for my like what JJ did.

jeffyen said...

Anon, we don't 'go through Borderlinx' to buy the K. We buy the K from amazon and list Borderlinx's address as the place to ship the package to. Borderlinx will then continue the shipping to you.

Anon, perhaps the VPN wasn't engaged properly (has happened to me before) so I guess you should just lie low for a few days and use the vpn again after a few days and see what happens. You also need to use the vpn and change your country listed at the www.amazon.com/manageyourkindle page.

Again, all anons please include a name (or make one up) so that it's easier to track things.

Krunchy said...

Hi Jeff, I got my K 2 weeks ago from my 'old' amazon account, paid with a SG CC and shipped through BorderLinx. Everything went well. I register my new K with a NEW amazon account with a US address and sent a USD50 gift card from my 'old' amazon account. I did not have to use the VPN thingy you mentioned and have been buying a variety of books through my home wireless broadband on my K. Maybe that should simplify the process?

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

Your blog is extremely informative - thanks a lot! A couple of questions:
(1) Can I use a Singapore credit card and go without VPN when buying the Kindle itself?
(2) Should I use VPN when buying gift cards and when applying them to my Amazon account?
I understand that VPN is recommended when buying e-books on Amazon.

Many thanks,
Laura

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

So sorry, more questions:
(1) You mentioned that additional costs will be incurred for the transfer of documents if 3G (AT&T roaming) is used when there is no WiFi. I'm a bit confused. My impression is that Singapore telcos don't support the Kindle 3G function. How will I be charged for such additional costs (either in Singapore or even overseas in countries where the Kindle 3G function IS supported) - since there's no billing plan?
(2) Do you think the Kindle browser would work better with Wi-Fi rather than with 3G?
(3) Finally, would you be willing to share your AlwaysVPN account details?

Thanks so much!

Cheers,
Laura

jeffyen said...

Krunchy, it's all well and good that things are working fine, but I feel folks need the vpn in case you get 'checked'...

Laura,
-yes, you can use an sg cc to buy the K without vpn.
-no need to use vpn to buy gift cards and apply gift cards to account.
-I'm unsure whether additional 3G costs will be incurred if personal documents are sent. Singapore telco/s do support 3G, it's just not something that amazon announces openly. It's actually AT&T roaming. There is no billing plan because Amazon picks up the bill for the roaming charges. That's why sometimes, customers are asked to pay extra fees to cover this expense, which is why I don't recommend/need 3G.
-browser works better with wifi, intuitively.
-email me for vpn info.

Anonymous said...

Hey Jeff,

Thanks for that!

Just to clarify: to your knowledge, if Amazon were to ask customers to pay extra fees to cover the roaming expense, how would this happen? Eg: would Amazon email these customers with an invoice? And how would payment be made?

Have a good weekend ahead.

Cheers,
Laura

aki said...

hi jeff,
i posted a comment regarding getting caught by amazon even with vpn on 13 oct and u advised that maybe not engaged properly. am attempting to log in again to change my country. after connecting to open vgn, i used websites to check my ip addess and it still comes out as a spore ip. my the task bag vgn icon says a diff ip address which i check online and the location is private. Is it alright to still log on to amazon?

jeffyen said...

Laura, to simply things, I won't recommend being in the situation where you need to pay extra fees (I don't know how that works or what the fees are). That means no usage of 3G to buy books anywhere because Amazon may just ask you to verify that you're a US resident who's buying books from xyz country. The simple thing to do would be to use wifi exclusively. There will surely be no extra charges for personal documents delivery when wifi is used.

Aki, it seems to me there's some problem with the vpn. Why don't you uninstall, reboot, and install again? You should see a non-SG ip address no matter what tool you use to check.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff
Did you update your kindle to software version 3.0.3?

Reve

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

As one of those who buy books from US Amazon (via openVPN), have you ever tried sharing your notes or marks in your Kindle via Twitter or Facebook? If you haven't, do you think Amazon will find out that we are not in the USA and suspend the account?

Ps. Your Kindle must be registered with social networks before sharing notes and marks in Kindle.

Thanks in advance,
Mike

jeffyen said...

Reve, yes, 3.0.3 is working well. I'm not whether it's a placebo effort, but page turns seem faster.

Mike, yes I've shared marks through FB. It works. :)

Anonymous said...

Thank Jeff for your prompt reply.

BTW, I just checked my Kindle's firmware, 3.0.1. It seems like I am going to update the firmware tonight. ^_^

Mike,

tongkiat said...

I've upgraded to the latest 3.0.3 FW. So far don't feel any performance improvement on the page turn

Unknown said...

Hello Jeff and everyone else

Are you saying that I can use my non-US Amazon account and my non-US credit card for ordering the Kindle 3 but a valid US shipping address?

For me, this looks like the "countryfication" is not done when ordering the device but later, maybe during registering.

In this case, why not directly order the "international" Kindle 3 from Amazon.com to your prefered non-US shipping address.

Cheers
Toni

Unknown said...

@ Toni from Toni ;-)

Amazon won't ship the Kindle to Singapore therefore needs to be detoured through Borderlinx.

JohnJon82 said...

Hi Jeff,

Tried the AlwaysVPN, bought some books from Amazon, so far so good. Kindle 3 very nice, read more than I used to.

Been using Calibre to convert some of my books to MOBI format for Kindle. But some PDF and HTML format don't convert properly. Any other recommended converter? Or E-book editor where I can edit the format like MSWords?

tongkiat said...

For PDF -> mobi format

There is 2 choice
1) Calibre
2) Mobipocket Reader

you may have better success using the mobipocket reader to convert to mobi

Anonymous said...

"Sun said...
Hi Jeff,
Thanks to everyone who contributed to this blog (esp you Jeff) I finally decided to get a kindle. It is now being shipped out of Borderlinx. I am so excited and cant wait for it to arrive. As for my contribution, I found a discount code on the internet for Borderlinx. The code is 568268 and expires on 30th Sep. I used it today and got 30% off shipping charges!!
So if anyone is using borderlinx to ship their kindle to Spore remember to use this code.
BTW I also discover that Borderlinx unlike vpost will not help you to save on GST even if your items are delievered to your suite in seperate packages. They will lump everything together. So long as the value exceed SGD400 you will be taxed."

Hi all, thanks for all the awesome info. I just ordered my Kindle. I have a question on Borderlinx - how do I make use of the discount code? Thanks. BL

jeffyen said...

BL, to use the discount code, there's a place for you to fill this in at the page where you pay for the shipping at Borderlinx's website.

BL said...

Hi Jeff, thanks. I guess I don't see the place to put in the discount code as I have yet to pay for the shipment.

Ariz said...

Hey Jeff,

Thanks for this post!

I was researching about the Kindle a few weeks ago, and was considering to buy it, without even realizing that they didn't ship to Singapore.

So I did some research and came across this post, and because of it, I decided on the spot to get it. With vPost, following your method of getting one.

It was such a breeze! And I got it so quickly too.

I haven't been able to put my Kindle down since, and I just get lost in it for hours. And this is so awesome cause, I could never seem to finish a book. And with the Kindle, I DID! Big achievement for me, btw.

Anyway, I saw some of your pictures and saw that you were able to get just the TODAY paper on your Kindle through RSS I assume? How did you do that? I would love to get that on mine too.

Thanks for this great post!!!

Anonymous said...

hi jeff, i just got my kindle 3 with 3G... Somehow it cant really be used to surf... =/ i think it knows i'm not in the when i sync my amazon account... So my question is how do i appear to be in US amazon? and if possible, may i share ur VPN account pls? thanks alot! =)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

the kindle has arrived and i'm now starting to use it. I download some free book using AlwaysVPN yesterday and transferred to my kindle. Wheneven before i login to my account, i used the VPN and i made sure i logout before i closed the VPN connection.

But, i received email from amazon today that they detected i downloaded that book from outside of the US and now, they're asking for proof of residency. Any idea?

andie said...

Hi Jeff,

thanks for the patience for answering all our questions, no matter how trivial it may be.

Tongkiat:
Borderlinx provides free insurance coverage. Look up at:
https://www.borderlinx.com/m/pages/citi-sg/faq/insured-purchases-against


For shipping charges, i understand that vpost used to have problems shipping kindle 3 from california, hence the change to oregon. Vpost website states that a kindle 3's weight is estimated at 1.5kg, charges at $25.70. See under "how to calculate your shipping charge" on the webpage:
https://www.vpost.com.sg/vpost/welcome?page=shipping_rates.html&option=4&lnav=shipping_sidenav_rt.html


As for borderlinx, I used the same weight given by vpost, i.e. 1.5kg and they charge $22.43. Will post the actual cost once my kindle 3 arrives at borderlinx tomorrow.

jeffyen said...

Ariz, for Today stuff, download Calibre and explore the 'recipes'.

Click fetch news>English (Singapore)>Today Online>download now. Then right click on the 'book' when it's done, connect/share>email it to yourname@free.kindle.com (can be specified at preferences>sharing books by email.

Anon, email me for vpn info. The inability of 3G to surf any site has been hinted at before. It's not really cost-effective for amazon to provide free surfing for users.

Anon2, perhaps the vpn disconnected somehow halfway through. Double check your ip at whatismyipaddress.com. In the meantime just don't books for a while and change your country to US while using the VPN if you can.

BL said...

Hi Tongkiat, my Kindle and cover got to Borderlinx today and the shipping to Singapore with the discount code, 730317, came up to almost S$24.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

A friend has just bought 2 units of Kindle from US and they are on the way to Spore - one with wifi only and the other 3G+wifi (by mistake). My question is on how should I "operate" them in the future. I am going to use the 3G+wifi unit and the other for my kid (iam going to buy books for her). Taking notes from your earlier suggestions on setting of accounts, would the following be the best approach:

1)create a normal Amazon account - A1 tie to my normal gmail acct - G1 using local credit card

2) create 2xGmail accounts using alwaysvpn devoid of geographical region - Acct G2/G3

3) create 2 Amazon accounts thru alwaysvpn (US address) - Acct A2/A3
3) use A1/G1 normal amazon acct to buy gift cards and email them to A2/G2 and A3/G3 accounts

4) log in to the A2/G2 and A3/G3 to buy books using alwaysvpn on PC and redeemed the giftcards and buy books

5) download a copy to PC - using kindle PC app (and covert to PDF file & store in PC for future use on other e-reader)and send another to kindle A2/G2 or A3/G3

6) switch on wifi and received the book on the respective accounts A2/G2 & A3/G3

7) always ensure A2/G2 and A3/G3 have at least above zero value

8) disabled wispernet on both kindle

9) I presume we still can use wifi to surf the net w/o being tract by Amazon, as long as we dont buy books.

Questions:

1) If I need to sell the kindle, I can sell it off with the amazon acct A2/G2 and A3/G3 - so that the new buyer will inherit the ebooks archived at Amazon, as well as continue to use this acct to buy ebooks using giftcards (beside I will still have copies in PDF format in my PC which can be transferred to other ereader) - am I right on this??

2) If the two accounts A2/G2 and A3/G3 use giftcards to buy books - does credit card info need to be maintained in these accounts?

3) If I have bought subscription to newspaper like wall street, how shd i donwload the e-paper every day - thru wireless directly? would this pose a 'tracking' problem? what abt hiding one's IP?

4) you have invited fellow readers to use your alwaysvpn - think I also need a favour on this -'paiseh'....


Thanks for clearing things up for me.

rgds
kong

andie said...

Hey Jeff,

how was your experience with borderlinx's service? I was reading abt their service and how the packages were badly handled/items damaged/messed up as they open the packages to check the items. Kinda freaked right now regarding the fate of my Kindle 3...

jeffyen said...

kong, borderlinx's service (and its integration with DHL) is highly impressive and I won't hesitate recommending it to anyone. As to boxes being opened, that happens as per normal and packages being badly handled isn't really a systemic issue. I haven't experienced it myself.

jeffyen said...

oops, previous message is for andie.

For kong, that's a long story lol and I think I understand what you're trying to do. However, I don't think there is a need to be that cautious. First of all, things can be much easier if you only have one Amazon account. Books bought using this acccount can be downloaded to one or both Kindles.

There is no need to use vpn to create any amazon account.

There is no need for a gmail account to be 'devoid of geographical info'; so there's no need for a vpn to create email accounts.

I'm not use it's possible to convert books to the pdf format. It's just not very trivial to do this.

(9) is correct.

Download of magazines using wifi is OK.

I think the solution to your situation is just to follow my instructions, and repeat the downloading of books wirelessly (you can turn on your wifi) so that it appears on 2 Kindles. It's pretty straightforward.

Email me for vpn info.

David said...

Just received my Kindle.
Read your articles and assistance from a friend who recently got his too about several weeks back.
I like it. =)

Trish said...

Thanks Jeff for this post! It reassures me enough to get a k3.

I'm very pleased with it. The screen is very clear, almost like a book! I had some apprehension at first because i wonder if it can display my chinese texts well and amazingly it can.

@andie: I used borderlinx and my package isn't opened at all. (kindle only, no cover so the box is pretty clear cut as to what it contains) It's also 0.52kg in weight if you only order the kindle.

Anonymous said...

Hi all

vPost is pretty good as well. The Kindle box is not open up as well. But it's not as fast as Borderlinx which uses DHL. I used OCBC credit card and got the shipping charges all waived by using the first timer promo code and only paid S$0.50 for the fuel charges. Lucky me!

So feel safe to use vPost too.

Reve

BL said...

Hi Jeff, thanks for all the awesome info. I ordered my Kindle last week (24 Oct) and got it today. I am charging it up now. I'll drop you an email later to find out how I can connect to your VPN - thanks for the info and the offer to share your VPN.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,
Thanks for all the excellent advice. This is one of the most comprehensive website on Kindle!

Sorry, I would like to bother you on a question. I have just bought my Kindle 3, which is now on the way to Singapore. However, I was trying to download the free Kindle books on my PC prior to its arrival, without using any VPN on my computer. To my dismay, Amazon sent me an email asking me for any evidence that I am staying in the US!

I have not received or registered my Kindle. Should I open a new account? What should I do if I want to download free e-books on my computer first before transferring via USB to my Kindle?

Thanks for all the help in advance!

Matcha

jeffyen said...

Matcha, I mentioned in the instructions that the vpn needs to be used even when 'buying' free books. For now, just ignore it and stop buying anything, and email me for vpn instructions.

There is no reason to download free books onto your PC unless you're planning to use the Kindle for PC app to read them.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for your advice! I thought that by downloading the books on the PC, I would not need the VPN. Will email you separately. Thanks!

Matcha

Fabian said...

Hey Jeff,

I have Kindle on my Android phone and I have tried sending a sample of a book to my phone via WiFi (free) by adding my Comgateway US address.

I'm curious as to why you mentioned "do NOT buy books (even if the books are free) using Whispernet/3G/WiFi". Can you explain?

Going to get a Kindle soon! :D

jeffyen said...

Fabian, due to contractual obligations, Amazon requires book buyers to originate from a US IP address, thus requiring the use of a VPN. This is possible using a PC instead of using the device itself to buy books.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

I got my Kindle 3 already and is currently happy using it. I'm skeptical about using the Kindle browser as it goes through the Whispernet proxy. Do you use the browser often through wifi and also allow all syncing via Whispernet?

Keith

Fabian said...

Hey Jeff,

To add on to my previous post, I purchased a classic ($0.00 book) without using a VPN and chose my Singapore address as the billing address and had the book sent to my Android phone.

It went smoothly, I didn't get any verification emails from Amazon although everything about the transaction is screaming "Singapore!" (IP address, billing address, credit card).

I'm not doubting you, but I'm curious as to why are there such disparities in the buying process?

jeffyen said...

Fabian, there seems to be no fixed pattern in how people get 'detected'. As you can see from the comment above yours, even one free book bought can 'invite' the email.

My view is that it can be quite random sometimes, and maybe they don't care that much about Android users.

Anonymous said...

hi jeff,

is there any way i can have password for my kindle?

i like to download some sensitive's file, but because its new there's always someone how like to try and browse around it.

thanks,
wie

jeffyen said...

Wie, there is a password facility which can be activated when one switches the device on. I'm not sure how secure it is though, better not put any Top Secret stuff inside...

BL said...

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for all the info and the use of your vpn. I got my Kindle on Saturday and have not been able to put it down. I managed to get the ebooks via your method and have been happily reading them. Thanks again.

-- BL

ksthong said...

Hi Jeff,
Do we also need to use VPN when we purchase free kindle ebooks via PC using the "buy now with 1-click', 'deliver to your Kindle' option?

jeffyen said...

ksthong, yes, you need to use the VPn when buying free books on the PC.

Anonymous said...

hi jeff, thanks muchly for your very comprehensive writeup! i'm just this close to ordering a kindle but i'm a bit concerned about the point of purchasing ebooks with gift vouchers on amazon-- namely
1. can i clarify if it is neccessary to remove my SG credit card info from my amazon account so that i can purchase books, even if i am using previously purchased gift vouchers as the currency? isn't this annoying since i would have to keep entering my credit card info when i want to make other purchases, and erase it when i want to make ebook purchases?
2. about the VPN, how much bandwidth do i have to buy, and do you find this adds up significantly to the cost of buying ebooks? i dont want it to end up defeating the purpose of buying ebooks cos they are cheaper
3. is it a pain to keep having to turn thIS VPN on and off.. sorry if these questions are silly but i am quite new to this
4. do you know if there are other e-readers which work properly in singapore, and are able to read kindle format books? or is this an issue of licensing and regardless what e-reader i buy, i will always have to pretend i am in the US in order to buy e-books... i really want to get an e-reader but i'm not so crazy about sliding around in these loopholes.

thanks very much!

CT

Anonymous said...

The most convenient way is to do this:

a. Keep a separate Amazon account just for the Kindle - US address and no credit card info at all

b. Install the VPN onto a cheapo dd-wrt compatible router (~$55). Connect this router to your main router

c. Setup Kindle Wifi so it only logs onto the VPN router

d. Turn on router when you want to buy, and buy direct from Kindle itself - no need to turn on/off VPN and/or use PC to buy

jeffyen said...

CT, for 1) I usually buy quite a bit of gift card funds so that I can also buy non-Kindle stuff using the gift card funds.
2) If you email me, I can share my Alwaysvpn with you for free. If you want to pay for the cheapest 'plan', it'll last you for years.
3)Not really a pain, all things considered.
4) Only Kindle can read Kindle books. This situation with the vpn is also similar with Sony and B&N readers.


Anon, that is a very interesting proposition and I've thought along similar times as a proof of concept; didn't actually realise it can be done.. will research on this when I've time. :)

Anonymous said...

Re: VPN router

Yes, it can be done and is very convenient. I can easily log my other devices onto this VPN and browse US-centric services also.

The setup itself is not too difficult, main problem is with writing the ddwrt scripts required to detect dynamic IP from the VPN service, and to block DHCP from main router.

Anonymous said...

Hi i am tempted to buy the kindle..but im kinda holding off in hope of a possible christmas discount on amazon..is that remotely possible..hha

Anonymous said...

I've had the K3 for more than 2 weeks now. This blog has been a truly invaluable guide on how to buy the Kindle and ebooks without getting into trouble with Amazon. I would like to share some of my experiences.

Initially I was able to buy books using a gift card even without masking my IP address. However, after a few days I started getting messages that the book was not available in my country. I also received an email from Amazon asking me for proof that I lived in the US. I did not reply to the email, but started using Always VPN service from then on. I've had not had any problem since then.

I do not bother with VPN when doing other things on Amazon like searching for books, managing my account, etc. It seems they only check my IP when I press the purchase button.

To get free ebooks that are out of copyright, I use the Gutenberg Project site http://www.gutenberg.org/catalog/. As opposed to downloading free books from Amazon, this saves the hassle of having to use VPN.

I've been using Calibre (http://calibre-ebook.com/) to download newspapers and magazines. Calibre also converts between epub and mobi formats very well.

If you like tweaking things, check out a freeware called Sigil that is a pretty powerful editor of epub files. I've used Sigil to reformat some books that are not formatted properly for Kindle, save them into epub and then convert to mobi using Calibre.

I downloaded some Chinese books from http://haodoo.net/. Although K3 is supposed to be able to display East Asian langanges, there are still some words that could not be displayed properly. But there's a solution. See the instructions at http://kanru.github.com/calibre-haodoo/ on how to set your K3 locale to zh-TW to display traditional Chinese script properly. (zh-CN for simplified Chinese).

WCL

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

Would like to ask what is the difference between the nook and the kindle 3? In terms of accessibility to books and downloading free e books?
thanks!

Aaron Smith said...

Hi,

I am thinking about getting a Kindle with wifi/3G.

I live in Singapore but also have a UK address and passport.

Will I be able to download books from the UK store? I don't really fancy the VPN business.

I assume there must be a way to download books abroad as there is world wide access to do so. Surely the point of this was so that you could download books when on holiday?

I would like to download the books using a singapore bank account, will this be a problem. I do have UK ccs but i would rather not use them :)

Thanks,
Aaron

Eric said...

I always purchase books from Amazon on a VPN connection. My question is, have anyone tried syncing their Kindle books via the Kindle app on an iPad? Will Amazon know and ask for ID verifications?

BL said...

Hi all, I tried Hotspot Shield VPN yesterday and I could buy books from Amazon w/o any problems. It might just be a one-off so I have stopped using it after I read in this blog that there are some problems using it.

su-fen said...

Hi Jeff,

Thanks for all the tips! So I registered using a USA address, and been using the gift card method to download ebooks to my computer. So far I hadn't the need to use VPN. You think it's safe to keep it like this? Thanks again!

jeffyen said...

Nov 9 Anon,
Yes a K3 price drop is possible. There are rumours that B&N may drop the price of the Nook, in which case Amazon will immediately respond. Then again, it may be prudent to just buy now and not wait any more.
---------------------------

WCL, thanks for your long post. :)
---------------------------

Nov 14 Anon,
The difference between a Nook and Kindle... long story lol. The easiest way to see it is that the Nook can read our library's ebooks but the Kindle cannot. Then again, I'd recommend the Kindle because of its superior Pearl e-Ink screen, huge catalogue, lots of free books and the utter simplicity of its user interface design.
---------------------------

Aaron,
If you have a UK passport, I don't see why you shouldn't be using the UK store using the reason you mentioned. If you have an UK vpn, it's more straightforward. Otherwise, you may need to supply some proof of residence when you change your country to UK.

Usually you'll buy books with gift cards or your UK credit card.

Speaking of credit cards, I have a rather unusual favour to ask. Would it be possible for me to use your UK credit card or help me get one in your name, perhaps? I just bought a UK-activated Palm Pre Plus (a really wonderful handphone that 'eats iPhone for breakfast') and the app store needs a UK card. I could pay you in advance etc. Please email me if you wish to help me out! :)
---------------------------

Eric, I'm not sure about the situation with the iPad.

---------------------------
su-fen,
I think sooner or later you'll need a vpn. Let's see what happens...

Anonymous said...

Hi,

Understand purchasing or obtaining free bookings from Whispernet is a big no (just in case the citizenship verification kicks in). How about getting those 1-chapter samples off Amazon? I presume samples are unsafe as well.

Regards,
Joseph

jeffyen said...

Joseph,

It's not that 'getting free books from Whispernet is a big no', it's that getting free books is absolutely fine, just use the vpn when you click to buy the free books. I assume that to be true for samples too, never tried it before.

Eric said...

Subscribe to this blog blog for occasional announcement of free ebooks from Amazon.

papier-mache said...

@nataliya Mypadmedia is a scam: http://www.mobileread.com/forums/showthread.php?t=85587

Thanks Jeff for your informative blog. now i had ordered a Kindle 3 via vpost. honestly the wait is a pain.. 7-10 bisnes day! :-S

regards,
Fairul

Anonymous said...

HI Jeff,

Stupid question but when you say install a VPN, do you mean on the PC or on the Kindle?

Thanks
Dop

Aidil said...

Hello jeff, i'm thinking of getting the new kindle over the black friday holidays.. just to check .. is free 3g available in singapore? thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,
I've read on a few other sites that the use of VPN isn't necessary.
I've got a US account with a US address and a gift card applied to it already. Would it be okay if I just purchase an ebook and then have it sent via computer to the kindle?
Thanks,
Piggy

Anonymous said...

It seems that most of the people posting questions here lately are not even reading what has been written in the comments above. Guys it's all answered already, could you please make some effort before you keep adding to the heap.

In answer to Piggy:

We all have registered our Kindles to an 'American' Amazon account but unless you are able to proove it with a valid American POA you will need to purchase your books (yes even the free ones) through a VPN connection or otherwise Amazon will send out the big guys with that inanimate Amazon smile looking for you...

Cheers.

jeffyen said...

Dop, the VPN is installed on the PC.

Aidil, 3G is available, but it's not guaranteed to be available. The service could vanish any time; it's not officially supported in SG.

Piggy (!), the VPN is necessary if you're unlucky. (But you don't know whether you're lucky, or not.) Some people get lucky and don't get 'discovered'. From what I can tell, it's a random thing. The procedure that I describe is the 'safe' thing to do.

BL said...

Hi Jeff, when you got your Kindle, did you get the extended warranty? Do you know if it might work for us who are not in the US? Thanks.

--BL

Kong said...

Hi could I ask how are you charging your Kindle 3? Just afraid that using our powerpoints in SG will blow my device.

Anonymous said...

I bought an adaptor something like this from a local provisio shop for $1 only :p - http://cgi.ebay.com.sg/WINSTAR-Universal-Traveller-Adaptor-Singapore-13A-Plug-/270664929002?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_216&hash=item3f04e30eea#ht_1260wt_1139

jeffyen said...

BL, there's no need to get the extra warranty. You'd want to change to a new reading device in a few years, there's no need to repair it lol

Kong, there are 2 ways to charge the Kindle.

1) Attach it using the included usb cable to your PC/laptop.

2) Use the 100V-240V charger that comes with the Kindle and plug into the wall. No additional plugs needed. Nothing will blow up.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

The screen of my new kindle 3 of 2 months cracked! it is not a physical crack (I don't even have scratches on my screen)but something went wrong with the e-ink and it looks "crack" beneath. I didn't drop it or anything along that line. It just happened!

Wondering if anyone out there has the same problem as me. I just emailed amazon on this problem. I wonder if I can get a replacement, and get them to ship to me via vpost just like how I bought it.

Any advice? Thanks.

Pearl

jeffyen said...

Pearl, I haven't heard of that before. Usually it happens if there is some sort of blunt impack on the screen and you can see some sort of 'chip' off the surface.

When you email, email the Kindle dept, and not the general Amazon. Kindle support>contact us.

They should send you a new one, and you can do the usual vpost/Borderlinx thing. (Better yet, see if they can send it to sg direct.) If not, there will be extra postage, but I guess that's the price to pay for being in the forefront of things...

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,
I just recieved my kindle 3 yesterday,do you mind sharing your vpn with me? my email is pompow8@gmail.com

Regards,
Rick Tan

terence said...

@Pearl

try calling them, i had a stiff switch problem, i called them via skype to rectify it. and they sent me a replacement..

only down side is.. we still gotta pay for the shipping to SG. and for the return set, we have got to ship it back and notify amazon of the shipping cost,

thereafter, amazon will reimburse us the full amount

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the info!

@ Jeff, I don't see any sort of crack at the surface at all. It looks internal. Some problem with the e-ink.

@Terrence, so I will have to do the vpost/borderlinx thing and pay for the postage to Singapore? Or I can get them to send the replacement directly to me in Singapore?

As for the reimbursement, how exactly did amazon do that? I suppose we send the device back by normal postage services at the post office? Will get the receipt and the amount would be in SGD? How?

Thanks.

Pearl

Terence said...

@Pearl, yah u need to pay for shipping to SG. and for the reimbursement, I think they'll credit to ur card? I just returned mine at the post office today. so still not sure bout it.

but after u shipped, u'll just have to let them know the tracking number and the total cost of shipping. mine came to about 32 dollars odd.

A.Jais Mohamed said...

Kindle 3 queries ...

Hi,

My friend just got me the KIndle 3 from States & I'm really newbie to this wonderful gagget.

1. Was wondering how to zoom in my own PDF file.
2. Where can I get Kindle 3 case in S'pore.
3. Can we create a playlist to play audio fles.

Thanks & best regards.

Juliana said...

Hi Jeff,

Thank you so much for the informative post! I am seriously considering buying the kindle (no space at home for more physical books!) as I heard the latest version can display text as close to a real paper.

However, the part of not being able to buy the books easily is holding me back.

Payment issue is solved using the gift card purchase but I don't fancy having to log on to VPN every time I want to buy a book. I was wondering is there any work around this issue if I get my brother (who is based in the US so he has a US address) to open an Amazon account, then I use his account to log in from Singapore to download the books?

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff.
do i put my sg add for billing address or use borderlinx?
do i really need to purchase the gift card first before getting the kindle?
can't i just get the kindle straight with my local citibank card?

jeffyen said...

A.Jais Mohamed,

1) Just press the Aa key and it's self explanatory.
2) I have no idea. There's probably none in sg.
3) I don't think you can create playlists for music.

Juliana,
It's VERY easy to use the vpn and it's not a problem at all. Email me for more info. Sure, you can use your brother and if Amazon asks, just ask your brother to mail them his ID and that he's on holiday in SG.

Anon,
You can use Borderinx's (or any) US address as the billing address.
You don't need to use the gift card to get the Kindle; you can use your local credit card. You only need to use the gift card method if you're buying ebooks.

Anonymous said...

can I transferred my ebooks in kindle 2 to kindle3?

kindle3 user

Anonymous said...

Thanks Jeff. My fiance thought it would be a good idea to try buying an ebook from the kindle itself (since we got the 3G). BIG mistake as we got flagged by amazon...

My question: Because amazon has already flagged my account (asking for US address verification etc), do u think I should create a new account now and use your vpn method? Or would it be okay to still buy ebooks from my current account using the vpn method?

Thanks,
Piggy

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

have finally commited to a kindle purchase, awaiting arrival from the Borderlinx facility in Lockbourne! I've bought the item as a gift so it hasn't been registered yet. Shipping is only about S$14 before applying the 30% discout coupon code posted by someone in an earlier comment. I will be registering it to another clean slated account which I've created specially for the Kindle and Kindle books, in case they dig up the history of my current one and find info on my previously used non-US shipping/billing addresses and cc details. In this case i don't have to keep deleting details before i buy kindle books.

Just to check, have you or anyone tried to use the gift option when buying kindle books? ie buy as gift with main account, send it to kindle account. Cuz there's an option to just enter the email address of the receipient, and the "receipient" will receive an email notification and click on the link to recieve the book. Not sure if there's a need for the VPN in this case!

Cheers, Kyler

jeffyen said...

kindle2user, yes you can transfer your books to kindle 3, not from a Kindle 2, but directly from Amazon. This will be obvious in your www.amazon.com/manageyourkindle page if you register another Kindle.

Piggy, like I mention in the entry, please don't buy anything using the Kindle directly. Going forward, you may wait a few days,(don't need to create another account) and use the vpn, and go to www.amazon.com/manageyourkindle and change your country to US. You need to use the vpn always when buying books.

Anonymous said...

Thanks Jeff. I definitely knew that we shouldn't have bought books using the kindle. My fiance is now saying I wasted $50 for the 3G version (but I guess it'll come in handy when we go to the US one day...

Just a couple more questions:
1. So I've setup a VPN account and used it to buy my next ebook. The weirdest thing happened and I'm not sure if its normal. I had VPN connected, went to My Account then to Manage My Kindle. They asked to re-enter my password so I did and it didn't work! I checked my email and received an email from amazon saying I've been a victim of amazon phishing? I've got no idea how that happened but is this normal or a virus on my computer?
Anyway, I had to reset my password and bought my book successfully which leads me to the next question..

2. When buying a book, what is the difference between "Send to your Kindle" and "Download to PC"? If you have it sent directly to your kindle, does that cost more? Or is it done through usb?

3. Anyway, I used "download to PC" as I wasn't sure and copied the file straight to the kindle. Now, because its now a file on your pc, does that mean I can copy that same file to a second Kindle? And possibly a third?

Thanks,
Piggy

PS. We'll see tomorrow if Amazon sends me another email! *fingers crossed* I have done everything correctly!

jeffyen said...

Piggy,

1) Yes, I have observed this before, though much less frequently nowadays. What's happening is Amazon's is curious about sudden IP changes so it reset your passport as a precaution. Objectively, this is a good thing. Maybe you can close your browser, switch on the vpn, then go to the website again. I don't remember the 'correct sequence' for avoiding this issue.

2) 'send to Kindle' means the book will be transferred wirelessly to your device when you switch on your device. There is no fee for this (at least for wifi). I'm not sure about 3G though, but I guess it should be free of charge also. 'Download to PC' means you download to the PC and manually transfer the book to the Kindle using the USB cable.

3) You cannot copy directly to another Kindle. You need to go to www.amazon.com/manageyourkindle , find the book you want in the list below, and 'send it to another device'.

Steven said...

Hi.
Can I ask, how long does it take for the kindle to arrive in singapore?

Also, Thanks, Jeff for answering all our questions.

jeffyen said...

Steven, this depends on what sort of shipping you choose at Amazon. From Borderlinx, it takes around 4 days. In total, around 7-10 days from ordering to delivery.

Steven said...

Sorry.. its me again.. How do I use the 30% discount coupon? Also, could you please email me your VPN password?
stevenisnot@hotmail.com
Thank you for your time.

jeffyen said...

Steve, use this coupon: 730317 , valid till end of 2010.

Before you pay for your Borderlinx shipping, there's a space for you to fill in this number. Press 'recalculate' thereafter.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff, I really appreciate your help with all my kindle questions. =) I've got another...

If my account is set up to purchase from US Amazon, how do I go about buying from UK Amazon and AUS Amazon?

Thanks,
Piggy =)

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

why is it that sometimes I can scale the font sizes and sometimes I can only change the magnification (150%, 200% etc)?

They were both pdfs. Great site. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi jeff,

I have bought a kindle 3 too...without reading your blog...somehow i managed to download a few ebooks from amazon but subsequently i recieved an email from amazon to inform me that they noticed that i tried to download ebooks outside USA and asked me to update myu country......now i cant download or buy any ebooks from them already...each time i click the 1 click payment, the message will appear that they noted that i try to download from outside USA...Can u give me some advise what can i do to overcome this problem.

jack

Anonymous said...

hi.My name is devina.I purchased the vpn 5 gb widthband.but my ip add is remaining unchanged.could I have yours pls?my email add is venomgoddess1911@hotmail.com.thank you

Anonymous said...

dear devin
in additional to purchasing the 5gb plan, u also need to install the appropriate VPN client on your computer , before u can use the VPN. its the same as going to a Singtel shop to sign up for a mobile plan you will need to have a handphone , right?

jeffyen said...

Piggy, I'd advise you to choose the US store. Going to both UK and US stores, while possible, tends to make us all very confused lol

Anon, I'm guessing you can change font sizes for non-PDF material, and zoom percentages for PDFs.

Jack, I've updated the blog to provide some info on how to proceed.

Unknown said...

Jeff, you a a gem in the haystack! Reading this blog and I gined so much knowledge in fifteen minutes!! Welcome me with open arems when my Kindle arrives :D

Thanks again!

BL said...

Hi all, I came across this site, http://ireaderreview.com/category/free-books/ recently. It lists free books from Amazon. If you subscribe to their mail list, it will send you an email informing you when free books are available. It is especially handy as some of these books are free for a limited time and it 'disappears' in a matter of hours.

Bryan said...

Hi Jeff, i wanna get a kindle 3 shipped into singapore.

any idea what the total price for that will be? I have a friend coming back from the US too. wondering if that would be a better option?? will she be charged any taxes through customs?? any idea on that?

jeffyen said...

Bryan, I've explicitly stated how much I paid in the blog entry. The shipping part is not expensive, but you can save that expense by shipping it to your friend in the US, sure. There will be no taxes if your friend brings it into Singapore.

Anonymous said...

Dear Bryan

shipping from borderlinx via DHL costs USD20.4 after 10% disc promo, and takes 4 days (shipped on 30-Nov and reached me 3rd Dec). From Amazon to Borderlinx, takes 2 days (25th Dec sent from Amazon, reached Borderlinx 27th). All in all takes about 7 days because Borderlinx closes on Saturday and Sunday.

This is much faster and cheaper than buying from resellers from Hardwarezone who charges $80 more, and yet got no ready stock.

Daryl Tan Han Boon said...

hey jeff

i recently ordered a kindle 3 from amazon. But after ordering, i received a mail cancelling my order. I don't know what happen. Please advise.

Regards
Daryl

jeffyen said...

Daryl, I haven't seen this before, what did the mail say? Keep us posted...

Daryl Tan Han Boon said...

Greetings from Amazon.com,

We're writing regarding your recent order(s) for the Amazon.com Kindle reader. Several Kindle models sold on our web site are available in limited quantities. We've noticed that you have recently exceeded our limit with orders on multiple accounts. In fairness to all our customers, we have canceled your pending orders containing Kindle readers, your credit card has not been charged.

Please understand have put these limits in place to ensure a fair buying experience for all of our customers. We hope that you will acknowledge our posted purchase limits going forward.

If you have any questions regarding Your Account, or believe these orders have been cancelled in error, please write to us directly at cis@amazon.com. We'll respond as quickly as possible.


Thank you for your understanding.

Amazon.com Kindle Team
http://www.amazon.com/kindle
----------------------------------

This is what the email said.

FYI

This is the first time i buy kindle and i do not own any older model.

Beside, the respond from amazon is slow. They told me in one email that the issue is solve but when i try, it is still the same.

Regards
Daryl

jeffyen said...

I've suspected that the reason for cancelling the order is that Amazon is running low on supplies. This is a known fact in this past week, and the website states the limit as 3 per person. Oprah will most likely endorse the Kindle 3 today so you'll expect them to sell out quickly.

Are you on 'multiple accounts' as Amazon claims? Another possibility is that if they detect a non-US order, they'll stop it because of the supplies issue. Use your vpn (to look more legit) and order again?

Daryl Tan Han Boon said...

Hi Jeff,

I only have one account and I didn't even buy anything before from Amazon. I emailed them on this issue and they didn't seems to know that mine is a non-US order. All they told me is that there is some technical error and they had solved it. But when I try again, the same cancellation happen.

By the way, Jeff, how do I use VPN. I am rather confused about this even after reading what you had written in your blog. Please advise.

Regards
Daryl

Anonymous said...

Dearest Daryl

To use the VPN,
1) use your computer browser to point to alwaysvpn.com
2) get ready a credit card and purchase the vpn plan. A 5GB plan can last you a long time
3)Create your ID and password and download the appropriate client for your computer. If you are using windows XP, Vista, 7 get the windows client. If you are on Mac, get the Mac version
4) Surf around and you will notice a forum on alwaysvpn. use the search function to search for your queries, and if you cannot find it, post a question up there. Google is your friend, if you still find no response to your questions.
5) Install the correct VPN client, and always remember to login to the client before you open up your web browser.
6) Google how to confirm that you are indeed connected to alwaysVPN before you type in the amazon URL.
7) Good Luck and dont get banned by Amazon.

Kindle Sexpert said...

To use a VPN,
1) subscribe to AlwaysVPN for a 5GB plan that will last a long time
2) download the VPN client.
3) Install the VPN client.
4) There is a AlwaysVPN that offers support if you face difficulties installing the client. Else use Google to help you find the answer
5) Confirm you are connected to the VPN and it shall shows a US IP address
6) Open up the browser on your computer
7) Type in the Amazon URL, and you are ready to purchase their ebooks
8) Do not send it via whispernet but download via the USB to your notebook, and then dump the ebooks into your kindle.
8) If you don't know how, check out the Amazon kindle forum.
9) Good luck.

Unknown said...

Jeff,
Here is what I did-
1. I placed an order for a Kindle Wi Fi with my local credit card, but with a vpost address. Order has been shipped.
2. I activated my VPN, and downloaded Kindle for PC, just to test out buying books. I placed an order via I-click, and it was actually parked at delivery for my Kindle coz I forgot to register Kindle for PC. The purchase went well.
3. After registering Kindle for PC (still under VPN), I went to "Your Orders", and have the purchased book delivered to Kindle for PC.
Everything went well, but then I received this verification e-mail from Kindle later on.
I thought that the VPN would have protected the transfer. Not sure what went wrong?
My Kindle has yet to arrive, but I will need to resolve this to buy books from Kindle. Pls. help.

jeffyen said...

Cecilia, I'm not totally sure of your situation. So far, I won't recommend buying books using the PC App. Perhaps the vpn doesn't 'cover' the usage of the App for some reason. Use your web browser please. For now, go to www.amazon.com/manageyourkindle and change your country to the US while your vpn is switched on.

Teresa said...

Hi Jeff

I live in Australia and am super excited to have found a workaround to access the US ebooks through your blog.

I assume your recommendation to ship to a US address is because the Kindle is not authorised in Singapore... however, it seems I'm able to buy it to use in Australia. Do I still need to ship my Kindle to a US address?

Many thanks,
Teresa

Kindle Sexport said...

Hi Theresa

If Australia is amongst those countries Amazon ships to, then it shouldn't be a problem to have it ship to those forwarders and have it directly DHL'ed to you. It would be faster then having Amazon shipped to you via slow snail.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,
I tried to read as much as could before posting this so pardon me if its repetitive for you.

Is right to say that the only point that i need to obscure my connection is at the point of purchase?

I.e. 1) I can buy the device itself using my main amazon account and sg credit card? Sent to my borderlinx of course.

2) When it comes to buying books, i use VPN, login to a 'US account', buy it and download it to my PC. Can I use have amazon send it to the device? (the device would be connected to a local wifi network) My concern here is Amazon realising the buyer is 'American' but the recipient is based in Singapore(and they see 2 IP addresses within minutes of each other)

3) That I can use the K3 and connect it via wifi using my local connection(without using a vpn)

Thanks!

Kindle Aunt Agony said...

1) to be on the saved site, it will be better for you to gift yourselve the kindle as a gift so that there is no evidences (i.e. singapore credit cart) to tell Amazon that you are ordering from non-US soy. In otter word, set up a specially amazon account just for kindle related purchasing.

2)When u buy ebooks, use the same above method to gift yourselve the gift cards, and use that to buy the ebooks

3) Always use AlwaysVPN at the time of connection to Amazon

4) Do not always use whiskernet to download, be on the save site, use the USB connectors to put the ebooks on your kindle.

5) that should be fine as it is a bit troublesome but we got no choice because Singapore too much pirates so Amazon got to protect its motherly interests.

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

I recently bought a Kindle 3 with 3G. If I create an account and get my friend who lives in the US to provide the proof of housing, will I be able to:

-buy books using 3G here without the use of VPN?
-buy books without the use of gift cards?
-use the internet browser?

Thanks!

-Alan

selfless kinder said...

Hi alah
yours is a great friend who allows u to buy ebooks using his credit card. But why do u want to inconvenient people?

Anonymous said...

Hey,

Sorry I just wanted to clarify. I'll be using my own credit card of course to buy books. All I need from my friend is the proof of housing.

-Alan

jeffyen said...

Alan,

You can already use the Internet browser. Yes technically you can do what you propose, but I think it may inconvenience your friend, and some may not like to give personal info away like this. Also, your credit card name will be different from your friend's info, so they may seem strange too. The workaround proposed is really not a big hassle all things considered.

Anonymous said...

If the vpn is installed on your PC and has to be turned on each time before we make a purchase, does it mean we are unable to buy stuff from our Kindle directly via Kindle store and instead have to make all purchases via our PC?

L

jeffyen said...

L, yes as mentioned in the blog entry, please don't use the Kindle to buy anything. Buy anything and everything with your PC/laptop with a VPN.

oldman said...

Hi Jeff, great blog. I'm a US resident living in SG. Can I use my US home address and credit card to buy books and magazines from SG. Is there an issue just because I am buying from SG, even though the address, credit card, etc are all valid identities from US?

Kindle Louser said...

hi old man
since u r a us citizen and can show such proof, yes u can buy using your real amazon account even though u r staying in Singapore

Anonymous said...

Hi jeff,

I've followed all your instructions and it works great with my new kindle, but do you have any idea how to subscribe to magazines? When i click on the subscribe to magazine, they automatically ask me for a US credit card for 'future purchases' eventhough i have enough money in my gift card balance to purchase for a month. Should i put my sg credit card info inside? Or we in sg just cant subscribe to magazines through kindle?

Thanks a lot!!

Jamon

Anonymous said...

Hi Jeff,

Your blog entry is a godsend; many thanks for your help. Just would like to check something - while purchasing the Kindle (with my Singapore credit card and without VPN etc), there was the option of buying a gift card. Can I do so, without jeopardising its usage when buying Kindle books later on?

Thanks very much for your advice.

Unknown said...

Thanks for this site Jeff, I've jut got my k3 and it's delivered thru comgateway. It just took 11 days in total from day I bought from Amazon to delivery to my SG address.

I suppose my next concern is if covers are available somewhere in sim lim shops ( i didn't get from amazon I thought offers are expensive). And next for contents would be about the transfer to kindle format, is that always free when I send to myname@kindle.com or should it be myname@free.kindle.com?

Thanks again!

Regic said...

Dear Jeff,

really like your website.

One question.

When using Calibre, can we only receive the article by connecting the Kindle by USB, or is there a way to download through 3G or Wifi?

Have tried, but getting an error email from Amazon saying valid method of payment is not set up thus can not use Personal Document Service.

What am i missing?


Regic

Anonymous said...

Hi
thanks to this website i ordered accidentally 2 kindles 3 with chocolate covers lighted.

So am letting them go at the amazon listed prices. Put down your contact Nd i get back to u in private

Anonymous said...

hey jeff, finally got my kindle, awesome stuff!

anyway, if anyone is interested in a genuine leather cover(black) for the kindle, contact me cuz i'm letting go of mine, i realise i prefer reading it without a cover! It's a very nice cover, and keeps the kindle very secure without using elastic straps, which will break down over time!

Contact me direct at 8138 0968, cheers Kindlers!

K

Uris said...

Hi Jeff,

Wonder if you have any experiences with a broken down screen? Wonder how can I contact Amazon and get the item repaired.

Here's a picture of how it looks like after shutting down.

http://s921.photobucket.com/albums/ad58/uris_chan/?action=view&current=IMAG0047.jpg

P.S. Read some pages online and it seems that the issue is that the screen is buggy or cracked and whether a replacement is possible is also not very certain.

marx said...

hi jeff,
I don't have citibank account, can you suggest any third party mail forwarder you recommend ?

Anonymous said...

you could try vpostUSA but after reading in the newspaper how unreliable the local postal service is, I would think it is better for you to just apply for a citibank credit card in order to use borderlinx

mas said...

Hi, Jeff. Thank you for your post on the Kindle. It was the post that convinced me to order my Kindle in Apr this year.

Alas, a few weeks ago, just before leaving for a short trip, my Kindle screen became faulty. The top quartile were faded like this http://www.scottfillmer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/d7b_1866-edit-kindle3-488x310.jpg

It broke my heart, as I really love my Kindle. I called Amazon, told them the problem and after asking me a few questions (did I drop it higher than my shoulder, did it come into contact with liquid and did I put great pressure on it. All negative), they said they will send me a replacement, and true enough, within a day, a new Kindle 2 was sent to my Borderlinx address in US. I got it in my hands within 3 days after that!!

Now, to return back the faulty Kindle (you have to or they'll charge it to you); I was given a printed address label, but it is only good for US. I emailed them telling them where I am currently, asked if I could get a label good for use here. They asked me to return to them with a tracking number and they will refund me back the delivery charges... and they did!! After I emailed them and told them the cost, I was promptly refunded the full delivery charges (via gift card).

Truly amazing! There is a hassle on returning back the Kindle, but Amazon makes it worth it. I did try asking if I could upgrade the replaced Kindle to the newer Kindle 3, but this is one wish they couldn't grant... oh well :). Anyway, I hope this helps anyone with their Kindle problem.

Mas

jeffyen said...

Jamon, for magazine subscriptions, they need a US credit card. Gift cards and SG cards don't work. I use Entropay for such purchases.

Anon 15 Dec, you can buy gift cards anytime.

Nat, I'm not sure of locally available covers. I'd just get covers from Amazon. Send your documents to yourname@free.kindle.com . It'll always be free if you use wifi to download the converted file.

Marx, you can try Comgateway or vpost.

mas, thanks so much for the info. Amazon's really quite good with the tech support. :)

Albert Pek Yipeng said...

Hi

I am interested in buying the Kindle 3 with chocolate cover,if it is still available. Email me at albertpek@gmail.com

Boon said...

Hi Jeff,

I have a Kindle now and I buy books from the US Amazon store. Any ideas if I can buy books from the UK Amazon store and how do I go about doing that? Do I need a different Amazon account for UK? If I do, how do I tie my Kindle to it? Thanks.

-- Boon

Vincent Kwan said...

Hi,

I recently flew back from the UK and i own a Kindle 3 Wifi...i hand carried it in my padded laptop case but when i took it out in the plane coz i wanted to read the screen was cracked inside. Half of it is showing normal words the other half is blank and looks like ink smudge.

I tried calling the number Amazon gave but i can't get through all all. My Kindle is only 1 month 1 week old. Advise please....thanksss!

jeffyen said...

Boon, I think there are some who have succeeded buying from the UK store in the comments section. I'm not doing this because I guess it's too much of a hassle.

Vincent, you need to go to the Kindle tech support dept and not the general Amazon helpline. Fill up the form at https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/contact-us/kindle-help.html/ref=hp_kindle_cu_kh_T3?ie=UTF8&nodeId=200127470

Tell them that your screen is malfunctioning. I think it's highly unlikely that you broke it since you've put it in your padded case.

Also read another reader's contribution about amazon's tech support just a few comments above yours.

«Oldest ‹Older   201 – 400 of 720   Newer› Newest»