Chris Pirillo » ebooks

iPad Helps Vision-Impaired Elderly Read

Chris Pirillo — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 00:22:14 +0000

Virginia Campbell suffers from glaucoma. This condition caused her to give up her favorite pastime years ago – reading. Books had always been an important part of her life, so losing the ability to read well as her eyesight deteriorated was an increasing frustration. However, the iPad has given Virginia the ability to read again thanks to the large display and easy-to-adjust features.

With the tap of a finger, Virginia can increase text size to help her see the words properly on any page. Being able to adjust the brightness of the screen and hold the iPad at different angles further enhances the media she is looking at. Not only have these functions given her back her beloved books, she’s also writing limericks using the iPad, such as:

To this technical-ninny it’s clear
In my compromised 100th year,
That to read and to write
Are again within sight
Of this Apple iPad pioneer.

Ms. Campbell has never owned a computer of any type. The iPad is not just the first such device she has purchased. It’s also literally changed her life.

iPad Helps Vision-Impaired Elderly Read

My eBooks

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 02:58:41 +0000

My eBooks

You wanna learn? Cool. I wanna teach. Each one of my eBooks is available in PDF – no DRM!

By the way, I’m using these guys to host my eBooks shopping cart. I’ll be writing more in the near future, depending largely on demand – and given the amount of questions I get asked on a daily basis, I’d say the demand is pretty darn high. So, why would you wanna buy one of my eBooks?

Each one of them will be quick and easy to read
You’ll save yourself time, energy, and money
The PDF files can be viewed just about anywhere
There are no DRM restrictions involved
You’re doing your part to support the community
You’re looking to gain a little extra knowledge
Refunds actually become donations to charity
If just one tip helps you, isn’t it worth doing?

Let me know what other knowledge I might be able to impart?

My eBooks

Is Amazon’s Kindle on Fire?

Chris Pirillo — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 23:21:38 +0000

Is Amazon’s Kindle on Fire?

I’m still not ready to look beyond my iPhone for general reading needs.

Yes, the screen is smaller compared to Amazon’s Kindle, and the battery life is certainly shorter – but it offers a much more rich experience for me, and I’ll never forget it at home.

There are some who love their Kindle, some who don’t want it at all, and some (like me) who are still waiting for that killer feature. When I was first asked to look at the Kindle – before it had been announced to the public, mind you – I suggested a few tweaks to the hardware. Looks like one of my suggestions made it into the new product (charging by USB).

That didn’t score me any brownie points, as I’d have to buy my Kindle just like the rest of the galaxy does. Only thing is: I really don’t feel that compelled to buy a Kindle.

With the next iteration of the Kindle set to be released in a few weeks, I asked my Twitter followers what they thought. Within minutes, I received these responses:

sib1013: If they'd sell me a *very* cheap license to all the real books I already own, I'd go for it. As it is, very little motivation

about 5 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 23:14:04 +0000 2009

cwliner: I'm content with audible + my iPod. I'll get a book if I want to see the print.

about 9 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 23:10:19 +0000 2009

jodyreale: I AM sold on it, which, as a converted Luddite, means that pretty much the whole rest of the world is sold on it too.

about 9 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 23:10:02 +0000 2009

DanaDang: definitely not (yet). I still read a news*paper*. I like paper. I like words on paper. so very 17th century

about 11 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 23:07:40 +0000 2009

JasLucien: I use e-reader on my iPhone, but there is no Kindle in Canada. I find it handy to have a book whereever I roam.

about 12 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 23:07:09 +0000 2009

nwwaew: I'd rather use my laptop, Axim PDA, or get a tablet PC. More functionality than a Kindle provides.

about 13 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 23:06:27 +0000 2009

CPWestergaard: I try to use the library to satisfy my pleasure reading needs. For non fiction books that I want to own, I want to own them!

about 14 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 23:05:10 +0000 2009

biss13: Colleague got one and hates it. It looks like a prop from the Star Wars. Give it to Apple for redesign!

about 15 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 23:04:18 +0000 2009

PodWorx: If it allowed for access to *any* online blog/rss feed without $$, I'd be sold.

about 17 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 23:02:17 +0000 2009

nickusborne: I have the Sony Reader (can't use Kindle up here in Canada) Took some getting used to, but now LOVE it.

about 19 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 23:00:34 +0000 2009

estherschindler: I want a good friend to have a Kindle to let me play with. I'm sure I'd have fun with one but unsure if I'd keep using it.

about 19 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 23:00:13 +0000 2009

supahstah: if I'm going 2 read, I prefer to hold a book and turn pages. Last thing i need is more electronic media

about 20 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:59:29 +0000 2009

karebear006: There's something about holding a book and flipping pages that I would miss too much if I had a kindle.

about 20 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:59:24 +0000 2009

firespyer: same, was excited about google supporting iPhone's with mobilebooks

about 20 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:59:10 +0000 2009

brandontonio: negative ghost rider, I would simply prefer kindle reader software for the laptop

about 20 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:58:55 +0000 2009

SRasmussen: I'm not sold on the Kindle. I like books. Real books, the smell and feel of paper. I like the library, and going there.

about 21 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:58:35 +0000 2009

ChuckSmith: My girlfriend and I want one sooo bad, but they're not available outside the USA yet. :(

about 21 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:58:21 +0000 2009

andylevy: Not sold on the Kindle til there's a back light.

about 21 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:57:41 +0000 2009

thancrus: i like tangible books myself…. i read so few and far between its a waste for me

about 22 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:56:52 +0000 2009

mackney: just another screen to mess my eyes up after a full day and night in front of a TFT. Audio books FTW.

about 23 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:56:33 +0000 2009

Christyxcore: I can read on the iPhone. No need for a Kindle

about 24 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:55:36 +0000 2009

hamlesh: i like the constantly connected side of kindle, but no support in UK :( the sony is pop here, but rubbish imo.

about 24 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:55:30 +0000 2009

gurubrandon: I prefer an etch-a-sketch.

about 24 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:55:20 +0000 2009

wizardElite: I'm not sold on a Kindle yet either. For the price of $359 I would much rather buy a netbook. #kindle2

about 24 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:55:07 +0000 2009

einarhagen: Kindles are not in my near future at all.

about 24 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:54:59 +0000 2009

jeos80: me neither, i dont see the extra value in it that definitely makes me get one

about 24 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:54:49 +0000 2009

rawmeet: nope, not yet. not at this price. Make it 150 and I will pre-order :-) are you listening, #amazon?

about 24 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:54:37 +0000 2009

TeQ: Who needs another device to lug around? Give me an iphone/android reader any day.

about 25 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:54:33 +0000 2009

alwinter: Kindle and it's DRM formats = bleh.

about 25 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:54:29 +0000 2009

suraider2001: I bought a kindle for my bf at xmas and he loves it he a bookworm IT guy

about 25 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:54:25 +0000 2009

yenra: There is always a right time to buy something one wants, and if that is a Kindle, this is the time (as when iPhone went 3G).

about 26 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:53:35 +0000 2009

jrsmithers: no not really, the price point is still to high for me

about 26 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:53:03 +0000 2009

skyygirl5000: i would want to buy one, but think it's silly to spend that $$ now.

about 26 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:53:00 +0000 2009

pharbeson: Can't see myself carrying a Kindle around. iPhone readers fit in my pocket. And real books are cheap.

about 27 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:52:02 +0000 2009

sacgs: i'm not sold on getting a Kindle either. what would I use it for, i just don't see it paying off any time soon.

about 27 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:52:00 +0000 2009

harrysaxon23: Not in the slightest. Too expensive, too big, too restrictive. Convenience of Stanza on iPhone > paper-like screen.

about 27 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:51:57 +0000 2009

k1prd: I want one but $359 USD is still just too steep for a grayscale text display pad. macbook + free google books for me for now.

about 27 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:51:54 +0000 2009

bgramer: We ordered K 1.0 and are happy enough that we were upgraded to 2.0. Wife is a voracious reader, so it makes sense for us.

about 27 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:51:48 +0000 2009

johnpauldickie: it seems strange to me.

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:51:35 +0000 2009

willplatnick: I'm sold, getting rid of my PS3 to get it

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:51:18 +0000 2009

dewbie: Not yet I am waiting for a few more features

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:51:03 +0000 2009

mattyran: It's going to be a while before I get any ebook reader. I'm still fully sold on the tactile qualities of printed book 1.0

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:50:58 +0000 2009

tonysteward: sold on it, would love one, limited in resources at the moment though :)

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:50:57 +0000 2009

ihateclowns: my wife is sold on a Kindle, which makes the buying decision much easier for me :) I get to play with hers

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:50:57 +0000 2009

marinesetwas: i think i want a Kindle badly. But it simply is not out yet in Germany. Carrier seems to be missing. T-Mobile not willing?

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:50:53 +0000 2009

Tad: You know I love mine Chris… Just finished reading a book on it – looking forward to the next.

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:50:49 +0000 2009

brandonacox: Same feelings – I still like books with pages and paper. I like to dogear things – that damages kindles.

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:50:44 +0000 2009

RealTweeter: Until it smells like a paperback's pages, it's not happening for me.

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:50:42 +0000 2009

woodwindguy24: can't you read books on an iPhone too? Why not just buy an iPhone instead of a kindle???

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:50:41 +0000 2009

ahmedbaig05: Hard books ftw.lol

about 28 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:50:38 +0000 2009

TimBrazer: I have an iPod Touch. That's all need.

about 29 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:50:31 +0000 2009

Hawkee: Not at all, I'm quite happy with my iPod Touch!

about 29 minutes ago

Mon Feb 09 22:50:24 +0000 2009

Is Amazon’s Kindle on Fire?

Amazon Kindle

Chris Pirillo — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 10:17:27 +0000

Amazon Kindle

First, here’s what Amazon has to say about its own device:

Amazon Kindle is a revolutionary portable reader that wirelessly downloads books, newspapers, magazines and blogs to a crisp, high-resolution electronic paper display that looks and reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight.

Kindle customers, no matter where they are in the U.S., can wirelessly shop the Kindle Store and download new content — all without a PC or a WiFi hot spot. Amazon pays for Kindle’s wireless connectivity so there are no monthly wireless bills and no service commitments for customers. The Kindle Store contains over 90,000 books that can be purchased and delivered wirelessly to Kindle, each in less than a minute. Customers can choose from hundreds of top newspapers, magazines and blogs and have their subscriptions auto-delivered wirelessly. All New York Times Best Sellers and New Releases are $9.99, unless marked otherwise.

At 10.3 ounces, Kindle is lighter and thinner than a paperback book, carries two hundred books, and includes built-in access to The New Oxford American Dictionary and wireless access to the Earth’s biggest encyclopedia, Wikipedia.org.

I gave Amazon a bit of feedback on the device (including sending suggestions directly to Jeff Bezos directly), but I don’t think they appreciated what I had to say about it. Oh well. I tried to help.

At least they didn’t call it the Amazon Kindall (which would have been accused of murdering content, even though the true murderer was a one-armed book author).

Here’s where it gets interesting for Amazon affiliates:

Associates are eligible to earn 10% in referral fees on both the Kindle device and content. With Kindle priced at $399 you can earn $39.99 on each Kindle purchase you refer. We do not yet pay referral fees on subscription content such as Kindle newspapers, blogs, or magazines, but we will be announcing that support in the near future.

Building links to Amazon Kindle is no different than other products on Amazon. To build a Product Link, simply visit the Product Links page in Associates Central and select “Kindle Store” in the search menu. You can find the Kindle device itself under the “Electronics” search menu. You can also build a Slideshow or My Favorites widget to showcase your favorite Kindle titles.

We have also made Amazon Kindle banner graphics available to you in Associates Central.
To link directly to the Kindle device, simply substitute your Associates ID in the link format below:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FI73MA/?tag=lockergnome-20

Anybody reading this on a Kindle yet?!

Amazon Kindle

Free eBooks for Gnomedex Attendees!

Chris Pirillo — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:47:55 +0000

Free eBooks for Gnomedex Attendees!

You have to be in the Gnomedex audience (or tuned in live) to get the coupon code. :)

Lockergnome’s Windows 2000 Training Manual

Lockergnome’s Windows XP Training Manual

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