So since I posted about my Kindle dilemma last Thursday, I've been asked to post about how to write notes on the device. I'm pleased to say that I haven't encountered the same problem since that day. Phew! And my notes function IS doing what it's supposed to without a hassle. I think I may have done something wrong ... anyway ...It's very very easy to use!
Let's say you want to read a friend's manuscript (or even your own!). I used to print them out so that I didn't have to sit in front of the computer. I spend long enough in front of the screen, so it was sorta necessary for my health!
Anyhoo, you don't need to export the word doc as a PDF and transfer it via the USB cable as some people think. All you have to do is email the word doc as an attachment (no subject or body necessary), to [yourusername]@free.kindle.com, and Amazon will automatically format the files for your Kindle. The next time you turn your Kindle on, the file will automatically download onto the device. (Please note: you can only take advantage of this free service if you change the internet connection from 3G to WiFi. But don't fret, you can switch back and forth from 3G to WiFi, and vice versa, with ease at any time.)
Okay, so now you have a page of prose in front of you. Do you want to highlight something? Move the cursor with the 5-way to where you want to start. Press the middle of the 5-way to activate the highlight, then press the cursor to the right to where you want the highlight to finish, then press the middle of the 5-way again to save it. It really takes SECONDS.
Do you want to write a note? Move the cursor with the 5-way to where you want the note. Start typing. A little bubble will automatically appear on the screen and you will be able to see what you are typing. When you're done, move the cursor to the 'save,' button. The button will highlight when the cursor is on it. Press the middle of the 5-way to save. This too takes SECONDS. When you press save, a little black superscript number will appear where you wrote the note. To edit the note, just move the cursor above it and a little bubble will pop up with all your options.
The notes will ALSO be stored as a kind of log, in a separate file called 'My Clippings.' They will remain there even when you delete the file you wrote the notes on.
It's all very very simple and I'm totally pleased with it. Saves me on paper and ink, too. And it's so much nicer than holding a chunk of A4 paper!!!
Any questions? Shoot. I'll answer as best I can in the comments.
I still use my Kindle and take long hand notes; maybe b/c i take a lot of notes. Not sure. But I'll have to give that a try for typos and awk. sent. and things like that. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSounds useful! I have a feeling I am going to get one for birthday or Christmas this year.
ReplyDeleteI so have to get me one of these. I spend most of the day at my computer too, I like the idea of being able to turn it off occasionally! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks i was wondering exactly this about the kindle. Do any of the other e-readers have this facility? As far as I can tell Kindle is the only one.
ReplyDeletemood
Moody Writing
@mooderino
Yeah, Kindle does seem to be the only one as far as I know. I could be wrong though.
ReplyDeleteThey sounds useful but I am still waiting to get an IPad(sigh) perhaps I'll get a kindle instead.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
I wonder if I can do the same and load docs save as PDF on my iPod Touch via Kindle.
ReplyDeleteMine just showed up on Saturday. I haven't put any manuscripts on it yet, but I will be soon, and I'll definitely be taking advantage of this. Thanks, Jess!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I knew how to get my ms onto the Kindle, but I hadn't researched how to make notes yet. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still not sure if I'll ever get one. I have a notebook laptop that sorta does the same. I just can't get used to no real keyboard.
ReplyDeleteI write a lot of book reviews and use the notes feature to well, write notes about the books. I find it so useful. I love my Kindle.
ReplyDeleteThanks, lovely!
ReplyDeleteSony eReader does have the note function too, but in my opinion the Kindle is far superior.
Oh yeah - that's one of the MILLION things I love about my kindle!
ReplyDeleteThat's cool you can email it. I do the PDF conversion and download to my iPad.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jess!! It seemed so easy when you explained what to do!!! But I bookmarked the post just in case the brain takes a holiday!
ReplyDeleteHuh. You've actually scored a point for the Kindle. So now it's at Nook: 50 Kindle:2
ReplyDeleteNah, just kidding. I haave no interest in the Kindle, but that is something really interesting to "note"!
(Did I really just say that? *headdesk*)
Sounds cool. Once you're done, how do you send the manuscript plus notes to your friend? And do they need a Kindle to read the notes?
ReplyDeleteYou can transfer your 'my clippings' into a word doc, but it's not very useful because they are logged with 'locations' rather than pages. I just transfer my comments to the computer as I used to do with my printout scribbles :o)
ReplyDeleteBest instructions for this I've seen.
ReplyDeleteWhere were you when I was starting out with Kindle?
I LOVE using my Kindle to read manuscripts -- my own and others. No need to write long notes, and often I just highlight the troublesome area. Later, I set the Kindle next to the computer and use my notes to quickly add comments into the Word document to send back to the author.
ReplyDeleteI heard they started adding page numbers to the books, when you read through a MS that's been converted does it keep the page numbers? i don't mind the clippings not having them, but it would help to see what page I'm on.
ReplyDeleteIn fact are the page number well integrated into the whole process now? The whole digital location thing seems an utter waste of time.
I'm afraid when reading a converted word doc it's still location. But the page numbers remain when you transfer a PDF because the format doesn't have to be converted for the device.
ReplyDeleteThnaks, Jessica. I get the feeling Kindle bowed to pressure to introduce page numnbers, but didn't really embrace the idea.
ReplyDeleteThis post has been really useful for me, cheers.
mood
Moody Writing
@mooderino