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Easily read PDF books on your Amazon Kindle

If you have books or documents in the PDF format, maybe from an online collection or from work, there is a really easy way to convert these so that you can read PDF files on your Kindle (versions 1 and 2). They will appear on your book menu and can be read just like any other Kindle ebook.

 

 
read epubs on your kindle
The Amazon Kindle 3 will read PDF’s, but none of the previous version will. For these older versions PDF’s must be converted (see below). The Kindle definitely has the clearest screen and is currently the closest to actually reading a book. If you haven’t already got one, it’s worth getting a Kindle and converting your PDF files.

 

How to read PDF books and articles on your Kindle

Can you read PDF on a Kind? Yes on version 3, but all previous versions require the PDF file to be converted to a format that Kindle does recognize (you convert PDF to MOBI). There’s probably a few ways to do it, but here’s what I’ve found to be the most simple way.

 

To Start – Download Calibre

ePub book management software

Calibre is an ebook management software program, install it on your computer where you want to connect your Kindle. Calibre works with Windows, Mac, and Linux. I ran in on Windows 7 without any problems. It will automatically recognize your Kindle when you plug it in and will handle the necessary conversion when you add a PDFto your Kindle.
[Calibre will also let you read ePUB books. Find out how at: How to read ePubs on your Kindle]

Installing Calibre is as simple as downloading it and running the setup program, accept the license, click install.

The last setup screen, shown below, offers you the option to run Calibre right away. Leave it checked and Calibre will start up.

calibre read epubs on kindle screen shot

There is no real need to configure anything further. Click Add Books to add your PDF’s to the Calibre management system. Browse to the folder where the books are located and select the books you want, then add them.

Calibre read epub on kindle

Now connect your Kindle device. Once it is recognized you will see a new icon at the top of Calibre called Send to Device. Click to highlight the PDF’s you wish to send to your Kindle and click this button.

Calibre read epub on kindle

You will be prompted to Auto-convert the file(s), just click Yes.

Convert your epub files for Kindle

You will notice in the bottom-right corner of Calibre it will tell you the status of the jobs being performed. When the number is back to zero you can disconnect your Kindle.

Calibre epub converting to Kindle

You’re done!

It really is that easy and now you can read PDF books and documents on your Kindle. These books will be backed up as the Kindle is backed up.

 


 

The Kindle

There are three Kindle models and the new 6 inch model is the most popular right now. There is a Kindle 3G 6 inch display with 3G capabilities to download books and articles wherever you are. There is a Kindle Wi-Fi 6 inch display with WIFI connectivity that will connect at your home or coffee shop or other location with a Wireless connection. And there is a Kindle DX 9.7 inch display with 3G capabilities.

We personally went with the Kindle Wi-Fi version since we couldn’t think of a good reason we’d need to download books while out.

 

Other items for the Kindle

Did you know Amazon now sells more ebooks than regular books? Find other accessories for your Kindle, from Amazon:

 

What is the PDF format?

PDF is an open standard for document exchange, created by Adobe in 1993. Here’s the full details from Wikipedia if you’re interested.

 

Why PDF?

Many online books, white papers, articles, and work documents are in the PDF format. Copying these PDF’s to your Kindle will let you review documents or catch up on your reading while waiting in an airport, bus terminal, or even your local coffee shop. Conversion is quick and easy, as shown, and now you can maximize your effective time.

Enjoy!

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