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I've attempted to read technical PDFs on my Kindle. You either need a magnifying glass (if you try to do it a page at a time) or spend the whole time scrolling.

I've attempted to read technical PDFs on my Kindle. You either need a magnifying glass (if you try to do it a page at a time) or spend the whole time scrolling. Maybe scrolling isn't a big deal on a Kindle Touch, but it's not fun on a standard Kindle. I don't think this is a question of formats; I think it's a question of "How do we show legible code samples on a 7" screen?".

tonyedgecombe 14y ago
"How do we show legible code samples on a 7" screen?" I'd love a 10" kindle for reading technical books, can't see it happening though.
- emeraldd 14y ago
  The kindle DX was a 9.7" screen last I checked. It was big and, from what I've heard, had a tendency for the screen to get broken. It was also over $300. Looks like Amazon has dropped it off their list as well. My guess is there wasn't enough demand for them to keep making it.
TeMPOraL 14y ago
Switch the screen to landscape mode and do fit-to-width. This way, a typical PDF will only need 3 "next page" pressess per page, without you having to scroll sideways.
- hahainternet 14y ago
  This is how I have read a number of books now. It's still frustrating, but it's better than nothing.
kamjam 14y ago
I don't think the OP is necessarily talking about reading PDF's on the Kindle, just that Kindle's themselves suck for tech books. I presume he meant just using a bog standard computer/laptop but I could be wrong...
- creature 14y ago
  Sure. My point is it's not a question of Mobi vs. PDF vs. ePub, and probably not Kindle vs. PC vs. tablet. Some of the suck is due to sloppy publishers, but a lot of it is down to the screen size. Getting code onto a 7" monochrome screen so it's comprehensible is a challenge.
  - kamjam 14y ago
    Getting code onto a 7" monochrome screen so it's comprehensible is a challenge. Yes, totally agree with you. I don't own an Kindle/iPad/Tablet, but tend to read my tech books on my laptop for this very reason.

tonyedgecombe 14y ago

"How do we show legible code samples on a 7" screen?" I'd love a 10" kindle for reading technical books, can't see it happening though.

emeraldd 14y ago
The kindle DX was a 9.7" screen last I checked. It was big and, from what I've heard, had a tendency for the screen to get broken. It was also over $300. Looks like Amazon has dropped it off their list as well. My guess is there wasn't enough demand for them to keep making it.

TeMPOraL 14y ago

Switch the screen to landscape mode and do fit-to-width. This way, a typical PDF will only need 3 "next page" pressess per page, without you having to scroll sideways.

hahainternet 14y ago
This is how I have read a number of books now. It's still frustrating, but it's better than nothing.

kamjam 14y ago

I don't think the OP is necessarily talking about reading PDF's on the Kindle, just that Kindle's themselves suck for tech books. I presume he meant just using a bog standard computer/laptop but I could be wrong...

creature 14y ago
Sure. My point is it's not a question of Mobi vs. PDF vs. ePub, and probably not Kindle vs. PC vs. tablet. Some of the suck is due to sloppy publishers, but a lot of it is down to the screen size. Getting code onto a 7" monochrome screen so it's comprehensible is a challenge.
- kamjam 14y ago
  Getting code onto a 7" monochrome screen so it's comprehensible is a challenge. Yes, totally agree with you. I don't own an Kindle/iPad/Tablet, but tend to read my tech books on my laptop for this very reason.