Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Mud Brain

I've been trying to figure out tonight how this Kindle Fire works. I guess I'm becoming an old geezer because this darn new-fangled technology is alien to me. Seriously, I don't have a cell ("smart") phone, and I know the devices work very similarly--so working the Kindle is probably quite simple for 98 percent of the population. Me? Not so much.

And despite the fact that the thing can access the internet, I had to get on my desktop computer to find the user's guide that finally told me what to do.

Everything's done with an icon these days, and figuring out what the icons mean is like learning a second language--even if it IS a fairly limited language. Some of the stuff I was trying to figure out how to do began with instructions to tap the menu button. Except, for the life of me, I couldn't find a MENU button--or nothing I would associate with the term, in any event.

Finally, I found an illustration that explained with arrows, words, and pictures what everything was. As I've gotten older, I find illustrations are much more helpful than written directions. Probably because my attention span is shorter and my natural curiously is oftentimes abandoned in favor of unnatural frustration.

Turns out the menu icon looks a little like a lined tablet. Old school stuff.

I think what's been making it harder for me is the fact that my brain is filled with snot. (I thought "mud" sounded nicer than Snot Brain as a title, especially if you're having your breakfast, but it's really snot.) I've been telling myself it's allergies, but I've been feeling worse and worse and my throat has gotten scratchier and scratchier. And several people at the office have colds. I'm not quite ready to admit defeat, but just to be on the safe side, I'm going to chug a half bottle of Nyquil and get to bed early with a paper back book. Because I don't think it's safe for me to take Nyquil and operate complicated machinery like this Kindle.
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14 comments:

  1. NONNIE FROM OHIODecember 28, 2011 at 3:11 AM

    I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING YOU SAID AND I ALSO HAVE A COLD. I HAD TO ORDER A USB I THINK THAT IS WHAT IT IS CALLED. IT IS CORD OF SOME KIND. I CANNOT GET MY KF TO CONNECT TO THE INTERNET. I READ YOUR BLOG EVERYDAY AND I SO ENJOY IT. FEEL BETTER. YOU DON'T WANT TO START THE NEW YEAR OFF SICK

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  2. DonnaDecember 28, 2011 at 3:55 AM

    You can master the Kindle Fire. Once you get going you will love the "gadget." I am having the most fun with mine - never knew I wanted (needed) one but I did!

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  3. AnnaDecember 28, 2011 at 4:51 AM

    on the upside...at least the kindle doesn't require a password that changes every 6 weeks!

    take care of yourself...when you have a cold, lots of fluids, chicken soup and a paperback book!

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  4. pcflamingoDecember 28, 2011 at 5:03 AM

    I have a nook - love it - and I bought The nook Book. I am a manual person. I like to have a manual to refer to, so I can read the instructions. I have one for my microwave, for my stove, for my sewing machine, why wouldn't I have one for my e-reader? Hope your cold gets better and all the goo in your head goes away!

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  5. krislovesfabricDecember 28, 2011 at 5:46 AM

    Hopefully you're enjoying it more now, I also thought that it could have done with a "quick-start" manual in the box. My sticking point was how to un-install something...eventually found you just press the icon until the option comes up but it took me awhile to figure it out. I didn't have the internet conection issues you have had tho...can see that would be frustrating. Persevere, you will succeed!! All that free Austin will be worth it!

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  6. Josie McRazieDecember 28, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    I will remember NOT to upgrade to a fire! I just have a baisc one and I am not a 'smart' phone gal either! If I can't do it from home then why do I need to do it? (although I do have a cell phone) I went to dinner with a friend and her dang thing beeped ever minute or two!! We complain that we are so busy, I think a lot of it is brought on by well US!!! LOL Get better!!

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  7. HeatherDecember 28, 2011 at 6:44 AM

    I am struggling with my new Thrive, much like the Kindle fire. I am not too computer savy and learning a new system is so confusing. Doesn't help that DH thinks he'll just play with it and the next time I try it he has changed stuff! I know it will be great soon but I'm still trying how to figure out posting to my blog on it and so far I am not happy.

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  8. AnonymousDecember 28, 2011 at 7:31 AM

    Stick with the Kindle. I received a KOBO for Christmas last year and it took me a bit to figure it out too. Now I wouldn't want to be without it. I get way more reading done. No trips to the crowded bookstore and I always have it in my purse. I read about 60 books last year and it is really only because the KOBO is so easy to take everywhere. You will love you Kindle!
    Conny from Red Deer, Alberta

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  9. debbie mDecember 28, 2011 at 8:09 AM

    I agree with the few comments I read, you will love it when you get use to it. MR got me an iPad 18 months ago. I hated it for 6 months because I could not get it to connect to our wireless. I was told we needed to update(software) our wireless modem, but when we tried Verizon's directions said plug a flash drive into the USB port on the modem....there was no port! Finally asked a co worker who does such things as part of his job and I'm in like Flint (where does that saying come from?) I use it for email and blog reading, book reading (kindle app is free).
    Bonnie at quiltville.blogspot.com has one and posts about free books all of the time. I've downloaded about 25 free ones, and occasionally check an ebook out of the local library with out even leaving the kitchen table!
    I'm sure a young and savy minded person would think I'm wasting my iPad's potential, but I'm enjoying the little things I've learned!
    I too have a cold, and am off to steam my head again! Hope you're feeling better soon.

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  10. KigwitDecember 28, 2011 at 8:15 AM

    Check out the frugal e-reader blog. I find tons of free or cheap ebooks that way. Love it!

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  11. Sinta ReneeDecember 28, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    It's always good to stretch your limits... you will get the hang of it. I hope you feel better today!

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  12. Patty NordahlDecember 28, 2011 at 10:39 AM

    Hangin it will get easier with use.I really don't use my nook for much except reading. I use my computer for blog ready, e-mail,etc.
    I wanted to ask you about the Garden Club quilt - is the pattern available? Who is the designer? I think it looks like something I want to make. TIA for the help. Feel better soon.

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  13. Chocolate CatDecember 28, 2011 at 2:22 PM

    Hope the nyquil and the early night have done the trick! I was so impressed that I was able to read the instructions and operate my new ice cream maker and coffee machine , am somewhat technologically challenged myself!!

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  14. Pam BDecember 28, 2011 at 10:48 PM

    So sorry you're feeling icky, Kim; sounds like you have the right prescription for it, though. ;o)

    I have a Kindle 2 and love it. Decided not to upgrade to the Kindle Fire because of the backlit screen; I tend to get migraines from my MacBook if I don't keep the backlight turned fairly low. These ultra-white screens are awfully pretty but are tough on your eyes. If you start to have headaches, turn down the brightness.

    Hugs,
    Pam

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