Kindle Screensavers Are So Bad… I Opted For Ads

kindle-special-offers

Apparently I’m not the only one unimpressed by Amazon’s “dead author” Kindle screensavers. Yeah, I know I could hack my Kindle to display other images (like these)… but there’s nothing specific I’d like to view and do appreciate the random “playlist” approach. Which is why I voluntarily turned on Amazon’s “Special Offers.”

Opting into advertising pre-purchase saves one $30 – $40 off Kindle hardware. But, assuming you already have hardware, you can toggle Special offers on or off. Folks with subsidized hardware will have to pay the differential to remove advertisements, displayed as the screensaver and via a banner at the bottom of the home screen, while those who paid full retail can toggle ads on/off at will via their Amazon Kindle management webpage (as shown above). That was news to me and, for the moment, I’ve decided to run the ads for some visual variety.

kindle-ad

5 thoughts on “Kindle Screensavers Are So Bad… I Opted For Ads”

  1. Sadly, the ad-screensaver is only available for third-generation Kindle hardware or later. I have a second-gen Kindle, and my only option on the Amazon management page is to edit it’s nickname.

    Seems like Amazon is missing an opportunity here, to update its older hardware solely to support the ad-screensaver. I’d turn it on for the same reason as Dave.

  2. Yes, the dead authors can be creepy. The Emily Dickinson picture in particular.

    I’ve always thought they missed a golden opportunity to make the kindle more like a book– the default screensaver picture should be the cover for the last book you read on the device.

    I have an ad-supported kindle touch myself. I never turn wifi on, so the screen saver is an inoffensive geometrical pattern with a “please connect your kindle to wireless” message at the bottom.

  3. I have an ad supported Kindle Touch and have no problem with the ads. I’ve even used a couple of the deals offered. Not sure why people would complain about them, but at least they have the option (for a price) to opt out.

    John

  4. I have a 3G 2nd gen kindle and i only turn on 3G when I buy a new book (or change time zones). Does opting for the “special offers” versions of kindle override the wireless switch?

    Also, what happens if you don’t download new offers for a few months. Does it display outdated offers or switch back to creepy authors?

  5. Martin, as Rodalpho mentioned, I don’t think this applies to first or second gen Kindles. I assume the ads have some sort of expiration date, but who knows what they’re replaced with. Regardless, it wouldn’t override your wireless settings. I tried to convince my mom to check it out, but she declined and is happy with these dead authors… some of which she has fond memories of.

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