norne41871 | ExpatWoman.com
 

norne41871

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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 12:58
I tried Reem Al Bawadi on Jumeirah Beach Road, but I heard from an Arabic friend that the branch located on SZR is better (?). My issue was that although we were there at 19 it was quite packed/busy, and in the end we nearly didn't get any of all the lovely cakes and desserts. Mind you, we were not slow eaters... I also didn't understand why they tidied everything up so fast, lots of moving tables etc. going on. Loved many of the dishes, though, so perhaps I'll go again:-)
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Latest post on 18 August 2011 - 09:29
I just read this in The National - more suggestions for donating clothes etc. - I LOVE the Take My Junk idea and thought it might be useful for EW: "How to donate: To donate used clothing that will be distributed for free or sold without profit, contact the following organisations: • The Red Crescent Authority, which is sending aid to Somalia. Locations for donations can be found by calling 800 733 or by logging on to www.rcuae.ae. • Dubai Land Department, in coordination with the charitable Beit Al Khair Society have launched a clothing-donation drive during Ramadan. Old clothes can be dropped off at the department’s headquarters on Bani Yas Road and they will be distributed to the needy in Asia and Africa. • Take My Junk UAE is a one-man mission to redistribute unwanted goods such as clothes and furniture to labourers and low-income families. Call 050 179 4045 for more details."
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 14:58
But why would I get a fine? Sorry about being slow/new, but I'm not overstaying - just making another exit/entry 'within' the fresh visa, right?
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Latest post on 17 August 2011 - 14:50
Quick question: I arrived here July 1st, got my 'visa on arrival' extended after 30 days following a trip to Qatar, and I will be going back to Denmark in 10 days. So until now I've used 17 days of my 'new' visa, but I'm considering a trip to Oman/Musandam/Dibba on Saturday. Will I have any problems re-entering the U.A.E. again, or am I worried for no reason? Hope you can help me out, I tried calling the Ameer service but the lady there kept talking about overstaying and paying fines. I kept telling her that I was here legally on my new visa but she was confused:-(
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Latest post on 22 June 2011 - 16:09
I just read somewhere that they are planning to open 11 juice bars around the metro network. I'm sure there's one at Financial Centre, Al Rigga and Union stations. But where are the other juice bars located - perhaps they haven't opened yet? Are there any in New Dubai? (I can't remember from my last visit) <em>edited by norne on 22/06/2011</em>
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Latest post on 21 June 2011 - 13:18
Another fan here - I also love the apps for iPhone/iPad. As a matter of fact, I simply don't book anywhere without checking Tripadvisor first. Gotta love the traveler photos;-)
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Latest post on 19 June 2011 - 15:14
Keeping an eye on this thread - would love to know that, too!
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 19:26
Do you know the journey planner from RTA? http://wojhati.rta.ae/dub/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 15:59
Ahh, right! I just got confused about these fees they might charge for doing that. Hope it's free, but I guess it must be?
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Latest post on 18 June 2011 - 15:22
I would love to have the DX for reading PDFs - although there must be a way to convert the PDF articles into a more reading friendly format for the regular Kindle. I have the 3G but only use this feature to 'share' quotes on Facebook or to sync furthest location between my iPhone and Kindle. Apart from that, I can't use 3G for ANY kind of browsing except Amazon and Wikipedia (because I'm in Denmark). Then again, that was the whole point of getting a dedicated reading device as accessory to my iPad. The DX and iPad has similar formats, and personally this format is too large for me to read. The 6" Kindle is more like a normal paperback and you can still adjust font size as you like. You'll not regret getting one, I even walk with mine in direct sunshine and it's clearer than when I'm inside, imagine!
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Latest post on 13 June 2011 - 15:18
Can't wait to try Caffe Nero in a few weeks! I have to say Starbucks UAE seems quite expensive compared to other countries - or is it just me? I have to admit there's a certain apple-cinnamon cake there I like:-(
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 22:11
Thanks, that's exactly what I feared:-)
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Latest post on 12 June 2011 - 22:06
I have a question about the weather in July and August. Is it completely impossible to sit outside in the evening - let's say around eight or nine o'clock? I've only been to Dubai during December and March and wonder how much my activities/routines will have to change. Forgive my ignorance :-)
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Latest post on 05 June 2011 - 15:52
Oh, that's great news. Whatever I try here in Denmark, I end up getting the "Due to local restrictions, web browsing is not available for all countries" message. Funny that it lets me share quotes and highlights via Facebook, though, but I still can't connect to Twitter.
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Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 00:26
the only site I can use here in the UAE is the Kindle Store. Whoah, not even Wikipedia?
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Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 00:25
Hmm, now I feel a little silly about having bought the 3G version - except that I can use it to sync across all my fancy devices. Still, I kind of thought 3G connectivity would mean access to browsing... Oh well, less distractions, I suppose.
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Latest post on 04 June 2011 - 00:06
Kindle 3G question: Is it actually possible to use the browser in Dubai? Here in Denmark I can only use Wikipedia and Amazon, the rest is not available. I guess it was mentioned somewhere in the really fine print, so now I'm curious whether I'll be able to check my mail using the Kindle in Dubai this summer. Reading on the Kindle is wonderful, but I'm getting a replacement one from Amazon since the page-turning button to the right gets quite noisy. I have to say I'm impressed with Amazon's customer service so far, no hassle at all and they're sending another one next week!
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 13:05
Use your phone's 3G data: For those who only have a Wi-Fi iPad, here's a suggestion: If you have an iPhone, you can enable Personal Hotspot in Settings and use Bluetooth to use the phone's internet connection (3G). It works on my iPhone 3GS, but of course this is only a good idea if you have a good data plan.
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Latest post on 30 May 2011 - 13:01
Just another search engine: www.momondo.com - perhaps worth a try, too?
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 16:16
I would go for the black framed iPad, I'm not a fan of the white edges unless it's on the phone. I have protective screen covers/film on both my phone and the iPad, and on the iPhone 3GS I have a film that removes the glare. It might be possible to find a screen protector that can limit the glare, and then it would be a much better reading experience. One of these, for instance: http://www.tcgeeks.com/ipad-2-anti-glare-screen-protectors/ I read somewhere that 40% of all iPad owners also own a Kindle - that lessened my guilt a tiny bit... I found another review where you see both the black and white iPad: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-18438_7-20042535-82.html
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 14:53
I looooove my 'original' iPad and use it to read PDFs for my studies as well as PowerPoint presentations using Keynote (had to buy that separately). That being said, I'm reading more and more on the iPad + iPhone as a whole using the Kindle app. The screen on my iPad is really glossy and you'll find glare if you sit below a lamp. It's also very difficult to use outside. This is the reason why I'm getting a Kindle as well, I simply sit behind too many shiny screens with my Macbook and want something a little less shiny. You can dim the settings for PDFs in GoodReader, but you'd need some kind of screen cover or something to mute the glare. I know it sounds a bit over the top to have an iPad AND a Kindle, but I want to get back to loads of reading and at the moment my eyes get a bit tired from the glare. iPad pros: Everything is available, Web, Flipboard, email and tons of app and user friendliness. Turning a page is easy and just happens with one swipe. Some say it's better to read with at night because of the backlit display, but I prefer using my iPhone 3GS at night to read - until I get my Kindle with the lighted cover. iPad cons: The iPad format seems a little too big except for PDFs and unless you read in landscape mode. Too much glare for sitting outside and near lamps. Kindle pros: The pages look like a book, the cover makes it feel like a real book and it has a great battery life. I think the screen size will be ideal for me, but we'll have to see when it arrives. I've been researching a lot online! Kindle cons: User interface seems a bit outdated with page 'buttons' to turn a page. Integrating some files seems to take quite a bit of work, and I think the web browser is a little too primitive. Being an Apple fan since 1993 makes me worry a little bit about the user experience of the Kindle when it comes to other things than just reading books. PDFs will look a little awkward on Kindle 3, I've heard, so I'll definitely be using my iPad for PDFs and Keynote presentations. Hope this helps a bit:-)
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Latest post on 29 May 2011 - 11:48
I'm totally getting my first Kindle! Can't WAIT until it's here. I wonder if any of you have tried 'Lending A Book'? I found a site called booklending.com and also signed up, but when I check the Kindle books I already have on my iPad, I can't find the 'loan this book' link. Is it because I'm in Europe or outside the US? It would be so awesome to lend and share books with other Kindle users...
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Latest post on 26 May 2011 - 01:15
It's straight across from the Trade Center metro station. Wish I could go to BakeFest, I've seen videos on YouTube from last year about it. I'm actually going to write my MA thesis in Corporate Communication about Wild Peeta + NKD Pizza and social media marketing:-)
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Latest post on 25 May 2011 - 12:36
I just read this on Twitter, I haven't even been informed here in Denmark about this! So sad because I love Marmite and it's already hard to find here. They don't even sell it in normal supermarkets, you have to go to a specialty shop or contact the 'Food From Home' truck to get it. It's ridiculous - we can eat bacon, sausages, fat cheese and mayo salads, but it's a BIG no no to tangy yeast extract. Thank goodness I'm planning to migrate anyway!
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Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 15:26
Anyway saw the Dukan Diet thread on here, got inspired, bought the book and in 13 days I have lost 3.3 Kilo's (half a stone) I would 100% recommend it I like it, too, whatever works is a success! I hate reaching those plateaus, it's so hard to stay strong... Well done with the Dukan diet!
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Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 15:24
I don't know much about the new WW system, I'm still using the old one because I got confused about the updated point values. Thoughts? I've never really been a gym person AT ALL. Would love to hear from those of you with positive stories about joining a gym in the building you live in. My excuse in Denmark is that the gym is disgusting, too expensive, and I like my daily walks (1 hr). However, walking 1 hr in July/August in Dubai could honestly kill me, so I think the gym at Gloria Hotel should be mandatory for me?
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Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 12:17
I like WW but struggle to be that organised on a permanent basis - organisation is one of my greatest failings when it comes to losing weight, that and the inability to say 'no'. When I did it it worked. I just need to do it basically and get off EW and organise a diet plan to suit my life. And then stick to it..... The thing I love about WW is that you can eat 'normal' food and everything you like - it's all a matter of portion control and staying disciplined (this is the real learning curve). There's another weight loss cult here in Denmark where you HAVE to eat 600 g veggies per day and you're only allowed 30 g of bread or oats. I could never stick to such a program. The hardest thing for me when I REALLY used to count points like mad was saying 'no' to social activities involving lots of food, cake or whatever. Some friends had certain expectations about me when it came to such gatherings, and sometimes I would have to avoid them or take my own healthier alternatives if I knew it was a BBQ or whatever. I know you can 'save' extra points for such occasions - planning is EVERYTHING, but sometimes the thought of being invited to someone's really greasy dinner was simply demotivating after a week of hard work and being a WW angel. I think these thoughts and worries made me give up once in a while, I simply got a little too obsessed, taking it a lot easier this time around;-)
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Latest post on 22 May 2011 - 10:31
Haha, I love the idea of Shape magazine plus coffee and a biscuit! I lost 19 kg about five years ago on WeightWatchers. A friend of mine told me to join and although I got a bit fed up with all the meetings and eternal counting, I have to say that it works. It was probably the first time I really got an idea of just how naughty that chocolate bar would be. One Snickers bar = 6.5 points when my daily allowance would be 18 or 19? No way, not worth it! I gained half of it back over the years but - trust me - it would have been much, much worse if I didn't at least TRY to count points regularly. I really really really do recommend some kind of tracking! Whether it is counting points or calories doesn't matter. Another problem I have is water retention. I hate this BLOAT and find it really difficult to figure out what it is that makes me feel and look like a whale! Have been drinking lots of green tea the past few days which seems to help. I also try to drink 2 L of water each day, but some days it just doesn't seem to work. And don't get me started about twice a month when I get the lovely cyclical bloat. Sorry, just had to vent about bloating - any other victims out there? I use an app called iWatchr on my iPhone for tracking WW points. I also have another app to keep track of my cycle where I plot in my weight so I don't feel too sad about gaining due to that (at least). Actually there's another app I use as well called WeightBot just to watch my (slow) progress. Still battling the last 5 kg but here's to you, fat cells, I'm not giving up! Can't wait to surrender to the gym at Gloria Hotel in July and August, I really hope to make some use of it :-)
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Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 16:27
I giggle every time I read about rude manners in Dubai, lack of customer service etc. Trust me, Denmark is truly worse, grumpy people everywhere and whining is a national sport. I wish that woman would come here to see for herself :-)
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Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 11:53
Just read this today, might be worth a try even for mortals who fly economy: http://www.thenational.ae/business/aviation/why-pay-top-dirham-to-fly-from-uae-when-a-little-thinking-saves-a-lot Oh, and there's also a really useful website called momondo.com, they just launched an app in iTunes for those who like a mobile solution. <em>edited by norne on 21/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 21 May 2011 - 01:04
Hmm, I'm sneaking into this thread because I'm a huge fan of "Rosehip Seed Oil". I have heard that some people use is for rosacea, so it might be worth a try? I use it as my daily moisturizer after either baby soap or African Black Soap and love my skin these days. Here comes my question: Where in Dubai can you get (organic) rosehip seed oil?
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Latest post on 18 May 2011 - 16:00
Is there any way to look up these phonenumbers? I tried to look for white pages UAE but the link from Etisalat was dead.
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 11:58
While we're at it, RTA also has a travel planner that I find very useful - sorry if you are already familiar with it: Muurtje, perhaps there are connecting buses from Arabian Ranches, too? I'll do anything to avoid risking my life in a taxi. http://wojhati.rta.ae/dub/XSLT_TRIP_REQUEST2?language=en
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 11:13
Yep, it's right behind Gold Class, so just keep an eye on the sign above the train and you'll find arrows leading you to the right direction. I also read about having both cards here, thank you EW:-)
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Latest post on 17 May 2011 - 11:04
LOL, last time I saw a married man with his wife and toddler INSISTING on staying in the women's carriage. He was sooooo stubborn, but remained calm, cleary his wifey was so embarrassed from it all. I loved the silent agreement everybody else had: 'Who on earth does he think he IS?'. Four stops later the metro security had a talk with him, I really hope he got fined. I don't know if he was from Oman or if he was local, this is a little too hard to tell for me yet. Wearing the little 'hat', not a kandura. Khalid Ben Al Waleed: The lamps are my favorite there, took me a while to figure out what they signify - won't reveal a thing here:-) <em>edited by norne on 17/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 18:49
Glad to see I'm not the only metro fan! Almost a double post:-)
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Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 18:41
The Dubai Metro is just awesome. You can't go wrong with a NOL card, I have both a silver and a gold card for rush hours. If I know it's going to be crowded and uncomfy, I simply use the gold card for the trip. I love everything about the metro except that people don't wait before the other passengers have left the train to enter. Khalid Ben Al Waleed station is possibly the most beautiful metro station I have ever seen, I could write poems about that station! There's even a maximum of how many dirhams you can spend in one day, so if you reach something like 14 AED the next trips that day will be FREE - also on buses etc. I simply can't praise it enough - the clean toilets, lovely juice stops on the way out at some stations, very helpful staff who spot when you're looking for help. What more could you want? Public transport in Denmark is so pricy, a single trip on our buses costs 14 AED for just a small distance. A silver NOL card costs 20 AED including 14 AED 'credit'. Easy to check in the "ATM-lookalike-machine" how much credit is left if you're running low. http://dubaimetro.eu/tickets-card edited by norne on 16/05/2011 <em>edited by norne on 16/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 16 May 2011 - 14:05
I don't understand why the feeder bus BACK to the metro station at Dubai Mall needs to take this long with the whole scenic route. In fact, I totally boycotted Dubai Mall during my last visit. Once I tried to walk there and simply couldn't figure out how to get to the main entrance as a pedestrian. I ended up following some other customers through the parking in the basement which was no fun at all. How on earth do you get there if you want to walk - without having to take the feeder bus? Am I the only person who finds it tricky? (BTW this question is for 'walking friendly months' and not relevant in the summer anyway, feeder bus all the way, of course.)
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Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 21:37
Oh no! Have you tried posting this on Twitter? There are so many active Twitter users in Dubai, posting and re-tweeting might help. Just a suggestion, nothing I can do other than that sitting here in Denmark:-( PS. Can't open your photo link. <em>edited by norne on 13/05/2011</em>
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Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 15:45
Being in Dubai. It's really that simple for me, and I can't wait to spend two months there from July. Every day I'm sitting here in Denmark is a day I've wasted.
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Latest post on 13 May 2011 - 12:42
I hate all these abbreviations: DH, DS, DD, BF, GF etc. I don't know who invented them, but they make it sound like it's some kind of accessory to have a family member. It's almost a brand.
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Latest post on 12 May 2011 - 20:37
OMG, I didn't see this thread before and now I'm totally hooked!
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Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 19:50
Yep, try to contact Etisalat about this. I found a manual here, I don't know if you've found it yourself but here we go: http://downloadcenter.samsung.com/content/UM/201012/20101218055020631/NexusS_English_AndroidUsersGuide_2.3-103.pdf I have many friends who love their Android phones, so perhaps it's too early to give up - although I don't blame you for wanting to return it. I hate having tech issues, too. Good luck :-)
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Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 19:18
As a matter of fact, I think it's more a question of the data plan or 'package' from the provider. Last time I bought a Wasel SIM-card at the airport, prepaid. I paid for 1GB data (which would be more than enough for my stay, just ten days). The Etisalat dude scribbled something about codes and 'activation' and it was all a bit confusing. Made a few calls back to Denmark that day and sent a few text messages. Next day I was told I didn't have enough credit to 'activate' the 1GB service. I contacted Etisalat through Twitter (better than waiting 2 hrs at MoE) and still have a 'case' going on since I paid EXTRA for another 1GB data and want that converted into speaking time instead. My point is that the whole activation stuff is weird and it wasn't really clear in the info material I received. Maybe you can talk to them and explain the situation? Something clearly went wrong, otherwise I don't know how a phone bill can accelerate like that, even with UAE prices... I don't know about Wi-Fi and being out of 'range' there. Does your phone have a 'flight mode' button/option? If you use this, you should also be able to use Wi-Fi at the same time, it's the safest option. Perhaps you need an access code/password to connect to your Wi-Fi?
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Latest post on 11 May 2011 - 16:07
Are you telling me that one evening on your new phone costs 1000 AED? I have to admit UAE data plans are pricy compared to the ones we have in Denmark, but that kind of bill is insane. I use an iPhone and have downloaded a 'Data Monitor' app for when I'm in Dubai. It shows exactly what I use on 3G and on Wi-Fi, I'm sure there's something similar for your Galaxy. There must be a simple way to avoid apps running in the background, too?
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Latest post on 05 May 2011 - 22:15
Some weird phobias going on in this thread! I'll add my two: Roaches (any size and kind) and big spiders like the basement kind we have in Denmark.
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Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 15:17
To be honest, I actually thought the sofa would be okay for two persons. I assumed it was some kind of double sofa bed, somehow, but perhaps they add an extra foldaway bed in there.
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Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 12:58
I was told there is a maximum of 2 persons per night in a 1BR at Gloria, so I guess having two friends over is not an option. Then again, I just saw a rate per night there for 350 AED + taxes - roughly the same as we pay per night in Denmark for a stay in a tiny hostel room.
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Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 00:19
I forgot to say that there are many other e-readers for iPad, but in my opinion they can be quite complicated. I'm a student so I also use GoodReader for PDF files - I can search within large documents, highlight and make notes for all my exam projects. Much better than printing a whole bunch of paper every time. Let me know if you need more help to get started:-) PS. I wish I had a 'real' Kindle since the screen is supposed to be less straining on your eyes. What I do is adjust the text color in the Kindle app for iPad so it turns to white on black and 'dimmed' - or sepia.
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Latest post on 02 May 2011 - 00:12
If you want books from Kindle, you need to download the Kindle App from the App store to your iPad. Another option is the built in iBooks, but they rarely have the books I want so I use the Kindle App for my iPad instead. Hope this link can help you get started: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_200127470_ksupport_idevice?nodeId=200298460