Kindles

[#1]

I am considering buying a Kindle and I have a query which will show my complete ignorance regarding them!
Can I install stuff on them myself? If, for example, I get a computer program and its manual is on a CD, can I transfer this manual to the Kindle? Printing a 50+ page manual would cost me a fortune in printer ink!
I have Googled, but can't find the answer.
Many thanks for any help.
Keith

[#2]

I have a manual in pdf format loaded onto my Kindle and it reads fine.
Simply connect the Kindle to the PC with a USB cable and drag and drop the file into 'Documents' on the Kindle.

[#3]

Thanks very much for your reply, Strat.
It's good news and I will defininately get a Kindle ASAP.
Cheers
Keith

[#4]

You can also email personal documents to your Kindle http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200767360 .

[#5]

For a small fee.

[#6]

@Strat
It actually free:
"You can also send your personal documents via e-mail as attachments to [name]@free.kindle.com. To have a document converted to Kindle format (.azw), the subject line should be "convert." Kindle Personal Documents Service will attempt to deliver your personal documents to your Kindle device via Wi-Fi when connected, and to the e-mail address associated with the Amazon account to which the device is registered. You can use the e-mail to download the file to your computer and transfer it to your Kindle device using a USB connection."
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/help/customer/display.html/ref=hp_kin_200767360_pdoc_lmsend?nodeId=200767...
I've used this service for the last two years! The program 'Send To Kindle' is worth downloading (http://www.amazon.com/gp/sendtokindle) as you just right click the document/s to send to your free amazon address & after a few minutes it's ready to download to your Kindle.

[#7]

Quote

For a small fee.

Yes, I thought that Strat, but you only pay if it's delivered over Amazons 3g network.

[#8]

Thanks guys, that's useful to know

[#9]

Shalom2010,
Some good links there, Thanks.

[#10]

Thanks for all your replies.
There is some very useful information you have given
Cheers
Keith

[#11]

Sometimes I  find ebooks in the .EPUB format which the kindle does not read. A nice little program to convert them to .MOBI ( kindle format) is, Calibre, ebook manager and converting tool. Well worth using. It's got a lot in it but I only really use it to convert other formats to kindle Mobi.
Linky if interested. 
http://calibre-ebook.com/

[#12]

I was using Calibre but much prefer http://www.hamstersoft.com/free-ebook-converter/ - it's tiny in comparison & far easier to use (and quicker too!)

[#13]

Unfortunately, adding WINE just to run it results in 4x the space for calibre