Repeatedly Broken Kindle Screen - Am I a serial Kindle killer?
Thursday 17 February 2011 05:01 PM
On Amazon, Kindle has received incredible feedback 14,168 reviews averaging 4.5 stars. Most of those reviews end with a cliché: "I love my Kindle". Well, I love my Kindle, too. I also love Prometheus Springs, and ColdFusion. They are all extraordinary products. However, my Kindle screen has broken two times now within just 6 months, each time in quite the same way. The top half of the screen freezes, like a mammoth in Siberia, while the bottom half countinues to work fine.
A quick search on Google revealed that this problem is quite common with Kindle. Amazon refers to the problem as "Impact Damage". Well, every day I carry, a notebook, a DSLR camera, three lenses and my Xperia Phone in my backpack. None of them has ever had any “impact damages.” Did I say I carry three lenses?
The first time I had the freezing problem, my Kindle dropped out of my backpack on to the table - a 6 inch drop. That was it. The top half of the screen froze. Kindle may have been poorly engineered, but Amazon is defiantly not. When I told them that my Kindle went belly up, and that it was still covered by a one year warranty – I got a new Kindle in two days. What wonderful service! (Asus could learn a thing or two from Amazon...)
Understanding that Kindle is a fragile pixie, I began treating it with the utmost care like a baby. Not like just any baby though, like a preemie. I never left it on the bed like I do with my laptop. I woulldn't even let my son touch it. But one night I turned on the Kindle and to my utter disappointment, the screen was frozen again. Two times? Really? It was still covered by the warranty, so Amazon sent me yet another brand new Kindle. (Dell could also learn thing or two from Amazon...)
When things like that happen, you start to wonder could it be me? Am I a serial Kindle killer? I don’t know. What I do know is that I hope there won’t be a third time.
Posted by Saman W Jayasekara at Saturday 29 January 2011 03:29 PM .
This and That
on Sunday 19 February 2012 01:44 AM
The screen on my Kindle also just died after 5 months; glad to find this blog about 1) others having the same problem, and 2) that Amazon seems good about sending a replacement.
I got my Kindle while in the US, but live in the Philippines..... I will be in US again for two weeks in March. Should I try to reach Amazon from the Philippines or wait until I am in US? Did the folks in the Philippines call from here? Did Phil. Customs charge you for it being sent here?
on Sunday 19 February 2012 11:14 AM
i think you should contact amazon now. may be you can claim the new one once you in US (if there is extra shipping chargers to Philippines), but still it's good to contact them now, it wont cost you anything.
m jones
on Friday 17 February 2012 09:34 PM
I'm on my 4th Kindle... 2 because of this problem and 1 because of a cracked case. I keep my Kindle in a very sturdy case, I rarely carry it around, have no kids and make sure it is in a safe place when not in use. If Amazon's customer service was not so great I would never consider getting another Kindle.
matt gilliam
on Friday 17 February 2012 01:03 PM
Mine just did this. It was fine. I took it off of the charger and has a very similar image to yours.
Terry
on Thursday 09 February 2012 11:58 PM
The same happened to me few days ago. I got my Kindle in last Apr. I chatted with Amazon and they agreed t send me a replacement but didn't agree to extend the warrranty of the replacement. I tried to see if could get a new Kindle model without the problem but they also didn't agree. I really concern about it if the problem happens on the replacement and Amon only agrees to repair it for free. Then I asked for a refund. Again Amazon refused. They indicated that 30-day return window has passed and I could only get a paritially refund. I had argured that it is not applicalble as this is casued by the product fault. I'm not sure if you have got a full refund? After reading the page, i think it would be better to get the money back and buy an alternative reader.
John
on Thursday 09 February 2012 03:44 AM
I have experienced the same problem - suddenly wiothout warning and without knowingly mistrating the kindle. My son has had the same with his too. I blogged about my experiences here... http://fullnessoflife-john.blogspot.com/2012/02/well-done-amazon-thank-you.html
RobP
on Wednesday 08 February 2012 09:06 AM
Thought I'd post this update. I'm on my 4th kindle (reported some time back on this page). This fourth Kindle has lasted about 9 or 10 months with absolutely no problems. I suspect there was a very bad batch produced at some point.
I hope that's not tempting fate.
Andy
on Wednesday 08 February 2012 03:28 PM
Hope so , but it may take a while to flush the supply chain. Also various people have had no problems so it could just be now you've got a good one. Myself I want to see that this and other chains like this dry up before I assume everything is good.
Elizabeth
on Tuesday 07 February 2012 10:12 PM
So what is the solution?
I've had similar experiences. Just now lost my 3rd kindle that I never let out of my sight and treated like my best china. It lost the top part of the screen while I was listening to an audible book. Glanced down and the screen was gone. Yes, Amazon barely asked me any questions (unlike the first time I called them with another defective device) and promised to send me a new one. But I want a plan for when the warranty ends. Any suggestions for an alternate reader that still has the features we like about Kindle? I can't read much on computers due to severe eye strain, so I rely on my Kindle to read articles I find there. I need a solution or I'll have to drop out of the tech world we live in!
I'd love to stay loyal to Amazon with this. I hope they find a way to fix these kinds of problems (mine is a v3). But until I hear that they have, I need another plan.
Andy
on Wednesday 08 February 2012 03:08 AM
I had the money back , bought a new one thus started the warranty again. Also bought the extended warranty. Kept quoting eu lawbreaker, but unless they admit this, or have a class action to prove as case law , then you are at risk. After my 3rd died decided to pause hope that the problem would be fixed , researched others and find they also have very similar faultys but are worst at getting replacements. I,m on a iPad better in all the respects you would expect , worst as a book reader.
Alicia Quigley
on Tuesday 07 February 2012 08:24 PM
I have also had tremendous problems with kindle 3 screens breaking and freezing. I bought them for my 10 year old girls to encourage reading after having my Kindle 2 for a year and they have broken repeatedly. I at one point had 4 Kindles. I at first blamed the children but they are in cases and several times screens have cracked when turned on. Warranty was out in November when they replaced the last one and now it is broken as well. I bought myself an Ipad 1 on sale to read on and my daughter is using my kindle. I will try to never buy another Kindle device. Ipad is wonderful to read on and I am disgusted with Amazon and Kindle.
Jun Martin
on Friday 03 February 2012 05:42 AM
My Kindle Touch's screen now has a top-half that's not responding and has turned black.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/403172_10150562560501686_737996685_9155721_1928083545_n.jpg
This unit has experienced absolutely no drops at all, I've been using it for just a little over a month, I received it on Jan. 1, 2012. I'm very fond of my gadgets, I take care not to drop them because I've learned my lesson when I dropped my iPod on concrete. And now this. :(
BPrince
on Thursday 02 February 2012 03:58 PM
Anyone know if , when they do charge you for the replacement (my warranty was out by 1 month so they charged me 85 bucks plus shipping for my replacement yesterday) do they add a new warranty? I never had a problem with mine, had it for 13 months, my daughter knocked it off the couch and then stepped on it.. However, if I get a lemon like it sounds like some of yall get, will the new one have a year warranty, or am I destined to pay 85 bucks a pop?
James
on Saturday 04 February 2012 02:07 PM
I purchased my first kindle Dec 2010. I had that one warranty replaced in June due to a broken screen. Just turned mine on today to find the screen broken again. I called amazon and they informed me that the warranty does not start again when you receive a replacement. I would have to pay $85 for a replacement through them.
I'm guessing $85/each from here on out.
James
on Saturday 04 February 2012 06:30 PM
Thank you, I will try that method.
Andy
on Saturday 04 February 2012 04:45 PM
Try first just asking to speak to a supervisor and saying this is not reasonable , if that fails then . I know it's different in the USA but suggest you quote all the problems seen on this website as examples of endemic faults. Say as in Europe the device must last a reasonable time and with an endemic fault that time is not limited. Say you could have had your money back and got a new one then the warranty would have restarted so this should be the same.
Brenda
on Wednesday 01 February 2012 11:09 AM
Got my Kindle for Christmas, Love it!! Use it almost every day. Was so updet when took it off the charger yesterday and had lines and a large black spot across the bottom. I must say, Amazon was great. Took under 5 min, rep is sending new Kindle, should be here by Friday. He did say it's a battery problem and could be avoided by keeping the unit fully charged. We'll see what happens with the next one.
Mike
on Sunday 29 January 2012 11:24 AM
I am on my fourth...
My first K3, I dropped - Amazon replaced it for free.
My second K3, just stopped - I suspect because I treated it badly. Amazon replaced without me having to send back.
My first K4 arrived, I rolled on it in bed, screen cracked, Amazon replaced.
My second K4 arrived broken - screen never worked. Amazon replaced without me having to send back.
So now I have a working K3, a working K4 and two broken screens - now I just have to work out how to fix those screens and I have a couple of spares...
Lucie
on Friday 17 February 2012 06:37 AM
Hello, how did you do it? How comes they sent you a brand new item? I broke mine this morning, 5am I stepped on it. How can I make them send me a new one? It was a present. Please help.
Andrea
on Friday 27 January 2012 03:52 PM
Oh I feel so much better (and less guilty) after reading this. My kindle was in my purse in its case and when I took it out only like half an inch at the bottom of the screen was working! I did the reset and nothing. I'm planning to call Amazon but I was wondering whether you need a receipt or proof of purchase. Im in Central America and I bought the Kindle at a third party store. Does Amazon require any proof or do they have records based on the Kindle's serial number?
on Friday 27 January 2012 11:03 PM
Amazon didn’t asked me for a receipt.
Eileen
on Monday 23 January 2012 02:36 PM
i'm so glad i found this! i just broke kindle number FIVE and now i'm too embarressed to try to get another one from Amazon. luckily the one i broke last night was a gift and the giver bought the extended warranty (secondary to all the previous destruction). It's frustrating how easily they break- by now i'm sure amazon has a note in my profile saying "lady must be 600lbs, keeps breaking kindles with her body weight". i was hoping the newest ones would be a little more rugged and provide better protection but no luck. guess i'm back to the archaic paperback!
kindie killer
on Sunday 22 January 2012 11:26 AM
My husband got me a 3G kindle yesterday. It worked perfectly, I was just ready to get into be and read and I put my knee on the screen (but it was covered by a leather case) it went like etch-a-sketch. I cried like a baby. And I mean like a baby.
adam
on Tuesday 17 January 2012 05:20 AM
You guys think you have it bad? i just broke my fifth kindle (I only paid for one though because of the warranty) and this is not including my sisters. I literally touched hers and later it was broken. Has anyone got any tips to help me keep my kindle alive for more than 2 months? :(
Lucie
on Friday 17 February 2012 06:42 AM
How do you do it that you get a new one?
NydaJean
on Monday 16 January 2012 07:09 AM
Kindle is now replacing my third Kindle keyboard. The first had the half the screen gone, the second totally froze and the third the WIFI refused to work anywhere after 6 weeks. I really hate to say this but I doubt seriously if this one breaks after my warrenty has expired I will buy a new one. It is perfect for my pocket. I can get library books sent directly to it and it has games I really like BUT three kindles in 9 months is a little over the top. Granted, Amazon has great customer service (they can stop saying they are sorry after one or two times though) but the quality of their product leaves much to be desired.
Sonette
on Sunday 15 January 2012 04:50 PM
Wow! Can't believe this is such a big problem, but kinda glad I'm not the only one having it! Took my Kindle out of my handbag now, where I always carry it in its padded leather case and bam! The screen is "cracked"! After I cried myself to death I went googling for answers and found all of your problems! I really hope I will be assisted by Amazon as well as I am hopeless without my Kindle! Feel like my arm has been amputated!!!!
Vickey
on Sunday 15 January 2012 01:42 PM
Hello,
We are now on our 5th replacement Kindle in 14 months. The kindle has always been protected in a case and only touched by my husband, it is his baby! The longest the kindle seems to have lasted before the screen appearing cracked is 5 months. Each time we have contacted Amazon they have replaced them free of charge.
We are now beginning to wonder what we possibly can be doing?? The screen freezes and the bottom half displays differently to the top. It cannot be reset. How much longer do you think Amazon will replace free of charge?? We do not misuse it, store it correctly and protected and yet the same fault happens again and again.
Has anyone else had such a problem?
Thanks
Vickey
Jun Martin
on Friday 03 February 2012 06:00 AM
Oh, no! Looks like my Kindle Touch is destined to follow in your Kindles' footsteps! :(
I also take extra good care of my KTouch. Not once has it been dropped, and the leather case I got for it is one solid baby, the screen is very very well protected by it, it's almost like a bullet-proof vest! But now the screen's top half is all black and won't change. :(
- Vic
Vickey
on Sunday 15 January 2012 01:42 PM
Hello,
We are now on our 5th replacement Kindle in 14 months. The kindle has always been protected in a case and only touched by my husband, it is his baby! The longest the kindle seems to have lasted before the screen appearing cracked is 5 months. Each time we have contacted Amazon they have replaced them free of charge.
We are now beginning to wonder what we possibly can be doing?? The screen freezes and the bottom half displays differently to the top. It cannot be reset. How much longer do you think Amazon will replace free of charge?? We do not misuse it, store it correctly and protected and yet the same fault happens again and again.
Has anyone else had such a problem?
Thanks
Vickey
Micah
on Thursday 12 January 2012 04:36 PM
My son just replaced his 1-month old Kindle before Christmas and he just informed me that the screen was frozen again today! Glad to hear that Amazon isn't really batting an eye. I was very impressed with how fast they replaced the 1st one.
Melanie
on Tuesday 10 January 2012 08:10 PM
Hmm...I'm on my second Kindle, and I just broke it. I've had it for about two months. I'm unhappy about it (to put it VERY mildly) but I'm also glad to see that I'm not the only one, and that other people have had issues without dropping it. I've dropped it a few times, because it practically never leaves my side (or a real book, in its place) but I was reading it and turning the page when the battery gave out on me. When I plugged it in and charged it up, it still was completely non-responsive. I've got the exact same model as you. -sigh-
mikkip
on Monday 09 January 2012 12:32 PM
This is a problem kindle is aware of and they are doing all they can to keep it quiet (note the superb service in replacing the kindle and the script when you ask them about the problem). If this 'weakness' in their product gets out then it will affect sales, reviews, and maybe even their share price!! So shhhhh.........
Melissa
on Thursday 05 January 2012 05:03 AM
I too have had the same problem with my Kindle. I began to wonder the same as you - "Am I a serial Kindle killer" As this problem has happened to me no less than three times! Three of my Kindles killed in less than a year, with the screen looking exactly the same as yours pictured. It's clearly a common problem. But I have to say the service from Amazon has been impeccable. I cannot fault them for this. They replaced my Kindle each time, promptly and swiftly. They have now offered me a refund for the Kindle as well as the two Amazon leather cases I had bought for it. With this, they have suggested I purchase the new Kindle model. Very fair, and I am very satisfied with their service. Let's hope the serial Kindle killing ends here!
Sarah
on Tuesday 27 December 2011 04:43 AM
ah! I had my kindle for 2 DAYS before I sat on it...and I heard the crack and I immediately new what I had just done. I looked on-line for help and everyone said that Amazon were great with customer services, but I found out my mum had bought it from Tesco s. Will I be able to get the same service I would have had I bought it from Amazon? Or will I have to buy a new one?
NydaJean
on Monday 16 January 2012 07:22 AM
Did they send you a new one?
on Tuesday 27 December 2011 09:36 AM
You get the same good service no matter where you brought it. ;) amazon customer support is very cool.
FitzHobb
on Saturday 24 December 2011 12:57 AM
I am so glad to know that I am not alone. I am on my third Kindle Touch over the course of 2 months. My problem is that it does not hold as many books as advertised. I am a voracious reader, and go through 2-3 books in a day. I loaded my first one up, and it froze (and couldn't be reset) after a day. I got a replacement one, which also froze after loading my books onto it. My third one, I loaded the books 5 at a time, over 4 days, and it worked great for a week. Then, a 10 days later, it started not loading books that I had bought, and then froze altogether a few days after that. I was told that although it is supposed to hold 3000 books, realistically, you shouldn't have more than 400, which is not what is advertised!
. This is absolutely ridiculous, and after reading the woes written below, I will be looking into another ebook reader!
Ryanne
on Sunday 18 December 2011 12:43 AM
I bought a Kindle (Keyboard, WiFi only) last August and last week I found it had a "cracked" screen as well. I called Amazon and they sent me a replacement, which was brand new. I wasn't required to return the old one which was a good deal.
My friend then told me that he also has a broken Kindle (which Amazon also replaced with a new one) with him. His had a frozen screen (not a cracked one) and it wouldn't charge. I asked if he could give it to me and he did as he believed I could not do anything with it, anyway. What I did was that I took the screen out of my friend's Kindle and installed it on mine. Now I have 2 Kindles. ^^
alisa
on Friday 09 December 2011 07:58 AM
If you'r a serial killer - I am a mass murderer. I have gone through 5 Kindles. One died the exact same way in my hands walking onto an airplane. Sigh - I still love the Kindle and thir service is great - but I am no longer under warrantee. Only the last time did it break because I dropped it - all others were very mysterious….
Nika
on Monday 05 December 2011 05:38 AM
My sister and I got our replacement Kindles today! It took 6 days for the Kindles to reach the Philippines. Both were brand new (I was actually expecting refurbished units), but they were the ones that came with special offers. I shouldn't be complaining for that as they were free replacements, anyway. :p I hope these would last longer, though. Haha.
Gilbert
on Thursday 12 January 2012 06:07 AM
Hi. May i ask how you sent the unit back to Amazon? Thanks.
Maia
on Sunday 01 January 2012 10:50 AM
I live in the Philippines too. My kindle's broken. I bought it from a online shop. The representative was asking for a US credit card and billing address, which I don't have. How do I get mine shipped here?
Matthew
on Tuesday 06 December 2011 05:10 AM
where do i put it??? in a box or something?
do i need the original receipt?
where do i send it?
on Tuesday 06 December 2011 09:38 AM
Go to amazon customer support, they will give you all the details.
Mona Radlow
on Saturday 03 December 2011 08:31 AM
my 2nd kindle broke after i dropped on carpet
Nancy
on Friday 02 December 2011 07:21 PM
My son had his kindle in a case in a padded pocket in a padded computer case next to his computer. He took it out this morning (in South Africa) and the screen was cracked.
Bad news: gremlin?
Good news: Amazon was AWESOME and sent him a new kindle (through me) in three days. But why did it break? He's in a remote place and it's tough to get replaced.
Dave Wisdom
on Friday 02 December 2011 06:25 PM
Your experience exactly mirrors mine! My first Kindle(which I love) did the half frozen screen scenario, I got an immediate replacement(good service), and lo and behold within 6 months the same thing happened. There must be a design fault,I travel a lot so need an e-reader-maybe I will buy another brand!?
Nika
on Thursday 01 December 2011 06:05 AM
I forgot to mention that I live in the Philippines, hence I'm actually impressed with the after-sales service that Amazon is offering to non-US residents so far.
Matthew
on Thursday 01 December 2011 06:38 AM
i live in the philippines too... just that i dont know how to fix my screen, and i dont want to send it back.........
PS. im 13 and i dont think ill be able to fix it........
Matthew
on Sunday 04 December 2011 04:27 AM
So i put it in what.... because i have a leather case... will tht work?
on Saturday 03 December 2011 06:54 AM
Matthew, No you dont need the orginal box to send it back.
Matthew
on Saturday 03 December 2011 06:30 AM
Even if i dont have the box?
Nika
on Friday 02 December 2011 09:26 AM
Hi Matthew. If your warranty still hasn't expired, I'm pretty sure you can have it replaced as well. Our broken Kindle units weren't even asked to be sent back! :)
Matthew
on Thursday 01 December 2011 06:38 AM
i live in the philippines too... just that i dont know how to fix my screen, and i dont want to send it back.........
PS. im 13 and i dont think ill be able to fix it........
NydaJean
on Monday 16 January 2012 07:29 AM
Go to Amazon on line. They will ask you to call them or have them call you. They will ask you a couple of questions, such as did you drop it? They will then send you a new kindle. You will get an email with a free mailing sticker to return the old kindle. When your new kindle arrives, simply put your old kindle in the box and take it to where they tell you.
Nika
on Thursday 01 December 2011 05:58 AM
My sister and I each bought a Kindle sometime last June from a third-party store. Some weeks ago, my sister's Kindle froze and just never charged. And then just last week, I was going to read from my Kindle when I found that mine had "cracked" and ran both horizontal and vertical lines across the screen. I tried resetting it but to no avail; I even opened the back cover for the little reset button which I failed to find (mine had none, apparently).
I had a chat with Amazon about my broken Kindle using their chat support yesterday and I was offered a replacement. Initially, I was told I might be getting a Kindle 4 (which is 40$ cheaper than the one I owned) when I asked if I can still get the same one as mine. Just this morning I received the email informing me that my replacement Kindle was already shipped and that it should be here by Monday or Wednesday next week. I checked my "Manage Your Devices" and my 2nd Kindle already showed up, and it's actually a Kindle Keyboard!
As for my sister's broken Kindle, I informed her of my little chit-chat with the Customer Service. She told me last night that she already talked to a representative and that she would be getting her replacement as well. I'll post again to inform you guys on how this one goes along.
Mona Radlow
on Sunday 27 November 2011 11:22 AM
I have a Kindle and it fell on a carpeted surface and now the screen is busted and I can't read anything what can be done.
Mona Radlow
natalie87
on Friday 25 November 2011 05:16 AM
I am so happy to read this! My first kindle lasted one week, my second lasted 8 months and my third lasted 2 DAYS!! I keep it in my backpack too and can't believe how easily they break/malfunction. It's still under the warranty so I guess I'll be getting my 4th soon. Hopefully this one will last a little longer... I'll have to treat it like eggshells!!
P.s. My husband and I got our first kindles at the same time and his is still going strong... I was starting to think it was just me, so I am glad to read that I am not the only serial kindle killer!!
gabrielle
on Wednesday 23 November 2011 11:52 AM
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I was so embarrassed that my fourth kindle - which had been replaced the week before, went the same way as the other three - when I flicked the switch the screen "shattered. So I haven't returned it yet! And have been reading books on Kindle on my Droid! My tech guy at work keeps on telling me I should stop buying Amazon Products. Another co-worker smugly tells me hers has been perfect since the Get-Go. Time for me to get back on the Phone with Amazon and suggest they might like to upgrade me to an amazon Fire!!!
TC
on Wednesday 23 November 2011 11:57 AM
Once you've talked with Amazon, post how it worked out. I requested either: Repair of my Kindle 3 (they have no repair option); or allowing me to pay the difference between a Kindle 3 & a fire - they rejected anything like that. My 2nd broken Kindle 3 was 1 month out of the warranty period. Is yours still under warranty?
Nina
on Saturday 19 November 2011 05:39 PM
Hi,
I am on my 4th kindle. I got it oustide the warranty, so thank you amazon! BUT i havent used it yet. I am too scared to kill this one.
TC
on Tuesday 22 November 2011 11:05 AM
That's great - how did you persuade Amazon to give you another outside the warranty? I've had no luck. Help! & Thanks!
andrew grant
on Saturday 19 November 2011 04:26 PM
Lots of people seem to be accepting the premise that they only have 12 months warrantee from the original purchase date.
I've had my money back twice and purchased again - thus avoiding this suggestion.
Second in UK and Europe the warrantee has to be based on what is reasonable to expect seen as a minimum of 2-3 years.
USA users should try and ask why are they being treated differently than Europeans.
John Riley
on Friday 18 November 2011 09:40 PM
My apologies for the three postings!
John Riley
on Friday 18 November 2011 09:29 PM
Glad to find this forum --Our first kindle was purchased late July 2011 and it was good until early November. It had what most other people seem to have, frozen screen and vertical lines (from top to bottom.) Sent it back to Amazon after talking to them on the phone. We received a brand new one again on Nov. 9/2011 and it lasted about a week. The kindle had similar symptoms, frozen screen and the top half of the screen had vertical and horizontal lines. Again amazon were more than helpful to accept a return and forward a new one --They did not indicate that there were so
many customers having the same problems. It was suggested by the agent that it may have been crushed in transit. Anyway another is on the way. What can be the final solution to this problem as they can't keep sending kindles forever.
John Riley
on Friday 18 November 2011 09:29 PM
Glad to find this forum --Our first kindle was purchased late July 2011 and it was good until early November. It had what most other people seem to have, frozen screen and vertical lines (from top to bottom.) Sent it back to Amazon after talking to them on the phone. We received a brand new one again on Nov. 9/2011 and it lasted about a week. The kindle had similar symptoms, frozen screen and the top half of the screen had vertical and horizontal lines. Again amazon were more than helpful to accept a return and forward a new one --They did not indicate that there were so
many customers having the same problems. It was suggested by the agent that it may have been crushed in transit. Anyway another is on the way. What can be the final solution to this problem as they can't keep sending kindles forever.
John Riley
on Friday 18 November 2011 09:29 PM
Glad to find this forum --Our first kindle was purchased late July 2011 and it was good until early November. It had what most other people seem to have, frozen screen and vertical lines (from top to bottom.) Sent it back to Amazon after talking to them on the phone. We received a brand new one again on Nov. 9/2011 and it lasted about a week. The kindle had similar symptoms, frozen screen and the top half of the screen had vertical and horizontal lines. Again amazon were more than helpful to accept a return and forward a new one --They did not indicate that there were so
many customers having the same problems. It was suggested by the agent that it may have been crushed in transit. Anyway another is on the way. What can be the final solution to this problem as they can't keep sending kindles forever.
dan
on Wednesday 16 November 2011 04:19 PM
WOW, sorry and glad at the same time to see so many have the same issue as we did. Our 1st Kindle lasted 3 months before screen went out( lines all through it, not usable), Amazon was great at sending a replacement but it only lasted 3 days. Was told after 2nd breakage we would have to buy 3rd for $79. So I gave up and just kept broken one. After finding this site, I called Amazon back and asked for a refund, since now I believe its no fault of our own. They said no problem with refund or store credit. Glad I found this page!
TC
on Friday 18 November 2011 10:21 AM
Had your warranty expired when they refunded you?
dan
on Friday 18 November 2011 10:07 PM
no 2 weeks left on orig 1 yr
Joanne
on Wednesday 16 November 2011 04:20 AM
Well this has certainly made me feel better! Kindle no 3 just packed up last night. I, like everyone else, began to treat this like a newborn after the second one. Yesterday I plugged it in to charge & went to work & when I came home.... frozen screen - no lines or anything but it just keeps trying to reset itself - I almost feel sorry for it! The ringback facility is currently unavailable & the freephone no doesn't seem to be working. To be fair to amazon that's unusual. Now I'm beginning to wonder if they're sending refurbished tat as replacement.
Marjorie
on Monday 14 November 2011 03:11 PM
I had no idea this was such a common problem. My daughter and I each have a Kindle and mine has been replaced once and I am waiting on the second replacement for hers. It's a bit disheartening although Amazon customer service has been great. Unfortunately, our Kindles will be out of warranty within days so if this happens again I guess we will be out of luck, and I love e-readers. Have there been similar issues with the Nooks? I love the Kindle but I am really concerned about its durability, or lack thereof.
NydaJean
on Monday 16 January 2012 07:39 AM
My daughter bought a nook 2 1/2 years ago and she has never had a problem. They are heavier than a kindle and do not fit into pockets well but that may be a good thing. I am waiting for my fourth kindle to be delivered. Next time I just want my money back and I will go else where.
Xphile
on Friday 11 November 2011 12:13 PM
I'm getting my 2nd replacment early next week. I got my original K3 last Xmas and the screen frakked up last Saturday night. Amazaon was very quick and I got my replacement Tuesday. Today I was getting ready to configure the new one and alas, this one did the same thing! E-chatted with Amazon and so now I've got my 2nd one coming tomorrow. God I hope this one works. I was in the middle of a good Cussler book!
TC
on Friday 11 November 2011 03:20 PM
Good luck with that. Once your original 1-year warranty is up, Amazon abandons the K3. The replacements will be under warranty for 3 months from the date they send it to you, or til the original 1-year is up. Then the most they'll do is offer you a $85 replacement of the K3 (when a new K3 is $99). No credit towards a Kindle Touch, Fire or anything else. There needs to be a recall of K3's to address the problem of the faulty screens. Or a class-action lawsuit. I have been an Amazon supporter and I loved my Kindle. But they are selling faulty products that just don't last. BAD Business!!!
marilyn
on Wednesday 09 November 2011 01:58 PM
My husband's kindle froze. Amazon sent a new one. When the new one arrived he loaded it and read for 20 minutes. The next day the new kindle was frozen. I called customer service and they immediately said they would send out a new kindle. I am grateful for the replacement but the fact that they knew exactly the problem and that it couldn't be fixed has led me to believe this is a huge problem and they know about it. The original warranty has almost expired at that point I am not sure he will want to buy another one. Any books purchased in the past are useless without a kindle. Hopefully they will fix this problem.
NydaJean
on Sunday 06 November 2011 11:12 AM
At least you people got something. I have had mine less than six months and dropped from my bed to a carpeted floor and it worked fine for three days then the top half of the screen froze. So sorry, they say 'accidently damage' is not covered. I will never buy another kindle again. The nook which is my daughter's constant companion is still great after two years and falling about 18 feet at a construction site.
Good luck to all you
Ais'Lynn
on Sunday 15 January 2012 10:24 PM
You should make sure you call the Kindle support not the regular support. My son just dropped my kindle walking down the hallway and they replaced it with no questions asked. I would call them again and if you get hte same response then ask for a supervisor!
Paavo
on Friday 04 November 2011 08:31 AM
Another one like the other ones.
90% of the screen saver froze; I can see the page numbers at the bottom.
After reading the encyclopedia of comments below, one would think they would start sending folks with this issue the Kindle 4.
My question is, does each new replacement kindle come with a new 1-year warranty?
Seems the name of the product is fitting, for it is seems its best use is as kindling.
TC
on Friday 04 November 2011 12:08 PM
No, sadly each new replacement does not come with a 1-year warranty, though that would be good. My 2nd Kindle died (see post below) and Amazon offered me an $85 replacement. They won't apply that $85 to a Kindle Touch or Fire, the new products. I don't have enough trust in the Kindle 3 to plunk down $85 for a third time. I've called, written, complained - we'll see if anything comes of it. May be time for a FB page on the topic to see if that gathers others in who have had the same troubles.
TC
on Friday 04 November 2011 12:10 PM
Forgot to mention that the replacement Kindles come with a 3 month warranty - or the remainder of your initial 1-yr warranty, whichever is longer. So if you're almost at the end of your 1-yr and they give you a free replacement, it will be covered for an additional 3 months. Mine died after 4 months. SOL.
TC
on Thursday 03 November 2011 06:12 PM
Same sort of problem with my Kindle 3 that others here have mentioned - my screen went bad though I have never dropped it or squished it. Here's the caveat: Once the 1 year warranty is up, Amazon IS NOT so great to deal with. I had 2 Kindle 3's go bad - the first was 3 months before my warranty was out, so they sent me a different one. Worked great for 4 months, the poof, the top 1" of the screen went bad. Called Amazon, they won't send me another. Offered me a "service replacement" Kindle 3 for $85. I don't really want another after these problems, but I'd be willing to apply that $85 to a new Kindle Touch or the Fire. They won't allow that. So I'm left with a non-functional $189 device. Paying $85 for a third Kindle 3 would be tossing good money after bad. I'm ready to try a Nook.
david
on Thursday 02 February 2012 12:24 AM
Same with me. The "service replacement" did not last and now that the year is up from the purchase of the original defective kindle, they won't replace the second defective kindle. I'm looking for the Nook.
Sonja
on Tuesday 01 November 2011 08:35 AM
I am also on my 2nd Kindle and like all the rest I have always treated mine like "my baby". My first was never dropped/sat on/bent etc, yet the screen still "broke" exactly like everyone elses. I keep mine in a leather case that is cushioned. Amazon where great when I resported the issue...however this happened 9 months into the warranty and when I asked if the replacement was covered under a years warranty, I was told that it was only covered for the remainder of the original warranty. Now... I do not agree with this! as far as I am concerned the warranty should have been renewed for 1 year as I was been provided with a "new" device and considering the amount of people that are having this issue with multi units. I am now even more worried that a couple of months down the road my 2nd kindle screen will break and I will not be entilited to a replacement unit. When I said this, all I got was, even if it is out of warranty there are "things" that Amazon customer service can do to assist, like a discount on a new device.... but I dont see how that is fair and why it should cost anyone when it is obviously an on-going issue! If the screen can freeze when the device has not had any impact...then it is not only an impact issue that is causing this.
Has anyone else experienced an out of warranty issue with multi broken screens?
Matt Watson
on Tuesday 01 November 2011 03:37 AM
I dont want to have to treat it like i am carrying round a piece of glass. I want to treat it like i am carrying roind a book.I am on my third kindle (keyboard). It seems to me that the chassis design has compromised integrity and strength for its lightweight slimline marketability.
I have been looking for a case that is bend proof (search the kindle forum, you'll see my lively thread on the subject) it seems that there are no cases out there even that would protect the kindle - they're all pretty and some claim to behard shell, but when you read the comments people say the hard bit is a bit of an overstatement. I want to be able to stand on my kindle. Sit on it.cover it with sand and water. At the moment I fear carrying around with me and that kinda sucks.
Has anyone here come across a true hard case? Polycarbonate or metal, quick release, no bigger than a hardbackbook?
Mia
on Sunday 30 October 2011 05:02 PM
I'm now on my third kindle and it has just broken... I had it in my hand luggage and I handled it as carefully as possible as i had already broken two kindles and was aware that i had to treat it like a baby. Amazon bribes that the 3G feature works in many different countries... thats if you can get the kindle there! The kindle is not as robust as it needs be for it to be able to do its job yet instead of fixing the issues that need fixing, Amazon seems intent on fireing out new kindles with new features that we dont really need. I have paid £152 for my kindle and for that amount of money, i dont expect it to break every few weeks. Well done Amazon. Not impressed.
Myra O'Regan
on Thursday 27 October 2011 02:12 AM
Thank heavens I am not the only one. I also am on my 3rd Kindle. Still inside the guarantee. This is a device that should be portable. I take my iphone everywhere safely - why not my Kindle. I'd love to see some figures.
Myra O'Regan
on Thursday 27 October 2011 02:12 AM
Thank heavens I am not the only one. I also am on my 3rd Kindle. Still inside the guarantee. This is a device that should be portable. I take my iphone everywhere safely - why not my Kindle. I'd love to see some figures.
Ais'Lynn
on Sunday 15 January 2012 10:26 PM
Honestly I use the kindle app on my phone now because I know it won't break!
Amy
on Wednesday 26 October 2011 09:47 PM
Whew! I too have busted two kindles within a year, so glad I can get yet another one via my warranty!! My kindle looks almost exactly like your picture, posted!!
Curtis
on Monday 24 October 2011 07:03 PM
The partial frozen front has happen to me twice. In neither case was there impact. They were in my cargo pocket in my pants, and nothing hit me or the kindle. It just froze.
Amazon it replace the first, as it was less then 30 days. The other -- well a little longer, just long enough to get to the other side of the warranty. So will I buy their new products? Nope. No trust. You would expect them to live through none harsh daily live -- remember it is portable, right?
Clean
on Monday 24 October 2011 04:20 PM
Read this last night and took advantage today. New kindle en route within five minutes of clicking teh "CallMe" button (Amazon UK).
So pleased I bothered to Google for a solution and found this thread.
Nice one; cheers, and share the love!
Josh
on Sunday 16 October 2011 08:46 PM
I feel like I am the biggest serial kindle killer in here! I have just broken my 3rd kindle in less than two months! Luckily I got the instant replace insurance from Currys, so I can get it replaced tomorrow. Very annoying however.
kelli
on Friday 14 October 2011 12:29 PM
My daughter is on her 4th Kindle. She doesn't take to school. She leaves it at her bedside or downstairs while she is studying. She has never dropped it! This screen problem is always the culprate. Mine has had to be sent back twice for the same reason. I am so irritated!
andy
on Thursday 06 October 2011 07:26 AM
Seems that Amazon have all the design resourse working on the no keyboard version and kindle tablet.
They seem to swap out - and hope that after 12 months they can say out of warranty - (actually not true under uk and european law anyway).
When my 2nd and 3rd dies I got my money back so that the no argument 12 months started again from scratch. So I'd recomend - refund after failure if anyone is carrying on.
Wonder if its one factory has a problem - because some people seem to have no issues.
I decided to hold fire after the 3rd died - may wait to see how kindle fire works - that has different technolgy - else think about the ipad.
Tony
on Tuesday 04 October 2011 06:22 PM
I am now on my fifth Kindle. And this one has just broken. Not enough to stop me reading but enough for me to give up. It's a great but fatally flawed product not fit for use. I take a paperback with me at all times. Not the point surely!
Beth
on Thursday 22 September 2011 10:43 AM
All, I wanted to post here since this came up in the top of my searches for Kindle 3 issues.
If you purchased the non-lighted leather cover from Amazon prior to February of 2011, call Amazon for a replacement. Something about the leather prongs causes the screen to freeze and the Kindle to randomly reboot.
I am about to receive my 2nd replacement due to this issue, and Dr. Google diagnosed the cover problem. I called back, the rep confirmed the issue and is sending me an updated cover.
I hope that helps!
Yulisa Pepin
on Friday 16 September 2011 04:08 PM
Here I am on hold for the past five minutes trying to contact amazon. My first kindle stopped working the day after i received it. I have been oh so careful with this one just to find the screen frozen again........ lets hope third times the charm. I love my booksoh so very much and I am gonna miss them while im waiting for my replacement
Jon
on Friday 16 September 2011 08:45 AM
My kindle 3 lased two weeks. Screen broke as in article while on holiday, and another holidaymaker's did the same thing. Got a refund as it was treated with kid gloves and was in official case all the time, if it breaks this easily it must be a design fault. Shame.
Julian Q
on Friday 16 September 2011 06:46 AM
You may have noticed that, in the books you read, there is a tendency to spread punctuation marks throughout paragraphs instead of simply taking the easy way out and putting all the punctuation at the end. This technique has been employed by great authors for centuries, perhaps after it was found that it makes random strings of words intelligible.
Tamara2
on Thursday 15 September 2011 01:44 AM
I think I might hold the record for combined Kindle Killings. In my household, there are three of us with Kindles. We are now on our 8th return/replacement; it's happened 2 times for me, once for oldest daughter, and 5 times for youngest daughter. We think we must live in a magnetic field or something. In each instance, the Kindle was never dropped or damaged - the screen just freezes and it looks like an etch-a-sketch creation. I'm close to asking for my money back, but (when they work), we love our Kindles.....
kerye
on Tuesday 13 September 2011 02:55 PM
first kindle took out bag it was broken worked fine for 4 months. second kindle 18 month old dropped it off bed i didnt call right away because i didnt send old one back was gone on vacation got back didnt think about it again (happens when u have three kids) but they sent me another one anyway had that one 3 months. I treated the third one like a newborn baby didnt get to read that one much it sat on nightstand 2 weeks untouched buisy with kids school and baseball got a break went to read screen looked fine went to wake it screen looked worse than ever no to mention a day after recieving it kept freezing but it eventually stopped freezing guess what didnt send previous kindle back computer tore up i ran out ink (did i mention i have 3 kids and a 15 year old stepson) who play reg ball and travel ball i have not called kindle about replacement yet im mailing the other 2 kindles back today and will call in a few days and better get a new one because i just added it up and since getting my kindle as a valentines day present from husband i have bought $370 in books in 7 months pretty sure my husband would pop a top if he knew considering he only bought a $50 gift card! i love my kindle dearly and am devestated and really pissed. sorry for the long story but just needed to express my frustratio wish me luck on calling amazon cause i better geta replacement or momma will not be happy and neither will amazon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
aj
on Monday 05 September 2011 04:48 PM
just ordered my 3rd!
can i get a refund instead of a new kindle if it happens once more?
Guy
on Sunday 04 September 2011 12:42 PM
I'd just like to say to Chris that before he gives up on the idea of a Kindle, this morning I moved my FOURTH Kindle 18" across my bedside cupboard. Despite the very great risks inherent in such a journey, in Kindle terms roughly equivalent to flying the Millennium Falcon through the meteor storm in The Empire Strikes Back, the Kindle has survived and 8 hours later it is still working. This is hugely impressive and testifies to the colossal investment in R&D Amazon have made in the device, explaining why NASA is considering using the Kindle as the central core controller for future probes to be sent to the sun. I'm now confident that if I carry it to the sofa on a pillow there is a better than 50% chance it will still be operating by later this evening. You can't buy that sort of performance just anywhere. Most devices like laptops only manage a miserable 99%-100% reliability.
Chris
on Sunday 04 September 2011 10:15 AM
Time to get the Kindle app on your iPhone/iPad. I've dropped, sat on it. No problems. I was considering a kindle. Now no more.
Hoa
on Sunday 04 September 2011 12:01 AM
A friend bought me a Kindle in US, and bring to Vietnam for me... It last for 2 weeks.. Yesterday i discovered the same problem with all of you here, 3/4 of the screen is in screen saver mode and 1/4 still working with some blank lines... Just wrote an email to them and hope they will accept a replacement for me soon , Sight :-(.... I love reading on it, but it too sensitive....!!!!!
Guy
on Friday 02 September 2011 04:55 PM
Believe it or not, after making the post above I set about initiating my third Kindle which has just arrived. It worked but I could not get Amazon to register it - it kept denying all knowledge of my email address. After 45 minutes on the phone to Amazon it transpired that they had misrecorded the serial number of the Kindle sent out to me. Amazingly, they were entirely unable to change this in their system and told me they would now send out a FOURTH Kindle and I would have to send the third one back. So the fourth is due here tomorrow and the third is waiting for the courier to collect it, even though there is nothing actually wrong with it. You couldn't make this up, could you? My third Kindle thus lasted less than an hour - is that a record? I can guarantee my fourth Kindle will be my last - if that goes wrong, it'll be a refund or if it's out of warranty I'll forget the whole thing. What a waste of time.
on Friday 02 September 2011 05:15 PM
I think you get the cake!
Guy
on Friday 02 September 2011 09:45 AM
Thank goodness I have found this page. My first Kindle arrived in April. I don't use it much but when I went to France in June I got there to discover the screen was frozen with a trace of the screensaver and the machine was totally inert. Nothing would revive it. It was replaced by Amazon. In July I took it to the US - no problems but I am just back from Greece where - you guessed it - frozen: this time the top 3/4 of the screen had packed it in with the bottom 1/4 working as normal. I had been even more careful with this one - neither has ever been dropped or squashed. I bought the Kindle for holiday reading but it's obvious it is totally unreliable. Luckily I had taken real books too. On this occasion I had to send it back to Amazon (they refunded the postage) and this time the new one arrived by ordinary 1st class post instead of Special Delivery. If it busts again I'll be asking for a refund, so hopefully this will happen before the warranty expires. It's clear this device, while a great idea, is simply not robust enough for the intended purpose. I know several other people who have had theirs replaced too. I expect Amazon are desperate to sell all the Kindle 3s they can to get rid of them, replacing those they have to and trusting that expired warranties will sort out the rest. Then they can launch the Kindle 4 which I have no doubt will be redesigned. It's scandalous - I have several laptops, none of which have packed up like this. For a device costing over a 100 quid we should expect something a lot better - Amazon Support is good, but it'd be a lot better if they were selling a better piece of kit. If mine packs up again after the warranty expires I shan't replace it until the next generation of Kindles have proved themselves.
Kaelan
on Wednesday 31 August 2011 08:48 PM
I have the same problem, just broke my 2nd kindle -.- WHY!?
1. Broke while i was reading
2. Worked just fine one minute, put it in my binder, walk 10 feet, take it out and guess what? it broke.
Amazon is a good sport and replaces everything but they should work on the real problem, making a kindle that wont break cause i sneezed on it...
kelly
on Wednesday 31 August 2011 01:34 PM
Just received my 3rd kindle. I'm wondering if the fault could be caused by the magnetic flap closure of my case. Anyone else use these and end up with the screen damage?
Kelly
on Wednesday 31 August 2011 06:42 AM
Just swapped over for my fourth Kindle in seven months..
I'm very pleased with the 3 year instant replacement warranty I took out (when the kind chap in Currys offered it to me after the first Kindle died). Plus, I assume a new Kindle will be out within the remaining period of the warranty.. free upgrade? :)
hello
on Sunday 28 August 2011 02:17 PM
mine to i can dwnstairs and it was all liney and cracked!! :(...i wonder what i will hav to do no as i love my kindle to bits and hav 30 books on it!"!!!!
Keshen
on Saturday 27 August 2011 08:47 AM
*sigh* a +1 for me too and it's only 2 weeks old. Let's hope the service to South Africa is good.
Sadie Penman
on Friday 26 August 2011 03:43 PM
I am def a kindle killer about to replace my third kindle for a fourth one.... on holiday at mo and the screen is starting to show lines with each turn of the page... Amazon have been amazing on replacements up to now, hoping this will continue with this one! Also as far as I am concerned my warranty starts again with each new kindle, so I cant see their being a problem. What I will say is that other then the first one (had no cover) each of my kindles have been really looked after, with the latest one the problem appeared while i was reading in bed (just hoping it will last for the next three days). This seems to be a recurring problem for some of us and though replacement is easy I would rather just have a kindle that didn't break!!!!!!!
Gabriel Grigore
on Wednesday 24 August 2011 09:05 AM
Two victims on my desk this very moment. First bought in January 2011 and, just after I said bad luck this time, I've been that stupid I bought a second one on August 8th. Today its screen it's out of service. Leather cover for protection. No shocks, no moistures. What shall I do with them? What shall we do against these guys. I even do not get a decent warranty response from them. I wrote emails to amazon, I even call them three times (all three telecons "disconected"). This is unthinkable.
on Friday 26 August 2011 03:51 PM
Hi, not sure what country you are in, but if you go to the Kindle support on Amazon and click "contact us" then "call us" you get the option for them to call you either straight away or in five minutes... I have had excellent service from them with each kindle being replaced within 2-3 days and all returns paid by them through DHL courier.. hope this helps.
seinna25
on Tuesday 23 August 2011 02:19 PM
thanks this helped alot!!!! im glad i found this
Luize
on Sunday 21 August 2011 10:27 PM
Wow this makes me feel better!
Ive just been having panic attacks because half of my screen saver wont move from the screen and the rest is full of lines. Ive not dropped it, I havent gotten it wet. I have stopped using the official amazon case for it because that caused problems with my brothers kindles.
Im hoping amazon will just send me a new kindle soon and I can get on with reading the four books I just bought.
Brett
on Sunday 21 August 2011 08:34 PM
I'll add my story to this pile of destruction.
I'm just about to receive my 3rd Kindle. My first one lasted 8 months before sadly giving up the ghost with the whole vertical line fault as described above. The second I have had less than 2 weeks and it has already met the same fate. I just got off the phone with Amazon who are sending me my third.
The silly thing is that in both cases the kindle was used for reading at night before bed then placed carefully on a bedside table, and in both cases the kindle was dead the next morning. There was no physical damage to either; after my first on failed I was extra extra careful with the second but to the same result.
Ashley
on Sunday 21 August 2011 05:36 PM
Third Kindle coming tomorrow. Customer service says only 1% of customers have complaints about their Kindle screen. I was beginning to wonder if I too were a "Kindle Killer". I handle my Kindle with great care as I have come to love it so. There is obviously something wrong with manufacturing. I am worried because I am coming up on 1 year since purchase and am worried it will break after the year and I will be out of luck. From the looks of everyone's comments though, another screen snafu is almost guaranteed. I am really PO'd...
Laurel
on Friday 19 August 2011 03:17 PM
Just an update on my kindle story. I called and was honest about dropping the kindle. I also told them that I didn't buy the kindle - I got it free through an American Express promotion. The rep told me that kindles should survive a drop from shoulder height. He is sending me a replacement and a post-paid label to return my broken one. They seem to be so good about replacements, I'm thinking that they know the kindles are too delicate OR they don't want to lose future sales of books (maybe that is where the real profit is . . )
on Friday 19 August 2011 06:14 PM
That's great. It's actually they don’t want to lose future sales on Kindle, not the books. If we have a Kindle, you already brought books, investing hundreds and hundreds of dollars. And once the Kindle broke many books and a year, you must buy new kindle to continue the benefit of your investment or give up the investment you made on books.
Andy
on Thursday 18 August 2011 02:53 PM
I've just got a refund when my 3rd kindle died with the top of the screen not working. 3 in 8 months. I assume its a design issue - but would have expected a fix by now. Sounds memory ish - saw something about chip select issues but have found no answers. Amazon support is great - if they would come out and declare that what ever the age - defective screens would be replaced then I'd buy again. As it is I'm looking at an ipdad because I'm unsure what they would do if it took 13 months to fail.
Leong
on Sunday 14 August 2011 09:40 AM
My Kindle 3 died after 1 month. I phoned Amazon (from Malaysia) and they promised a replacement, but they couldn't ship to my country of residence (Malaysia) and instead have to ship to the original address of purchase (Taiwan). Immediately afterward, I received an email telling me to return the damaged unit using the replacement's shipping box within 30 days or be charged for the replacement. Since I won't be traveling to Taiwan in the next 30 days, I have no choice but to decline the replacement. IMHO, their international warranty is useless.
Laura Too
on Sunday 14 August 2011 04:14 AM
Here with another horror story. I took my new hardly used kindle on vacation thinking how nice it would be to read on the beach, and it was very pleasant until I took it out of my backpack that night to read before going to bed and it looked like I had sat on it or stepped on it. To be honest my backpack had left my possession for a while (having to leave it at the counter of a souvenir shop) so I wasn’t sure if it had taken some impact or not. Amazon was amazing telling me that it should be able to take being jostled around in a bag so they sent me a new one. I thought problem solved! I’ll be more careful with this one. It hasn’t even been a month since I got my second kindle and it’s already just froze on me after a short ride in my purse. I hope they send me a new one and if they do than I guess my Kindle is never leaving the damn house. It is very irritating and hope they fix this problem soon because I just love reading on it.
Laurel
on Friday 12 August 2011 12:14 AM
So I join the ranks of broken Kindles. To be honest, I did drop mine, a couple feet. Does Amazon replace the kindle if you're honest about dropping it? I don't want to lie (or make a lie of omission) but it does seem that this is a known problem. Do you think I deserve a replacement?
Laura
on Friday 12 August 2011 10:54 AM
My Kindle did not survive a camping trip because clumsy me sat on it. Screen broken, end of story i thought. One quick call to Amazon (initially to inquire about repair costs) brightened my day. Even though I was completely honest about sitting on it, they offered to send a replacement, free of charge, and even refunded the shipping costs for returing the broken kindle to Amazon (from Europe). That's how you keep a customer satisfied!
on Friday 12 August 2011 09:27 AM
Amazon says Kindle should hold a drop of a couple of feet, even there is a video demonstrating it. I think if you don’t have a physical damage outside, yes , they will give you a replacement.
JibberJab
on Tuesday 09 August 2011 06:27 PM
I bought one for my wife as a Christmas gift. It went kabluey a mere 6 months later. The screen went into "Etch A Sketch" mode overnight apparently while we were sound asleep. Boy do I wish I splurged for the $25 replacement plan at Best Buy but I couldn't afford another nickel. I got the one with the 3G so it was rather expensive. 3G is really the only way to go.
Amazon support was very courteous and immediately offered to send out what I was told would be a brand new replacement - not a refurbished unit. I was assured of this. I received the new unit in two days, and one month later the same thing has happened. This was only two weeks after my wife sent back the original busted unit.
First of all, I still don't believe the replacement unit was brand new. Second of all, the Kindle was protected by one of those those expensive hard leather covers and was never dropped or exposed to water or anything. I cannot think of a single electronic device we have ever owned that just suddenly went dead for no reason. What is the cause of this? Cosmic rays from outerspace? Evil Kindle Pixies that come in the darkness of night?
I want an explanation for this. I want someone to give me a technical understanding of what is going on with these things. And even if they send me a third unit, why should I have ANY confidence that this will not happen again? Because, at some point, the warranty is going to expire and I can't see Amazon sending me 6 of these things. And what kills me is that many people have been having these issues as far back as 2008?
There is something very wrong with this picture. I really feel like someone reached into my wallet and just took my money. Instead of a replacement, I would prefer a refund and buy something else.
Hey Jeff Bezos! Please sell us one that doesn't break!
april
on Tuesday 09 August 2011 03:48 AM
I've had my first kindle about 3 months. On my second trip, on the way back, I opened it (I always have it in a leather case, in my purse), after I went through security, and found the top half the the screen frozen in vertical grey tones, with one little area turned grey on the bottom half. The remaining part of the screen works as usual.
I was annoyed. Had to buy a book for the flight back. Also worried that I'd banged it, or maybe the x-ray through security might have done something (their machines might not be well calibrated).,, So I checked on-line. Found not much help on Amazon... I tried holding down the power key for 20 minutes--but nothing changed.
'Glad to know I can replace it... although they should re-set the warranty for each new Kindle!
My sister is on her THIRD kindle--although she's had hers longer...
I hope they get the problem fixed!!!!
neil
on Sunday 07 August 2011 07:35 PM
I just fund my kindle 3 dead no matter how I take care as tender as I can. Fortunately, Kindel will send a replaced one to me after I called them. Unfortunately, I can not bring it with me for my vacation. I thought I am the only one experience this. And for the curiosity, I googled by"kindle half screen freeze", I found here friends just like poor me.
hassen
on Friday 29 July 2011 10:59 PM
I am glad to know I am not the only one to break 3 kindles in under a year...
#1 was destroyed by the baby
#2 was discovered broken on the sofa
#3 broke on the sofa where I was reading and I got distracted and put part of my body weight on it. I quickly moved off it but the damage was done.
None of my other electronics break except this one.
sebastian
on Thursday 28 July 2011 03:07 PM
i have the same problem except i passed the warranty
Sydnee
on Tuesday 26 July 2011 06:58 PM
just got my second kindle today. amazon was really nice about sending a new one..... about two days ago i was about to put i skin on my kindle and i was cleaning it with a dry cloth which they say to do when you put a skin on it. i finished cleaning the front and nothing was wrong with the screen at that point but when i started cleaning the back and flipped it over the screen looked like it was cracked and also it looked like i just through it across the room or something really bad. and it would not show anything at all on the screen becaz it was all cracked up looking. i didnt get why the screen did that so easily from just cleaning the back of the kindle. if my new kindle does the samething im diffently not getting another one. maybe a nook would be better if kindles break so easily.
pavluszka
on Wednesday 20 July 2011 09:49 AM
The same thing happened to me. My second replacement is on its way to Prague!!;)
Yasmin
on Monday 18 July 2011 05:44 PM
Same thing has happened to me. Simply I just dropped the kindle from the sofa the first time, it was in its case and everything it broke straight away. And that was after having it a month, I was gutted I never leave home without my kindle I treat my laptop much much worse and yet Ive never had a problem with that. So I did a goodle search seems alot of people have been having the same problem. But we sent it back to amazon and got a new one within a week. Now 6 months on guess what happened tonight it broke again. I just got into bed and lent back not forcefully and I didnt realise my kindle was under my arm and all I heard was an almighty CRACK. Its silly and Im very irritated it was hardly a fall and mine looks just like yours to be honest I dont recommend this anymore I still love my kindle but you have to care for it soo much its stupid. So now Im going to go onto my third kindle. Thought Id leave my storry.. Yasmin xx
Mel
on Friday 15 July 2011 09:06 AM
I had my Kindle for 2 months and now it died yesterday.
She screen is permanently half frozen as in the pic above.
Since it was a gift from my husband, he is now calling Amazon to see that they send me a new one.
But with all those comments from previous posters I am already afraid the new one will break soon as well.. :(
Chrys
on Thursday 14 July 2011 05:12 PM
So, my FOURTH kindle is on the way - I'm sad and annoyed.
#1 - Three months after purchase the back cover started coming apart for no apparent reason. Amazon cheerfully sent a replacement and I was happy.
#2 - Three weeks after replacement arrives, the screen goes all wacky on me. Blank spots, lines, etc. as described above. I freak out, thinking *maybe* it was squashed in my bag. Replacement sent, and I breathe a sigh of relief.
#3 - I've had it for five weeks; this morning I'm reading (it's in my hands!) when the screen goes nuts again with the messed up lines and blank spots. Steam billows from my ears and I have to remind myself to be pleasant on the phone.
#4 - Arrives tomorrow. Spouse and I are making bets as to when the next one craps out and what Amazon rep will say.
on Saturday 16 July 2011 10:27 PM
Liked the way you narrate your Kindle story :) LOL
Pat D
on Monday 11 July 2011 07:49 AM
Warranty issues that show Amazon know the product they are supplying is not good…..
From comments on www it would seem that there is an inherent fault with the Kindle that is exaserbated by air travel.
My wife’s Kindle (Christmas present from me December 2010) failed following a return flight between Ireland and Netherlands. This screen failure, top have blank or with cover that doesn’t refresh and lines down and horizontal, seem to be a feature/failure in the product (see other posts). Knidle was in her handbag all the way so no bumps etc. Amazon replaced at the drop of a hat but refused to extend the warranty beyond the original 12 month period so expires December 2011.
Not happy at all as warranty should be re-set to date we received the replacement….. Continuing to pursue this matter on principle……..
David Dunford
on Sunday 10 July 2011 08:17 AM
As the guy at Kindle support just said to me, "It's not a very common problem." Well, he would say that, wouldn't he? I bought a Kindle 3 from Tesco's in March. Within three days it refused to start, declaring there was a "boot problem". Tesco's reluctantly replaced it. Two months later, the screen went blank and no attempts to reset it worked; Amazon, to their credit, replaced it without question. This morning, when I switched it on, the screen partially redrew, then froze with part of a picture, random vertical and horizontal lines, and blank areas. The bottom half inch of text is visible so it looks as though everything apart from the screen is working, but the Kindle certainly can't be used. The support people at Amazon were rather more sceptical this time, but eventually agreed to replace it "one last time". I keep it in a case, and I haven't dropped it, sat on it or pressed the screen hard (or at all)!
I'd be asking for my money back if it wasn't for the fact that I really like the Kindle. It would be an excellent bit of kit if it wasn't for these issues.
on Sunday 10 July 2011 11:36 AM
//I'd be asking for my money back if it wasn't for the fact that I really like the Kindle.// Same here too! Love the little black plastiky reading thingi, wish it won’t die on us like this.
Brittany
on Sunday 03 July 2011 02:11 PM
My Kindle has done the same thing! 3 times in the past 6 months, to be exact. The first time I had no idea what happened, and I am now getting pretty discouraged about the reliability of the Kindle. This makes me super sad since I absolutely love reading on it! I'm debating on getting a refund for the one I have now (that's broken). Any suggestions for a more reliable ereader?
Andy
on Saturday 02 July 2011 01:15 PM
I'm on my 3rd Kindle - 2 screen issues each after 3 months. Got a refund, bought the warranty (even though under UK/EU law should be ok for years), so restarted the warranty.
I work in electronics - this must be an undeclared design flaw - the reliability of this can be calculated - it has to be less than 0.5% year on year, it has virtually no moving components. The eink seems common with many readers - looking at the website is very robust.
So must be some bonding issue to the screen.
Matt
on Friday 01 July 2011 01:07 PM
Same thing happened with mine today!! I got it just a few months ago. I told them I'd left it in my backpack - tightly pressed up against other books and a computer - and when I pulled it out, the top half was frozen along a kind of crack (but the physical screen wasn't cracked on the top). They tried a software reset, which obviously didn't work, and then they quickly offered to send me a replacement. They said that it's made to withstand the pressure of other books and things up against it in a backpack.
Pam
on Thursday 30 June 2011 04:42 PM
Okay, when I first got my Kindle, I had screen issues by the 7th day. I returned that one and they sent me out a new one 2 days later. So, I'm enjoying the Kindle for another 5 weeks and now my screen is only responsive on the bottom. (SIGH!!!) I called customer service and William was very helpful, I'll get another one by the 5th of July. My cousin has had her NOOK for almost 18 months with no screen issues at all....let us pray that this will be the last return I have to may, although somehow I doubt it.
KG
on Thursday 30 June 2011 03:32 AM
Okay, me too. I was actually totally floored by the service, especially as they're shipping the Kindle to India and not only paying the Shipping and Customs, but also refunding the money I pay to ship the broken one to the US. However, now I'm less than excited, knowing that it was not a freak case and I can expect the next one to break as well. Sigh. It was too good to last!
on Saturday 16 July 2011 10:02 PM
You are not Alone, I guess more than 50% of kindle buyers are experiencing this, as it's more fragile than a one day baby.
Tomo
on Friday 17 June 2011 11:59 PM
Just same thing happened yesterday and it is the 2nd time for me.
I hope amazon will send me the third one again
GAKNYC
on Friday 10 June 2011 07:57 PM
Just adding my voice to the chorus, none of us are serial killers or twits. My Kindle just committed suicide 20 minutes ago, as did my first bout a month ago. Amazon is sending me a 3rd. (I'm going to start naming them.) Same half frozen screen problem. Luckily I have droid phone and have access to books through Kindle app. I don't hold out alot of hope for the next one either. As long as they keep sending em, I'll take em.
Sevoya
on Sunday 05 June 2011 08:58 PM
my second kindle just broke. I've never dropped it or gotten it wet, and have kept the leather case on it 24/7. This is maddening. The first one was an Xmas gift and I feel like a feking twit. I do feel better for not being the only undeserving person with this problem. There are some serious structural flaws with this device that need to be addressed by the designers.
Jmt
on Friday 03 June 2011 09:19 PM
I am not alone! Kindle 3 broke 2 days ago and now have a new one. Had the first one 2 weeks and had cover on it at all times and treated it with kid gloves. Yes, amazon were great on the done and were able to send me a new on really quickly bit if this happens again im gonna be effing annoyed. Why can't they just sort it out so it doesn't happen in the first place ? It's a great product apart from this!!! Fingers crossed this one lasts!!!
Mike
on Friday 03 June 2011 03:30 PM
Same thing happened to me for the first time. If it happens again (hopefully within a year), I'm going to try to get a refund and then go buy a nook. I should really be supporting my local Barnes&Noble anyhow these days.
M.D.
on Wednesday 25 May 2011 06:27 PM
I've had my Kindle for four days and on day three the screen is f@#ked. After reading on several sites that this happens a lot I'm just going to get a refund and no replacement. You'd think they would take all the money they're wasting on sending out replacements and fix the damn product.
Michelle
on Tuesday 17 May 2011 01:54 PM
I am on my second Kindle since Christmas and also brought a $60 hardcover and despite this protection, I still had a flawed screen. I think there is a problem with the manufacturing, however this time I think I will give their competitors a try.
Rob Percival
on Tuesday 17 May 2011 09:12 AM
Perhaps if the things are so fragile, they should come with a hard case? I bought my case from Amazon, and it doesn't help at all. In fact I wonder if it's contributing ... I'll check out @Petr suggestion ...
Rob Percival
on Tuesday 17 May 2011 09:10 AM
I am currently awaiting my FOURTH kindle - exactly the same failure mode as you describe - and I have a cover and treat it very carefully (even though the advert implies it's very robust).
Last time it broke two days into a 3 week holiday in Colombia (with all my reading on it).
This time - and the kindle is about a week old - I have just flown to NY for work - got my Kindle out to read at the hotel and wham. Screen is b0rked. Amazon won't send a new one to the states as I'm based in London (ermm ... isn't it an American company?!) so I now have 2 weeks without it. Looks like I'll be buying some old fashioned books here.
As I've had it since January, they will only replace it - I asked for a refund so I could buy a Sony, but that's not possible now apparently. Even though it's been out of action for about 3 weeks since my first one.
*sigh*
At least I know I'm not alone!
me
on Thursday 12 May 2011 04:41 PM
so... my kindle just died. i am so sad. :(
the screensaver froze and became a line-y thinngy :(
on Saturday 16 July 2011 09:46 PM
same here! MY first kindle lasted 48 hours. And i didn't kill it, I found it lying dead (frozen) on my table. I have already ordered for my 2nd kindle, it will take 3 weeks to reach me, as I live in India.
Mel
on Thursday 12 May 2011 08:38 AM
Well, My new sissy little Kindle's screen just froze in half... I had an older Kindle that was covered in Pepsi that works to this day. Why is the new version so cheaply made? I guess it's back to my old heavy workhorse version. Arrrrrgggggghhhh!
Asphodelia
on Thursday 12 May 2011 04:52 AM
So I'm not alone. Have had the Kindle for 3 weeks; safely stored in its case, hardly used. Yesterday I took it out of its case to charge it (thinking that it might get warm otherwise), and it slipped from my hands and dropped from a height of maxium 30 cms. It's buggered.
Granted, Amazon are sending me a replacement already but I never in a million years thought that it would be so fragile. I'm really gutted as I am going on a short trip tomorrow so I won't be able to take it with me :-(
Petr
on Wednesday 11 May 2011 06:03 AM
Hi, I think that the solution for you is a Kindle Guard leather case. Check it here: http://www.empei.com/details.php?zb=211 . I have bought one there (because I had the same problem as you with broken screen) and it works absolutely great. So my problem seem to be definitely solved :o)
on Saturday 16 July 2011 09:44 PM
I am not too sure if the case would help. MY first kindle lasted 48 hours. And I didn't kill it, I found it lying dead (frozen) on my table. I have already ordered for my 2nd kindle, it will take 3 weeks to reach me, as I live in India.
Dave G
on Monday 09 May 2011 06:37 PM
I'm glad I'm not alone in this. I got my first kindle in October '10, which lasted until mid-December. Now the replacement has failed. The first time, I was unsure I hadn't done anything to cause it, but this time it hadn't been moved or touched since its last use. All that had happened inbetween was a big thunderstorm. Hmmmm.....
Ah well, here's hoping for another quick replacement. I'm going to be pretty unhappy if I have to shell out £150 for one every year, because it's otherwise a fine piece of kit.
Kay
on Friday 06 May 2011 05:22 AM
Eeek... just opened the brand new Kindle box, plugged it in... screen broken. Such a disappointment and hard to get a 2 day turn around from US to AUS! Can't seem to call on the phone either? Sigh...
on Saturday 16 July 2011 09:42 PM
same here! MY first kindle lasted 48 hours. And I didn't kill it, I found it lying dead (frozen) on my table. I have already ordered for my 2nd kindle, it will take 3 weeks to reach me, as I live in India.
Beth
on Thursday 28 April 2011 07:54 PM
I just called for my third Kindle, also, after having 2 other Kindles develop lines. I'm getting so annoyed! The woman on the phone told me that it was just bad luck. I baby this Kindle and treat it with kid gloves, yet there are still lines all over my screen. I'm also concerned about what will happen when my warranty expires.
on Saturday 16 July 2011 09:41 PM
MY first kindle lasted 48 hours. And i didn't kill it, I found it lying dead (frozen) on my table. I have already ordered for my 2nd kindle, it will take 3 weeks to reach me, as I live in India.
Wanda
on Wednesday 20 April 2011 01:46 PM
I have only been a Kindle user since September '10 but I, too, am a Kindle killer. I have experienced the screen failure now on two different Kindles. I am expecting my 3rd Kindle tomorrow. I also purchased the $60 leather cover and it stays on my Kindle. They are not dropped, never been wet, etc. They just suddenly fail. The first time was while I was on vacation in Mexico. Dead Kindle, replacement to be sent to USA. With this 2nd Kindle, I used it, shut it down, and then turned it on about an hour later to the bad screen. Amazon, something is wrong with these screens.
Carl Partridge
on Wednesday 09 March 2011 09:53 AM
Exactly the same problem with my new Kindle too - didn't treat it harshly, but screen still 'cracked' as in your photo.
Top marks to Amazon for the service - but what happens after my year of Warranty expires? Presumably the year is only from the original purchase, not from the replacement arriving.
Kevin
on Wednesday 09 March 2011 05:47 AM
I just killed a kindle that I just received this morning. lol
Robert
on Friday 25 February 2011 07:23 AM
Exactly the same problem! I've now had three which did the same, even with top-notch care. Finally sent it back and got a refund. Real shame, as love the product! How are you going with your third?
Jamie
on Saturday 12 February 2011 04:41 PM
The same thing happened to me!!! I bought the darn $60 case for it and there is no possible way it dropped or anything! I'll be calling Amazon this week for a 3rd Kindle!!!
ilandcoconut
on Tuesday 26 July 2011 08:29 AM
I am a kindle serial killer: I have just ordered my 3rd kindle. Bought my first last October it lasted 1 month. Bought a second one in September and bluee it just died yesterday. I do not mistreat my kindle it is forbidden to touch my kindle. I finally got smart and called Amazon and found out I could get it replaced. I cancelled my 3rd order and am awaiting my kindle anxiously. I must say Amazon has an amazing customer service department. I hope my serial killing kindle days are over.
Tamara
on Friday 06 May 2011 12:19 PM
Same here! My first Kindle lasted about 48 hours. The second, maybe two months! This is crazy. I wish I saved for a Nook!
Surojit
on Saturday 16 July 2011 09:39 PM
Tamara. same here! MY first kindle lasted 48 hours. And i didn't kill it, I found it lying dead (frozen) on my table. I have already ordered for my 2nd kindle, it will take 3 weeks to reach me, as I live in India.
Rebecca
on Wednesday 13 April 2011 09:08 AM
My kindle just did this last night. I was racking my brain figuring out what I did to do this. My question is, how do I get ahold of Amazon to deal with this? It was a gift to myself for Christmas, so it isn't that old.
on Wednesday 13 April 2011 09:36 AM
goto : http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=200212360 and click on Contact Kindle support. They are helpful.
