CHAPTER 8
Kindle and Your Computer
You can download and read text-based content to your Kindle without using your computer. However,
if you want to access audiobooks and MP3 files, you need to transfer them by connecting Kindle to
your computer over USB or use an SD memory card. In addition, there are other tasks you can
accomplish using your computer as described in this chapter.
8.1 Getting Started
This section lists the requirements for connecting Kindle to your computer. A USB cable was included
in your Kindle box, so there is nothing additional to buy.
System Requirements
If your computer is Windows-based, you need to be using Windows 2000 or later. If your computer is
a Macintosh, you should be using Mac OS X 10.2 or later. With either computer, you must have an
available USB port or an attached USB hub with an available port.
Making the Connection
To connect Kindle to your computer, follow these steps:
Plug the USB cable into an available USB port or a powered USB hub connected to your
computer.
1.
Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB port on the bottom of your Kindle.2.
The illustration below shows a Kindle and a laptop computer connected through the USB cable.
When you are connected to your PC, the Kindle screen will change to show the USB drive mode
screen. Your Whispernet service is temporarily shut off and you will not receive any of your
subscriptions while in this mode. Also, your Kindle is not usable as a reading device while you are
