Amazon Prime for newbies

[bbodb1]

How do you store the photos? I tried putting our photos into the Amazon photo cloud from my PC and it seemed so cumbersome and took so long that I gave up.

i have a lot of photos on my PC. I currently use my Iphone to take the pics and then send them to my PC.

Mary Ann,

I did what you describe here - basically I exported all of my photos from iPhoto (using the largest size and the highest possible resolution) to a folder on my desktop. Once done, I uploaded the photos from the folder to my Amazon Prime photos account. As you noted, this process can take a LOOOOONNNGGG time. At the time, I was on a DSL connection (but i have since moved to fiber). I have NOT tried uploading a significant number of photos since and I really should not need to. I should add that I eventually divided the upload into equal smaller parts (each still quite sizable on their own) because on the 1st try copying the entire folder, the process did stall (for reasons I was not able to determine).

With respect to our phones, we have Android phones and we have Prime Photos loaded on each of the phones. There is a backup setting where you can select how and when backups are to occur. For example, photos from my phone are backed up (at least) once daily using a WiFi connection. I set it that way so I would not eat my data when I was on a measured data plan. Now that I am no longer on a measured data plan, I could turn that option off but when I am home, my phone does connect to the network at home.

 

[bbodb1]

Well I’ve been poking around in Amazon Prime....
The Prime Music looks pretty cool. We’re in Sedona and I wish I brought a Bluetooth speaker to listen to some stuff....

Heathpack,

One thing worth mentioning about the Prime Music - there is a SECOND pay wall there. If you want access to ALL music Amazon has, it takes a second (monthly) payment.
That does NOT sit well with me given we are already paying $119 per year. But what is even worse about this is Amazon is constantly moving more music BEHIND the 2nd PAYWALL.

 

[WinniWoman]

Mary Ann,

I did what you describe here - basically I exported all of my photos from iPhoto (using the largest size and the highest possible resolution) to a folder on my desktop. Once done, I uploaded the photos from the folder to my Amazon Prime photos account. As you noted, this process can take a LOOOOONNNGGG time. At the time, I was on a DSL connection (but i have since moved to fiber). I have NOT tried uploading a significant number of photos since and I really should not need to. I should add that I eventually divided the upload into equal smaller parts (each still quite sizable on their own) because on the 1st try copying the entire folder, the process did stall (for reasons I was not able to determine).

With respect to our phones, we have Android phones and we have Prime Photos loaded on each of the phones. There is a backup setting where you can select how and when backups are to occur. For example, photos from my phone are backed up (at least) once daily using a WiFi connection. I set it that way so I would not eat my data when I was on a measured data plan. Now that I am no longer on a measured data plan, I could turn that option off but when I am home, my phone does connect to the network at home.

We have DSL- maybe that is the issue. I just don;t have the patience.

 

[WinniWoman]

Heathpack,

One thing worth mentioning about the Prime Music - there is a SECOND pay wall there. If you want access to ALL music Amazon has, it takes a second (monthly) payment.
That does NOT sit well with me given we are already paying $119 per year. But what is even worse about this is Amazon is constantly moving more music BEHIND the 2nd PAYWALL.

Like they did with other things, like books. I am disappointed in the library books now. I used to always get a free one each month, now I don't bother. It is so much of a hassle to even search for one. You can't use your PC to search- you have to use your kindle and I find it frustrating and cumbersome. Plus, they do not have a lot of non-fiction books I would want to read. I am not into fiction.

 

[WinniWoman]

Mary Ann,

I did what you describe here - basically I exported all of my photos from iPhoto (using the largest size and the highest possible resolution) to a folder on my desktop. Once done, I uploaded the photos from the folder to my Amazon Prime photos account. As you noted, this process can take a LOOOOONNNGGG time. At the time, I was on a DSL connection (but i have since moved to fiber). I have NOT tried uploading a significant number of photos since and I really should not need to. I should add that I eventually divided the upload into equal smaller parts (each still quite sizable on their own) because on the 1st try copying the entire folder, the process did stall (for reasons I was not able to determine).

With respect to our phones, we have Android phones and we have Prime Photos loaded on each of the phones. There is a backup setting where you can select how and when backups are to occur. For example, photos from my phone are backed up (at least) once daily using a WiFi connection. I set it that way so I would not eat my data when I was on a measured data plan. Now that I am no longer on a measured data plan, I could turn that option off but when I am home, my phone does connect to the network at home.

Thanks. I guess I should put the app on my I phone and use it going forward. That sounds nice and easy.

But meanwhile, I have tons of photos on my computer. UGH...Well- most of them are at least on Facebook also. LOL! And my husband has a lot on his hard drive.

 

[bbodb1]

Questions about the photo service. Are photos uploaded as you have saved them? In album form, etc? Are you able to make them private and also to share with certain individuals? Do they automatically upload or can you choose which to upload? I've always used Flickr and the iCloud so those are my reference points.

We love Amazon Prime! Something comes up several times a week that we need. A part, a gadget, dog items, etc. I like reading the reviews and using the compare option. But mostly, I recognize that by the time I run all over town trying to find something, I can already have it via the 2 day shipping, and probably for less. Returning items has never been a problem. It's easy.

We've mainly used Netflix and still have many desired programs/movies we want to watch there but recently started binging on Bosch on Amazon Prime. There are also some Italian shows with English subtitles that I have watched, or want to, since I am studying Italian...sorta.

I've been an Audible member from before it became part of Amazon. I am constantly listening to either an Audible book or a podcast. I have a mini Bose speaker in my bathroom where I listen in the morning while getting dressed or in the evening when getting ready for bed. I travel with that speaker so I can listen wherever we are. I listen in the car. When I go out to walk alone, even when shopping, I listen wearing Apple airPods which I love!!!! So I am rarely without stimulation in the form of something audible. When not listening, I am in front of my laptop and/or the TV! I've been thinking I need to take meditation to learn to clear the clutter in my mind. Lately it seems as if it is always racing!

Amazon photos can be uploaded at you take pictures on your device, it's an option in the Amazon photos app. Starting from 0, it does indeed take a while depending on how fast your internet connection is. We have close to 10GB pictures out there right now. The photos are private, you can share them. I don't use the auto upload, but, I don't think they organize into albums on their own. I usually upload all at the end of a trip and put them into their own folder and then create the album (one click). Doesn't take long, I usually upload them the night before we fly back. Once I get home, I download the uploaded pictures to a desktop so it's also organized by album and I have another copy.

A lot of good content on Prime, and the popular SyFy show The Expanse has moved to Prime for new episodes. Can't wait for the next season! If you have kids, a lot of good kids shows.

Glynda,

Steve touched on your questions pretty well but I did want to add a couple of thoughts here. For us, Amazon Photos has been handy / appreciated because of the following:

1. The ability to scan / search / move through your library using the time slider (see attached photo below). That slider allows the user to easily and quickly jump to a period of time if you are looking for a photo and can recall about when it was taken. I believe (but I am not sure) Amazon uses the date info in the picture file itself to build this info. For example, I recall we want to Utah in July of 2016, using the time slider I can easily get to that time. This feature is NOT unique to Amazon Photos but it is nice when photos are shot an uploaded by family members when they are not physically together.
2. Amazon also gives you a daily review of your photos across the years. For example, photos shot on this date in 2017, 2015, 2013, etc. In my opinion, this is nice because it gives me more interaction with my photos by pushing the review to the devices of your choice. As we have had Amazon Prime (and used the photos) I've seen a good number of photos I had either forgotten or just never looked at.
   
   
   
   

 

[bbodb1]

We have DSL- maybe that is the issue. I just don;t have the patience.

Me too - I never did figure out why the upload would stall - it must have timed out some where along the way - but that problem was the last straw with my old internet provider. They were not going to run fiber in my neighborhood and but this time, another outfit had run fiber so we switched to fiber and have had only a ver few issues.

Fiber is nice - if you can get it and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg!

I just realized the previous statement works on more than one level.....

 

[bbodb1]

Thanks. I guess I should put the app on my I phone and use it going forward. That sounds nice and easy.

But meanwhile, I have tons of photos on my computer. UGH...Well- most of them are at least on Facebook also. LOL! And my husband has a lot on his hard drive.

One other suggestion would be to make a copy of your photos and place them on a USB flash drive and then store that drive somewhere away from home.
Just in case....
I would hope you would never need to use it but if you are like me, there are photos in my collection that can never be replaced.
Flash drive prices have come down significantly if you have not considered this solution in some time...

 

[WinniWoman]

Me too - I never did figure out why the upload would stall - it must have timed out some where along the way - but that problem was the last straw with my old internet provider. They were not going to run fiber in my neighborhood and but this time, another outfit had run fiber so we switched to fiber and have had only a ver few issues.

Fiber is nice - if you can get it and it doesn't cost an arm and a leg!

I just realized the previous statement works on more than one level.....

Yes- but we have not choices here for internet. Its this or cable and this is actually better.

 

[WinniWoman]

One other suggestion would be to make a copy of your photos and place them on a USB flash drive and then store that drive somewhere away from home.
Just in case....
I would hope you would never need to use it but if you are like me, there are photos in my collection that can never be replaced.
Flash drive prices have come down significantly if you have not considered this solution in some time...

My husband has this external hard drive thing he has a lot of photos- but not all-on

 

[TravelTime]

I placed an Amazon Cyber Monday order today and mistakenly clicked the button for free 30 day Prime trial. Went back onto the Amazon website to cancel it but then I saw an option to send myself a reminder to cancel the free membership in 30 days. So I guess I could give it a try.

I remember people here love Prime so maybe y’all can school me.

I honestly don’t buy much stuff, so the shipping and deals on products will leave me a little flat. I can’t imagine doing much Christmas shopping on Amazon, but I’ll get a little bit of stuff I’m sure.

I saw the music and video features though and they looking intriguing. Can anyone tell me more about these features? How do I get the videos to play on my TV? I assume I need to buy something else?

Or other features that people love, let me hear em.

I love Amazon Prime. I have been an Amazon Prime member since the early 2000s. My DH used to make fun of me when we met in 2006. Now I just wish I would have ignored him and bought Amazon stock when I was thinking of it.

 

[Glynda]

Thanks for the information on Amazon Prime Photos! Let me see If I understand correctly. It reads as if photos going forward can be uploaded automatically from my iPhone, via an Amazon app, and I would organize them after they are uploaded into Amazon Prime Photos. But if I want to upload my previous photos from iPhotos on my laptop, it would be faster to export first from iPhotos to desktop folders and then from the desktop folders to Amazon Prime Photos. That method instead of directly from iPhotos to Amazon Prime Photos. Since the previous photos in iPhotos on my laptop are already organized into labeled albums, will they upload as labeled albums to Amazon Prime? They do to Flickr.

 

[Steve Fatula]

One other suggestion would be to make a copy of your photos and place them on a USB flash drive and then store that drive somewhere away from home.
Just in case....
I would hope you would never need to use it but if you are like me, there are photos in my collection that can never be replaced.
Flash drive prices have come down significantly if you have not considered this solution in some time...

Or get a backup service, we use Backblaze. Advantage is tou don't have to remember to do it, just happens. With versioning too.

 

[Bucky]

My problem with music is the fact if you are using their included service and set up playlist many of your songs will eventually go away! The songs available on their included service have time limits on them at which time you have to pay to keep them.

 

[Phydeaux]

My problem with music is the fact if you are using their included service and set up playlist many of your songs will eventually go away! The songs available on their included service have time limits on them at which time you have to pay to keep them.

So what should they do instead? Provide unlimited music on a permanent basis, and allow any player of your choosing? In other words, hand over all the music you wish, for free? Hmmm... I wonder how the musical artists would feel about that. Here's a thought: Perhaps you could approach your employer and tell them you have no more need to be paid for your services. You'll work for free, and they can choose your hours.

 

[Steve Fatula]

My problem with music is the fact if you are using their included service and set up playlist many of your songs will eventually go away! The songs available on their included service have time limits on them at which time you have to pay to keep them.

That's why I use stations. If you want a consistent list of songs you like, then purchase them.

 

[bbodb1]

So what should they do instead? Provide unlimited music on a permanent basis, and allow any player of your choosing? In other words, hand over all the music you wish, for free? Hmmm... I wonder how the musical artists would feel about that. Here's a thought: Perhaps you could approach your employer and tell them you have no more need to be paid for your services. You'll work for free, and they can choose your hours.

Given that I am paying $119 per year already, I do NOT expect to see a 2nd pay wall.

 

[Steve Fatula]

Given that I am paying $119 per year already, I do NOT expect to see a 2nd pay wall.

But, it is clearly defined what benefits you are getting. And they are amazing for the price. If you want videos you can watch at any time on prime, you have to buy them right? There is no guarantee they will be there tomorrow. If you want the same on Netflix, you still have to buy them somewhere as otherwise they may go away. Music is no different. It is not a trick or anything else. You do not own streaming songs.

Nothing says you can play any music from anyone at any time. The mix can change. No big deal. But amazing for the price. Way cheaper than Netflix combined with other options to duplicate the service.

 

[Phydeaux]

Given that I am paying $119 per year already, I do NOT expect to see a 2nd pay wall.

Well, then you’ll need to get your free music elsewhere. Please share that with us when you find it. If you feel Amazon Prime isn’t a fair deal, I’d suggest you give it up.

 

[DeniseM]

I do not enjoy shopping, so I use Amazon Prime for most of our purchases, except groceries. If you have an Amazon Prime Acct. you can get a discount at Whole Foods, and we do use that discount for brick and morter grocery shopping.

 

[Sandy VDH]

I truly hate shopping. I only enjoy going to Costco, nothing else. So I do use the free shipping a lot.

I do order items on Amazon that I can't get at costco, which is a lot since costco only carries a small number of items. Otherwise if it is at Costco and the price is the nearly the same, then Costco wins, purely from their return policy perspective, especially any high $$ items.

I pop into the HEB grocery on the corner if I need anything I didn't get from Costco or Amazon.

 

[bbodb1]

Well, then you’ll need to get your free music elsewhere. Please share that with us when you find it. If you feel Amazon Prime isn’t a fair deal, I’d suggest you give it up.

That possibility is definitely on the table but I am curious as to how you came to the conclusion it is 'free' music... please elaborate.

 

[slip]

Prime has worked out great for me and even more so since I bought my Molokai Condo. Free shipping to Hawaii is great. Not two days but usually only a week or ten days. Plus I use video, photos and music. We get great value out of it.

 

[bbodb1]

As an aside, I wonder how Amazon views (perhaps values is a better word) each customer. I suspect Amazon has run the numbers to determine the average customer’s use of Amazon products and services. Another way Amazon has likely calculated this is to determine the cost of each customer per service offered.

For example, our family uses the streaming service, rarely (maybe 4 times per year) purchases something from Amazon that requires shipping, and uses the photo storage service a lot. There is no way our family comes close to using $119 of services from Amazon on an annual basis but yet we are stuck with the same price that a person who orders frequently from Amazon pays. Although I am sure Amazon would not lower its prices to offer such a thing, I wonder if it is possible Amazon will offer ala carte services (allowing customers to choose the parts of Amazon they want and not pay for the areas they would not use).

Steve’s point earlier about valuing Amazon versus Netflix is interesting as well. We currently have both services but Netflix too has raised its subscription price - at about $15 per month, we really aren’t using the service that much and certainly could drop it instead of Amazon (thus achieving a cost cutting/savings goal).

The bottom line here is that cord cutting has changed the game in a lot of ways but now as the respective services grow (and increasingly overlap), we may be approaching the point of selecting one service and dropping the other due to price increases.

 

[WinniWoman]

My problem with music is the fact if you are using their included service and set up playlist many of your songs will eventually go away! The songs available on their included service have time limits on them at which time you have to pay to keep them.

Really? I do not have that issue. I have songs on my playlist for many years now.