How to read PDF files on Amazon Kindle?

The best way that people have found is by using the MobiPocket Creator - MobiPocket Creator - a FREE Mobi-Pocket conversion software from Mobipocket.com.

Also, in addition to PDF you can easily convert Word, HTML, and .txt for the Kindle. If you do not use the link above and go to the MobiPocket Software page, then you will get a choice between Home edition and Publisher edition, choose MobiPocket Creator Publisher edition. The Home edition does not have the PDF option.

July 11th update: we’re launching a kindle and book lovers social network. More details at http://thekindle.wordpress.com/2008/07/12/social-network-for-kindle-owners-and-book-lovers/  including ‘Kindle a month’ promotion - please join the alpha.

If the lack of PDF support was holding you back from buying a Kindle you should see that you can either use MobiPocket Creator or Amazon’s experimental conversion and PDF support on the Kindle is no longer an issue. Combined with all the other Kindle benefits it makes sense to order an Amazon Kindle Now! (6 weeks delay between order date and arrival so order early).

How to use MobiPocket Creator -

1. Choose the file(s) to import.
2. Then, select Build. That’s it.
3. Look for a file with .prc extension and copy it to the Kindle’s Document folder.
** There are also helpful tips that some posted on the page if you happen to have a Mac computer.

ON this site: http://www.cottontimer.com/2008/05/06/how-to-convert-pdf-files-to-read-on-the-amazon-kindle/ there is also a step by step process still using the mobipocket creator:

How to Convert PDF Files to Read on the Amazon Kindle

Here is a step-by-step on how to convert PDF files into .prc files for the Amazon Kindle.

1.Download and install the FULL version of Mobipocket Creator. (If you opt for the simpler version, it won’t have the PDF conversion option.)
2.When Mobipocket Creator is running, select Adobe PDF under Import From Existing File
3.Choose the PDF file you want to convert
4.Leave the rest alone unless you want to change your destination folder and click Import
5.Select the html file that was just created and click Build from the toolbar at the top of Mobipocket Creator
6.Click Build (you will most likely get a few errors but I just ignore them)
7.Go to your destination folder, open the folder that was created with your publication
8.Copy the .prc file into the Documents folder of your Kindle via the USB cable (if you want it delivered wirelessly, you’ll have to email it to yourself and pay 10 cents)

One of the major difficulties of reading PDF files on the Kindle is the lack of a Table of Contents so you can’t skip around very easily. There is a function on Mobipocket Creator for creating a Table of Contents but I just can’t be bothered to figure it out. My solution is to convert only individual articles and not large PDF files such as the entire digital issue of Scientific American. Sometimes the formatting can also be wonky but it’s still quite legible. I’m willing to put up with this process as I much prefer reading PDF files on my Kindle. Hopefully in future software upgrades, PDF files will be supported!