It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of technological progress, it was the age of choices, it was the epoch of information, it was the epoch of uncertainty, it was the season of next generations, it was the season of old wisdom up new sleeves…
Before driving our son to college today, I’m borrowing his Kindle 2, trying to decide if I want to get the new generation Kindle for myself.
Decisions, decisions…
So far, I like it. My hands like the feel of it. My middle-aged eyes like the variable font size. Given my packed bookshelves and storage boxes, I like the ease with which I can find beloved classics without guessing and hunting.
I doubt I would buy many new books as e-books (although, who knows? I’ve been wrong before), and I’m not even sure I would replace much of the paper book reading I do now with e-book reading, unless the book is physically too large to sit with comfortably. I simply enjoy holding a book in my hands too much to give it up.
What I am drawn to is the idea that many of the pdf files I currently read online, as well as online newspapers and magazines, I could read offline, reducing my time at a computer and the resulting eye strain (a migraine trigger).
What is your experience with e-readers?
If you haven’t seen it already, you might enjoy this humorous New York Times Kindle 3 video review:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1imKuF1d_9A]
I LOVE my Kindle. So many benefits…especially those heavy books, easy accessibility (instant gratification), portability (think travel) price cuts, and the fact that you can download samples before purchasing to make sure that it’s what you want. Downsides: some books just don’t work, for example, books with tables or illustrations. Not everything is available on Kindle. HOWEVER, there is nothing like the feel and smell of a “real” book. As I begin to research my next book…non-fiction is what I’m leaning towards…I will order hard copies of resources. And I really hope someday that my work will be “substantial.” Victoria
Victoria, your thoughts are very helpful. Thank you. I feel the same way you do about the feel of real books and, at the same time, enjoying the benefits of technology. I must say that there is nothing like receiving a box of one’s own newly published books, crisp and colorful and never-before-opened. You will love that substantial experience. 🙂
go for it!
Thank you! 🙂
I love the higher contrast when comparing to Kindle 2 or any other eReader. I did some measurements and the contrast is indeed measurably better – Kindle 3 Screen Review
Great details in your review. Thanks.
I think giving the kindle a test run before you buy one is smart! I can’t really say one way or the other since I don’t own a kindle or a nook. I just know that I love the feel of paper and the smell of ink 🙂 .
Ah, yes, the feel of paper, the beauty of ink, the weight of a paperback against the palm. I agree–I am not ready to replace those pleasures! The one sensory experience I could do without is the overwhelming smell of newspaper ink that makes me sneeze. 😉
Lol. I’m actually allergic to some of my textbooks. I can’t tell if it’s the ink they used or the paper. But, every time I open them up, my eyes water and I sneeze.
Also, I noticed that you changed the design of your blog. Pretty cool! 🙂
I want one 🙂
Adult toys! 😀
Hi, Lisa!
I received a Nook as a gift a couple of months ago – and like you, I love the compact convenience of it. I love paper more, so it’s a hard transition, and I tend to only download the super-cheap or free books that are available. So the jury is still out for the moment!
Hope all is well in your world 🙂
C
Cyndi, a friend of mine has a Nook and absolutely loves it. I do think there is a way to keep the best of the old and integrate the best of the new.
I love the “All shall be well” quote at the end of your last post. 🙂
Kelsey, a textbook allergy is no fun! :-O
Yes, I’m playing with my blog design today. I’m trying to figure out how to change the yellow background to white or a much lighter yellow, and the titles to dark blue instead of brown. If I can do those things, I’ll keep it. 🙂
I have a Sony Reader and I love it! I like to read while lying in bed….and my ereader makes that so much more comfortable. I have a paperback I’m reading right now…first one since getting my ereader for Christmas…and it’s just a bit cumbersome. I read while at the gym and I know there’s no way i could take it there. The print is just too small to focus on while I’m bouncing around on the elliptical. The ereader is perfect at the gym when I set it to the largest font!
Good luck on making your decision!
Stephanie, thanks so much for sharing your experience! Taking it to the gym is a great idea (it might even get me to go to the gym, ha ha). 🙂
I’m anxiously waiting for mine.
And your classics? You can get them for free! The really old one, that is (Jane Austen, Charlotte Bronte, Charles Dickens, etc.)
Tessa, that part really excites me, too! I wonder if e-readers will make some people more likely to read classics, since that what they might start with as public domain, free books.
Okay, I’ve done it. My Kindle 3 is ordered. Now, like you, I wait. 😀