Amazon Kindle
Promoted to Freshly Pressed on July 13, 2010!
Those of you who know me are well aware that I am rarely wrong. Seriously. Quit laughing. But I will be the first to admit when I have, indeed, made a mistake. And today, I am ready to acknowledge (somewhat of) an error in judgement.
When e-books first arrived on the market, I was one of those sceptics who said that no electronic device could replace the functionality or feeling that came that came with flipping through the pages of a good book. Well, hate to say it, but I’m still right about that. However, after finally trying out the acclaimed Amazon Kindle, I am here to say that I have been converted.
While it still just isn’t the same as a paperback, the Kindle is incredibly dynamic, easy-to-use and just downright convenient. Instead of taking a single book to work, I can now drag along my entire library – complete with recent periodicals and the latest edition of the local daily newspaper. But what sold me on the Kindle isn’t the wide range of purchase options or instant access; it’s the unlimited portability.
In 2009, I had the fortunate opportunity to spend fourteen weeks touring through five incredibly diverse South American countries. For each of those countries, I relied heavily on my selection of Lonely Planet guidebooks. Anyone who has backpacked knows that four or five books can slag on a needless amount of weight. The Kindle does away with virtually all of that. The serial traveller now has the ability to preview and purchase guidebooks, as needed, so if your plans change, you don’t waste money – or more importantly – precious weight.
But not everything is completely rosy. Internet access on the Kindle is limited and painfully slow at best. Then again, that’s not what it is intended for. So the question remains: does a person stick with the Kindle, or hold out for the second-generation iPad?
I don’t care if it blows up upon impact…I still want one. Been salivating about it for over 6 months now! Have almost convinced my husband to cave in and buy me one. Thanks for the nice write-up. I’ll be using it as part of my “plead package”.
Posted by nardeeisms | July 13, 2010, 8:00 amAbsolutely! Well, I hope it helps – if you love to read, I’m fully convinced you will love the Kindle. And to my knowledge, they haven’t had a reputation for blowing up, so I think you’re safe….;)
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 8:54 amI am happy to stick with my Kindle so far. As you say, it makes any trip easier, and the ability to download on the spot is great, I got a new book while laying on the beach without having to move anything but my fingers, that was great. I’m also loving the notes and clippings.
Posted by Luna de Júpiter | July 13, 2010, 8:01 amI’m glad you like it. Happy travelling!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 8:52 amI would like to try the kindle but am still skeptic as well. I don’t want to spend the money then not like it ha.
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Posted by Adam Day | July 13, 2010, 8:08 amYou know, sometimes being a skeptic sucks. Let me put it this way: if you like to read, you won’t be disappointed!
Ps. Here’s a little caveat I didn’t know before I received my Kindle: the Kindle uses the same ink that you find in paper books to display text on the screen – unlike the iPad or some other e-book readers. The Kindle then arranges the ink digitally to form the image for that particular page. That way, you can read in the sunlight just as you would with a normal book!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 8:52 amStop it! You are turning me to the dark side!
I will now have to check prices on this said kindle!
ha
Posted by Adam Day | July 13, 2010, 11:06 amCome on over! We would love to have you.
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 11:13 amwow…almost 200 bucks…whew
Posted by Adam Day | July 13, 2010, 11:14 am>>> you can read in the sunlight just
>>> as you would with a normal book!
Interesting information. Thanks.
Posted by Tigre de Fogo | July 14, 2010, 1:49 amThank you for this post! I’m a fellow skeptic and haven’t had the chance to try out the Kindle or the iPad yet. The more people I hear raving about it, the more I start to come around to the idea. For me, the convenience would be in having multiple books with little weight when using public transportation.
So, you mentioned that you have your library plus a daily newspaper. So how much does does a daily newspaper subscription cost on the Kindle? I read that some e-books are free…are you having to do the annoying re-buy all of your books in e-form? I’m still not completely over the VHS to DVD to Blue-Ray thing.
Posted by Kate | July 13, 2010, 8:27 amHey Kate! Thank you so much for your comment. If I remember correctly, my monthly subscription for the daily newspaper is $13.99 – which, in my opinion, is a small price to pay for instant delivery straight to my hands anywhere in the world. The nice thing is it started with a 14-day free trial, so if I didn’t like it, I always had the option to say forget it. I believe that different publications are priced differently, but most all of them are well under $20 per month.
As for my digital library, I have re-purchased some of my old paper books, although I don’t find myself doubling up very much. With the Kindle, you have on-the-spot access to virtually any book you want to read – no shopping around or waiting for delivery – so I find myself reading more new material than perhaps I was in the past. So to answer your question, it is a touch annoying at first, but you quickly realize that there isn’t much use purchasing your old books in e-book format all at once. Buy them only if you want to read them at the moment.
If you have any more questions, I’d be more than happy to answer
Take care!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 8:49 amI resisted the Kindle for a long time due to my love of plain, old-fashioned books. But after reading about how everyone that has one loves it, and the idea that I could carry so much reading material at once, has made me change my mind and now I desperately want one! Just waiting for one more price cut.
Posted by daisyjacobs | July 13, 2010, 8:43 amYou know, they’ve really come down in price already, so if you really want one, don’t starve yourself of freedom any longer
!!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 8:57 amI haven’t splurged on a Kindle or iPad (OK, my wife hasn’t let me splurge on a Kindle or iPad), but I have downloaded a few books onto my iPhone and read them on the plane, just to get a taste of it, and I liked it a lot. I can’t imagine replacing my library with digital downloads the same way I did my CD collection, but I think e-books are great for traveling (if you remember to bring your charger).
Posted by Todd Pack | July 13, 2010, 8:48 am1. Chargers are key. Learned that the hard way. But in the Kindle’s defense, the battery seems to last forever.
2. What’s nice is that you don’t have to replace your entire library, because even if you haven’t downloaded the book, you still have instant access to purchasing it. So my rule is only buy it at the moment I want to read it again.
3. Thanks for reading!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 9:00 amI am very, very slowly warming to the idea of getting an e-reader, yet I still feel as though they are overpriced. Once I see one at a sub-$100 price, I’m in. I mostly wish that they could render books in color, because something like an e-reader travel guide would be much cooler if it was in color!
Posted by Facing The Lens | July 13, 2010, 8:52 amI purchased a Kindle almost a year ago and have yet to fully use it. Thanks to your post, it’s spurring me on to start enjoying it. It will surely come in handy when I go on an overseas trip in a few weeks. Congrats on making it to Freshly Pressed!
Posted by Earthianne | July 13, 2010, 8:59 amI use the Kindle app on my iPhone. I love it. I’ve never read so many books – just for fun – than I have since I started using Kindle. Even on the comparatively tiny screen of the iPhone, reading is easy and so much more convenient than carrying a book (or a library of books for that matter). Shop, free preview, purchase, download, and in seconds, read.
Problem is I love bookstores. Especially the small, locally owned shops you discover here and there. I was in one on the Oregon coast last week and I was not the only person looking at books and then making notes of what to look for online. I wonder how these delightful little shops (and their owners) will survive.
Printed books are wonderful to hold. Ebooks are versatile and convenient. Some older books are not yet available as ebooks. Most new publications are. I still purchase the occasional paper book, but I’ve collected quite a library of ebooks in the 15 months since I’ve gone E.
Posted by RCSmith | July 13, 2010, 9:17 amI completely agree that there is still something about paper books you still can’t beat. And I do still do my best to support the mom and pop book stores whenever possible; but the sad reality is most are simply just not viable anymore. My favourite bookstore here in Regina, Saskatchewan, just closed down after 30 years…
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 9:58 amI love my Kindle ! I was very skeptical at first. But I simply adore it now.
Posted by Debbie | July 13, 2010, 9:17 amIn the last couple of months, I’ve really come around to the idea of owning a Kindle. Before, I would’ve said NO WAY to a Kindle, but in an effort to be more environmentally friendly (and to not crowd my crowded shelves any more than they already are), I’m open to owning a Kindle. To get my feet wet, I downloaded the Kindle for PCs app and got a couple of the free books so I can get a feel for it first.
I think I’ll pass on the iPad. I don’t need what is essentially a lidless laptop. I already have a regular one.
Posted by louisianefille | July 13, 2010, 9:34 amAfter trying it out for a day, I passed on the iPad as well; and although I will likely keep the Kindle, I fully anticipate picking up the iPad Gen 2s when they are released – providing they make the changes I think we’re all anticipating.
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 10:00 amI’m not entirely convinced that the Kindle is more environmentally friendly. There are new models coming out and eventually the Kindle that one buys will be out-moded and end up in a landfill, virtually unusable when the model is no longer supported (or just tossed out, as many people do when the newest thing comes along). Books, at least, can be passed on, sold to second-hand shops, and donated to libraries when we’re done with them.
Posted by greengeekgirl | July 13, 2010, 10:04 amAll good points! Something to think about…
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 10:07 amI’m not as anti-Kindle as I seem to be
I promise. I think it is as you said before, a great tool for those who need something lightweight and compact. I get suspicious of them calling it “green,” though.
Posted by greengeekgirl | July 13, 2010, 10:12 amYou know, I never really challenged the assumption of being environmentally friendly, though. Definitely going to look into that more. Do you think it would be viable/helpful for e-books to have – say – three licenses, and that way you can share them a few times as you would a normal book without repurchasing them?
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 10:17 amI love my Kindle as well, but was completely sold on the e-Ink when I first saw the prototype almost twenty years ago at of all places, Epcot Center in Orlando.
As to the iPad 2nd gen question. Totally depends on what you want to do with it. You hit on the main point of the Kindle: READING. it’s not for Internet surfing or web app stuff. That’s what the iPad is for. But for traveling like you are doing it could be that the ipad will be better because of the ability for Travel books with Audio and video. Of course if you’re traveling in areas without cell and internet you’re up a creek.
I think size wise the Kindle is better too. And the e-Ink is much easier on the eyes for long term reading then the iPad.
Posted by wheelalignmentshop | July 13, 2010, 9:45 amCouldn’t agree more – it’s all about what you want to do with it. Regarding the iPad Gen 2s, there are just simple things (like an integrated USB port) that I want incorporated before I even think about letting go of the Kindle.
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 10:01 amI still think they are far too over-priced and will possibly develop into a better (and financially competitive) product over time. I haven’t been converted (yet), it;s much like giving up your favourite wallpaper for that of a vinyl finish. I really don’t want to lose my love of books, but I can see the pros and cons of a kindle.
Best,
SP
Posted by Socialpaws | July 13, 2010, 9:49 amWell, I would have to argue that the portability and accessibility of the Kindle (cheaper books, no shipping or gas to get to the book store) make it a financially viable option when compared to the traditional book – the environment benefits notwithstanding. But I see your point – I do think competition will make way for a more well-rounded product. In fact, that’s why I’m holding out on the iPad.
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 10:03 amThe Kindle has definitely caught on. I’m kind of surprised at how the e-book reader fad has caught on… with the screens in black and white basically and a lack of ability to do anything else. I guess that’s where the price difference in the Kindle and iPad come in… but for the money I would much prefer a colored screen and the ability to do other things with it.
Posted by Phillip | July 13, 2010, 9:54 amI wouldn’t necessarily call it a fad – it is simply a utilitarian tool that has obvious implications for the regular reader. If all you need it for is books, why wouldn’t you settle for the simpler, cheaper Kindle in lieu of the expensive iPad?
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 10:05 amCongrats on Freshly Pressed!
Even if I could afford an e-reader (I can’t) or justify having one (I can’t), I’m still holding out. While I do recognize the portability and functionality of this device, I do still love books–plus, my usual strategy is to wait for the craze to be over so that they aren’t making so many new models. *g*
Still, having come home from the library with 30 books at a time numerous times, I can sympathize with the relief of having it all in one slim device.
Posted by greengeekgirl | July 13, 2010, 9:59 amEven with all the praises to e-books, I remain a plain book lover and recommend reading a book by Umberto Eco and Jean-Claude Carrière called “N’espérez pas vous débarrasser des livres” (Don’t hope to get rid of books), in which they declare their passion to books and, specially, old books and support that the book object is a perfect invention, as the wheel is. But I need to agree with you as you said that we can spare some weight with a e-reader. Great blog.
Posted by Petê Rissatti | July 13, 2010, 10:12 amThanks for the comment! Sounds like an interesting read; I’ll have to check it out for sure!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 10:17 amWhat about the Nook or Sony’s e-reader? Including the Kindle they all suffer from the limitations of e-ink technology, such as slow page loading which translates into slow page flipping or even jumping to a different section. Another issue all three have is their proprietary book formats. A book published for one reader isn’t available for the other two since none have cross format support for each other.
As of yet, it seems the e-readers are convenient for travelers but inconvenient for other readers who don’t want to buy books based on what reader they have.
Posted by Nate | July 13, 2010, 10:34 amTo be honest, I haven’t used the Nook or Sony’s e-reader. The Kindle seemed like the most logical option to test the e-book platform, as it was the device whose format was most likely to last (due to its tie with Amazon). Granted, the e-ink technology isn’t lightning fast, but – at least for me – I will gladly take a slower load time over the convenience to access any book I want in a split second. You make great points, though! Thanks for the comment!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 10:41 amNook and iPad each use ePub format; I have each and can often share books and newspapers between the two. Sometimes they don’t transfer well, but for the most part they do.
Posted by alyxwi | July 13, 2010, 11:06 amactually sony and the nook both read epub format. I am able to download from the sony site and read on my nook no problem. They also both read PDF but not that well.
Posted by chocolatehabit | July 13, 2010, 12:16 pmI am a long time ebook convert. I started with a sony 505 which I loved with all of my heart. But sadly it died when dropped on a tile floor at just the wrong angle. I have since moved on to the B&N Nook which I’m pretty happy with and I do love the direct download feature that the nook shares with the Kindle. My Husband has an Ipad which I find way too big for reading. If the 2nd gen Ipad comes in a smaller form factor, maybe a 6 inch screen then I might consider it a possible replacement for the Nook.
Posted by chocolatehabit | July 13, 2010, 10:38 amThe other thing I didn’t like about the iPad for reading was the glossy screen. I’m hoping they release the Gen 2s with a greater range of options pertaining to the screen and size. Don’t get me wrong – I would love one; just a few more improvements needed for what I want it for.
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 10:46 amkindle looks like a brick compared to the ibook
Posted by fightforthewrite | July 13, 2010, 10:43 amFar from a brick in my opinion, but let’s hope Apple can make a version of the iPad Gen2 to compete.
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 10:49 amI’m with you, a convert through and through! And, in addition to the portability, I love the Kindle’s ease of use. It’s so light that I can read it in bed with one hand, turning the pages with a click of my thumb! This is a delight, considering that, pre-Kindle, I always seemed to be reading hardback books that were 700+ pages! It has become one of my most prized possessions! I’m almost ashamed of how protective I am of it!
Posted by Star, Simplified | July 13, 2010, 11:02 amAnother convert! Great – we’re happy to have you on-board!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 11:09 amI believed the same thing for ages until a B&N salesman pitched me the nook. I ended up walking out of the store with one the very same day. Many of my magazines are e-published months before they’re out in paper, so I almost get a sneak peek.
Of course, nook > Kindle.
Posted by alyxwi | July 13, 2010, 11:04 amInteresting! Haven’t used the Nook. Perhaps worth checking out!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 11:11 amInteresting blog – I’ve been umming and ahhing about e-books for some time now but my biggest worry with something like the Kindle is heading down to the beach when on holiday. With my trusty paperback I’m not afraid to put it down on the sand and run in to the sea to play with the kids, then come back and pick up where I left off.
With a Kindle (or similar) I’d be afraid of a) getting sea water and sand all over it, and b) having some toerag half-inch it while I’m in the water with my children.
A £6.99 paperback doesn’t have the same value as a £300 electronic piece of kit.
I dearly want one, but am not brave enough to splurge the cash yet!
Posted by Mark J Daniels | July 13, 2010, 11:43 amVery true. But just like with anything: value has a price. I could drive an ’87 Chevrolet Chevette and not worry about someone stealing it, but I would much rather have the luxury, versatility and dependability of my Ford Escape!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 11:56 amInteresting analogy, but at the end of the day if someone nicked your car you’d still be pissed off at being left without a ride. Whereas if somebody nicked your paperback book you’d just go buy another.
Posted by Mark J Daniels | July 13, 2010, 2:51 pmIt seems worth to try, but I still skeptical on how long such equipment will remain in market. Does anyone remember an iPod, it was a phenomenon just minutes ago but now it is nothing more than a scrap? What about kindle or iPad?
Posted by antondewantoro | July 13, 2010, 11:48 amThe iPod is a scrap? News to me. But then again, I just discovered e-books
Thanks for reading!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 11:57 amI think it’s rather convenient to able to have “all” books at one’s fingertips. It only makes sense that as humans evolve, so would the technology. I wonder what “books” will look like in 50 years?
With Love and Gratitude,
The Intentional Sage
Posted by TheIntentionalSage | July 13, 2010, 12:31 pmThanks for the post! Written literature is still one concept that has evolved very little when compared to the technological advances of the delivery medium. I, too, constantly wonder where we go from here. Food for thought!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 12:35 pmGlad I came across this post! Just started thinking about getting an e-book reader, but not sure which one is a better investment…the Nook or the Kindle? Any thoughts? The Nook is more in my price range.
Posted by Rudy | July 13, 2010, 12:59 pmHaven’t had the opportunity to really use the Nook, but I will explain the reason why I first chose to take a look at the Kindle, and you can see if my reasoning suits you. First and foremost, the Kindle is a product from Amazon – a place where I’ve had very pleasant customer experiences in the past, so right away, that made me somewhat biased . But I knew I wanted a dedicated e-reader, not necessarily a fully-functional tablet computer, so the the functionality of the Kindle really appealed to me. It’s light, it maximizes battery life by using a monochrome electronic ink screen (opposed to the Nook, whose battery life is shortened by a color LCD), it has a great type-able keyboard, and it’s easy to use. Simply put: it’s utilitarian, but it serves its purpose well. My biggest problem with the Kindle is that it has no expandable memory slot. Granted, the internal memory stores about 1,500 books, but it would be nice to have the option nevertheless. In all honestly, though, I can’t imagine many people stockpiling 1,500 e-books. And the last thing that appealed to me about the Kindle was it’s size, which is slightly more portable and a few ounce lighter than the Nook. Hope this helps
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 1:51 pmI love Apple, but I’d pick still pick a new netbook over an iPad anyday. Maybe 2nd gen iPad will be better. I haven’t gotten a chance to play with a Kindle yet.
Posted by scandalousmuffin | July 13, 2010, 2:23 pmI’m hoping they make some improvements on the Gen 2 iPads as well. In the meantime, I’m with you.
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 2:25 pmYep, I’m a convert too! Although I am unable to use the Kindle – not available for book downloads in Canada – I do use the Sony eBook and LOVE IT! Traveling is the biggest selling point for electronic books b/c like you mention you can carry an unlimited number (well practically – I can use an SD memory card and carry thousands of books) with you anywhere. It charges fast and lasts for hundreds if not thousands of page turns. Plus it’s a real conversation starter – for those looking to meet people.
Your place is always saved, you can bookmark pages, I hear newer models even highlight text. Come on – I’ve moved 18 times in 16 years – this is a remarkable tool!!!
Oh and for those who now can feel comfortable giving your books away – Don’t sell them to used book stores (unless you need quick cash), give them to a library that will give you a tax receipt. (My text books earned me $1000s in tax deductions.) Just a thought.
Posted by YouGetWellSoon | July 13, 2010, 2:37 pmThanks for the read! Just an update though: I am from Saskatchewan, and I am downloading books on the Kindle, so it must be good to go in Canada now.
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 2:42 pmHmm… I am still a sceptic and an e-book virgin… you gave me food for thoug though…
)
Posted by sayitinasong | July 13, 2010, 3:10 pmThe kindle. But I do wish they came cheaper!
I’ve heard prices are lower now than ever before though.
Posted by trequartisti | July 13, 2010, 3:22 pmOne skepical thought I have is whether the books I want would be availble for Kindle.
p
Posted by pablos | July 13, 2010, 3:55 pmMost are – especially if they’re already available through Amazon. A simple Google search, though, should tell you.
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 3:57 pmI plan to buy an e-book within the next year or so. I’m taking my time for the next generaton to hit, which should be before the end of 2010, and it doesn’t matter if I buy a Kindle or not since Kindle offers apps that may be downloaded for free for most of the e-books on the market including the iPad, the Nook, my desktop and laptop and phone. One thing the device I buy must have is an audio version even if it is an computer voice so I can listen to the books while I’m driving and read them when I’m not driving.
Posted by Lloyd Lofthouse | July 13, 2010, 4:01 pmI too was a skeptic until about a week or so ago, when I was approached by a salesman in B&N for the Nook, and was amazed at the clarity of the words on the screen (which I assumed would be backlit and further soldifiying my need for reading glasses). I was pleasantly surprised, although I realized it was not for me since the type of books I tend to read weren’t readily available. But should they expand their online ‘library’ in the future, I just might get one…
Posted by dearydame | July 13, 2010, 4:23 pmYes, being another skeptic, I only recently changed my mind. After reading a piece (I’ll try to find it and bring the link back here) about not today, but the far distant future. I realized the e-book is just the Model-T of future overall experience through digital electronics and nano-technology. In the way early 20th century holdouts kept buying horses while those less resistant to change bought the first cars, I’d not want my grandkids to think I dug in my pink heels.
Congratulations on Freshly Pressed!!
Posted by Lois Kackley | July 13, 2010, 5:22 pmThanks for the comment! I’m glad your broke down and purchased one. What have your thoughts been so far…??
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 5:24 pmI love books and bookshops but I love my Kindle just as much! I read it every night, the battery lasts weeks if the wireless is turned off (I just turn it on to download new books). It’s light and great to read in bed. No trying to hold open a heavy book. It remembers where you got to in as many books as you care to have on the go. I like being able to download free samples of books to try before I buy and how there is only a short delay from deciding to buy to having the full book on your Kindle. I often browse books on my PC and you get the option on Amazon which location to send the samples to (I have Kindle for PC on my desktop and laptop in addition to my Kindle).
I would still choose a traditional paper format for those books with lots of illustrations or diagrams etc in colour, although the clarity of the greyscale screen is excellent.
The Kindle allows you to store documents in kindle format (email them to your kindle email address for free convertion) and also to listen to music using a very primitive mp3 player.
I also like the notes and comments and bookmarks options. Very handy. The dictionary is great for quickly reading the definition of a word you do not know.
All in all this skeptic was converted on her first use of the Kindle. Like a previous commenter I dropped it on its corner on the floor by accident not long after I got it but it suffered no ill effects whatsoever. A tough cookie.
Posted by Aspietech | July 13, 2010, 5:24 pmDidn’t your parents tell you that you should always try something at least once?
Posted by livewriter2000 | July 13, 2010, 5:43 pmMy girlfriend is a big fan of the e-books, having a portable collection of all her favourite books is just great. While I still prefer the feeling of a book, it’s a good alternative.
Posted by mostlymath | July 13, 2010, 5:45 pmI’m a skeptic myself, I don’t tend to bring a book with me to read, I generally read at home so the portability doesn’t really matter to me. When I go on a trip I take one book with me, a paperback, and a few magazines to read too. I played with the Sony Digital Reader and was not impressed… at all. But, I’m glad you like your kindle!
Posted by sarahnsh | July 13, 2010, 5:51 pmDifferent strokes for different folks! Just make sure to give it another try a few months down the road.
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 5:59 pmIn my opinion, we should take the best benefit from technology. Indeed, the Kindle and such things cannot compare to the crispy papers of a new book, but they get the purpose across.
http://noor724.wordpress.com
Posted by Noor | July 13, 2010, 6:23 pmI felt the same way about GPS until I got my tomtom, now I don’t know why I bothered trying to find places. Hell, women even make jokes about us not stopping to ask directions, now I’ll only ask my pal Tom. Tom. Technology is something we should all give a try from time to time and remind ourselves change can actually be fun too.
Posted by Robert Bain | July 13, 2010, 6:35 pmIn my opinion, the Kindle is not the eReader you want. Ideally you get the iPad and Barnes & Noble’s Nook. I happen to like the nook a lot better than the kindle. The iPad is not a very good eReader either. It is better looked at as a giant multi functional iPod Touch. If you are of any par of a reader than when reading a book on the LED screen of the iPad after a while of reading you eyes will hurt. It is also not easy to read in bright light or in the dark because of the extreme brightness though neither is any other eReader because they require lights. Anyways, get the iPad for other reasons than for the eReader because you will be disappointed. Get the nook instead. The kindle is not the answer. Sorry. Nice blog though.
M@cintosh
Posted by M@cintosh | July 13, 2010, 7:04 pmThanks for the comment! I have to both strongly disagree and agree with you at the same time. Personally, I would love to opt for the iPad; however, there are simply a few changes I would like to see before I entrust my love of reading into that device. It’s like trying to get a sports car that is comfortable, fast, and has room for the kids – it’s a tough concept to master. And, in my opinion, Apple isn’t there yet, although I’m holding out hope for the Gen 2s. As for the Nook, I have to admit that I don’t have much experience with it. But then again, at this point in my experience, I really don’t have to – I’m perfectly satisfied with the performance of the Kindle. In the end however, the fact we are even having this debate just goes to show how far along e-books have come in the first place, which was really my core point in the blog. Thanks for reading – I’d love to hear more of your opinions!
Posted by dereklothian | July 13, 2010, 7:11 pmI absolutely love my Kindle. And especially love the ability to share from it now. Although my Facebook friends may not be as gleeful about that particular feature.
Posted by Tracie B. | July 13, 2010, 8:41 pmThank you. My girlfriend bought one tonight, and I will forward this to her.
Posted by meremention | July 13, 2010, 9:26 pmI think ipad is popular more than Kindle now!But Kindle easy to use more than ipad.
Posted by oasis | July 13, 2010, 10:38 pmI think I’m going to buy one of the cheap Android pads when they come out. They will work with the Kindle software and display PDFs better than an e-ink reader. In fact, reading PDFs is the main reason I want to get a book sized tablet and I think a color screen is paramount. Kindle software already supports multimedia embeds and these will only become more important as these devices mature and grow in popularity.
Posted by homosaur | July 13, 2010, 11:08 pmI’m thinking of one of these ibooks…will it be the kindle the ipad ,Nook ,ibook? I don’t know…it all depends on study and time spent investigating. I don’t know which one will last, which one is the best…what to do, what to do. I just love books, physical books. So I don’t know what to do. Gotta think long and hard, it’s a decent amount of money and then you have to BUY the books. I want to see if you can borrow books from the library on the ipads? I think you can on the kindle. I don’t want to buy every book on this too…
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Posted by Evie Garone | July 13, 2010, 11:13 pmI really want one of those! My teacher has one and they look like they make reading interesting, and you don’t have to have your hand on the page hold it
Posted by BrittanyMarie | July 13, 2010, 11:59 pmThe answer for last question is to be both at the right time …….
Posted by amirafimisr | July 14, 2010, 2:43 amGot to be honest, if it was a choice between Kindle and iPad, I’m sure I’d go for the iPad. Not only can you get e-books on there in the same fashion as Kindle, but you also get all the extras that go along with it. So you’ve got your entire library, as well as cd collection and movie collection. Definitely weight saving there!!
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Posted by Dan Wade | July 14, 2010, 7:10 amIf those were my only considerations I would agree with you, as you make really good points. But I am avid reader, and if I read a lot on a back lit screen I get eyestrain and headaches. Kindle is not lit, therefore does not produce this effect.
They actually did a study (sorry I didn’t keep the link or I would post it) recently showing how reading on a computer, iPad, etc. before bed time all affected the quality of sleep. Kindle scored just like a book, it did not affect sleep quality. They assume this is due to the lighting issue. Which makes sense.
I think if I was a lighter reader I would agree with you, for the same reasons you gave. But for a lot of reading, Kindle is far easier on your eyes (and apparently your sleep) than the iPad.
Posted by Debbie | July 14, 2010, 2:51 pmNook! Nook! Nook! Nook!
Posted by aproprose | July 14, 2010, 8:15 amp.s they have software updates regularly! Fixes bugs that pop up without having to buy a brand new model.
Posted by aproprose | July 14, 2010, 8:15 amKindle has software updates whenever they are needed. I’ve never had to buy a new Kindle.
Posted by Debbie | July 14, 2010, 2:44 pmiPad VS Kindle, what’s a great battle. My sister bought Kindle months ago, and she loves it badly. For me, I’m apple fan, but I’m not hesitate to use Kindle (if my sis allows me to borrow
Posted by Bob | July 14, 2010, 8:35 amI say hold out on the second generation Ipad
Posted by justdc | July 14, 2010, 2:28 pmThanks for share! i’m looking for e-book reader.
And this give me the best answer.
Posted by helicoptre | July 18, 2010, 12:10 pmLike you, I thought nothing could replace the book. But I converted; I just pre-ordered my kindle 3. I’ve been holding out for a while especially since the ipad came out. However, after reading the ipad reviews- no usb, no multi-tasking, hard to read novels in the sunlight – I wasn’t really sure if I wanted an ipad. The price also seemed really high, especially if you wanted 3G. Then there’s the whole AT&T issue.
Even with all of those issues, I even went ahead and ordered ipad. It arrived at the store within a couple of day, but when I went to there to pick it up, I ended up in a line with 10 people ahead of me. 20 minutes later and my line hadn’t moved. I left without it. If I was waiting that long to buy it, I couldn’t imagine what getting support would be like.
So I re-evaluated my needs for the next year or so – reading and basic web browsing, and looked at the Kindle DX. It was still a bit pricey so I waited, especially since I heard about the Kindle 3.
With free global 3G, $189 price tag (cheaper if you go wi-fi only), the ability to hold a charge for 10 days (a month if you only use wi-fi), the increased memory (3500 books), and the ability for the device to read text to me, I was sold.
I’ll still probably get a droid tablet when my laptop wears out. But, for now, I’ll use the kindle.
Posted by milytaylor | July 31, 2010, 4:18 pmHere’s something to think about as well. I was looking at openlibrary.org and some of the public libraries that have ebooks. Kindle 3 doesn’t support either the epub format or Mobi format or the drm pdf format.
I may be rethinking my decision and go with the Nook.
Posted by milytaylor | July 31, 2010, 4:44 pmI just ordered my iPad, and it should arrive in two weeks. I spent weeks researching it to the last detail, and concluded that the iPad is the best device for me. I’m not waiting for iPad two, either, because I’m in grad school now. Fortunately, a lot of the objections I found to the iPad on the web are outdated!
I’m actually going to dedicate a section of my blog, which I just started up to go alongside my student research, to the iPad and its uses in an academic setting. New apps are popping up every day to cater to all different types of readers, and I’m excited to see how all of this evolves.
Posted by octopusjournals | August 1, 2010, 11:28 pmI love my kindle! It’ll never replace the feeling or smell of a new paperback book, but as a college student, I’ve been converted to convenience. The prices of the books are my favorite things about the kindle!
-Brissa
adailydoseof.wordpress.com
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Posted by Schnettler | September 4, 2011, 10:52 am