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All of this talk makes me actually want to open the sony e-reader that I got for Christmas. It seems like it would be a good gift for me, but I like paper. And I like owning books, it's why I don't generally go to the library. If I read a book and I like it, I generally want to own it. But, if I've already read it, I don't want to spend money on it. So, I'd rather buy it and roll the dice. My issues, let me show you them.
I can relate to this. I felt the same way. But for stuff like "Hunger Games" and "Shit My Dad Says" and "The Passage", I know I don't want to own the hard copies (and the library wait list is too long for my impatient self). And so many of the books I treasure in my collection (classics) are available free on the Kindle. So I can own the lovely books, but if I hanker for Dickens on the road, it's 1 minute to download all of "David Copperfield" and I don't have to lug it around.
If nothing else, does the Sony eReader offer samples? Just that alone (being able to download the first few chapters of a given book) can be awesome. You can just use it for that and you'll know if you want to buy the book. I read the sampe for the new Henry Aaron biography and could tell immediately that I want to own the actual book.
I was pretty shocked at how much I enjoy reading on the Kindle. I don't miss the "book" feel nearly as much as I thought I would.
So far, I don't miss wrestling the book. No porn intended, but it's pretty simple to read with one hand.
Yeah, I was afraid I'd miss the book feel, but I loved reading on my Kindle, and I love reading on the iPad now. I actually prefer the iPad for reading since I like the backlit screen and like having access to iBook, Kindle, and Nook as well as easy PDF ready and the ability to do full markup on PDF content. I get most of my work content in PDF now and can mark it up and make comments right on the iPad.
The thing is, I know I would NOT read on the iPad. There are too many bells and whistles. The thing about the Kindle that makes it so successful for me is that it's *just* about reading.
The thing is, I know I would NOT read on the iPad. There are too many bells and whistles.
Heh - that'd be my worry too. That I'd settle in to start a book...and then check email...and then check B.org...and then check Pocket Frogs...
Heh - that'd be my worry too. That I'd settle in to start a book...and then check email...and then check B.org...and then check Pocket Frogs...
Exactly!
ETA: which doesn't mean that I don't think iPads aren't totally cool and neato. I just know I wouldn't read on one.
I'll tell you what I do on an ipad that has my full attention:
reading pdfs. I use iAnnotate and that is pretty good for annotating pdfs (highlighting, comments, etc.). I don't get too distracted doing that.
I haven't tried reading a whole book, I still like other means for that.
I like that the e-ink products aren't backlit; that'll mean they qualify as not screen-time for the before bedtime screentime deadline.
Curious, le nubian is that for work or fun?
