So the Kindle 2.0 is a reality now. And I want one. Why, I ask myself? I love real books. The size, feel, smell, etc. But, as I look at my groaning shelves, the neverending supply train of books that pours into my house on a regular basis — I'm wondering if the Kindle isn't the way to go for me. I could still buy my keepers in paperback. But, oh, to have that Whispernet technology! (Can you say a spending nightmare waiting to happen?) To have instant access to a huge library of books that I can read the instant I want to read them. Oh, it is to dream.
It's taken me a long time to get on the e-reader bandwagon. Because, quite frankly, the books once offered in e-format weren't what I wanted to read. Now that the major publishers have jumped on the bandwagon, I'm so there.
But, I am also aware that I'm a gadget junkie. Do I want this thing because it's sexy and looks awesome? Will it be yet another gadget I could have done without? (Yes, I speak to you T-Mobile Dash and you Alphasmart Neo — love Neo, but don't use as often as I thought I would since I no longer have a need to write on the beach.) I just don't know.
And, since I just got the iPhone (love it!), I'm out of gadget buying points for a while. I have to wait until at least my birthday, and maybe even Christmas (sigh). Though, I must admit, my hubby pretty much lets me have whatever my heart desires — so if I were to say I really, really, really wanted it, he would tell me to get it. Oh the temptation to abuse my power!
But, I will be good. For as long as possible. What do you think of e-readers? Do you covet the Kindle like I do? Have one already? Love it or hate it? Can't ever imagine reading anything besides a paper and ink book?
PS: Had an interview yesterday in the Decatur Daily and will post a link just as soon as one is available. Unfortunately, the Daily won't let you view their articles online unless you are a subscriber. So I must wait for it to appear elsewhere….
I like the feel of a paper book in my hands, but I’ll admit the Kindle would be great for traveling. Instead of cramming 5 books into my suitcase for beach reading, I could take one Kindle. I suppose once you get used to it, it might seem as normal as reading a regular book.
I’m sorta gadgety. I get the DH’s hand-me-down cell phones so now I have one that opens one way for phone dialing, and sideways to reveal a QWERTY keyboard, which makes texting much easier. He has an iClone — Verizon’s version of a touch-screen phone. It’s pretty nice though not nearly as sophisticated as the iPhone. Maybe one day…
I’m curious about the Kindle, but one limfac for me is 3G availability. When I’m in San Antonio, I have great 3G. Here in Central Texas, only 1G (or whatever they call it). For my cell phone, I don’t have a problem with that. But I hesitate for things like the Kindle. Why? I’m not sure.
On the other hand, screen size sounds like it’s ok. I have loaded books onto my Palm, but I’ve resisted reading them. I think the screens too small. And I would have coverage enough to be able to get books. I’m just not ready to spring yet. I am watching other people’s responses.
You were one of several people who convinced me begin the switch to Mac, so I’ll be watching this space. Grin.
I looked at those sliding phones before, Marilyn. This was before the iPhone came out, I think. And I wanted one, of course. I think they’re cool! But it was definitely iPhone for me this time. Day 3 and LOVING it.
Jean, wow, who knew my blog was on the cutting edge of technology? *g* I hear you about the slow wireless. That might worry me. But, OTOH, I don’t think the books are that huge file-wise.
I have books on the iPhone and I have been reading them — but only in short doses because the screen is small and it’s backlit. Works in short stints, but I could never sit for half a day and read a book that way, so I understand your resistance to reading on the Palm.
You know me. I’m clueless. 😉
Blogger ate my comment. Ugh. I’m too lazy to retype it.
Just let it be known that I’ll have to borrow someone else’s kindle before I’ll commit. I fear change
I’ve been looking over the Kindle information and did a little browsing. Another concern I have is buying a Kindle book for nearly the same price as the paper copy but having to depend upon Kindle technology for that book. I’d feel a lot more comfortable if, when I bought a paper copy I could get the Kindle version for $1.49 like they already offer on other electronic versions. Essentially, buy the paper book and get the Kindle version free (or, if you prefer to look at this way, for the equivalent of a very small transmission fee).
I think you’re right about the slower transmission rate not being that big of a deal. Apparently it may impact your battery life a little.
If I get one, PC, you can handle it. 🙂
Jean, good point! They should have a Kindle price for if you buy the hard copy. My understanding is that the cost of the Whispernet (which is like having a cell phone connection without a bill) is built into the prices of the books. That’s why there’s no bill for connectivity.
Also, Amazon will store all the books you buy online for free (or, again, it’s built into the cost). So you never have to worry about losing a book you’ve paid for.
I also like that you can download sample chapters before deciding. I’ve bought books in haste and then wished I’d taken the time to read a chapter first, so I do like that option a lot.
But, sigh, no Kindle for me yet. Unless I go berserk and order one in a weak moment. *g*
True. Lest anyone misunderstand, there is no download or connection fee for Kindle. I was using the example as a way the reader could think of the my proposed fee suggestion.
I had missed that they maintain your library at Amazon for you — that’s an important point. Much like you can re-download your library from Audible.
It’s a tempting device. I think I’ll wait awhile. By the way, I pulled out my Palm last night and started reading a book on it. It wasn’t troublesome at all — except for the odd spacing the Adobe to Palm converter put in. I think Adobe’s converter needs some work, but the Palm piece was working just fine. I even took it with me to the dentist today and read from it while in the waiting room. I could enjoy this.