Books: The Next Generation?
So yesterday I took the plunge and invested in the Kindle e-book reader from Amazon.com. As y’all might’ve inferred, I’ve been in a real book reading mood lately but I’ve been having difficulty lugging around all the tomes I’m trying to get thru on my various travels. Pink reader Karen suggested that I try out the new Kindle from Amazon as a way to carry many books with me in one, lightweight device. I’ve been skeptical about e-book readers in general but there is great functionality with the Kindle that appealed to me. First, it has expandable storage capacity, thousands of books can be purchased directly from Amazon.com AND they are wirelessly delivered to the Kindle immediately after purchase. You can even buy books from the device itself, away from your computer. Here is what the device looks like:
Now, before some folks start to complain that this is an advertisement for this device, let me assure you that it is not. I shelled out the $300+ for the device and only mention it because I’m interested to hear from other folks who may have experience with the Kindle. I was very happy to learn that most Neil Gaiman books are available for the Kindle as well as many other of my fave authors (Cormac McCarthy, David Sedaris). I’ve had the last two Stephen King books (Lisey’s Story and Duma Key) sitting on my shelf for months because they are both so thick and heavy … I bought Kindle versions and now have them on my device ready for reading. I’m not sure if the reading experience will be improved by this new toy but I am happy that I can now carry so many books with me so easily. I also subscribed to The New York Times newspaper. I HATE reading newspapers because of the newsprint they leave on my fingers … that problem doesn’t exist in Kindle form. So yeah … if any of y’all have any good or bad things to share about this thing, please let me know. I’m still figuring everything out yet. Oh and to be clear, I am not giving up traditional books … I love them too much. I just hope that this little device will help me read more books when I’m away from home (and I am away from home … a lot).
Last night, Mike and I went out for a fun catching-up dinner at Outback so that I could finally get my Aussie Chayze Froys fix. We had a great time. Tonight, I think I’m meeting up with Josh to see a movie … but I deffo plan to be back home to watch the Project Runway Season 5 pre-Finale ep ;)
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October 8th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
I HAVE ONE, LIKE IT VERY MUCH. DO NOT LET THE BATTERY DIE OR GET SUPER LOW … THEN YOU HAVE TO RESET IT.. NOT A BIG DEAL BUT I HAD TO CALL CUSTOMER SERVICE WHICH WAS GOOD.. ALSO TO SAVE BATTERY KEEP THE WIRELESS CONNECTION OFF UNLESS USING IT ENJOY
October 8th, 2008 at 1:12 pm
i think that sounds interesting- do the books cost the same as paperbacks, or cheaper? can you “share” books with people? its def. more “green” which is good, but i’d be nervous to go soak in the tub with it! can’t wait to hear what you think
October 8th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Don’t forget, though, to still support your library!
~a librarian who loves your blog!
October 8th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Hi Trent! I just wanted to tell you that the Kindle is the best purchase a book lover will buy! I was given one for my birthday and it’s an instant addiction. You pay a lot up front, but the wireless is free and the books are a lot cheaper than if you buy them in “real life”. If you read a lot of books, it is the perfect asset!
October 8th, 2008 at 1:16 pm
Unfortch, I don’t think the PR finale is tonight, Trent. I think tonight is the pre-finale episode where they show everything in progress and decide which of the four won’t get to show at Bryant Park– and then on the 15th, they play the actual finale.
October 8th, 2008 at 1:27 pm
I definitely see the convenience in this, but I just can’t imagine giving up my books. I enjoy the feel and smell of books. I love for people to come over and look at all my books and compare thoughts on ones that we have both read. I’m just a dork like that! Plus, I stare at a computer all day long, I don’t think I would like my reading to be done on a screen, too.
October 8th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
Please let us know what you think of it – we’ve been discussing the Kindle here at great length.
(Another library worker who loves your blog!)
October 8th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Does the kindle hurt/tire your eyes after reading for a long period of time like a computer screen can?
October 8th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
I have the Sony Portable Reader. I went back and forth deciding on whether to get the Reader or the Kindle and I decided on the Reader because I don’t really think that I’ll ever need to download a book in an emergency and I think the Kindle is ugly. I got the Reader in blue. But a portable reader is an amazing thing to have, no matter what kind you have. And even though I have this, I still read good old paper books too. I hope you enjoy it!
October 8th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
This is cool but I still love to have a full library!! I hope this never replaces books. At least it is good for the enviroment!!
October 8th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
This is cool but I hope it never replaces good old fashioned hardback books. Even thou this does save a lot of trees!!
October 8th, 2008 at 1:43 pm
Hi Trent –
Love the site. Also, I have a Kindle, and I’ve read a lot more because of it. I took it on my honeymoon, and I could read a book at the beach, and when I was done, i’d just buy another one. it’s a great investment, and I really read a LOT more now that I have it, just because it’s so convenient. My husby bought one too so we won’t have to fight over the one my mom gave me (she’s got one too! we’re a real Kindle family).
XOXO S
October 8th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
To Melanie – NO, your eyes don’t get anymore tired than with a paper book. They use this ink technology… it’s not an LCD screen, and it’s not backlit. This was a big concern for me too, and I can tell you its really easy on the eyes.
October 8th, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Oh no, Trent! This is so sad to me. The first phase in the inevitable demise of bookshops and publishing houses… no more curling up in bed with a paperback, idling away free time in bookshops and the smell of old pages. Sad.
October 8th, 2008 at 1:51 pm
hmmm it looks pretty small and it’s U-G-L-Y they could have at least made it more ergonomic and stylish, just another e-device that will replace humans work, but at least it will save trees!! i still prefer books but eventually technology will fade them out so hopefully they come out with something that doesn’t look like a big ass credit card/debit machine, once Apple comes out with one, then it will look, and be cool to have one and everyone will want it…
October 8th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
Welcome to the kindle family! I have had mine for 7 months now and am totally in love. As an avid reader I love having all my books in one place. I faced a terrible delima – I loved books but after storing 35 boxes of books couldn’t bring myself to buy more since I was out of storage. I often re-read a book serveral times or try to collect all of an authors works so I found myself not getting rid of any. Now I can have my cake and eat it too! All my books are in one place, easily found & the storage space is less than 1 paperback! How did I ever live w/o one?
Welcome to the future of books. We can save a few tree’s in the process!
Love Ya Trent – Keep it up!
Heather
PS… Haven’t tried the newspapers yet, how’s that workin for ya?
October 8th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
BOOK STORAGE, YES! That is a big problem for me too. As I said, I prolly won’t stop buying really books but I am really looking forward to buying less books ;) The NYT, so far, is fine … we’ll see if I keep the subscription.
October 8th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I’m sorry, but I think this is absolutely horrible. Sure, it is green friendly and all, but I can’t imagine holding an electronic thing and reading from it like a book. It is absolutely absurd. I find that books hold a better quality and what not. Its just going to be like artists and iTUNES but instead of the artists it will be the authors selling their books through this piece of crap. Technology ruins everything.
October 8th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
When this first came out I was really interested because I’m an avid reader too, but after I researched it, I felt it wasn’t worth the price. A lot of people complained that you are actually “renting” a book since you don’t have a way of backing up the books you purchase. And you bought books in Kindle form which you already own! What a waste of money! No thanks, I’ll stick to Barnes&Noble and my friendly, neighborhood library.
October 8th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
It seems really cool, and definitely green, but judging from the comments here, some people will never give up real paper books.
October 8th, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I love the library (and it’s free books) way too much to buy a kindle. Otherwise I would be so game. I commute on the train to work and then have to bike to my office from the train station so I’m with you on lugging the tomes around. I just can’t afford to buy all the books I read (at least one a week).
October 8th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
Um I want one but I just found out that they are making a newer one that is thinner and flexible. It is the size of a sheet of paper…
October 8th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Its super convenient, and I love love love mine, but there is something about going into a borders or b&n.
October 8th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Yeah…. no. It’s hideous and I love the idea of books too much.
October 8th, 2008 at 5:09 pm
I ordered me a kindle earlier today. I’ve been looking at buying it for awhile but I had read some bad reviews on it.. I am an avid reader and I thought i would go ahead and try it anyway. I’m tired of books getting lost or messed up, this way I’ll always know where they are and they’ll never get messed up :D and if I still don’t like it, i could always resell it.
October 8th, 2008 at 5:19 pm
I have a sony e reader, and it is pretty awesome. I like it for reading outside, there is no glare; compared to the white paper of a book. I had not heard of the kindle, but it looks like the screen is not as big as the sony?
Anyways, I am sure you will love it. They are nice for traveling and reading in bed :)
October 8th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Buying my Kindle was THEEEEEE best thing I’ve done in ages. Seriously – it’s been over six months, and I have used it every single day. From converting stories and books I already owned (EASY & FREE) – to buying books on the go wirelessly – this is an AMAZING gadget and I would recommend it a thousand times over. I’ve had co-workers and friends buying them now too. And it’s rather addictive…lol. Plus, you can adjust your font – which is great for folks who don’t like to pull on their glasses all the time… :) Hugs xof
October 8th, 2008 at 7:28 pm
Oh no! I looked it up and the Aussie Cheese Fries are the worst food in America! Sad :(
http://www.menshealth.com/20worst/worstfood.html
I love em too, Trent!
October 8th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Aussie Chayze Froys is so embarrassing. I can’t even pronounce it like that and I’m Aussie! Outback Steakhouse is somewhat of a joke here but I am curious as to what kinds of food are on the menu! I may have to venture to the States to find out someday!
Liz
October 8th, 2008 at 10:57 pm
This may save trees but what about all the other resources it is using? And what about when they break and end up in our already over stuffed landfills?
October 9th, 2008 at 2:37 am
i think the new sony 1 looks really good!!!
October 9th, 2008 at 4:36 am
It looks great and I want one! Unfortunately it’s unavailable to people outside of the states without a US passport (I’m a Canadian living in Japan).
If Amazon makes it international then I’ll definitely pick one up though! It’s too bad it’s only available in the US for now :o(
October 9th, 2008 at 4:37 am
when i said passport, what i meant to say was CREDIT CARD. oops.
October 9th, 2008 at 5:22 am
After three months ownership, it gets five stars for usefulness, allowing me to read more, and almost anytime I want to. It goes with me like my wallet. So, to me, it is worth $300 plus, BUT it is not a substitute for Barnes and Noble, Borders, or the local library–it is in addition to.
Mac
October 9th, 2008 at 5:27 am
I, too, am a librarian who reads your blog (who knew there were so many of us!). I do not think that the Kindle will hurt libraries so much. If I read something on Kindle (which I am still trying to decide whether or not to purchase) that I love, I will most likely buy the physical book. And if I am going to meet an author, I will buy the book. And I will always go to the library with my daughters.
October 9th, 2008 at 6:33 am
Ugh Runway. While I was very disappointed that Jerrell didn’t get to move on his line did look like a hot mess, I just pray that Kenley does not win this season or I will not watch the show any more once it moves to Lifetime. She is rude & annoying & I hate the way she talks too.
October 9th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Trent, congrats on your big purchase! I’m interested in the kindle…Please keep us updated on how you like it because it is a lot of money to spend!
October 9th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
The Kindle is awesome when you totally get sucked into the Twilight books, and want to start reading a new one, but its 1am, and B&N is closed…so you just download it! That being said, if I really like a book, I’ll still go buy it hardcopy (ie, Twilights). Buy a new case for it tho – the one that comes with sucks – I got the Small Sleevecase http://www.sfbags.com/products/kindle/kindlecase.htm which is perfect! Its also nice if you have a huge document in Word or PDF or whatever – you can email it to your kindle & it will convert so you can read. I love it, its absolutely great for travel or just making it easier to read books!!
October 9th, 2008 at 1:50 pm
[...] Original post by It’s Trent, Bitch! [...]
October 9th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
i love my kindle. my comments were too long to post. i emailed you trent. publish pink for the kindle. jossip is available on the kindle. i emailed you about that a month ago. would love to be able to use my kindle for everything since i can already surf the web and email with it.
October 12th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I need this thing! Being a writer and constantly traveling from Australia to the US and back again makes me think this might just become an appendage-like gadget!
October 13th, 2008 at 3:44 am
i’ve never heard of the kindle before, but after reading your post & the amazon link you provided, i’m fascinated and definitely thinking of investing in one…thanks for sharing!!