Thursday, November 18, 2010

Kindle - This is Not an Ad

Before I start, I'd like to make one thing very clear. I love books. I love reading them, I love looking at them, I love touching them, and I love collecting them.  Because of these things I've never been a fan of ebooks, or any of the new "readers." After I read a book, I want to keep it.

I have no idea how many books I've read in my life, but the number has to be in the thousands. Storing even a fraction of that number, requires a tremendous amount of room.  I didn't want to rent storage for them, so several years ago I started donating, or just giving them away to people that I knew would read them.   Of course there are some that I would NEVER part with.

A couple of months ago, I received a Kindle for my birthday. Much to my surprise, I fell in love with it. It's takes only a few seconds to download a book, the format is amazingly clear, and the darn thing holds about 3500 books!

Amazon.com has many of the classics in kindle format for free. I downloaded about 50 of them and am just about to dive in. I've read most of them before, but can't wait to get started anew. Depending on which model you buy, you can even go online and blog!

You can also use your Kindle to store all of your personal documents. They will format them for you for free and it only takes a minute or two.

If there is a book that I MUST have and it isn't available on kindle, I'm probably still going to buy it, but that will be the only reason. My sources tell me that it won't be very long before every new book will be available for download.  I was amazed to find out how many old books are already available.

If some of you now see me as a traitor, I'm sorry. For those of you currently working on books, I'll be supporting you via Kindle or paper, whatever it takes!

Do any of you have a Kindle or something like it?

.

.

89 comments:

  1. Im an Iphone addict and honestly have a hard time putting it down to read a book or blog some days. The kindle has intrigued me but sadly, I think I need someone holding my hand telling me the fantastic titles I should read first!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I waffle back and forth over the idea of a Kindle. I love the idea of it, but I am such a book sniffer that I just can't bring myself to give them up.

    But the ease of having Jane Austen at my fingertips at a moment's notice is sooooo tempting...

    And Christmas IS coming up.....

    ReplyDelete
  3. You can't convince me Pat, although the reason is probably a bit sad. After 15 years of editing other people's books, I found that I'd lost my love of reading. I still have a big collection of reference books though, some of which were given to me by an uncle almost 60 years ago, that I still dip into.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I find that the more resistant I am to an idea, the more likely I am to go nuts about it when I try it. It;s a Green Eggs and Ham kinda thing. I haven't tried a Kindle yet. Funny thing is, Funny Man and I just recently started going to the library because, a) we were spending way too much on books, and b) like you, we were running out of space. I think I would get a Kindle or e-reader just to be able to have access to the self-published books and other indy authors who deserve to get published but who don't have the high readership.
    I loved your food-types post the other day, and linked to it today in my post. Hope you like it! Cheers - G

    ReplyDelete
  5. "After I read a book, I want to keep it."

    Same reason I don't get along well with libraries...

    ------

    "Same reason I don't get along well with libraries..."

    Which is the same reason I don't get along well with my bank account.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hmmmm....for some reason I thought your take on it would be the opposite.
    I see the pros and cons to both.
    But I am so in love with my books I would rather build on to my house to store them all;)))

    When all books are "technologically published"...I think I will have a little fit and hold a party for the ones I have for "real".

    Then again, my other side says...I have been swayed many a time when things are a lot more convenient. I would never say never to the Kindle.
    (But don't tell my other side-
    or my books....)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hmmmm....for some reason I thought your take on it would be the opposite.
    I see the pros and cons to both.
    But I am so in love with my books I would rather build on to my house to store them all;)))

    When all books are "technologically published"...I think I will have a little fit and hold a party for the ones I have for "real".

    Then again, my other side says...I have been swayed many a time when things are a lot more convenient. I would never say never to the Kindle.
    (But don't tell my other side-
    or my books....)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I don't have one but I keep looking at them. I was really into buying one because I spent so much money on books and as you know, hardbacks at a book store are expensive.

    Then I found the library!!!! I never buy books now! Unless I really end up loving it. I am on book 71 right now for the year 2010 and out of all of those books I ended up purchasing only three that I read and decided I needed in my life for long term.

    I have about three bookcases of shelved books in my office but it has to be something special to end up on the shelf. :) In fact, most of my shelves are filled with the classics! The fact that Kindle lets you d/l a lot of the classics at no cost makes me smile! I think more people should get into them! :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I haven't heard of Kindle before, but it sure looks interesting.
    Have a nice day Patrick:)
    Greetings, Berit.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I don't have one but I did go through a period of reading books online. Have you ever tried Project Gutenberg? They have thousands of free public domain ebooks.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have been interested in these things, but I am not sure if they can be trusted to hold the data permanently...I have heard that they can be accessed remotely by Amazon, or whatever, and have the titles deleted.
    Also, even if that is not the case, can we trust that the device cannot 'crash' like a computer?
    At least a real copy of a book cannot just 'disappear'.
    However, I do like the concept of having ALL my books in one place...

    ReplyDelete
  12. I am jealous. I want a kindle, my wife uses logic and tells me that I can't have one because I get most of my books from the library.

    Stupid logic!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Pat- like you I'm sure I have read thousands. I do not have a kindle, but perhaps could be pursuaded to try it.. Sounds interesting..

    ReplyDelete
  14. I am stopping by on a suggestion from Georgina Dollface ... I saw the kindle post on the sidebar and couldn't help but comment.

    I felt the same way you described - still do really - I love books. I love having a cabinet FULL of books, and to find the one I want, I have to pull half of them out. There are some I will read over and over ... the covers have fallen off of a few, and I still read them.

    I got my kindle just over a year ago, so it's the 2nd generation. I got it because we travel and I NEED a new book for traveling. sometimes I need more than one, and packing books is heavy. buying them in the airport is a ripoff. so kindle it is.

    and I LOVE IT! I download the freebies weekly and I am introduced to books and genre I never would have given a thought to before. I have bought very few books on my kindle because it is taking me forever to get through the free ones, but when I do, I find I don't think about the smell of the paper, the feel of it between my fingers, or the weight of the book in my hands ... I just get lost.

    and then I bought one for my daughter ... she will get it for her birthday next month and I know she will love it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Patrick: Please explain to me if you receive a certain number of free books you may upload with a Kindle or if they are all extra. What do the books cost to upload?
    I know the Kindles go for $139; at least, that's what they're advertising right now. I can't picture myself using one as I love books too but after reading your enthusiastic endorsement...maybe.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Don't have now but plan to...someday soon...Ebook or paper/hardback...a book lover is a book lover...but I do love inhaling the musty smell of old books.....;)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oooh I'd feel like I was betraying my books!! ha ha ... and yet I kinda still want one. They seem handy, especially for travelling. I have the kindle app on my iPad, but I don't like it there. The format for some books is really confusing and the shiny screen makes it hard to read. I've heard the actual kindle screen is much more reader friendly.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I don't have a Kindle, most of the reading I've been doing has been online! I do think the Kindle is a great idea, especially for traveling:) Enjoy yours!

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have had one for two years and have yet to read one book on it. I know..I should be ashamed but there is something about holding the real thing that I am not quite ready to let go of. I suppose I am stuck in a time warp on this one.

    ReplyDelete
  20. You know, I think I would be just the same. I feel that way about books, we're of the same generation, and yet I think when I do get my Kindle I will fall in love with it because of all the reasons you said. I have yet to find out for sure tho. Maybe AFTER Christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Electronic books are the way of the future. Can't fight it. And I purchased an iPad when they were released and love the eReader feature. The color and print is so clear!

    ReplyDelete
  22. That makes a lot of sense. Were I as avid a reader as you, Pat, I'd attach myself to one of those too. Maybe someday...I'm sure they're only going to grow in popularity. xo

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wym - I get most of my books from amazon.com and it's pretty easy to find stuff on every subject.

    Rabbit - I totally know how you feel. As luck would have it ALL of Jane Austen's books are free!

    dennis - I can understand that. You're reading probably had to be so technical for your work, that it started to carry over to personal reading as well. I love old books also...

    Georgina - The library of course, is a great option, but I'm pretty sure you can't slip it into your purse! Thanks for the linkage! Your post was good!

    soft nonsense - I know! I've checked out a book from the libray and liked it so much that I went and bought a copy! nutz...The banking duties belong to my wife!

    Dawn - Before my birthday, my take would have been the opposite! Your secret will be safe with me...

    Penny - Your "book" strategy is really good! I used to have an entire room filled with book shelves full of books the floor covered with boxes of books. It got to be too darn much!

    Berit - Thanks! Kindle belongs to Amazon.com. pretty nice gadget.

    Tim - I haven't heard of Project Gutenberg until you just told me! I just got back from the web site. I'm going to go back there and see what they have! Thanks!

    Joe - I had the same concern! You can easily back up all your books to a computer via a USB connection. Having everything in one place was a major draw for me also.

    Budd - Darn it! Logic wins again! The library is still awesome...

    Lynne - I was very surprised that I liked it. It fits in my back pocket also. (I hope I never break it by sitting on it!)

    diane - Thanks so much for coming over. You hit it right on the head. Once you start reading, if it's good, you forget all about it not being an actual "book." I wish I'd said that...

    California Girl - The free books have nothing to do with buying one. They are just free! There are even books about the free books! If you spend an extra 30 bucks or so and get the upgraded version, you'll find it has a greater storage capacity and you can surf the web even. No color though!

    Rek - I hear you! The fantastic smell of old paper....

    DiamondsOnMySoles - Yep, the Kindle (or any other reader) screen is very pleasant to the eye. No glare when your outside either. The only problem I've found is that it doesn't have any backlighting, but books don't either!

    Nancy - Thanks Nancy! I already do...

    DrSoosie - If you read something on it that you like, you won't even notice the difference! I understand though...

    Karen - I'm sure the longer you wait, the better they will be.

    Let's talk about your books. "Farm Girl" was the last paper book I bought, and "Uncut Diamonds" was the first book I bought on Kindle!

    Alex - I have a friend who says the same thing about his iPad. You are right about ebooks taking over. Progress, I suppose!

    baygirl - Don't hate! Maybe Santa will bring you one for Christmas.

    Robyn - Kindle will also convert and store all of your documents for you. pretty easy!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Huh. You said you'd stopped. And here you are and I've missed a post already. Hmm.

    I like the idea of having all my books in one place and more space in my house but I'd worry about running out of power mid sentence.

    If I had a Kindle, it might help solve the problem of where to put my feet in my house. The bookcases are full and are overflowing in front of themselves, along skirting boards and out into the middle of the room. There's not much carpet left to stand on. It's a book-sea!

    Lucy

    ReplyDelete
  25. We have a kindle at our house too and the humans use it all the time!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I am a "late adopter"

    Technology and Technological advances move so fast that I want the dust to settle before I buy somekind of digital "book".

    I felt the strong urge to rush out and get the first one that came out as my suitcases are always 1/2 books. I managed to hold off and within months a second generation model came out with "improved" features. Currently there are several companies and models with dozens of competeing features... and best of all? The price is dropping and the amenities are increasing.

    soon... soon I will buy one.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I don't have a Kindle, but there are loads of them represented in airports, aren't there? I can see the convenience, although I still, like you, love paper.

    Which means I could see myself owning one.

    The only disadvantage? Garage sales half-priced paperbacks -- how are we going to make that happen on the Kindle?

    Pearl

    ReplyDelete
  28. LOL I was so excited to see the title of this post!! I've already been telling the hubs for at least the last 6 months that a Kindle is THE ONLY THING I WANT for Christmas this year. xD I also opened the list to include those bitchin' shoes I found, which are on my latest post, but I'd much rather have the Kindle first! =) I have to ask, since you've had yours for a while now...do the books you buy ever expire, or anything like that? Hubs said he looked into the Kindle, and that it was like renting the books for 90 days, and then they just stop being available on the device. I love hubs dearly, but I wouldn't put it past him to invent a story like that to put me off the scent of wanting one so badly. LOL Anywho, just wanted to run that by you. Great post!!! =)

    ReplyDelete
  29. I'm like you, love the feel of books in my hands, but reading this post, I'm sold..Now, I have to wait for that lottery ticket :-)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Lucy - I did stop for a week! Now I think I'm only going to post about four times per week. Exactly, that's why I'm like my reader!

    Clarissa - Glad to hear it! I feel the same way!

    Brian - Well, just don't chew it up!

    Nariane - I certainly understand that. Sometimes it's a good idea to wait!

    Pearl - I think you have something there, but based on my last garage sale, I'd somehow lose money on mine. Sooner or later, there will be no more book stores (as we know them). They will go the way of the 4-track, 8-track, LP, Cassette, and many other items...

    Janet - LOL! No expiration date, I promise you! You can always back your Kindle up onto your computer also! I hope you get one!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Icy BC - Yup, I'll always have some books around, but I'm sold on the new way! You may not need the lottery, the prices are coming down...

    ReplyDelete
  32. Do they sell old book scent for Kindles? j/k
    I think it's a great invention but If I want to read a book I just go to the Library. :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. I've got one myself. I love that short of having the smell of paper and dust, it acts like a book would.

    However, reference books are still better to have in print, so I don't foresee buying books about film through the Kindle. At least not yet.

    If you watch Star Trek TNG, DS9, and VOY those pads they used are essentially a Kindle. Now if Amazon could just get on that replicator thing.

    ReplyDelete
  34. I've waffled on whether to buy one or not, too. I, too, love the feel of a book in my hands....and love the covers, etc. Blah blah blah....but these look so darned convenient!

    ReplyDelete
  35. James - No, but I think you get one of those scent things at the car wash!

    Jump_Raven - i agree, it's easier to turn pages then on a real book. I'll wait for Kindle Replicator 2.0

    Marlene - Yum, I love waffles!
    Yup, they have a lot of advantages...

    ReplyDelete
  36. I don't have a Kindle, but am getting one for Christmas. They are the way of the future and so convenient, while traveling. Plus, more variety and less clutter, and you can even have your blog on Kindle, now, with paid subscriptions.

    ReplyDelete
  37. I have been torn about getting one...you are very convincing! I love that you can save quotes in them too, right?

    ReplyDelete
  38. my wife loves her Nook - We are a family of readers and have a library built into our house to highlight the fact - nothing wrong with reading no matter how you come to it - that said - Hands on the hips is available on the Kindle!

    ReplyDelete
  39. I have thought about Kindle as I do love to read, I really need to look into it because I will most likely be hooked.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Marguerite - Now that would be funny! The only person that would PAY to see my blog, is probably me! Enjoy your Christmas gift...

    Joan - Yup! That and a lot of other things...

    Jhon - I have a friend with a Nook, and they love it. I'm glad to hear your book is on Kindle, I got the paperback version.

    Jimmy - Yep, it's so easy to use. It's truly easier to handle than a book. very easy on the old eyeballs!

    ReplyDelete
  41. I have an Ipad and it has
    IBooks , Kindle and Nook apps...
    also have a NOOK,but I think the
    Ipad is my favorite because it is
    touch screen and I am all about
    lazy.

    I also have a collection of books that I can not part with and still
    add to occasionally.

    Guess we have to embrace the new
    technology, one publisher has
    predicted all digital books within
    5 years.

    ReplyDelete
  42. My wife has a kindle and she loves. We also have an ipad. Which surprisingly isn't as good a reader as kindle is (for some stuff). You're not a traitor. Just a guy moving forward in this tech-infused world.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Interesting. I've also fought the urge to update, mainly because I've heard that reading off screens can seriously strain your eyes over time. If it ain't broke, don't fix it?

    ReplyDelete
  44. God, I have so many book-books I still haven't read, but this looks so convenient for bed-time reading, I'm sure I'll get one before the year is out.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I can see the practicalities to this, when we shipped out to this isle, I had to part with virtually my entire library(I jest you not, I had a whole room lined floor to ceiling with nothing other than shelves and shelves of beloved books). Eight years down the line, I'm again running out of space of where to store more. Maybe I SHOULD let my head rule my heart and consider converting over to a Kindle.. as one of your earlier visitors said - Christmas IS coming up, right?

    ReplyDelete
  46. I read books on my iPod Touch, it's convenient because it's small and I can take it anywhere with me, just like my phone, and it has lots of other fun things on it like music and games.
    My husband and I also listen to audiobooks in the car.

    ReplyDelete
  47. I think Kindle is a great resource for reading books and no I don't have one.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I'm getting an iPad. Not sure if I will use it to read books but I will probably give it a try. I know i am loking forward to using it to read blogs.

    ReplyDelete
  49. hmm.. i don't have it... but i think i m gonna buy it soon after reading this.

    thanks for info.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Wow, really? I am the way you describe yourself at the beginning of your post. I love holding books, stacking my shelves with them. Even smelling them. I cannot see myself with a Kindle and hope one never falls into my hands. There's just something about the feel of paper beneath my fingertips, especially with used books - I try to imagine all the people who have held this book.

    But maybe the Kindle will get more people to read, which would be a good thing!

    ReplyDelete
  51. "After I read a book, I want to keep it. "

    I'm almost the exact opposite. I usually get books out of the library, so I won't have to worry about what do I do with the book after I've read it. When I do buy books I've usually already decided who or what I donate it to after I've read it. Except with poetry, but I only buy the ones I absolutely love anyway.

    Kindle, hmm... Basically I have nothing against it. It certainly solves the problem of storage, but being a big fan of art books I don't think I'd have much use for one(well, it's not exactly designed for art books, now is it?). I also lovelovelove it when I've given someone a book, they've read it and we share our opinions and I think giving an actual physical copy of the book is better than saying: "Oh, you should download book X, I think you'd really like it." It's so easy to forget.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Never say never, I guess. Like everyone else, I love the feel and smell of books. But you are very convincing, hmmmm, may have to look into it seriously now. But I am dragging my feet...

    ReplyDelete
  53. I'm waiting for the iPad to be updated before I buy in. As much as I want a dedicated e-reader, I also need a tablet and it doesn't make much sense to have two separate devices.

    I know the iPad isn't as easy to read as the Kindle is - totally different screen technology - but I'll take the tradeoff in exchange for greater flexibility.

    Nice to e-meet you, Pat!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Kindle may be the wave of the future and I'm not going to discourage it. I do prefer paper because, fiction or nonfiction, I like to study what I read--therefore,often, I write little notes in the margin, etc. Not only that, there is nothing like the decor of a room with a shelf with books on it.

    But this is just the opinion of an "old" guy. The truth is, I'm not comfortable with automatic transmissions or touch-tone telephones.

    My main concern with Kindle (and this is not a rhetorical questin): What happens if you lose it or it's stolen?

    ReplyDelete
  55. P.S. Semper Fi
    I didn't make the "show." They kept me back to guard Camp Lejeune.

    ReplyDelete
  56. faye - It does seem that books will go the way of the record. I loved my records also. You can still buy them, but they are very expensive. I'm sure the same will happen to books. thanks faye!

    Jesse - I guess I am, but I need a darn roadmap...

    Anthonoy - The kindle and nook screen are VERY easy on your eyes. But I know whay you are saying...

    Karin - It took me a long time to get on board. now I'm sitting back and enjoying the ride...

    Shrinky - I've been there and I know exactly what you mean. I miss my books though. Christmas is coming and there may be a bright new book reader under the tree for you!

    Minoccio - I see you've jumped on board. I'd probably have a an iPod touch myself, but as an early apple owener, I still have wounds...

    Pam - I still feel funny reading something, and then not being able to put it in the bookshelf when I'm done...

    Mynx - I'm sure it will be great! You can do a lot with it.

    Deepika - My pleasure!

    Sarah - I'm reading a traditional book and one on Kindle right now. Once I'm actually reading, I can't tell the difference. I'm thinking the choice is going to be out of our hands for most books...

    Saranna - Using the library is so much more practical than any other way. You are right about art books, it doesn't work! Books as gifts, that's also a good point.

    Ree - I drug mine until they bled. I still wouldn't have one if i hadn't recieved it as a gift.

    Carmi - You are right! The iPad has many more uses. The book readers will probably evolve into the iPad direction also. thanks for commenting!

    Paul - I'm not sure about Nook, but on Kindle you can make notes and highlight passages. You are so very right about a shelf full of books. I love that! Your last question is a good one. You can back it up to your computer, but that still doesn't solve the problem of losing it.

    Semper Fi to you as well! Not making it to the "show" is a good thing. Everybody has a job to do and we all play our parts, whatever they may be. Thanks so much for commenting.

    ReplyDelete
  57. I totally wanted a kindle for Christmas but now I'm just so mad at Amazon after their whole pedophile book scandal.

    ReplyDelete
  58. I haven't caved yet. I do expect to like the kindle though. My problem in Australia is many of the features and books aren't available here in Australia because of licensing agreements. Siigh.

    ReplyDelete
  59. Damaris - I hope they reconsider that stupid decision...

    Lynda - Maybe it will happen soon!
    You'll probably like it a great deal...

    Warren - LOL...it may take a while!

    ReplyDelete
  60. For seven years I do not read books listen to the mp3. I have a program that passes the text to speech in mp3 format. So I can walk through the countryside listening to books or being in bed with the lights out listening to the book. When you take much time listening as I get to have the feeling that you're thinking instead of listening. Greetings from La Mancha, Spain.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I can't quite bring myself to buy a Kindle, however, on my Palm Pre, I have the same option. So, I still buy actual paper books, but secretly, I download books to read when I don't have room to take a real book with me.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Leovi - Listening to books is good, but I become distracted much too easily. I always have to rewind and listen to parts over gain.

    Misfit - Whichever one we listen to, we are all being drawn to the technology...I'll hate it when printed books become rare..

    ReplyDelete
  63. I love my Kindle. I ordered the new version for my son today for Christmas. After I'd ordered it, I saw one at Target-- I can't believe that it's even smaller than mine (a second generation). He loves to read, and gets tons of Amazon gift cards for Christmas and birthday, so it'll be awesome for him.

    ReplyDelete
  64. Johnny - That's great! I've always made deals with out kids and grandkids that I'll buy them a book everytime they finish one. They have to give me a short oral report first, but that doesn't seem to be a problem. Some like to read and some don't. I have the new generation and it fits in my back pocket....

    ReplyDelete
  65. If I read anything but blogs, I'd totally buy one.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Cheeseboy - I hear ya! There just isn't enough time for everything

    ReplyDelete
  67. Pat, except for the minor detail that I haven't yet bought the Kindle or another eBook reader, I could have written this post. :-D I just keep thinking they'll improve the technology or bring down the price...

    ReplyDelete
  68. I consider you a traitor. I like the feel of a book. I love turning the pages. I wouldn't buy a Kindle but if I got one for my bday I'm sure I would give it a whirl.

    ReplyDelete
  69. Interesting review. Does it get heavy or awkward to hold if you're used to the feel of books?

    ReplyDelete
  70. One of my favorite evening activities is to read while relaxing in the bathtub with those water jets pounding upon my sore back. I'm just not sure the electronic Kindle would be appropriate.

    Yeah -- I'll probably hesitantly and grudgingly adopt Kindle in a few year....but it will be in a few years.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Francisca - I think you're right. They will get better and the price will come down.

    PTM - I'm so ashamed! I said the same things as you. Right up until the time I got one for my Bday...

    BB - The Horror...

    tapirgal - Not at all! It's much It's very small and light! You don't even have to change the position of your hands to change pages...

    Jerry - I think you are right. I don't believe they are intended to be used under water...

    ReplyDelete
  72. I too, really love books, especially in libraries, that smell of deteriorating paper is simply heaven to me, alas, I want one of these thing as well. It seems so easy to drag around and who can ever be without something to read. Seems like everytime I get on the road I am stuck behind an accident, traffic jam, whatever. The last jam I was in was a standstill on I95N. People starting getting out of their cars and visiting, it turned into an enormous two lane tail-gate party - minus the food [boo], but fun time like that are too rare under those circumstanes. Nevermind the new luggage and extra weight charges on flights. My letter to Santa will be short and sweet this year!!!

    ReplyDelete
  73. entre nous - You hit it right on the head. With one of these things, not only do you have one of your books to read. You can have 3000 books to read! i'm already getting over needing to have a BOOK in my hand. i still love them, but i don't want piles of them sitting around anymore...
    Thanks for all the comments! I appreciate it...

    ReplyDelete
  74. Fascinating again. Entre Nous nailed it. I carry from 1 to 3 books in my backpack at all times. Lightweight would be good :)

    ReplyDelete
  75. Minoccio - The wounds you got 20-25 years ago if you owned an apple and everything else was PC. You were stuck in your own little bubble...You couldn't share files, you couldn't share apps or programs, nothing! Those wounds..LOL

    tapirgal - That is so true! I also forgot to mention that a battery charge lasts for weeks and weeks even with a lot of usage!

    ReplyDelete
  76. Pat, I really appreciate this post. I am torn between my love affair with tangible books and my desire to try one of these 'new-fangled' things! Too bad you can't 'rent' one for a week to try it out first, though.

    ReplyDelete
  77. Jenny - That's how I am exactly! You could probably buy one, and if you don't like it, take it back!

    ReplyDelete
  78. YIKES! What an interesting post.

    I don't have a Kindle yet, but I am seriously considering one.
    How is it with nightime reading in artificial light? As I get older my eyesight is not what it used to be.

    I do so love the feel and smell and aura of real time books. Lock me overnight in a library or bookstore and I may NOT want to come out when you unlock the door. A heavenly place.

    Books . . . I have bought them, checked them out, gifted them, donated them, caressed them, held them tightly, shed tears on them, and dog eared their pages. I have held them close to my heart and reread a sentence, a paragraph or a chapter and gone on a menatl and emotional journey.

    I understand the Kindle is an entirely different experience. But what is it about us humans beings that we feel it has to be ALL or NONE with everything?

    There'e a place for fast food and convienent microwaves as much as there is for slow oven cooked meals and aromas filling your nostrils for hours. And so it can be with books, don't you agree?

    ReplyDelete
  79. It's good in artificial light and it's good in bright light. Once you start reading and "get into the story," the experience feels the same. That's just me though...
    If you buy one and don't like it, I'm sure you can always take it back.

    Having said these things, I totally agree with what you said about books and book stores! I also loved the way you said it...

    ReplyDelete
  80. I don't have a Kindle yet, I'm still using my old Palm PA to download books.

    Think of how many trees will be spared every time a Kindle is sold! I don't consider you a traitor, more like a hero.

    ReplyDelete
  81. SQ - Thanks so much! It was a hard switch for me to do...

    ReplyDelete
  82. I have the Sony Reader. When we travel there's nothing to beat it. I usually have a bag of just books, and it's breaking my back carrying it around. The reader holds everything I need in one, lightweight format. The only weird part for me is when I lick my finger getting ready to turn the page.....
    Rosemary

    ReplyDelete
  83. Rosemary - That's funny! I've caught myself trying to feel for the edge of the page as I finish one.

    ReplyDelete
  84. Hi, Pat!
    I know this is an old post, but since then, I have been researching the Kindle, and I am getting one very soon, I can't wait! I have already downloaded Kindle of PC, and have already downloaded a lot of freebies and purchased several books as well, I can't wait to get my Kindle!
    yeah!

    ReplyDelete

This blog is word verification free.
IS YOURS?
I love your comments and will do my best to respond to each and every one.