Happy New Year everyone! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!
I didn’t mean to take such a long break from blogging, but it happened anyway! Holiday travel took it out of me, and I couldn’t get the hang of blogging away from home. Not to mention I nearly sprained my jaw from overeating. But I do love this time of year…
When people know you love to read, they try to find bookish presents for you. My husband toyed with the idea of buying me an eBook reader, but I am reluctant to go down that road, and I’m not even sure why myself. I just can't imagine reading from a screen being as satisfying as paging through a book.
My husband found this review of the Sony version on Gizmodo, a gadget blog he reads. Though I haven’t tried an ereader yet, and I’m not going to be a naysayer until I do, I had to nod with recognition at the woman’s comments:
She feels disoriented without the constant, tactile feedback of the book's thickness—that unconscious reminder of just how much of the story is left to go (are there really enough pages remaining for Mr. Darcy and Lizzie to work things out??). Sure, there are page numbers on the screen, but it's not the same.Gizmodo also had a post about Amazon's highly promoted "Kindle", their version of the ebook reader. I haven't read any real reviews of it, but I'd be interested to hear what people think. Do any of you have an ebook reader? If so, what type? And what do you think of it?
I found her reaction simple and somewhat profound.
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15 comments:
It will be awhile before I consider an e-reader, but sometimes I do think there are definite advantages to eventually going that route (like when traveling). I hadn't really thought about being able to judge how much there is left to a book. That is a good point. I do that frequently, especially when I am trying to decide whether I should keep reading and finish a book or whether I should stop and wait for another time. It isn't always the page numbers that matter--but the feel or look of just how much further I have to go.
I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
literary feline--I hadn't thought about being able to judge how much there is left to a book, either. That's why I love reading reviews before I commit to something like that. But I have thought it would be nice to travel with an e-reader. Happy New Year to you, too!
Happy New Year! I have to confess to being the kind of reader who has always turned my nose up at anything electronic. I just love books so, I can't imagine how a piece of plastic could win my heart. But I'll be very interested to read other people's more informed viewpoints!
No ebook reader for me and no plans to get one any time soon. They are too expensive and they don't really have all the features I'd want yet. Happy New Year!
You all can get a sample of ultra portable eReading on your cell phones. http://www.booksinmyphone.com gives away public domain and creative commons books packaged up so they run on middle of the road cell phones. The screen is small but very functional for prose. The small size buys you portability though, without thinking about it I now always have a small library in my pocket.
litlove--I'll be interested to hear what people think, too. Happy New Year!
stefanie--you're right, they're too expensive! And not sure I even want to go there, but it would be interesting to hear what users think...
Love the snow on your blog!
avagee--thanks, maybe I'll try that out!
Happy New Year!
I've been tempted by eReaders especially when it comes to traveling. I think it'd be great to be able to have so many books on hand. But being that I don't travel all that much I guess it would be too expensive :)
I don't know anyone who has one so can't give you any advice. Let us know if you get one!
Happy new year, Gentle Reader! I've missed your posts, but am glad that all is well. I'm not sure how I feel about e-reader! I haven't tried them out, so I'll have to reserve judgment. It's just hard to imagine that holding a machine would feel as good as holding a book. And what if I fall asleep while reading...? I'm glad you're back!
The reviewer's comments struck a nerve with me. I posted about kindle awhile back on my blog and feel the same way about e-gadgetry and books. It just doesn't seem quite right, somehow.
Am enjoying your blog, having linked over from booksandcooks.
mel
I don't think I'll ever be able to use an e-reader for pleasure reading. However, I could see where one may be useful for textbooks and other technical information. But, I don't want to curl up on my couch with an electronic gadget. I want to hold a book! Have a great 2008!
lisa--amen--can't imagine curling up with electronics, either! Happy New Year!
iliana--Happy New Year! Doubt I'll be getting an e-reader soon, but I'll let you know if I do...
robin--glad to be back! Happy New Year, hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Re: the e-reader, I hadn't thought of the falling asleep while reading problem--yikes!
melanie--I'll look back for your post on the kindle...I don't know, it just doesn't seem like I'll be getting one of these gadgets any time soon. That's one of the differences between my husband and me--he's an early adopter, and I hang back. He thinks I'd have a dial phone if they still made them!
I completely agree with you and the woman's comment; in addition, the thing I would miss the most is the smell of the pages, and the little cracks of the binding. Reading is certainly a holistic experience for me!
bellezza--perfect, it's a holistic experience for me, too!
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