Do you
own a Kindle?
I’ve had one for a few weeks. Am I a convert?
Kinda. And kinda not, too.
I mainly
bought it because I’ve been reading manuscripts as a sideline job. Being
able to download them straight onto the Kindle seemed a good enough
reason to invest in one, plus, the idea of taking unlimited books on holiday
has always appealed.
So far
I’m pretty happy with it and although I wouldn’t want it to completely replace
paper books, I do feel it’s been a good investment.
I’ve
noticed something, though, about the reading experience that has taken me a while
to pick up on.
If I’m
absolutely LOVING a story, and rattling through it at a very fast pace, I
really notice no difference at all with the experience of reading a regular book.
The fact that the screen isn’t backlit is a great bonus for me; after a day
spent staring at various screens, the last thing I want to look at it in bed is
another glowing rectangle. I missed having real covers to look at, it’s true,
but it was surprising how quickly I got used to that.
But when
I’m reading something that needs much more of a slow investment, and is taking
me some time to get into, then I miss having the physical heft of a book in my
hand. I miss being able to pause, look at the cover and the blurb again; maybe
read the author’s biog at the start. These all feel like small signposts that
help light my way when the path into a story feels murkier and more opaque.
So it’s
mixed feelings from me so far.
What
about you?
21 comments:
I still haven't got one Caroline, but must admit I'm tempted.
My other half reads a lot of books and the papers on his iPad and is a complete convert.
HB x
I've got one on loan right now from a friend but I'm not feeling the 'love' I have to admit. I miss being able to flip about randomly and have a proper colour cover and I have to say the dull non-backlight thing I find VERY dull - even greyer than a proper white page... I'm not convinced. Everything's very.... grey...
I love mine. It's brilliant for travelling, and I use the Kindle app on my phone a lot too.
I love mine - her name is Felicity (Kindle)
The only thing I dislike is the lack of page numbers (only giving a percentage of the book read). You sort of lose the ability to 'scroll back or forwards'?
I think Kindles are fine - up to a point. I did a road trip in America earlier this year, and took a Kindle loaded with The Grapes of Wrath (seemed like a good road-trip-book), which would have been huge to lug about and read in cafes or on beaches, so it was much easier to have that on the Kindle.
But my guidebook advice - I had a real Lonely Planet, so I could skip backwards and forwards easily to find things, be diverted by information about something I hadn't thought of, choose between various hotels.
At home - I generally stick to books.
So I think there's room for both - enjoy!
I love mine, but I don't want it to fully replace paper books. I don't think it will, to be honest.
Being able to take so many books on holidays is great for me, because I travel as much as I can. I also love the fact that my house - already pretty full - isn't getting any fuller! (OK, it is, just at a slower rate!)
Someone gave me one and I never use it. I feel guilty about that. Perhaps we could offer it as a prize on Strictly for our next little comp.
Kindle - no. Because Amazon tried to restrict people to buying their files and not being able to red any kind of file on it.
Sony eReader - yes. And I love being able to carry about 50 noves in my handbag.
I had always said 'no way, not me', but then last week I could take it no more and I got one! I have crossed to the dark side!
I agree with many of the reasons so far given and the no page numbers thing is definitely annoying but I can live with it. I have found new authors to read because of it, downloaded the weekend papers without having to get dressed and as I also read non-fiction, I have highlighted important bits in text I want to revisit which is very handy.
I love the idea of the Kindle Lending service but think I need to build up my library first before I can swap books and I hope that it opens soon for public library lending as my local library is now lends e-books (Brighton library yay!).
I still have traditional books and they will always be with me but there is room for both I think.
NO!!!!! AARRRRGGGGHHH.
I'm a Luddite. I will never own one. I prefer having a thousand paperbacks. Please don't ever buy me one.
The thing is though, I don't think it will ever replace real books. I love the feel and smell of a real book and I love to own them, but the kindle is handy... There's room for both methinks
Thanks for your comments everyone.
I also think they would never replace books completely but are a good addition to my reading life. By the way, the page numbers thing used to drive me insane but if you press 'menu' it instantly comes up at the bottom [on a Kindle].
Rod, that's a great idea to give one away!
I felt much the same way you did at first. After about a year I no longer notice the differences -- except when I want to flip back for something.
Interesting, Collette. Could just be part of getting used to the experience then...
I'm interested to know how children take to it - or other electronic readers. Does anyone have any experiences to share? My feeling is that like adults they will continue to enjoy real books as well; that the physicality of books is important to very young readers, and that older children will happily differentiate between the super-interactivity of electronic media like games and the different experience of a book, and not necessarily want to enjoy them on the same platform - but I have no evidence for this.
Sue
My tech-obsessed son is suprisingly uninterested in my Kindle. He has commented on how creepy he thinks the b&w drawings are when it's on standby though...I sort of agree with him on that!
I don't own a kindle but I use the app. to read off an iPad. I love that I can download a book instantly but I don't find it comfortable to read. Paperback is more ergonomical.
I think kids will love the fact that there's a dictionary.
Personally I prefer the intimacy of just me and the book in the bed.
N. Scott, do you find the backlighting a strain on the eyes at all? My children are obsessed with iPads. They really tick all the boxes, I think.
Caroline, I haven't had a problem with the back lighting although I've heard some people have an issue with it.
My girlfriend, who uses her Ipad regularly, has noticed a change in her vision but, of course, that is only speculative. As a precaution, I do not read in the dark.
I don't own one, but my friend does and she said something interesting yesterday - that when lying on the sofa to read the kindle is so much lighter to hold in her hand that the experience is much more comfortable. Me, I don't like the look of it. Give me a book every time.
Ah but they are also easier to read on public transport, because you can change pages with your thumb!
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