After years of holding out hope that this e-reader business would just go away... I am getting a Kindle (this one, to be specific). It's official - feel free to alert the press.
Seeing as how I am a devoted real-book lover, how on Earth did I come to such a conclusion? I'll give you two words: Law Books. In case I've never mentioned it, I started studying Law part time last year. And whilst I do love spreading the books around me in a sort of research seance, travelling with them is a bitch. Altogether, they weigh - I kid you not - 20 kilos. Twenty kilograms. After putting them on the scale, my only thought was, "I really, really need a Kindle".
But there are other things that I am looking forward to using my Kindle for. For starters, Netgalley is probably going to become my main new source of reading material. I have read and reviewed books from Netgalley before, but I have always found that reading them on the computer diminishes my enjoyment of the book. Which is odd, considering I have read fanfiction online for years without a problem. Oh, I suppose I could put fics on my Kindle as well... now that would just be odd.
But why the Kindle and not the iPad or another tablet computer? I present my list of well-thought-out reasons:
- E-ink. Don't get me wrong, I love beautiful, shiny, high-resolution screens as much as the next girl. But I spend all day reading and typing in front of a computer. My reading time is the only time my eyes catch a break. Also, I will want to take my Kindle on day trips... the type that involve reading during the, ya know, daytime.
- Price. I am a reluctant e-book buyer. As such, I really have no desire to spend an excessive amount of money on my new e-book. The Kindle fits that requirement perfectly.
- International usage. The new Kindle can be used anywhere in the world, which is brilliant. I cannot wait to be stuck on a train to Russia (or whatever) and saying "ooh, I think I'll get the latest book in the X series".
- Internet browser. When desperate, the Kindle can be used as a tablet computer. One never knows.
Also, the Kindle's new lending library couldn't be better timed. I am just waiting for Amazon UK to set it up!
For those of you who are thinking about getting a Kindle I hope this helped!
Great answer - I'm after a kindle too!
ReplyDeleteHere’s my Booking Through Thursday post. :)
The weight reduction is a definite pro, and textbooks are the worst of all. Still, I find non-fiction hard to read on my Kindle, mostly because it's hard to jump back and forth on a Kindle. Maybe, that's better on the newer models than my one, I hope so.
ReplyDelete@mostraum that is a very good point about non-fiction . . . but for fiction, I've become a Kindle convert.
ReplyDeletehttp://kirstenmortensen.com/booking-through-thursdays-mama-dont-take-my-e-reader-away.htm
I have the exact same kindle and I love it. It now travels everywhere with me as it can go into my handbag so easily. Now when I leave the house I check for my purse, keys, phone and kindle.
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
I recently became a Kindle convert (or I will when it arrives). I have both a Nook and an ipad, but what sent me to Kindle was net galley. Because Nook & ipad uses Adobe Digital to download, you don't get to keep books from net galley. When the pub achieves, it disappears. I figure if I review it, I should get to keep it.
ReplyDeleteGood points about the Kindle...some I'd not thought of. I have one of the older Nooks and love it for traveling. Here's my BTT.
ReplyDelete@Tori - Really? You get to KEEP the Netgalley books on a Kindle? How did I not know this!?
ReplyDeleteI still prefer the actual book.
ReplyDeletehttp://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/11/booking-through-thursday_10.html
You really touched on all the things I love about the Kindle. I don’t like reading on the computer so the eInk is perfect for that. Also being able to get books anywhere is a HUGE plus and I love the internet browser for traveling too because I don’t have a smart phone. :-( Plus it’s so light and you can have hundreds of books without the weight!
ReplyDeleteGlad you finally gave in. I have always believed that E-readers have their numerous advantages. FanFic feels like a news article and when you read e-books from Netgalley you want the experience of it feeling like a real book.
ReplyDeleteLoved the post which should help reluctant E=reader buyers!
I only converted a few months ago, but the feel and smell of a proper book still trumps a kindle for me.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy my Kindle, but I'm not so sure about using it to read textbooks. I guess you can still write short notes and make highlights (and I do get the point about wanting to avoid the hefty textbooks) ... but it sure would be an interesting experiment for you.
ReplyDelete