E-Readers

I’d be interested to know who is using the Kindle or any other e-readers. I’ve been reading e-books for years, but only on my phone. My e-book habits go back to the old Treo.

Yes the screen is small if you are reading on your phone, but you are surfing the web on your phone these days, right? Is there a significant difference? You always carry your phone. If your phone has free e-reader software, then you can always be carrying a book.

So why would you pay $200+ for a big bulky e-reader?

I really don’t get it. I can be stuck anywhere. In line, on the subway, doesn’t matter, I always have a book to read because I always have my phone. There’s no way I’d carry the Kindle around all the time. A paperback is smaller.

All the ads say something like, “carry hundreds of books…”. I don’t need hundreds, I need exactly one. Maybe two if I’m in the middle of a difficult scientific book and I’d like something fluffy from time to time. Hundreds is not useful. This isn’t speed chess, you can’t start twenty books at the same time.

Is it really that hard for normal people (yes, I understand I’m not normal) to read on your phone, assuming you have some type of smartphone? You just spent $200 on that, read some books while you’re at it…

Comments

3 responses to “E-Readers”

  1. Kenan Avatar
    Kenan

    I’m more of a “hardcopy” guy myself when it comes to books. I can see the appeal of reading a book with an e-reader or your computer or phone or whatever especially if you travel a lot (which is outside of my normal experience). I like the tangible feel of the physical book & turning pages. In fact, my wife and I have our own library; a room dedicated just to books. Now that we’re doing our best to go “green” & reduce our environmental impact, I’m really weighing the benefits/costs of a physical book now. I still REEEEEALLY prefer the feel & smell & physicality of the book, so it’s something of a conundrum. 🙂

  2. Linus Avatar
    Linus

    Depends if you think e-ink is a better reading experience than backlit LCD. Try reading your phone when sitting outside Bryant Park in direct sunlight.

  3. Kenan Avatar
    Kenan

    Here’s a NYT article about E-Readers through the eyes of two different authors.

    E-Reading, in 2 Authors’ Eyes

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