OT: Should I get a Kindle?

[wildfan1473]

The one thing that is holding me back from the Kindle is the price. OUCH. And I just like the feel of a "real" book in my hand. I don't know enough about the Kindle, does it have the ability to download other PDF files? If for some reason Amazon stops supporting the device, is there a way to get the data file to read on another device?

Kim

One of my biggest issues was also the feel of a real book. Turns out, it really wasn't a big deal. Yes, the upfront cost was pricey, but fortunately for me, DH understands my obsessive reading habit, and was actually quite willing for me to not have piles of books all over the house.

I've been tempted, but don't like the fact that the Kindle doesn't feel like a normal book. I also love the excitement of going into bookstores and buying a book. The Kindle takes that away and I can't lose that.

I still go to B&N all the time, in fact I was there this morning. I go in, find a half dozen books or so, write down the info, go home, look them up on the kindle, then either download the free sample or do a "save for later". This way I always have a queue of books to choose from, otherwise I have found I have no idea what is out there to read. Also, I can find as many books as I want and not have to worry about walking out of there spending tons of money.

I agree with loving the feel of a real book....I even like the way they smell.

If you like to read while traveling...these are the thing to have. When we vacation, I usually take a couple hard cover books with me. They are hard to pack and I always feel awful thinking of leaving an expensive book somewhere because I dont want to repack it. With the Kindle (Reader) I can take my entire library and it fits in a pocket and weighs ounces.

Being more portable than a big book, I found myself taking it with me and reading in places I normally wouldnt. I would read in the car on the way to the Podcast recording.

And finally....I can buy books in the middle of the night while in my PJs. I love book stores, but dont always have the time to go and browse.

These are the positive things for me. The only negatives I could find were the initial cost (and it's high for either product) and the fact that you dont hold a physical book.

In my opinion..the positives far outweighed the negatives.

I agree with everything Kevin said, but wanted to hit on these points. We do alot of road trips (camping), and with family all over the country, I fly 2-3 times a year. Having the Kindle is so much easier than packing 3 or 4 bulky books. Also, with my tendonitis, holding the Kindle is much easier on my wrists and elbows than the hardbacks I was getting from the library.

I always have something to read with me. When I flew out east a couple of weeks ago, I never had a chance to pick up reading material. I sat in the airport at 6 in the morning and downloaded 3 books in under 3 minutes. The downside to that, however, is not being able to have electronic devices turned on during taxi, takeoff and landing. Still need a magazine to keep me occupied for that.

 

[Kathymcbain]

I don't have a kindle unit, but I do have the kindle application on my iPhone and I do like it. I've seen people using the kindle on my flights and they look pretty handy.

I just don't want to have another piece of electronics to carry around. If it's not on my iPhone, I don't need it.

I'm with you...I downloaded the Kindle app on my iPhone and love it! I thought it would be too small and I'd have to enlarge the text like I do on safari but it's perfect. I read the pages really fast, but it's so easy to change them. Gosh - I love that iPhone - best money I ever spent!

 

[MonkeyPants]

The one thing that is holding me back from the Kindle is the price. OUCH. And I just like the feel of a "real" book in my hand.

I agree with you on the feel of a real book, not to mention I love to read out by the pool and even in the pool. I dont think I would feel comfortable enough to do that with a 400 dollar piece of tech

 

[drakethib]

I know it has been mentioned, but there is an Ipone app with Kindle.

it does work pretty well

 

[experiment_627]

Soooo, if I got an iPhone, I could just use the Kindle app for my textbooks. Can I read .pdf and .doc files on there too?

Size might be an issue, but I might be able to deal with it for awhile if I meant I got an iPhone.

I am so behind w/technology these days.