Kindle 2
I rediscovered pleasure reading recently. I'd never stopped reading, but for a time I had drifted away from reading books for entertainment and had only allowed myself the time for stuff with a practical angle. Mostly, this meant reading books about programming, or robotics, or Personal Rapid Transit (PRT), or what have you.
A few weeks ago, a pair of books arrived in the mail unbidden. Not totally unbidden of course--they were old additions to my wishlist on Bookins--but still, unexpectedly. One of the books was Self-Made Man and looked far too interesting to set aside, even though I didn't really have any of that elusive 'time to spare' stuff lying around. That weekend, when I probably should have been 'doing stuff' (ideally, 'doing useful stuff, productively'), I read it.
I loved it.
More than that, I loved the experience of reading it. It's a fascinating book--you'll enjoy reading it too--but I loved reading it for a couple reasons that really shouldn't contribute, but do. First there was just the joy of procrastination. Never let anyone tell you that they don't enjoy procrastinating, if they didn't, they wouldn't be doing it. Second there is a definite sense of accomplishment when the last page is turned and the book is finished. Placing a just-read book on a shelf in your home is like placing a trophy in a display case. Yes, from now on it will just collect dust, but every time you look at it you'll be reminded of the experience.
When we moved to Santa Cruz, we moved to a smaller apartment, and many of my books were sold in our yard sale. On some level that was easy to do. I'm not materialistic, I'm not a hoarder, and having strangers give me money for the privilege of reducing my clutter is a delightful pairing. On another, more sentimental level, it was hard. Although I rarely reread books, having them line my shelves was a reminder of the books I've read--the works that I've loved (books that I merely 'liked' tend to make their way out of my home rather quickly). Irregardless of the occasional pangs, it was necessary, and I don't have regrets.
Finally, I come to the topic of this post. I bought a Kindle 2. I'm still not sure why, but maybe I'll figure it out as I write. Compared to Book, it's ... well it's really expensive is what it is. But if you can swallow the $360 price tag, then it's pretty nice. Being able to adjust the text size is great, as is the ability to read without either holding the book or wedging it open somehow. The eInk display is very legible in all sorts of lighting, and it's no heavier than most paperbacks. On the downside, it's a little too big to slide into a coat pocket, and way too expensive to not worry about it getting lost, damaged or stolen. Back to the plus-side, it has free (lifetime?) wireless, a web-browser and built in Wikipedia shortcuts. I'll save some money on books, since ebook prices are cheaper than dead-tree versions, but I don't have any delusions about recouping the device's price tag that way. Having books instantly delivered is ridiculously cool. But perhaps its biggest plus side isn't going to be realized for another year or so.
Next time I move, I'll get to keep my books. I think that alone was enough to make me click, "Confirm Purchase."
I also have some hope that it will allow Katrina be more comfortable when reading, thus allowing her to read more. Furthermore, I hope that just owning the Kindle will push me to read more full books, and spend proportionally less time surfing the web. Either of those alone would probably have been enough to seal the deal. As is, I'm considering buying a second one.
But probably won't. $360. Sheesh.
A few weeks ago, a pair of books arrived in the mail unbidden. Not totally unbidden of course--they were old additions to my wishlist on Bookins--but still, unexpectedly. One of the books was Self-Made Man and looked far too interesting to set aside, even though I didn't really have any of that elusive 'time to spare' stuff lying around. That weekend, when I probably should have been 'doing stuff' (ideally, 'doing useful stuff, productively'), I read it.
I loved it.
More than that, I loved the experience of reading it. It's a fascinating book--you'll enjoy reading it too--but I loved reading it for a couple reasons that really shouldn't contribute, but do. First there was just the joy of procrastination. Never let anyone tell you that they don't enjoy procrastinating, if they didn't, they wouldn't be doing it. Second there is a definite sense of accomplishment when the last page is turned and the book is finished. Placing a just-read book on a shelf in your home is like placing a trophy in a display case. Yes, from now on it will just collect dust, but every time you look at it you'll be reminded of the experience.
When we moved to Santa Cruz, we moved to a smaller apartment, and many of my books were sold in our yard sale. On some level that was easy to do. I'm not materialistic, I'm not a hoarder, and having strangers give me money for the privilege of reducing my clutter is a delightful pairing. On another, more sentimental level, it was hard. Although I rarely reread books, having them line my shelves was a reminder of the books I've read--the works that I've loved (books that I merely 'liked' tend to make their way out of my home rather quickly). Irregardless of the occasional pangs, it was necessary, and I don't have regrets.
Finally, I come to the topic of this post. I bought a Kindle 2. I'm still not sure why, but maybe I'll figure it out as I write. Compared to Book, it's ... well it's really expensive is what it is. But if you can swallow the $360 price tag, then it's pretty nice. Being able to adjust the text size is great, as is the ability to read without either holding the book or wedging it open somehow. The eInk display is very legible in all sorts of lighting, and it's no heavier than most paperbacks. On the downside, it's a little too big to slide into a coat pocket, and way too expensive to not worry about it getting lost, damaged or stolen. Back to the plus-side, it has free (lifetime?) wireless, a web-browser and built in Wikipedia shortcuts. I'll save some money on books, since ebook prices are cheaper than dead-tree versions, but I don't have any delusions about recouping the device's price tag that way. Having books instantly delivered is ridiculously cool. But perhaps its biggest plus side isn't going to be realized for another year or so.
Next time I move, I'll get to keep my books. I think that alone was enough to make me click, "Confirm Purchase."
I also have some hope that it will allow Katrina be more comfortable when reading, thus allowing her to read more. Furthermore, I hope that just owning the Kindle will push me to read more full books, and spend proportionally less time surfing the web. Either of those alone would probably have been enough to seal the deal. As is, I'm considering buying a second one.
But probably won't. $360. Sheesh.
posted by Dan at 7:23 PM
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