I have been pretty busy at college these past few months and my bag is full of books, bought and borrowed. I am seriously tampering with the idea of purchasing an e reader, the Kindle to be exact although of course there is a wide variety out there now including the iPad and its rivals. Part of me wants to save my back everyday, the other part says that if I can get some of these books as a download from the net then I am saving on paper. However the other side of me hates buying more plastic and encouraging its production. It is a dilemma although the reader is winning presently because of the amount of books I seem to need. This time I want your feed back on what is best to get. Do you have an E-reader and are you better off now for it or are you a stickler for a physical book. It has to be said that with all this technology, we cant really be looking after the local shops either. What do they do when people don't need them any more and turn to the Internet? Should we have a heart or should they just get with it? Gadget girl or not, I have a conscience and this is a tough one?
Hi Lesley. I Like the Blog. Keep it going!
ReplyDeleteMy college course requires that we read countless pdf files every week: articles, reports, studies, online-books... it's all digital now. I do borrow the occasional "paper-book" from the library but most of the reading is done on my laptop. Some people in my class have iPads or Kindles. I'm happy with my laptop, however, as I also need it for other things (music, essay-writing etc) so it's an all-in-one gadget for me.
Having said that, my eyes are probably suffering as a result! The Kindle, with its 'electronic Ink' is supposedly much less harmful on the eyes than the ipad or laptop as it doesn't emit light. But then you can do so much more with an iPad.... or in my case a laptop! (plus the kindle only displays black and white)
Not sure if this is any help! It's definitely a good idea to go digital, but bear in mind that you will be looking at a screen for hours on end. If this is a problem, then the Kindle might suit. However, you will be limited with what you can do with the Kindle.
If you're not concerned about your eye health (?!), then the iPad's probably more versatile. Even more so is a light laptop.
Best of luck!
Eoghan
Hi Lesley. I've had a Sony Reader for a while now and it's probably the best thing I've ever bought! No old books cluttering up the place and it's perfect for going on holidays. I thought I'd miss physically holding a book and I never did, the e-ink screen has all the look for a real book. Which brings me to another point. Sony Reader, Kindle and all other readers that use e-ink technology are great for reading normal book like novels, short stories etc but if you intend to use your device for text books or other books that contain more than just simple text then you'd have to buy something that uses an LCD screen rather than e-ink. Something like the new Kindle Fire, iPad or other such tablets. These are of course much more expensive. Just something to consider!
ReplyDeleteThanks guys. I do have a net book which is much lighter on the back! I do try to read on this but even tonight my eyes are sore. Would be great to have something softer on the eyes.
ReplyDeleteI did look at the Kindle fire but apart from the price and the fact that I have a net book, as far as I know, you cannot get it here yet. So the customer service people say. We'll see.
Thanks for your very welcome input. Its good to get some feedback! :)
Hi Lesley! I have the Sony reader and it's great. I still read plenty of actual books so I just have the best of both worlds now. Do remember with the kindle that they only support their own format. Our library loans ebooks which are readable on just a out every other reader except the kindle. We're planning (shhh don't tell!) to get Kira a Kobo for Christmas. It's available from whsmith and supports all formats. Good luck with your search. Caroline xx
ReplyDeleteSounds good Caroline. Santa will be busy! I must take a look at the Sony Reader too I think. Thanks for the post :)
ReplyDeletehi lesley-anne. mom bought me a kindle last year for going to the dentist. I really hate going!!!! the kindle is very environmentally friendly because books are hundreds of pages long, while the kindle is just one convenient plastic item. Think of how many trees you'll be saving if you buy a kindle. I would recommend for you and anyone else that you ask for a kindle for your next birthday or christmas present.
ReplyDeleteHi Lily. Thank you for your great post. I think your mom made a great choice and I am delighted that we agree on saving trees and of course if you take care of your Kindle then one plastic item isn't so bad. In the end I bought the Sony e reader which is very similar, just a different brand really. They were on offer and I couldn't resist. I look forward to reading it lots in the summer when my exams are over :( Pity schools and colleges have brought in e books for us to read. Happy Kindl-ing and mind those teeth!
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