Just in time for the holidays, Oprah has announced her new favorite thing: Amazon's e-reading gadget, the Kindle.
This news inspires all kinds of mixed emotions for us. How about you?
First of all, we're not so convinced that the Kindle is a great green product. Yes, in theory, it saves a whole bunch of paper. But, if you're a library-going bookworm like we are (oh, the joys of the Berkeley Public Library), then you're already doing pretty well in that department.
And, we're also not sure we're ready to give up on the feeling and weight of a well-worn paperback. It's hard to imagine cuddling up on the couch with a mug of tea, an old blanket, and the Kindle. Just doesn't inspire the same feelings of coziness.
But, maybe we're living in the dark ages and the Kindle is the wave of the future? It's true, we don't take the newspaper anymore -- we get all of that on the web. We've cut down on most of our magazine subscriptions, and are happy reading those via our laptops. So maybe we'll change our minds eventually.
Oh, and lastly, it just plain scares us the way people feverishly buy things because Oprah likes 'em. But that's another post.
What do you think? Kindle fan or hater?
(Oh, by the way, if you want one ... you can get $50 off if you buy it before Nov. 1. Just enter the code "OPRAHWINFREY")
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Comments (4)
While I would love to get a Kindle, it's only really available usable in the US. I spend a lot of time reading things on my laptop, so a Kindle would be a more portable alternative.
I also can't get into the idea of Kindles, even though they do save paper. I think it's mostly because there's something strange to me in paying money for an electronic substitute of a physical thing. I can't help but feel that, if I'm going to spend money on a book (or a CD, for that matter - iTunes weirds me out as well), I want to have something more than just an electronic file of it.
I've had one for a few months, and I'm a complete fan. Still love the library, but often times you just can't wait for a new book to be available there. Plus, Amazon is usually offering at least one book free, and there are plenty of websites that offer free (legally) books (many, well known classics) for the kindle. I've yet to actually spend money on a book. But there are a few I will soon, I'm sure.
That said, one of the things that always bothered me, is carrying different books to work with me. Depending on their weight, it was definitely a pain. The kindle is super light. And because I often read 2 or 3 at a time, I no longer have to choose first thing in the morning. And there's no way to lose my pages on the kindle.
I still have a bunch of real books I got as gifts that I need to read, but I read those at home. And leave kindle books for work, line waiting, etc. I find it incredibly easy to read on.... easy on the eyes.... and easier to hold laying down than a real book.
Yes, it's very expensive, but I changed coins for a gift card. :-) It also does many other things than read books, so.... (ie. I no longer need a web plan on my cell)
So Yay kindle from me. No it may not be the greenest option (until amazon implements the ability to read library ebooks on it), and it's certainly not the best anti-consumer option (you can't share books with other kindle users unless they are on your account), but I can't help but love it.
I love book covers, and i make notes or highlight sometimes in my books - so I don't think I would get a Kindle. But I can see the appeal for those who constantly travel and are away for long periods of time.
My dad - who travels a lot - is really intriuged by them, we did some research with customer reviews seems like the kinks haven't been completely worked out yet. But when they are it will allow you to buy books, mags, newpaper (even international ones) all through the device - using something that I understand to be like the cell phone internet connection (satelites) instead of having to be in a wifi or hotspot. Also it lets you email and recieve word doc. files and pdf files...good for business people traveling as well.