In which I am AMBIVALENT about e-readers

[idat]

I'd rather like an e-reader device, but I doubt I can be trusted alone with a "download instantly" feature. I'm pretty sure impulse buying is where an e-reader would cost me the most money, even when taking into account the huge damn price of the thing itself. Hence my ambivalence, because the NYPL branches offer free books for the borrowing, AND

Comments

[illogicalvulcan]

I have been doing the ebook thing for probably seven years, starting with my Palm, a doc reader, and Project Gutenberg. I still use a Palm, albeit a newer one, and I use a doc reader, and eReader. eReader also works on the iPhone, and on desktops, and other portable devices, so you don't have to have a single-use device. I think they are currently getting killed by the Kindle, because are they ever offering discounts like whoa. I'm currently debating buying Twilight, because it looks like I can get it for free.

My point being I have been on the ebook train for ages. I love it for a variety of reasons, including space-saving in my apartment and in my bag, weight savings, and yes, the instant gratification. I dislike that my bookcase is no longer a reflection of my tastes. But you don't need to wed yourself to an expensive device to give it a try.

The NYPL actually offers ebooks for download.

BTW, Stephen King is awesome.

[idat]

Thanks for the insights! I must be the last person on Earth not to have an iPhone/iTouch. I'm actually a big fan of e-ink technology without the backlight and eye strain (iStrain?) myopia and astigmatism aren't big fans of tiny screens. Space and weight savings are pretty huge, I admit.

I'm not sure if reading Twilight is a good idea for you, even if it is free.

Stephanie Meyer is no Stephen King, is all I'm saying.

[uridium]

I also thought that the Barnes & Noble product had a better name until someone said "Nook e-reader" aloud to me and I thought they were talking about a dirty magazine.

I've had a Kindle for about six months now. I really like it for reading the newspaper (especially on the subway where anything bigger than a tabloid is a real pain). I haven't read much in the way of books on it, I find I still prefer navigating and looking at paper pages, although it may just be a matter of time.

[idat]

OR...it's BECAUSE you can say "Nook e-reader" that makes it so great! I'm still firmly on the fence until at least the next iteration. Meanwhile, tablet technology might break out in a new way...