Since I work in technology you would *think* that I would be on the cutting edge right?
Nope.
I’m kinda weird that way. I’m definitely not one of those early adapter people. Usually I’m always last to buy things when it comes to technology.
For example, I don’t have an e-reader. But now I’m leaning towards one. I love that my mp3 player has all of my CD collection in one place and I can carry it everywhere. I could have that same concept with an e-reader right? Could have all of my books in one place, which would be good especially when traveling.
Plus the price of e-books are lower (which sort of sucks because that’s less money going towards the writer, but oh well that’s another story) and downloads are quick and simple.
But I think I would still miss the actual book. The page smell. The tactile feel. The cute bookmarks. And most shocking: The writing (yes, I write in my books — when I see a beautiful or great passage, I just have to underline it — crazy I know).
So this is where I need some help. I’m leaning towards getting an e-reader but I have *no* idea which one would be considered a good investment. I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Kindle, nook, and the I-Pad but still sort of on the fence.
So do you have an e-reader? What do you like about it? Or are you like me and still holding on to dear life to your books?
E-Readers vs. Books
July 14, 2010 Read Comments
As you know, I don’t have a clue either! :)
The iPad is probably out of my price range. I think the Kindle is the front runner at the moment according to the amazing folks who’ve dropped by my blog!
Ha! We’re in exactly the same boat right now. I’ve just finished up all my research and I’ve decided to go with a Nook. After all my research (and it was a lot) here are my reasons, hopefully they help:
The newest Kindle is big – and the Nook fits better in my purse.
Let’s face it, the Nook looks cooler. I know that’s not a real reason, but the Kindle just looks like something out of the 80′s, very clunky with bubble buttons.
The Nook has expandable storage – which is huge for me. With the Kindle, you can only use so much.
The one positive for the Kindle – it is slightly faster for downloading books and such, but I figure I’ll be using it more to read, so this one is a wash for me considering all the other positives of the Nook. Seeing as you can download from your computer for both, it wasn’t a big deal.
The Nook is touch screen, vs. the Kindle has buttons that can break.
You can share books with the Nook, you can’t with the Kindle.
With the Nook, it accepts all e-pub formats, with the Kindle, you have to purchase the books from Amazon.
With the Nook, you can borrow e-books from the library without purchasing them (if your library has e-books to rent).
The Nook has a better support system if you need help. You can go into an actual store, where they have classes to help you. With the Kindle, you’re left scouring the forums for help.
Another positive for the Kindle – It has a folder system. But I think one is coming soon for the Nook. The Kindle also has the text-to-speech feature, which will read you a book. I don’t know how good it is, but that’d be cool if it comes to the Nook soon.
With the Nook, you can listen to music at the same time as read.
With the Nook, you can replace the battery yourself. With the Kindle, you have to send it in, and the battery is more expensive.
Nook has a color screen.
You can play Sudoku and Chess on the Nook.
Before purchasing a book, the Nook gives you longer free samples.
The Nook is slightly heavier, but I found that to be a good thing because it felt like a book to me.
If you plan to surf the web a lot, the Kindle has easier navigation.
The Nook will automatically save all the books you buy to your Barnes and Noble account, so if you lose your Nook, you still have all the books that you can download onto your new one.
The Kindle can read Word documents, which is pretty cool.
If you’re interested in an e-reader, then I wouldn’t get an iPad, which is backlit. Unless you read a lot in the dark. But the Kindle and Nook can read in direct sunlight. If you want to read in the dark, you’d need a light, which they sell.
Hopefully that helps. Sorry for the super long post! LOL. I guess I’m just excited about my new Nook that I’ll be getting soon :) I’m guessing with a lot of these features, pretty soon they will be available on both through software updates. So, it’s more about the feel and such that you like.
Tiana
Jemi: Ha, I’m going to have to go over to your site and read some of your comments.
Tiana: OMG. I LOVES you! This is a super-duper great comment!
My uncle LOVES his nook. He didn’t get into the great detail of why like you did.
Wow, some GREAT things you pointed out. Such a great help. :)
I agree Tiana – wow! That’s a lot of really helpful detail – thanks so much :)
I’m glad you found it helpful instead of annoyingly long :) LOL. I’m just glad these things are finally coming down in price!
I’m also on the fence about e-readers. My friends with Kindles like theirs, but if I’m going to put money into an expensive bookshelf, I’ll probably get an iPad. Maybe. Definitely still on the fence.
Nora: I’m still on the fence but I have so many books now and I know that I will continue with this vice so trying to find a way to make it easier to manage.
If you do get an iPad, you have to let me know how you like it.