Kindle Envy

kindle2I have always been a “gadget” guy.  I like experimenting and using the latest technology.  The latest and greatest item to grab my attention is the new Amazon Kindle book reader.   I enjoy reading and try to read at least one new book a week, so I could definitely save some money over time by buying the cheaper electronic version of each book. I think I would miss having a hard copy to save and refer back to, but I could definitely get used to a Kindle.  You can highlight, insert bookmarks, and even take notes on what you read.   And it all syncs back to your computer.

I would love to have one, but the price is holding me back.   At least for now they have come out with a free iPhone and iPod Touch version of the book reader. I’ve been using it some on my iPod and I really like it.

I do have to be careful to not let gadgets consume my time and energy.  They can be fun to play with, but they can also be a huge distraction.  Trying to balance convenience, fun, and productivity can sometimes be a challenge.

Instead of explaining how it works, I’ll let you see a couple of videos that show it in action. What do you think?  Could you get used to reading a book on a device?

Mike

I am a former design engineer who now pastors Cornerstone Community Church in Galax, Virginia. I'm passionate about following Jesus and I love technology. I've been married to Jennifer for 28 years, and we have three adult children.

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5 Responses

  1. traeblain says:

    I don't read quite as much as you do, but I also believe I could save money in the long run with it. But like you, the intro price is a big investment especially for something that I can't "rent" and try for a while to ensure I like using it.

    Almost bit-the-bullet a few weeks back though…

  2. Doug Rowles says:

    Price is the thing that is holding me back also.

    Check this out http://www.plasticlogic.com/ as an option.

  3. Anonymous says:

    In addition to the price, I personally am skeptical of the DRM and letting Amazon control my purchased content. If the Kindle fails, or doesn't become profitable, Amazon could very well end support for it. Similar things have happened with DRM laden music files. Also, Amazon doesn't support the concept of "lendng" a book. If DRM ebook files become the norm, publishers would have no motivation to print hard copies anymore. Image what this could do to libraries and the public domain. Imagine trying to send new books (or Bibles) to third world countries years from now if hard copies lose favor. This author provides a narrative on his view of the concept:

    http://www.gnu.org/philosophy/right-to-read.html

  4. I agree with you about the DRM (Digital Rights Management). I hate it and wish all content providers would get rid of it. Finally iTunes has stripped most of the DRM, but it has taken several years for it to happen. Here's what I do like about Amazon. Their AmazonMP3 service has no DRM. When the market grows to the point where it is self-sustainable, I think Amazon will drop the DRM on their Kindle books as well. They want to establish their Kindle as the standard book reader, much as the iPod is for music.

    As for the attached story, I'm not much of an alarmist. People will always want to have a book to hold. Articles like this usually have the opposite effect on me.

    Thanks for joining in the conversation.

  5. Kevin says:

    The Kindle is a nice piece of technology, and I almost pulled the trigger on buying it unti Amazon modified the text-to-speech feature to be enabled/disabled by the "rights holder". My intention was to listen to it on a long drive or to allow my children to use it as they were learning to read, so they could follow along. That particular feature would have justified the price for me.

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