Posted: 4/18/2008 1:28:12 PM EDT
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This thing is kind of cool, its a neat concept but it reminds me of those little information boards they carried around on star trek. Heres the link. Watch the video at the bottom it actually shows what it does Neat Techy thing We Dont need But want |
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I usually have a couple of books with me. Good for the Docs office or a microbrewery. I can put it down and go whiz without someone stealing it (unless they are interested in radiation biology or whtever obscure topic i happen to be reading that day) Kindles are books without souls. |
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I use Microsoft Reader on my windows based PDA. I like to be able to carry a bunch of books with me in case I get stuck somewhere. Books themselves cost about the same as a regular paperback. What is nice is all the free books at Baen Free Library are available in MS Reader format. |
Well, I have done almost zero research on this, but I have to admit, the Sony one LOOKED nicer, IMO. Are there only 2 choices at this time, and are the book prices significantly cheaper than paperbacks? |
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I received one of these yesterday as a gift, and so far I really like it. I read quite a bit especially when sitting around waiting for something, on a bus, etc. Therefore I always have at least one book with me in my backpack. The Kindle weighs only 10.3 oz, so about as much as a single paperback, but can store 200+ full length books. Battery life is good - I took mine off the charger about 24 hours ago and it's been on ever since. I've read on it for around three hours, and it's been in sleep mode for around 21 or so, and it's still at about 80% charge. You can change font size, bookmark your pages, look up words in the (included) New Oxford Dictionary, and add notations or highlights to any sentence. Also the screen itself is pretty amazing, considering it is monochromatic. The Kindle uses something called 'electronic ink', which gives a much smoother image than what you would expect from pixels. It's great for if I am eating or otherwise have my hands full, because you have to hold open most books on a table, or else the book will close on itself or a few pages will turn on their own without being held down. One complaint I have is that the edges are fairly sharp and it's not a particularly ergonomic, comfortable device to hold. It digs into your hands after 15-20 minutes and I have to switch hands for a while. Also some of the buttons on the side are too big for my taste, and are too easily pushed when you are handling the device. All in all I am very happy with it so far. At $360 I wouldn't have purchased it myself, but it makes for a great gift. |