Tuesday, January 26, 2010

E-readers; the ups and downs and everything in between.


As many of you probably know, e-readers are becoming the new hit thing. The Kindle is practically all over Amazon's website and homepage, and I've heard a lot of talk about the nook, from Barnes and Noble. Then of course there is the sony eReader, which is also pretty popular. But what I really want to know is...what do you all think about them!?

At first, even though I thought the idea of an electronic book was awesome, I didn't like the eReaders. I thought it took away from the 'beauty of literature' kind of, the way that now adays a lot of people don't even buy music CD's anymore, because they just have iPods instead! But ever since I started using the Kindle I got from Christmas, I'm in love! They are soo convenient and hold a huge amount of books for such a small and thin size. And because the quality of the screen is so good, a lot of times I forget I'm not even reading a real paperback book.

However the thing that I am kind of scared of is what I mentioned earlier. That maybe ten years from now, these eReaders will be the next big thing and replace paperbacks and hardcover books! And I really hope not, because I get so much joy everytime I simply pass by my crowded bookshelf and take a quick glance over at my beloved books. :) I just like being able to call them mine, you know? And with eReaders, you can't do that. Sure, you get to enjoy the story the book tells, but you don't get the actual feel of the book in your hands and being able to look directly at the pretty cover when you put it down.

So.. I want to know your thoughts on this new technology that's affecting literature! Are you all for eReaders, totally against them, or just stuck on the fence? What do you like about them and what don't you like? These are the things I want to know! I'd loveee to hear your opinions about it.

12 comments:

  1. I love my kindle2, and there will always be a market for paperbacks, heck people still buy cassette tapes!
    the only thing on the downside with kindle is the newer books (like icarceron, body finder and the like) wont be out for it for a while after it is released, or if at all.
    but yay to the bigger text!

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  2. I think paper books will always have a place as people enjoy the visceral experience of actually holding a book and turning the pages and smelling the papery smell. That being said I love my Nook that I got for Christmas.

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  3. I think nothing will be able to replace the paper backs. I don't have a kindle of my own but I have used one and I think they're pretty cool.

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  4. I have a love/hate relationship with ebooks and ereaders. I think they are practical and aren't wasting paper but yet a book (a solid book in your hands) is yours to do with. There are all these restrictions of having an ebook. I like knowing I can give the book away to a friend or donate it somewhere or put it in a used bookstore. I like having the artwork of the story in front of me and touching the pages and that awesome smell of the book itself.

    I try my best to only buy used books and I do occasionally buy ebooks. I like being able to do both. I don't want to chose and glad that I don't have to.

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  5. I think nothing will replace the sensation of turning pages and the smell of a new book. I am intrigued by ebooks and am dying to see the nook. What I love about the nook is that you can share books with others. Anyway, true readers like us will keep walking down the aisles to make our selections...I don't think that will change.

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  6. I love of the feel of a book in my hand. There's just something nice about an actual book, and I can't really describe it. ;)

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  7. I have to say, I think eReaders are a great idea - for some people. I wanted a Kindle when they first became popular but the more I thought about it, the more I decided I didn't want one. Like everyone who has commented here, I love the feel of an actual book in my hand, love flipping through the pages and smelling the paper. Plus, I get the majority of my books for free or very, very cheap and having to buy the books that go on the eReader turns me away from that. Maybe if libraries start lending out ebooks, that will change but for now ... I'll still with my actual books!

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  8. On the fence. I do like getting free ebooks on my kindle for iPhone (I have an iPod). However, I do like books and the fact that I can easily share a physical book with others.

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  9. I just love my ectaco jetBook e-Book reader i love my books to.My local library also offer ebooks.For me Ive gotten to where i stay so busy with my family and my decided to take it upon him self to get me the ebook reader and i just love it

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  10. I love my Kindle 2. But not everything is available for it yet, and it can be pricey to get everything you want (I usually shop at a used book store and am not used to paying more than a couple of bucks per book.) I have devised a way of reading in the bathtub, though, without fear of ruining it! (Ziploc freezer bags)

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  11. I don't think so the thrill of reading would be there if we use e-Read.
    Just like what u said.

    Yeah, I prefer books rather than gadgets.
    :)

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  12. I've never been able to read an entire e-book...My ADD brain doesn't wrap itself around the format for some reason. So yeah I prefer actual books or audio books on my ipod to an e-reader.

    P.S. Thanks for the follow on my blog! :)

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Thanks, I love what you have to say!