Kindle vs Books!
Discussion
Nightmare said:
oh really? so at the moment im guessing mine is linked to my amazon account and hers to hers....how can she get to see books on my account (and would it wipe out whats shes got? I have a feeling im being thick.....
Wont wipe what shes got, you just log off under her account and log in under yours. there is an option to see all the books you have purchased on your account, She selects the books you have that she fancies then click on them to download them easy peasy, takes a few minutes from start to finish.Then you log off and then should you so wish do the same with yours.
I guess, that at 66 years old I was automatically hardwired to be anti tablet. Love the feel of turning pages with the anticipation of what happens next. Also love the opportunity to pass a book on to a friend, with a " here, read this, you'll love it". Leaving well read paperbacks in Pubs, planes and trains, always with a wee thought that someone else will enjoy a story.
Have to confess though, I bought a Kobo Reader from W.H. Smiths and am really enjoying the ability to store 3 or 4 books before going off on holiday. I can tuck this thing into my inside jacket pocket(try that with a 500 page Wilbur Smith) and know that I can have maybe 5 or 6 books waiting to be read.
Then you have the free downloads of so many classics, Count of Monte Cristo , Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad, etc etc etc.
I guess I'm a convert to the technology. the convenience is almost limitless, unless of course, you're reading in the bath and fall asleep. With old paper tech you ended up with a bunch of soggy pages Now, I wouldn't dare risk my E reader in the bath, it ain't going to dry out over a radiator!
Still, I'm sure that waterproof, shockproof,iterations are just around the corner . I think that it's the accesibility of literature that's more important, not how you access it.
Have to confess though, I bought a Kobo Reader from W.H. Smiths and am really enjoying the ability to store 3 or 4 books before going off on holiday. I can tuck this thing into my inside jacket pocket(try that with a 500 page Wilbur Smith) and know that I can have maybe 5 or 6 books waiting to be read.
Then you have the free downloads of so many classics, Count of Monte Cristo , Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad, etc etc etc.
I guess I'm a convert to the technology. the convenience is almost limitless, unless of course, you're reading in the bath and fall asleep. With old paper tech you ended up with a bunch of soggy pages Now, I wouldn't dare risk my E reader in the bath, it ain't going to dry out over a radiator!
Still, I'm sure that waterproof, shockproof,iterations are just around the corner . I think that it's the accesibility of literature that's more important, not how you access it.
niccis dad said:
I guess I'm a convert to the technology. the convenience is almost limitless, unless of course, you're reading in the bath and fall asleep. With old paper tech you ended up with a bunch of soggy pages Now, I wouldn't dare risk my E reader in the bath, it ain't going to dry out over a radiator!
I use one of these with mine; 
http://www.amazon.co.uk/BeachPlay-Waterproof-Bag-C...
niccis dad said:
Then you have the free downloads of so many classics, Count of Monte Cristo , Secret Agent by Joseph Conrad, etc etc etc.
I guess I'm a convert to the technology.
Likewise, after holding off for a long time I got myself a Barnes & Noble Nook Glowlight, delighted to rediscover the writings of Mark Twain.I guess I'm a convert to the technology.
I didn't like the idea of them at first, but have started to come round to the idea. Sill haven't used one. Because I am simple I tend to only have one book on the go at any time, and I don't read very quickly, so storage isn't an issue.
The one thing I would like is that if you drop it you don't lose your space. I tend to read most in bed or on trains, and quite often doze off, or struggle to hold the book while tired. It would be lovely to get free book downloads too.
Trouble is, I get most of my books from the library, so they're free anyway. I also love the smell of books, and looking at them, and the feel of the pages. Most of all, the silence when you are among bookcases, because books absorb sound very effectively. I'll probably stick with real books until some berk decides to shut down all the public libraries
The one thing I would like is that if you drop it you don't lose your space. I tend to read most in bed or on trains, and quite often doze off, or struggle to hold the book while tired. It would be lovely to get free book downloads too.
Trouble is, I get most of my books from the library, so they're free anyway. I also love the smell of books, and looking at them, and the feel of the pages. Most of all, the silence when you are among bookcases, because books absorb sound very effectively. I'll probably stick with real books until some berk decides to shut down all the public libraries
Never got on with mine. I often buy second hand books for next to nothing so the price argument fails. And I like to swap/borrow/lend books too, which is impossible with Kindle. I've now got ebook software on my phone which does everything Kindle does without me having to carry an extra thing around.
True it's not quite as good to read and it does need charging more often, but still so much more convenient than a Kindle.
I anyway mostly read the free stuff and am very reluctant to buy pdf files that will probably get lost or become obsolete at some point in the next few years, when for about the same money I can buy a paper book that can grace my bookshelf for decades to come.
True it's not quite as good to read and it does need charging more often, but still so much more convenient than a Kindle.
I anyway mostly read the free stuff and am very reluctant to buy pdf files that will probably get lost or become obsolete at some point in the next few years, when for about the same money I can buy a paper book that can grace my bookshelf for decades to come.
The last two posts make interesting counterpoints.
Whilst you can re-download an ebook if you leave your Kindle on the train, what's going to happen in 50 years when you want to read the novel you have in Kindle format? My guess is that there won't be anything that will read the format.
That might not matter to you if you never read a book twice, but if you like to revisit books it'll be a case of having to buy again.
Whilst I quite like the ebook reader concept, I really think the ebook reader device (alone) is a bit of a red herring and one we'll consider rather quaint in a few years time.
I've got the Kindle software on my PCs, Android phone and iPad and I'm rather glad to say it's had the effect of getting me to read a lot more again. I read a bit whilst waiting for meetings or on the tube or over a coffee in Costas or waiting for a meal to be delivered to me if I'm on business and eating alone, but I do all that on my phone. Personally, I have no problem reading off the phone screen (and my eyesight is most definitely not what it was).
I can pick up the same book, at the same place, on my iPad at home (whilst not the typically powerfully build director PH type, I can hold an iPad without my arms turning to jelly). Why would I want to spend £70 or more on another device that ONLY lets me read books? Especially one that annoyingly flashes the screen every time I turn a page (honestly, doesn't that drive regular Kindle users mental? It's so clunky!).
On the flipside, I miss the tangibility of books (and the cheap price - I wanted "Our Man in Havana" and have a nicely patina-ed copy from the 70s for a couple of quid. Getting it in Kindle form was going to cost 3-4 times as much...) and sitting here looking at a couple of National Geographics from the 50s and 60s I know I'm not going to be able to read the Zinio versions I'm now signed up to in 5 or 10 years time, let alone 50, which I think is a very sad thing (although not sad enough, I'll admit, to make me spend 6 times the amount on continuing my print subscription and the need for feet of storage per year to retain them).
M
Whilst you can re-download an ebook if you leave your Kindle on the train, what's going to happen in 50 years when you want to read the novel you have in Kindle format? My guess is that there won't be anything that will read the format.
That might not matter to you if you never read a book twice, but if you like to revisit books it'll be a case of having to buy again.
Whilst I quite like the ebook reader concept, I really think the ebook reader device (alone) is a bit of a red herring and one we'll consider rather quaint in a few years time.
I've got the Kindle software on my PCs, Android phone and iPad and I'm rather glad to say it's had the effect of getting me to read a lot more again. I read a bit whilst waiting for meetings or on the tube or over a coffee in Costas or waiting for a meal to be delivered to me if I'm on business and eating alone, but I do all that on my phone. Personally, I have no problem reading off the phone screen (and my eyesight is most definitely not what it was).
I can pick up the same book, at the same place, on my iPad at home (whilst not the typically powerfully build director PH type, I can hold an iPad without my arms turning to jelly). Why would I want to spend £70 or more on another device that ONLY lets me read books? Especially one that annoyingly flashes the screen every time I turn a page (honestly, doesn't that drive regular Kindle users mental? It's so clunky!).
On the flipside, I miss the tangibility of books (and the cheap price - I wanted "Our Man in Havana" and have a nicely patina-ed copy from the 70s for a couple of quid. Getting it in Kindle form was going to cost 3-4 times as much...) and sitting here looking at a couple of National Geographics from the 50s and 60s I know I'm not going to be able to read the Zinio versions I'm now signed up to in 5 or 10 years time, let alone 50, which I think is a very sad thing (although not sad enough, I'll admit, to make me spend 6 times the amount on continuing my print subscription and the need for feet of storage per year to retain them).
M
marcosgt said:
Whilst you can re-download an ebook if you leave your Kindle on the train, what's going to happen in 50 years when you want to read the novel you have in Kindle format? My guess is that there won't be anything that will read the format.
I doubt that very much, once drm has been removed I'm sure there will be a format I can convert to, perhaps even several conversions along the way in the 50 years. The same goes for other formats and using on a Kindle too. Although initially the kindle feels quite locked to the amazon store it doesn't have to be. Calibre and it's plug ins can help here. Regarding the flash when turning pages, it's no worse than turning a real page and only happens at a page turn, no matter annoying at all IMO. In fact I find the fancy page turning effect in the software on my other devices more distracting, even when if they're pretty looking on screen. Proper e ink screens are far superior for reading than any LCD display.
The other thing I've just discovered as a very handy facility on my Nook, and other e-readers, is the search facility.
You know that moment when you are reading in full flow and a reference to something or someone earlier in the book arises, which then prompts the thought, "now where did they come in and what is the significance in this current context?"
Do a search for the name and a list of links to pages earlier in the book appears. Marvelous, saves all that very fast skim reading and flicking page after page to try and find it.
You know that moment when you are reading in full flow and a reference to something or someone earlier in the book arises, which then prompts the thought, "now where did they come in and what is the significance in this current context?"
Do a search for the name and a list of links to pages earlier in the book appears. Marvelous, saves all that very fast skim reading and flicking page after page to try and find it.
JimbobVFR said:
marcosgt said:
Whilst you can re-download an ebook if you leave your Kindle on the train, what's going to happen in 50 years when you want to read the novel you have in Kindle format? My guess is that there won't be anything that will read the format.
I doubt that very much, once drm has been removed I'm sure there will be a format I can convert to, perhaps even several conversions along the way in the 50 years. The same goes for other formats and using on a Kindle too. Although initially the kindle feels quite locked to the amazon store it doesn't have to be. Calibre and it's plug ins can help here. Regarding the flash when turning pages, it's no worse than turning a real page and only happens at a page turn, no matter annoying at all IMO. In fact I find the fancy page turning effect in the software on my other devices more distracting, even when if they're pretty looking on screen. Proper e ink screens are far superior for reading than any LCD display.
On the flashing point, it's a personal hate. It's fine for you, but for me, it's a killer. No worse than turning a real page? For me, it's a million times worse. In fact it's many times worse than an LCD screen's animated page turn.
I must admit, I don't really find reading off an LCD screen any worse than off an e-ink screen or paper. I'm fully prepared to accept that e-ink is 'better' technically, but it isn't as a reading experience for my tired old eyes. Overall, I prefer the LCD screen for reading.
M
Without wishing to come over all Twincam16 (check his contributions to the HMV/mp3 thread), for me the Kindle can't compete with proper paper books.
1) Reading is a tactile experience too - the smell of the book, the bending of the spine etc.
2) I love second hand books, the back story where they've come from. I also like lending them to people (assuming I get them back).
3) When you buy a book on Kindle, there's not much to show for it. A book shelf full of books is a wonderful thing. I'd rather pay more and hold a book in my hand and put it on the shelf afterwards.
4) Cover art (less relevant with colour ereaders now).
My gf bought me a Kindle a couple of years back. I enthusiastically downloaded as many free books as possible. Never read anything on it. On occasion I may have used the dictionary but that's about it.
1) Reading is a tactile experience too - the smell of the book, the bending of the spine etc.
2) I love second hand books, the back story where they've come from. I also like lending them to people (assuming I get them back).
3) When you buy a book on Kindle, there's not much to show for it. A book shelf full of books is a wonderful thing. I'd rather pay more and hold a book in my hand and put it on the shelf afterwards.
4) Cover art (less relevant with colour ereaders now).
My gf bought me a Kindle a couple of years back. I enthusiastically downloaded as many free books as possible. Never read anything on it. On occasion I may have used the dictionary but that's about it.
g3org3y said:
Without wishing to come over all Twincam16 (check his contributions to the HMV/mp3 thread), for me the Kindle can't compete with proper paper books.
1) Reading is a tactile experience too - the smell of the book, the bending of the spine etc.
2) I love second hand books, the back story where they've come from. I also like lending them to people (assuming I get them back).
3) When you buy a book on Kindle, there's not much to show for it. A book shelf full of books is a wonderful thing. I'd rather pay more and hold a book in my hand and put it on the shelf afterwards.
4) Cover art (less relevant with colour ereaders now).
My gf bought me a Kindle a couple of years back. I enthusiastically downloaded as many free books as possible. Never read anything on it. On occasion I may have used the dictionary but that's about it.
I just recently got a kindle, and I love how useful it is, how small and easy it is to carry around, and mostly, how it always remembers where I was. 1) Reading is a tactile experience too - the smell of the book, the bending of the spine etc.
2) I love second hand books, the back story where they've come from. I also like lending them to people (assuming I get them back).
3) When you buy a book on Kindle, there's not much to show for it. A book shelf full of books is a wonderful thing. I'd rather pay more and hold a book in my hand and put it on the shelf afterwards.
4) Cover art (less relevant with colour ereaders now).
My gf bought me a Kindle a couple of years back. I enthusiastically downloaded as many free books as possible. Never read anything on it. On occasion I may have used the dictionary but that's about it.
The only one of these I would heartily agree on is point 3. I do enjoy having a bookshelf full of books, but much like my dvd/cd collection, I feel like it is now never going to change again as everything I get will be digital.
g3org3y said:
Tempting. :P
It's got a internet browser, so occasionally I use it for that. Worth pointing out, it's not very good for porn.
Ha ha, must be like Edwardian etchings It's got a internet browser, so occasionally I use it for that. Worth pointing out, it's not very good for porn.
As a matter of interest is there any way to separate out books I've read from those I've yet to read on the archive?
Something else real books are better at
M
g3org3y said:
Without wishing to come over all Twincam16 (check his contributions to the HMV/mp3 thread), for me the Kindle can't compete with proper paper books.
1) Reading is a tactile experience too - the smell of the book, the bending of the spine etc.
2) I love second hand books, the back story where they've come from. I also like lending them to people (assuming I get them back).
3) When you buy a book on Kindle, there's not much to show for it. A book shelf full of books is a wonderful thing. I'd rather pay more and hold a book in my hand and put it on the shelf afterwards.
4) Cover art (less relevant with colour ereaders now).
I absolutely agree with you. BUT. For practical purposes, a Kindle wins hands down. And I'm saying that as a lifelong bibliophile. The fact of the matter is that I read a lot and I bought a lot of books. I could not continue to do that without either my house becoming a dusty labyrinth of paperbacks piled or getting divorced. The Kindle seemed the easier option.1) Reading is a tactile experience too - the smell of the book, the bending of the spine etc.
2) I love second hand books, the back story where they've come from. I also like lending them to people (assuming I get them back).
3) When you buy a book on Kindle, there's not much to show for it. A book shelf full of books is a wonderful thing. I'd rather pay more and hold a book in my hand and put it on the shelf afterwards.
4) Cover art (less relevant with colour ereaders now).
Silver said:
I absolutely agree with you. BUT. For practical purposes, a Kindle wins hands down. And I'm saying that as a lifelong bibliophile. The fact of the matter is that I read a lot and I bought a lot of books. I could not continue to do that without either my house becoming a dusty labyrinth of paperbacks piled or getting divorced. The Kindle seemed the easier option.
Surely a kindle is more akin to a paid lending library?You can read the book, but you never actually own it and can get it again if you like.
M
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