I watched this video on my Kindle Fire which does not need shelving, allows highlighting and margin notes, and sends all my highlighted text to a computer file for easy use if I am writing something ("Look Ma, no typing!").
All Kindle books are searchable, several million books are free, and all new books are cheaper than their printed versions (and most used books are cheaper too if you figure in postage). If I do not know a particular word, I only have to hover a finger over i, and a definition pops up.
I still have hundreds of paper books, of course (not all books are online yet) but I can see that in the not-too-distant future they are going to be seen as very heavy furniture that collects dust and makes rooms look smaller. Yes, paper books are very clearly going the way of "long-playing" records....
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3 comments:
I went with the $79 kindle. Could not be happier. It does not have all the features, but I wanted the put e-reader and you can't beat the price. There are an amazing number of the classics available for free and I can get some of the blogs I like on the Kindle. HINT HINT.
Yes, electronic books-libraries do save space and can be convenient as well as time saving. Eventhough I like them, they can also be dependency builders. When something goes wrong with too much downloading or whatever usual problem with electronics, fiberoptics, programs etc. that causes quite a bit of stress, it's good to know that you can grab a book and carry it anywhere without a worry of where you can plug in. A book has a nice feel to it when you turn the pages and adds to a feel of independence. I especially love my tangible library when there is no electricity or when things go on the blink. Both are good but don't digard your paper library just yet!
I wouldn't be getting out my funeral suit for the paper book just yet. Remember how they told us about "paperless offices"? There is more paper in offices that ever before.
Books are more than information and pictures. I shudder at the notion of cuddling up with a child and a bedtime Kindle. Art books, Harry Potter and The Lord of the Rings are a few more instances of experiences that just don't work for me with a Kindle.
OK, I'm a Luddite. For folks whose work requires them to travel, the Kindle is ideal. But When I want to read for enjoyment, give me a book. It's not just the content - it's the feel and smell of the paper. And a home is just a house if it doesn't include bookshelves full of torn and tattered old friends, slip cased Folio editions, and some crumbling leather bindings on volumes such as "Jock of the Bushveldt" and "Bob Son of Battle."
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