The Kindle is a portable book shelf

Since the Kindle is a new type of product whose purpose is to transform how we read, I try to observe how I use it myself.

A couple things.

First of all, I am reading a little more than normal. I’m also reading more new releases since the Kindle store recommends new books and bestsellers more than less well-known works. In the Kindle store, they prominently list both new releases and major bestsellers on the home screen. With the average new release priced at $9.99, I can take more of a risk on a new book; often the kind of books that have captured public attention, but which I would normally avoid until I finally forget all about them (The Tipping Point). I’m also reading less difficult material as many books from smaller publishers and academic presses are still largely unavailable.

Secondly, since I carry the Kindle with me everywhere I am able to capture little snatches of reading while I would normally be waiting and browsing Google Reader on my Blackberry. Auto repair shops, barber shops, and doctors’ offices have become opportunities to read rather than dreaded, time-sucking errands.

One thing that is nice about the Kindle is that no one can tell what I’m reading. If I want to read something cheesy, low-brow or pretentious I no longer have to worry about what I’m signaling to people around me. If, God forbid, I am reading something pretentious, I certainly don’t want anyone to think I did it to look smart. I’m the kind of person who avoids things like bumper stickers lest someone identify me as a person who thinks “mean people suck”.

Another thing I’ve noticed is that I have several books on the Kindle that I visit often, even as I read through new books. Since by default the Kindle lists books in order of last read, you can quickly see what you read the most. I return to philosophical and metaphysical works regularly as these address fundamental aspects of life. The things we don’t discuss enough with each other. These types of books also lend themselves to bite-sized reading. Recommended: Meditations, The Bible (KJV), the Hagakure.

[Apologies for making this "the all Kindle, all the time blog"]

Tags: amazon, books, kindle, philosophy, reading

This entry was posted on Friday, August 22nd, 2008 at 11:27 am and is filed under Technology. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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BrianR Yesterday 03:01 PM 2 points
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thanks for the feedback ... I might have to go test one out ... this would be a great thing for trains/buses/airplanes, but I still like the feeling of holding a real book too. I guess in that sense it shouldn't be seen as a replacement per se, but just an additional way to read.

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http://clasticdetritus.com

Chris Sivori Yesterday 03:10 PM 1 point
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They actually have Kindle owners listed on the site that will demo theirs
for you. Also, you could buy one and return if it doesn't work for you. I
guess for me it's like letter writing vs. email. I used to have several pen
pals and enjoyed trading actual written correspondence, however email now
suffices for almost everything.

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BrianR Yesterday 02:44 PM 1 point
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What do you think of Kindle in terms of it as a replacement for real books? Is it truly easy on the eyes like the ad says? It seems like that is still the main hurdle for 'e-books' ... I'd like to hear your thoughts on that.

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http://clasticdetritus.com

Chris Sivori Yesterday 02:53 PM 1 point
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If you're down in Texas, I'd be glad to lend it to you for a few days. It's very easy to read. I forget I'm reading a Kindle most of the time. It's just reading. No eye strain. I also like being able to hold and use a book with one hand as you just turn the 'pages' by pressing down your thumb. If you hold with your left hand, you can go back and forth with one hand. This is good for reading on your side.

A couple quibbles. Obviously, it's greyscale, so no color graphics or photos. Most of the time this is no big deal. Also, if I forget to turn off the wireless connection it runs down in a day or two of use. It can be annoying to arrive somewhere and not have enough juice to read, but this happens very seldom.

Sometimes I wish the screen were a tad larger since I read with the font on the middle size so I can hold it at arm's length. I don't like to hold the book close.

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Chris Sivori Yesterday 02:56 PM 1 point
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One other thing, since the Kindle supports two fonts, you might miss some of the typographic design love that goes into certain books. Also, I do miss thick creamy paper, but for 90% of what I read the Kindle is better. Also, new books are about half off hardcover prices. So, if you read a lot of new stuff it can save you money pretty quickly.

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