'KINDLE-ING' A NEW SPIRIT IN READERS?
First, just let me say that, when it comes to reading and books, I'm a purist. I love the feel of a book. I love holding it and turning the pages. I love everything about the physical experience of reading. But technology had to creep in. First through e-mail, then web content, blogs, book excerpts on Amazon -- and now Kindle.
I haven't done a scientific tally of the percentage of the huge amount of electronic vs. book reading I do each day. But I'm pretty sure that I spend more time (a lot more) scanning a screen than I do curled up with my latest read before bed.
It's mostly been news, opinion and travel planning that keep me glued to the screen. Precisely why I publish my series of e-guidebooks only electronically. In practice, I buy, read and schlep print travel guidebooks with me on every trip. But less and less each time I travel. The future is electronic. There's also the environment to consider. So I stubbornly refuse to publish in print.
But fiction? Memoirs? Other books I love to savor? I won't -- well, haven't -- accept an alternative to print until Amazon's Kindle. Despite what tech gurus are saying, as reader I think it's kinda cool.
This is definitely the place to admit that I haven't yet experienced Kindle firsthand. But, to be truthful? I'm already mesmerized by the thing. Here's why:
- A high-res screen that's actually "reads like real paper?" My aching eyeballs thank you already.
- It's simple to use. Because the most avid readers may be among the most low-tech among us.
- Books are auto-delivered, within a minute! Music to the ears of anybody (me) who sometimes gets so excited about a book she has to head straight for Borders. (Premium Price Gas + Time = ??) Plus, you can check in on your favorite blogs, have top newspaper content delivered automatically. No wireless bills, service plans.
It all sounds too good to be true. But like that first clunky stone wheel, it's setting something new in motion. When I am actually able to purchase one (Amazon is sold out) ... I'll say more. Meanwhile? e-info is the fastest, most comprehensive and efficient resource for travelers.