Heartland

The more I read and talk to people about the Amazon Kindle the more I want one, despite the obvious downside of no longer having a physical library.

What are your thoughts on them?

pretty toy, but too expensive ... say 30 quid were ok, but surely not 100 and over only for the tool ...

Excellent bit of kit, and reasonably priced. Although I'd wait a year or two for the technology to mature further.

I like to write inside my books. I could see it being good for reading novels, though.

It have a notes facility and electronic highlight.
Went for the 3G version and as much as I love printed books I'm finding this a great device.

I've stuck with printed books but girlfriend has one & loves it.
Pros - the screen is scarily stable and clear.

Cons - I can no longer judge her books by their cover, see how far in she is or even know what she's reading.

I trust it lets you read the last page first

I think there is something rather lovely about the physicality of a book
Also you can see how far through you are by where your marker is which gives me a sense of achievement
And most of my books come from the charity shops or the Library
Also don't you have enough with staring at a computer screen either with work or play?

My friend says they're brilliant and I have no problem with that but I just prefer something physical, same as I prefer music in physical format to downloads. The packaging makes a difference and I like a good library.

And, as million voices says, we already spend enough time looking at computer screens. Reading should be one of the things we do to get away from them.

The screen isn't actually like looking at a PC or TV screen though, it looks like paper

robertzombie wrote:The screen isn't actually like looking at a PC or TV screen though, it looks like paper

Indeed, that's the beauty of it not being back lit.

Ultimately I think it comes down to choosing the right tool for the job.
When I'm out and about I love having all my music with me on an iPod.
In the house I prefer to play the physical CD or, even better, the vinyl.
A nicely bound book is a joy, but I don't want it rattling round my bag.

robertzombie wrote:The screen isn't actually like looking at a PC or TV screen though, it looks like paper

I haven't actually seen one so I could be wrong but isn't it still a screen nonetheless, with all the attendant "don't spend too long" hazards?

stufarq wrote:

robertzombie wrote:The screen isn't actually like looking at a PC or TV screen though, it looks like paper

I haven't actually seen one so I could be wrong but isn't it still a screen nonetheless, with all the attendant "don't spend too long" hazards?

I've yet to suffer eye strain from it.
Well, no more than the usual that comes from a prolonged period of reading any media.

I must confess I haven't used one for a great length of time.
I just think if you have something that works so well why bother replacing it.
But I am something of a luddite, 10 years from now I'll be saying I always thought they were wonderful - Dishwasher mentality

stufarq wrote:

robertzombie wrote:The screen isn't actually like looking at a PC or TV screen though, it looks like paper

I haven't actually seen one so I could be wrong but isn't it still a screen nonetheless, with all the attendant "don't spend too long" hazards?

It uses E-ink technology, so pretty much the same as reading an actual book, having said that the background isn't quite white a sort of pale grey, so not quite as good. no pretty pictures though, well you can have grey scale ones

Not really familiar with E-ink but I'll take your word for it.

I bought a Kindle about 6 months ago. One of my better buys. Don't worry about getting eye strain while reading one, i never do and i work shifts , and that's reading it sometimes after a bad days sleep. You can alter the font and the size of the text. It has a built in dictionary too, so if your not sure of a word click on it and get the definition. No more books clogging up the place. All the classics are free , and there are sites to download books free, hmmm... not that i do that may i say. The battery life is exellent as you only use the battery when clicking on turning a page,i am told, so you hardly have to charge your Kindle. I would say go on Robertzombie get one , you will not be disapointed.For £111 well worth buying.

stufarq wrote:

robertzombie wrote:The screen isn't actually like looking at a PC or TV screen though, it looks like paper

I haven't actually seen one so I could be wrong but isn't it still a screen nonetheless, with all the attendant "don't spend too long" hazards?

It's not a CRT though, I assumed that CRT's had more hazards than the other more modern types of screen. Is that not correct?

I have one and love it. Great for travelling as you aren't weighed down by a pile of books.

The screen really is amazing.

PS, even if you have one there is nothing stopping you from still buying a nice book if it takes your fancy.

Gary wrote:

stufarq wrote:

robertzombie wrote:The screen isn't actually like looking at a PC or TV screen though, it looks like paper

I haven't actually seen one so I could be wrong but isn't it still a screen nonetheless, with all the attendant "don't spend too long" hazards?

It uses E-ink technology, so pretty much the same as reading an actual book, having said that the background isn't quite white a sort of pale grey, so not quite as good. no pretty pictures though, well you can have grey scale ones

all the better for being grey, you can read it in direct sunlight. Brilliant device, not going back to paper.

I have one that I was bought for my last birthday and although I was a little sceptical at first, it took me all of about half a second using the thing to be converted. There's no issue with eye-strain, I've even bought the Kindle edition of The Lord Of The Rings despite owning three dead-tree copies.

Get one. You won't regret it.

If you don't like it you can use it for kindle...ie: burn it. But might be a good idea whether you choose to download all the books ya want or carry twenty or so boxes of books each time you move. I prefer the workout.