Kindle on the way - should I stop it? [Archive]

bobmark226

03-31-2009, 10:45 AM

I know we had a good Kindle thread (http://community.cookinglight.com/showthread.php?t=125637&highlight=Kindle) a while back where I spoke in favor of paper and the good old printed word, and I still stand by those words. A friend offered to buy me the new Kindle 2 as a birthday gift, and I accepted, knowing that I would not likely do so myself. It's on the way, should be here tomorrow, but I'm having serious "buyer's remorse," even though I'm not the buyer. I can easily catch the UPS guy and refuse it, but here are some of my issues, and I'm hoping some of you can get me thinking what I really want to do.

Primary Cons:

It's a lot of money, rounding up to $400, even if it's not *my* money, especially if my use is limited.

I have a very good library system. I pretty much don't buy any books anymore where I used to buy a LOT, excepting half a dozen favorite crime authors.

It's likely to be a huge impulse spending tool , kind of like the iPod was when it was new. Or CDs when they first appeared.

Primary Pros

I have serious vision issues now, with further deterioration the last couple months. There's a followup visit to the doctor soon. The Kindle allows you to magnify type several sizes up which, even now, would be a huge plus. (large type books are horrible, limited choice, and really nasty from the library). Mass market paperbacks are a serious hardship for me to read. And their prices are inflating now, to $9.99 looking like the new standard. :eek:

It's a neat toy. The technology in the improved 2 amazes me.

The sampling capability Amazon offers.

I'm not paying for it; the money is not an issue for the buyer.

Everyone I know who is a heavy reader who has one loves it.

************************

This whole thing is really bugging me, concerned it's a waste of money or that, if I like it, it will lead to a lot of waste spending, acquiring books I'll never read at the click of a mouse. I also don't travel any, so that wouldn't be a primary justification either.

I'd appreciate any thoughts, especially from those who are avid readers, because I'm really hornswoggled by this.

Bob

Robyncz

03-31-2009, 10:54 AM

Bob,
Seeing as it's a gift, I don't see how you have any choice but to receive it graciously and enthusiastically.

I mean that in all sincerity.

I know someone who analyzes and critiques every gift they receive and provides commentary about whether it is wasted money, a "total ripoff," etc. I can tell you first hand that it kills all the joy for the giver. Giving this person a gift is a chore, not a pleasure.

I hope you love it!

bobmark226

03-31-2009, 11:04 AM

That's a very good point, thanks, Robyn, but in this situation it would not be seen or taken in that spirit. But you did make me stop and think that I'd be sticking him with the task of finding something to buy for someone who is difficult to buy for (because he probably bought it already :o ).

Bob

applecrisp

03-31-2009, 11:09 AM

Bob,

I don't have a Kindle. You mentioned that you have some vision issues.

The fact that you can up the font size with a Kindle, just sealed the deal in my opinion. If that gadget can help you with something you love to do, and make it more enjoyable, IMO I would accept the kind Kindle :D and enjoy.

If the mass market paperbacks are a harship to read, and this is a solution. Go for it!

Home Chef

03-31-2009, 11:12 AM

I was just talking to my 12 year old nephew who is getting one for school or from school specifically due to his vision issues. He has been having to use large print books, they are heavy, not always what he needs, etc, so this is perfect. He can load whatever into it and be able to read.

I know I like books too and have a great library, but it sounds like the font sizing is a need to have.

Miss Giggles

03-31-2009, 11:19 AM

I have the kindle app on my phone, so it doesnt have all the features but I can see which books/newspapers etc are available.

The kindle also has a headphone port and it can read the books to you.

I think this is the future of electronic media.. paper will be around for some items .. but for disposable items like magazines and newspapers - eventually they will all be delivered on these types of devices. The Detroit Free Press is introducing its own electronic reader format, but I'll wait til it comes on the kindle.

Emmalani

03-31-2009, 11:20 AM

I don't post much... but really wanted to give you my 2 cents.
I had the same reservations you did about the impulse buying. I also utilize a great local library. I looked at it... didnt buy because of the initial cost etc... but, my husband really surprised me with it six months later for my birthday. I LOVE it!
Most paperbacks are more than 9.99 now, and most of the kindle downloads are not more than that. I'm careful... if it is a new title and is more I either wait for the price to go down or pick it up at the library. I collect a couple of authors, so I just buy those at Costco.

Features I like: you can expand the type (I also have increasingly bad eyesight), they download weekly the new and top tens lists, and they keep a record of the types of books you download and give you suggestions as to what you might like. I do travel a bit so it is very convenient for that.

I understand the latest version has a built in backlight, I do wish I had that.

Anyway, sounds like you are getting it .... I hope you enjoy it!

Canice

03-31-2009, 11:57 AM

I understand your concerns completely, but if for nothing else I'd get it for the vision issues, as applecrisp said. I remember well trying to get large print books for my mom, and in addition to the limited titles, she didn't really love the 20 pounders that resulted from the large print.

Gumbeaux

03-31-2009, 12:15 PM

Bob, it might be easier to re-direct the shipment rather than stop it. I have an idea where it could be re-directed to. :)

suebear37

03-31-2009, 12:29 PM

Bob, it might be easier to re-direct the shipment rather than stop it. I have an idea where it could be re-directed to. :)

Yeah, I do, too... ;)

Kristena

03-31-2009, 12:56 PM

Oh, Bob, embrace the Kindle! I've had one for almost a year and I wish I could get one for my 3 spawn. As it is, I've purchased more than a few books for my kids' book reports and they done more than fab in their book reports. Authors are getting their due; unknown authors are getting published. It's all good; it's all great. And, really, if it doesn't suit you, you can always sell it. However, I cannot fathom that you'd need to do that!

KristiB

03-31-2009, 01:23 PM

Accept the Kindle!

My mom was the same way about paper and preferring books but she and my dad both got new Kindles and LOVE them. The people in my book club love theirs too.

I'm always the last to buy new technology so I won't have one for a few years. They should be a lot fancier by then no?

HejazSunKat

03-31-2009, 07:18 PM

I'm lusting after a Kindle. If it doesn't live up to the 'pro' list couldn't you just return it? Give it a go.

ErinM

03-31-2009, 08:41 PM

I have a friend who has one that I've played around with.

My assessment...I don't think it's for me. I like actual books too much. But, if I had a vision problem then I would change my tune.

So, Bob, keep and open mind. You may discover that you can't remember life without it.

Peweh

03-31-2009, 10:02 PM

LOL, Bob, I read the title and was thinking Kindle for your wood stove, yeah about the time of the year to stop it...

bobmark226

04-01-2009, 06:49 AM

Dang! It's 8:45 and it's not here yet, and I have my first books all lined up and waiting. ;)

Thanks for the input. I managed to relax about it, which I certainly wasn't before. Now I can think of something else to fret over.

Emmalani, thanks for your post especially, since you had a similar situation. Don't be so shy in the future! :)

Gumbeaux and Sue, my UPS man is my second best friend and will do whatever I ask, which would not include rerouting. :p

Bob

mst

04-01-2009, 06:50 AM

LOL, Bob, I read the title and was thinking Kindle for your wood stove, yeah about the time of the year to stop it...

Tee hee! Me too.

LakeMartinGal

04-01-2009, 08:22 AM

I'm glad you've decided to give it a try! My friend has a Sony reader, and she loves it! We are now in the market for one, also, to save money on the books! My primary thought, other than having many books at my fingertips, is that it weighs less in my purse/suitcase than the books I always carry with me. I predict that you'll wonder why you ever thought you could live without it!:D

bekki

04-01-2009, 11:25 AM

Our library system allows you to check out e-books. It's just like a regular book (you keep it for 3 weeks or whatever), but it gets sent to your Kindle. And most books have the e-book available. Then again, we live in Amazon's home territory, so that might have something to do with it.

Anyway, you can check with your library to see if they offer that option!

KristiB

04-01-2009, 11:48 AM

I'm surpised they didn't develop a color screen for magazine and newspaper pictures. Or even pictures from books.

kbs

04-01-2009, 12:43 PM

Hi,
I know I'm late to this thread, but just wanted to chime in. My DH has had the first gen Kindle for about a year and a half and LOVES it.

I didn't see anyone mention periodicals. If you subscribe to a magazine or newspaper, most of them are available on the Kindle as well for a fraction of the cost of the hard copy subscription. DH HAS to read his Boston Globe every day, so the Kindle has been great because as long as he gets a signal (and he does, even in the mountains of Maine), he can get his paper.

I hope you have fun playing with your new toy!

bobmark226

04-02-2009, 06:20 AM

Pfui. Wouldn't you know something would be wrong? Like, majorly wrong?

I can't make a wireless connection here in the mountains! Speedy Whispernet, my butt! :mad:

After trying the front yard, back yard, and down the road a-piece, I called Kindle's very efficient (impressively so) customer service, and they confirmed it. When we go out to the highway for shopping, I should be okay. Meantime, I can download, drag and drop, kind of a pain, but I think this will help me avoid impulse purchases, too. I have zero interest in newspapers, magazines and blogs, because I can read them all here at the computer anyway. The one drawback is that it seems I can't get the samples that are available wirelessly via download.

Beyond that, I did put a book (and a freebie for later) on and settled into it. I like it a lot, although I'd say the first half hour was unsettling, thinking "I'll never get used to this, it's so 'cold'," but the book itself was good enough that I eventually got carried away and read a couple hours, enjoying it as much as a printed edition.

Some said there's a back light. There's not. Amazon sells that as a plus because if it were, the screen would have a glare. The black on gray is VERY easy on the eyes. I also need to bump the type up only one size for it to be comfortable. I'm glad I got the leather case for it, because the cover gives it a book shape and easier to hold.

If I'd bought this for myself and laid out the money, I *might* have returned it, given the inability to connect wirelessly, but since I didn't, and since I can't think of anything I have real objection to, I suspect I'll continue enjoy it. Subject to change once the novelty wears off though, and I have 30 days to decide.

Thanks again for your thoughts and comments.

Bob

Robyncz

04-02-2009, 06:23 AM

Too bad about the wireless, but YAY about the rest of it!

Enjoy your gift!

scudgal

04-02-2009, 07:19 AM

Bob, I'm glad you are enjoying the Kindle. I was hoping you wouldn't send it back! I don't have a Kindle (yet - would love one) but am enjoying the Kindle for iPhone application that lets me download books from Amazon onto my iPhone using the Kindle Amazon website.

So far I've only downloaded one book, Robert Parker's latest Jesse Stone mystery "Thin Air" and am thoroughly enjoying it, as I do most of Parker's books. No problem reading it on my iPhone in bed at night and gotta love that this is a free application and the books cost about $9.99 each to download.

I am curious (inquiring minds want to know) - what book did you download that you are obviously enjoying a lot?

Leslie

bobmark226

04-02-2009, 07:33 AM

I am curious (inquiring minds want to know) - what book did you download that you are obviously enjoying a lot?

Leslie

Calumet City (http://www.amazon.com/Calumet-City-Novel-Charlie-Newton/dp/B001RTS960/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1238679027&sr=1-1), Edgar Nominee for Best First Mystery. Rough, tough, gritty Chicago female cop stuff.

Bob

scudgal

04-02-2009, 07:35 AM

So glad I asked! I love mysteries, and especially enjoy the Edgar Award nominees and winners. Thanks.

sfarler

04-03-2009, 08:08 AM

Bob, glad you are enjoying the Kindle. I'm thinking of purchasing one and was curious about how good the speaker is. Have you tried that function yet?

I've always enjoyed books on tape in my car but my library quit carrying them and now only has cd's. The cd player in my car doesn't work too well and I can only listen when it's cool in the morning. What's up with that, I don't know.:rolleyes:

But anyway, I was hoping the Kindle could be the answer and I could just have it on with the speaker on as I drive.

Would you recommend it for that function?

Jazzmatazz49

04-04-2009, 02:34 PM

We have to deal with internet and cell phone issues and we don't even live in the mountains. Small town wooded areas have those problems too. That is why I will be getting a Blackberry instead of an iPhone next month. AT&T doesn't think we exist here.

I'm glad you're enjoying the Kindle. I haven't quite made up my mind that I 'need' one, but I keep looking at them on their Amazon page.

NancyR

10-08-2009, 08:40 PM

Cinnamon Crazy

10-08-2009, 08:51 PM

Well, Bob, you have had it for awhile.....do you like it? I am contemplating one myself and have the same objections you had. Will I be won over if I buy one? I am intrigued that it will read PDFs. Has anyone used this feature?

I love mine. Just got it 3 weeks ago. Amazon just gave me a $40 credit because the price dropped a few days ago.

I really like mine. It makes reading so convenient. I love that I can carry my library with me and have books available at a push of a button. It does the conversion from PDF pretty well. Depends on the doc. I haven't had any problems. I got a cover and booklight for it from M-Edge and I've been pleased with those items as well.

TexasCook

10-09-2009, 06:58 AM

I was glad to read your review of the Kindle. I want one so badly. I just heard on the news the other night where the price has been lowered by $40 which helps slightly. It's on my Christmas gift list.
I'm glad you kept it and are enjoying it. Glad to hear others are enjoying theirs, too.

katygirl

10-09-2009, 08:43 AM

I really like mine. It makes reading so convenient. I love that I can carry my library with me and have books available at a push of a button .

Cinnamon, are you paying for the books you download at the library or are you "checking them out"?

Does anyone else's library allow dowloading of books? I REALLY want one but I usually get all my books at the library, my budget is a bit tight right now. I keep meaning to ask when I get there next.

Cinnamon Crazy

10-09-2009, 08:47 PM

Cinnamon, are you paying for the books you download at the library or are you "checking them out"?

Does anyone else's library allow dowloading of books? I REALLY want one but I usually get all my books at the library, my budget is a bit tight right now. I keep meaning to ask when I get there next.

Sorry, when I use the term "library," I meant my own personal library. I buy my books. As far as I know there is no way to borrow books on the Kindle. I believe you can with other e-readers, but not the Kindle. You might want to check with your local library.

I looked at other e-readers (like Sony) but what swayed me to the Kindle was the availability of books and the price of each book. If you review Barnes & Nobles' e-book list, the price of the e-book is the same as the paperback price.

Many people complain about the Kindle because of DRM issues (meaning you really purchase the rights to read the book, not the book itself). But I think this will be resolved in time (look at iTunes, for example).

I read an idea that I thought was pretty clever. If you and a friend have similar reading tastes (and have Kindles), you can create an Amazon account solely for the Kindles to use. That way you can share the books you read. Up to 6 Kindles can be registered on one Amazon account. They fund that Amazon account with prepaid credit cards & gift cards.

It's interesting to read some people state that e-readers take away from the experience of reading. Nothing is preventing me from choosing to read other formats even though I do have a Kindle. It's not one or the other. Not all books are available on the Kindle. That's not going to stop me from reading my favorite author's new book.

TKay

10-13-2009, 10:55 AM

I went to a destination wedding over the weekend and one of the guests had a Kindle. She showed us some of the features and I think it's just amazing. I had no idea it was as big as it is, and yet as slim. Very impressive.

I still won't be getting one, but I can really see the appeal.

NancyR

10-20-2009, 03:25 PM

Cinnamon Crazy

10-20-2009, 04:35 PM

I'm glad now I waited. Barnes and Noble just unveiled their version of the Kindle and it looks appealing. Best part, you can actually see and touch one in their stores after Nov. 30. Here is a link to the info http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/index.asp?cm_mmc=Redirect-_-nook.com-_-Storefront-_-nook

I'm curious to see one as well. I'd like to see how it compares to my Kindle. One of the advantages to Amazon though is the price of books. For the items I like to read, Amazon is cheaper than B&N. But it's a preference.

I like that there is a surge of e-readers this year. It makes things competitive and forces manufacturers to start offering features and incentives that would entice a customer. And forces publishers to offer more books, both current and old releases, in an e-format. I think e-readers may be one of the hot electronics this holiday shopping season.

If you do want to see a Kindle up close, there are message boards on Amazon that allow readers to connect with Kindlers and view their devices. Most Kindle owners are more than happy to meet at a coffee shop or bookstore and show off their toy. Trust me, you don't want Amazon to have items in a store because that could potentially give them a "presence" in a state and could ultimately make them accountable for collecting sales tax in those states.

To see a Kindle in your city:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html?ie=UTF8&docId=1000230941

bobmark226

10-20-2009, 04:51 PM

I'm glad now I waited. Barnes and Noble just unveiled their version of the Kindle and it looks appealing. Best part, you can actually see and touch one in their stores after Nov. 30. Here is a link to the info http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/index.asp?cm_mmc=Redirect-_-nook.com-_-Storefront-_-nook

You know, you had me going there. A boy and his toys. Better connectivity with Wi-Fi, the ability to share...which is a huge plus....but then I noticed that appealing as it is, I'm not sure I'd like that colored bar of covers staying on the bottom all the time and I don't see that you can make it disappear. All the sample pages show it still there. I think it would be something of a distraction.

Because of the eye issues, which should be coming to an end in six weeks, I've been somewhat ...emphasis on somewhat...dependent on the Kindle to reduce the strain on my working eye, but the reality is I still like hardcovers better and I have a great library system that saves me a ton of money.

Cinnamon Crazy, the B& N e-book prices are comparable to Amazon's. I don't believe cost is an issue there.

Bob

Gecko

10-20-2009, 04:59 PM

I don't know much about these but I just received an email from Barnes & Noble and it looks like they are coming out with their own version of the Kindle/Sony reader. It is called a nook (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/nook/index.asp?r=1&cm_mmc=Member-_-Merch-_-091020_MM01_Device1-_-na).

NancyR

10-20-2009, 05:03 PM

Trust me, you don't want Amazon to have items in a store because that could potentially give them a "presence" in a state and could ultimately make them accountable for collecting sales tax in those states.

l]
Excellent point Bob. I never thought of that. I live in a state with 7% sales tax. One thing I can't get a straight answer on from "Kindlers". How hard is it to transfer pdfs to your Kindle? I have quite a few books on my hard drive in pdf format that I really don't read and think I might if I have a Kindle. Also, how do you personally like yours now that you have had it for awhile? I know you felt about like I do now when you got yours. I really am not sure I am interested but I am a toy person and hate that there is a toy I don't have :rolleyes: On the other hand I LOVE books, the look, the feel, the ribbon bookmarks.............
One last thing, I talked to a guy today who said you can't read it in the dark. Has he got that right? I thought that was one of the selling features.

bobmark226

10-20-2009, 06:03 PM

Trust me, you don't want Amazon to have items in a store because that could potentially give them a "presence" in a state and could ultimately make them accountable for collecting sales tax in those states.

Thanks to B&N, we already pay sales tax for Amazon purchases in NY state, which started about two years ago after B&N instigated for it to be passed. There was some talk of it being repealed and even given back to customers, but I don't see that happening.

Bob

Cinnamon Crazy

10-20-2009, 06:22 PM

Thanks to B&N, we already pay sales tax for Amazon purchases in NY state, which started about two years ago after B&N instigated for it to be passed. There was some talk of it being repealed and even given back to customers, but I don't see that happening.

Bob

I haven't done multi-state tax returns in a while but I remember reading about the NY tax case, I just didn't realize it became effective.

What protected e-sellers in the past from collecting sales tax is an old tax law that I see is very outdated. It was written before the internet became a marketplace. I anticipate other states going the NY route.

Technically in California if a customer isn't charged sales tax, you are suppose to report and pay a use tax (usually with their income tax return). I know some states do the same. I freely admit to taking advantage of the no sales tax from Amazon and have not reported it on my income tax return. And I've bought a lot from Amazon.

Back to the Kindle, many bestseller prices are the same between Amazon and B&N. But I just recommend searching some of your favorite authors and checking the prices. For the ones I chose, almost all the Amazon titles were 20% cheaper.

As for the backlight, neither the Nook or the Kindle have one. Backlight is actually a strain on the eyes and a battery hog. Both e-readers try to mimic a paperback look so you either need to read with light or buy a booklight. I bought a booklight and love it. It fits easily with my cover.

Cinnamon Crazy

10-20-2009, 06:29 PM

How hard is it to transfer pdfs to your Kindle? I have quite a few books on my hard drive in pdf format that I really don't read and think I might if I have a Kindle.

Forgot to answer this question. The Kindle DX has a native PDF reader, but it's larger than the Kindle 2. You can convert PDFs to the Kindle 2 via an Amazon conversion. The steps are explained in the Kindle user guide. I will say it's very easy, just a matter of e-mailing the document. But if you chose not to pay 0.15 per MB, then you'll need to connect your Kindle to your computer. I've used Amazon's conversion quite a bit and love how quickly items are converted. You can even convert Word documents. Because of this, I'm able to use my Kindle for a lot of work reading.

sneezles

10-20-2009, 06:31 PM

Excellent One thing I can't get a straight answer on from "Kindlers". How hard is it to transfer pdfs to your Kindle? I have quite a few books on my hard drive in pdf format that I really don't read and think I might if I have a Kindle. Also, how do you personally like yours now that you have had it for awhile?
One last thing, I talked to a guy today who said you can't read it in the dark. Has he got that right? I thought that was one of the selling features.

I haven't tried to transfer but will give it a go tomorrow and let you know.

I actually prefer my Kindle to books...sacrilege I know but the advantages for me really outweigh the feel of a real book in my hands.

It's true that there is no light within the unit but I clip a tiny booklight just like I did with paper books. It's better than on a paper book because I don't have to shift the light every time I move to another page...

NancyR

10-20-2009, 07:39 PM

It's true that there is no light within the unit but I clip a tiny booklight just like I did with paper books. It's better than on a paper book because I don't have to shift the light every time I move to another page...
Ah, another very good point about not having to move the booklight. I'm glad I'm asking these questions....thanks to all of you for the answers.
Nancy

Gumbeaux

10-20-2009, 08:17 PM

People are already referring to the use of the book sharing feature on the Nook as "getting nookie". :rolleyes:

Cinnamon Crazy

10-20-2009, 08:39 PM

People are already referring to the use of the book sharing feature on the Nook as "getting nookie". :rolleyes:

I know...love the name. Kind of makes me wonder if the creators of the device realized how much people will love making fun of the name. A strange way to get publicity? I don't pretend to understand the science of marketing.

I am trying to find more info about the device but I guess until they are in stores, I'll have to wait. One thing I wonder is if the Nook has the ability to organize via folders. So far that is my only complaint about the Kindle (and I think other Kindlers as well). If B&N offers it, it may push Amazon to send a software update.

Gecko

10-21-2009, 12:13 AM

People are already referring to the use of the book sharing feature on the Nook as "getting nookie". :rolleyes:

Well, I guess some people might think they are depending on what kind of book they download :D

bobmark226

10-21-2009, 07:22 AM

Looking at the Nook closely, it would be too small for me. It's 7.7 inches tall. Take away the plastic edges and the rather large color space for book covers and it looks like it would be something like a five inch high screen. As they say, the size of a mass market paperback.

One thing I don't like about the Kindle is reading long books. With the type size I use, a single page can be from five to seven or more Kindle pages, depending on the hardcover's original type face, of course. Not only do I have to incessantly click, but the book seems to go on forever because of it. And the smaller Nook screen would make that even worse!

Mass market paperbacks are almost out of reach for me now. I'm having my final eye surgery today and this hopefully will no longer be a problem and I should be able to lower the Kindle type size as well.

Bob

leightx

10-21-2009, 07:42 AM

Bob - it seems that the screen sizes for the Kindle 2 and the Nook are the same - 6" (measured diagonally). I think the Kindle DX is a good bit bigger though. And the Kindle 2 is apparently thinner (but not smaller) than the Nook.

The bottom screen where you see the titles is actually a totally separate touch screen (3.5" I think) - similar to an iphone.

I'm intrigued by the Nook. I have wanted a Kindle since it came out, but just couldn't justify the cost. I'm also curious to see what Apple will come up with...I hear some sort of tablet is in the works, but I'm sure it won't come in cheaper than the Nook.

bobmark226

10-21-2009, 07:53 AM

Bob - it seems that the screen sizes for the Kindle 2 and the Nook are the same - 6" (measured diagonally). I think the Kindle DX is a good bit bigger though. And the Kindle 2 is apparently thinner (but not smaller) than the Nook.

LOL, you're right. I forgot that the Kindle has the keyboard on the bottom. :o

But this makes me realize that since the Nook doesn't have one, how do you search for a specific book or author? Or write a note or comment? Does it appear as part of the screen as a touch feature? I don't see that anywhere.

ETA: I watched the video again and it appears that to buy you scroll the color screen (over a million books!), look at covers and choose. If that's it, they're got to be kidding me. It's a major flaw.

Bob

Terri_A

10-21-2009, 08:00 AM

I'm intrigued by the Nook. I have wanted a Kindle since it came out, but just couldn't justify the cost.

I would be HAPPY to help you justify the cost of just about anything you would like to buy. All we need is a bottle of great wine and an hour. ;):D

leightx

10-21-2009, 08:02 AM

I *think* that you can click on the store icon (you don't see it when you're looking at the book covers - there must be some way to get back to the "home" screen though), you can search and type in titles, authors, etc, using the touch screen - which, in and of itself, presents somewhat of a learning curve.

How does the note writing work? You type it in, and then does it show up in the margin of the book somehow? I love that feature.

I'll be curious to try it out. I keep thinking that these e-readers would be incredibly useful for college textbooks, once they're fleshed out a bit more. Heck - I'd even be happy with a student version for my kids (in 4th and 5th grade) now - their backpacks must weigh about 25 lbs when they have to drag their textbooks home. :rolleyes:

leightx

10-21-2009, 08:04 AM

I would be HAPPY to help you justify the cost of just about anything you would like to buy. All we need is a bottle of great wine and an hour. ;):D

*Snort* Yes, but you'd also have to convince the bank account to make more money magically appear! :D

The latest trip to the Apple store for a refurbished iPhone isn't helping matters.

Gumbeaux

10-21-2009, 08:23 AM

But this makes me realize that since the Nook doesn't have one, how do you search for a specific book or author? Or write a note or comment? Does it appear as part of the screen as a touch feature? I don't see that anywhere.

The Nook has two seperate screens. This allows you to have the "book" open on one screen while being able to search and do other things on the second screen. It also appears that the smaller screen can be turned off to keep it from being obtrusive.

Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/barnes-and-noble-nooks-first-close-up/) has a lot of info.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/bayoutitan/nook-eyes-on-29.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/bayoutitan/Nook.jpg

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/bayoutitan/Nook2.jpg

Kristena

10-21-2009, 08:41 AM

Not only do I have to incessantly click,

Bob, do you know that you can set an automatic page turn? I have the K1 but my Dad has the K2 and turns on the Text-to-speech and then turns down the volume. The pages turn on their own.

Gumbeaux

10-21-2009, 09:13 AM

sneezles

10-21-2009, 10:49 AM

I can't even think about how nice it would be having one of these things in college. Imagine being able to have every college textbook that you own in the palm of you hand rather than lugging them around in your backpack. Also, almost every semester there was a textbook that I needed for a class that was sold out and I had to borrow from someone until more books came in. In the future, ebooks will eliminate this problem.

It's my understanding the DX is the only one to handle textbooks (not sure about the Nook). Right now I buy DS#3's textbooks from Amazon...amazing savings over bookstores. DS only has 2 years left (and we're hoping it's really one 1 1/2 :p) so he probably won't get one but if he was just starting it would be a no-brainer.