The Rumors Are True...
Thursday, June 10, 2010 at 7:00AM ...I'm breaking up with my Kindle.
A couple years ago, I was very kindly gifted with one of these reading devices. I am a true "bookie". I love the feel of a real book, but... those suckers take up a lot of room. I'm a city-sister... I don't have room for fields of bookshelves! Also, being able to store a million books in a tiny space is super-handy for travelling - no more carting around heavy tomes (that's right, Jeeves, I said TOMES).
I love the idea of the Kindle, but... it's constantly failing me when I need it most. ALWAYS, I'd sit down with a frosty beverage in hand, all set to relax... and the dang paperweight wouldn't turn on. "Hmm, maybe it's the battery." Nope! I'd plug it in, wait a little while... still nuffin. My little lifesaver failed me on a regular basis - so I hate it now. Harumph.
On the OTHER hand, one of my bookie-friends bought an iPad. I am NOT an Apple nerd. I am many types of nerd... Apple nerd is not one of them. I own an iPod, and that's it. PC all the way, mister. IPads looked like an unfortunately named hunk o' junk to me.
But then... but THEN, my friend showed me Winnie the Pooh on her iPad (har, keep your gutter jokes to yourselves). Ummm that book is freakishly gorgeous on the iPad. I would totally use it to read to a little kid. Next up? She showed me this science book she downloaded about the scientific elements... Each element has its own section in the book. The little hunks of rock rotate and spin while you read about them - really gorgeous.
SO, I am buying an iPad, because it clearly is full of win, and my Kindle is full of suck. However, I am putting a big padlock on my bank account until Apple brings out the 2nd generation iPads and drop down the price. I may be a desperate reader, but I'm also a big money Scrooge. That shiz isn't cheap.
This is Scrooge McDuck (for you young whippersnappers!)
Are you buying an iPad? Or is your Kindle being nicer to you than it was to me?
Reader Comments (13)
I think that if you really want an iPad, you should just get it soon. Apple's pricing history shows that they do NOT decrease prices on popular items (with the exception of the iPhone when it was first launched, and even Apple admits that the original high price was a mistake on their part). When the 2nd generation iPad comes out, the best you can hope for is that you can get a 1st gen iPad for about $100 cheaper from a Apple-certified retailer.
I'm not an advocate either way, but if you really are a voracious reader, you might look into the problems with eye strain that the iPad supposedly causes/doesn't help. Reading on the LCD screen of the iPad is not supposed to be great for your eyes long-term (just like a computer screen), whereas the more "paper-like" screen of the Kindle (and Nook) removes that problem. Just a thought. :)
After much research Kindle v/s iPad my hubby was an early adopter who stood in line at a local Apple Store the day they arrived. We figured out he will actually save money in the long run by no longer buying hardback books (he reads at least 4 a month). He LOVES it...and I've laughed at him for that. We already have iPhones, did he really NEED the iPad. Until yesterday. I had to fly to Orlando & back in a day for some meetings and didn't feel like packing my laptop, book, notepad, etc for the flight so I just grabbed the iPad. I'm sold...and we might become a two iPad family.
Hehehe, this is just an ominous post for me to read today. My Kindle (which is my wedding present from my dear fiance) comes in the mail today. Yes, TO.DAY.
So, keep your fingers crossed that the Kindle is kind to me, as the iPad is both too expensive and just.too.much for me!
I have an iPod touch with the kindle app on it. I love it and it never fails me. The iPod touch screen is a bit small but has never been a problem for me so far.
I just bought an iPad and am impatiently waiting for it to arrive! I've played with one before and it is amazing what it can do! Go buy one :)
I have a Kindle that I use like crazy, in fact I can't put anymore books on it. I also have an Ipad. The Ipad is a cool device that does lots of stuff... but as a book reader in my opinion the Kindle blows it out of the water. An here are a couple reasons why:
1) Weight. The Ipad is ALOT bigger and HEAVIER than the Kindle. You might not think that would make much difference, but try and sit for an hour holding the pound and a half of Ipad and it will put a strain on your wrist.
2) Size. The Ipad has an awkward shape. It's a little awkward to hold. I have had mine for a couple months now and have not yet settled on the most comfortable way to hold it for long periods of time.
3) Distractions. I love my Kindle as a reader because when I want to read that's all I want to do. Unfortunately I do not have the will power to sit on my Ipad and read a book on it without stopping to check email, update twitter, check on Facebook ect... Just can't do it. I'm to addicted to the internet.
All that to say, I would not give up on your Kindle so quick. At least don't throw it away. Put it in a drawer like I did for the first month of Ipad ownership. Then one day you'll come across it, pull it our to look at what books you've had on it that you forgot about, then realize how much better it is to read on.
Now, just in case you think I don't love my Ipad, I do. I'm a total Apple cheerleader. If you need more proof just look at this: http://bit.ly/dgki4o
-Niles
@GIH and Bijou - You are not helping my "save money and wait to buy an iPad resolve!" ;)
@SJC - I'm afraid I have a slight internet addiction problem, and spend hours every day staring at a computer screen already. I am getting my eyes checked next week. Sadface.
@Cece - I am 1,000% pro-ereaders. They save SO much room and money in the long run.
@Vee - Never fear! My Kindle was the first model they created, so I bet you a million dollars they fixed whatever it is that makes my Kindle glitchy. I think I just got a bad'un. Your Kindle also has love juju going for it!
@Niles - I totally hear you. My buddy with the iPad let me play around with it for a bit, and it is definitely a bit uncomfortable, and I also have internet addiction issues, so I bet I'd get distracted too. My problem is that my Kindle won't turn on 75% of the time, so that puts a damper on my Kindle. My Kindle is the first model, so I think it might be much glitchier than most Kindles due to that. Which stinks, since I already own it and no chance to upgrade!
I freakishly JUST closed the browser I was in looking to buy an iPad for my husband. I am also anxious for the 2gen to come out for much less. $500 es no bueno.
I totally love Apple products, but I don't think I could ever read books on the iPad. It's kind of heavy compared to the kindle, and looking at that screen for an extended period of time, even with the brightness turned down, would definitely give me a migraine.
I have a kindle, and I don't know why your kindle won't turn on--it sounds like you might have a dud! Can you contact customer service and say, "WTF?! My kindle doesn't work right and I didn't know this wasn't normal!"?
@Sara - I emailed Customer Service three times! No answer. I finally just got fed up and quit trying. :( And I have such an oldie.
Here is some interesting thoughts.
I would wait for the 2nd Generation.
http://bindapple.com/apple-ipad-second-gen/
I'm not gonna lie, the iPad does rock. However, I find it to be too heavy (& this coming from someone who reads heavy hard back books). Also, the glare on the screen can make it challenging to use in a lot of places. But again, it is pretty freakin' cool.
Are you selling your Kindle? I want one!