Kindle!
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After umming and arring for months - and after coming into a bit of cash - I broke down and purchased a Kindle. Now, there’s little more I can add to the plethora of existing reviews but I’ve been so taken by the device I thought I should share some of my opinions.
Firstly, I’d like to share a few words behind my rationale for buying a dedicated e-reader. It seems like one of many tablet PCs may have fulfilled the tasks I wanted a Kindle for, with a great deal of functionality besides. And whilst it’s an argument I’ve heard frequently it’s not one that’s ever persuaded me.
In a world of consolidation I remain a strong believer in having one dedicated device per task. I have a phone for making calls and sending text messages, a camera for taking pictures, a netbook for my mobile internet needs, and now a dedicated e-reader. I could probably lighten my load by investing in a ‘good’ smart phone, but for me (whether a rational idea or not) those devices which do everything seem to lack all the refinement of those which perform one task well.
As such the Kindle seemed the best device for e-reading, for carrying around a plethora of books in a small package and for reading academic journal articles - which will become more and more a feature of my life over the next year - on. After all, that’s what it was designed for.
Secondly, then, is my opinion of the device. For those tasks discussed above, this is an amazing device. The screen is clear and crisp, the device light and easy to hold. I’ve spent all day sat reading Isaac Asimov’s “Prelude to Foundation” and there’s no sign of eye-strain. Equally, I’ve found myself less distractable than I am when I’ve got a book in my hand - perhaps a sad sign of the fact I feel more at home with bits and bytes than ink and paper…
None-the-less I’d heartily recommend one to those who are thinking about getting, and look forward to reading more and more.
