I really want a Kindle. Or any ebook reader. Although I am concerned that, per author Jennifer Weiner's recent experience (that she's been sharing on Twitter @jenniferweiner), if you lose your Kindle, you lose all the books you've downloaded on to it too.
But I also adore Macs. I've got a Mac desktop. I've got an iPod mini. Both are on their last legs. I really want an iPhone or an iPod touch, but wait... What's this? An Apple ebook reader? *drools*
This article on Wired.com sets out the ways in which the rumoured Apple tablet would be brilliant, suggesting it could revolutionise publishing in the same way the iPod and iTunes revolutionised the music industry. Interesting stuff.
But I'm less concerned about that and more excited by the fact that it will undoubtedly be very, very beautiful. I can hardly wait. (And I'd better start saving up now.)
So what do you think? Would you be interested in an Apple ebook reader? Are you interested in ebook readers at all?
I am so there too. Yum.
Posted by: JChevais | 31 July 2009 at 05:02 PM
Yuh-huh!
My mum and I were talking last week and I said what's the first object (something you can get from a shop, not a house etc) you would buy if you won the lottery? She said a car. I said an e-reader :)
The Kindles aren't out over here yet but they sound like the best of the r-readers so far (although you would think there would be some back-up) but an Apple one might better it. I do love my iPod and would probably go all Apple (Mac, iPhone) if I could afford it.
Posted by: Diane | 31 July 2009 at 05:15 PM
(I meant e-readers, not r-readers btw. LOL)
Posted by: Diane | 31 July 2009 at 05:16 PM
Ha! You see, I immediately assumed that 'r-readers' was a technical term of which I was unaware. Made mental note to google it! See how I trust your superior knowledge?!
Posted by: Keris | 31 July 2009 at 05:18 PM
Ha! OK, now I feel sorry for you, if I'm your guide to this brave new world ;)
I think my finger stuttered or something. x
Posted by: Diane | 31 July 2009 at 05:26 PM
But... but... aren't you tech expert for Woman's Weekly? Who else should I listen to if not the tech expert for Woman's Weekly?! ;)
Posted by: Keris | 31 July 2009 at 05:32 PM
Well, they do say that if in doubt, listen to the WW tech expert ;)
I might actually be doing something about e-books for them one day. Or I might not. We'll see! x
Posted by: Diane | 31 July 2009 at 06:01 PM
I don't really have the need for an ebook reader, as I don't do books, but I can see this would be a boon for you!
The iPhone has some ebook applications you know - so if this rumour about the tablet turns out to be false, I guess you could get an iPhone! (or buy my old one off me in January!) :)
Posted by: Jonathan | 31 July 2009 at 07:12 PM
Jonathan's right - the iPhone does have e-book apps, BUT it doesn't have e-ink, which is what makes reading less harsh on the eyes and makes e-readers that little bit better.
And they could be bendy before too long, too!
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2008/09/plastic-logics/
Posted by: Diane | 31 July 2009 at 07:44 PM
That's great, Diane. You know what they should do? They should put a load of them together and then you could actually turn the pages like a... oh, wait. ;)
Posted by: Keris | 31 July 2009 at 08:05 PM
Haha! I think you might be on to something there...
Posted by: Diane | 31 July 2009 at 08:15 PM
I think if Apple came out with an e-reader it would be gorgeous! Sony has a new touch screen out. I just don't like having to plug it into my computer. With the Kindle they magically come to you. And there is no way you lose all of your books if you lose your Kindle. They are all backed up and right on your home page on Amazon. Yes, you'll have to replace your kindle just like if you lost a cell phone or any other device, but you can immediately add your old books right back to the device. Every one of them. That I'm sure of. How? I lost mine too!
Posted by: Sweetpea | 28 August 2009 at 12:46 PM
Have you done a google image search for the Apple tablet, Sweetpea? Just the artists' impressions get me overexcited.
And that makes total sense re the Kindle, thanks for that. I thought it must surely be the same as, say, an iPod where the stuff is actually stored elsewhere, but like I say, Jennifer Weiner certainly had trouble getting that information out of Amazon!
Posted by: Keris | 29 August 2009 at 07:22 AM
I really like the IDEA of an e-reader, but I doubt I would ever make the switch unless forced.
Yes, it's more convenient in some ways - you can buy a book anywhere and immediately have it - but the inconvenience is too great. A book will never run out of power or have an unexplained malfunction. Almost no one really needs to have hundreds of books with them, and as a book store lover I would miss browsing through my favourite stores. In addition my much loved personal library would dwindle!
I think these machines will need to come a long way before I make the switch.
Posted by: Sam | 24 September 2009 at 10:22 PM
Thanks for your comment, Sam. I don't see it as a "switch" since I don't see e-readers replacing books. I think there'll always be bookshops, libraries, etc. I just see them as an addition. Something else book-related to spend too much money on :)
Posted by: Keris | 25 September 2009 at 08:38 AM