Cassy’s Corner—How do you read?
We’ve had a huge transition in our family. We are moving more and more to electronic readers. I confess to having a Kindle, and now (thanks to my husband’s Christmas present) an iPad. Don’t hate me. The funny part of it all is that my husband is technologically challenged at a level that defies explanation- I love him beyond belief, but to give iPads at Christmas is like having a swimming party in the winter—not expected to happen. He is over the top in love with his iPad. It practically follows him like a puppy on a leash.
I have also become a believer. It combines many important functions all at the same time. BUT, it also means that you have one more object in your life and are a slave to your 1) telephone, 2) computer—who can give that up??, 3) your e-reader, and 4) whatever other device you have plugged into your life. In fairness though, the iPad does mix enough of those tasks into one format that maybe you only need to cart around your phone and the pad. The computer can stay on your desk waiting for your return.
But reading is the point. My Kindle is great but doesn't quite do it for me. I download books like crazy to my iPad and find myself reaching for it when it's time to take a break. I love a "real" book. I love the feel, the aroma, the turning-of-the-page. But, I also love having a gazillion books right in my hand, having the chance to check the weather in where ever my husband happens to be, and of course, email. I'm becoming a junky.
This sounds like a commercial sponsored by Apple. Not so. I am a confessed heavy Apple user, but still I’m not trying to push their products. Rather, I’m interested in hearing how all of you work the equipment so readily available and now so necessary to stay on top of our lives. And, HOW YOU READ.
We’ve talked before about the social networking challenges. We discussed how important it is to have a presence on Twitter, FB, LinkedIn and so on. This blog is an example of something we three of M&M both wanted to do and felt was important to do. But the question I’m asking today is, what are the machines you need in your life to keep on top of all you do? Feel free to add household machines if that’s what comes to mind. I have a robot that vacuums- yup, it’s true. Doesn’t do a great job but the dogs love it.
But most importantly, again, what gets you reading and what do you think about how the words make it into your living room?
9 comments:
I'm a recovering anti-Kindle author! BUT now I can't live with out it and finding I'm buying some of my beloved and favorite paper backs in Kindle. I can take one little Kindle instead of my other bag I had to carry with ten or so books. It's been great and my kids love it too. They are boys and wouldn't pick up a paperback for nothing...Kindle is cool so they like it:)
I had the original Kindle, used it to death, and now it died. I am still in mourning :-( I really want the new one....hint hint, honey, if you're reading this post today!
Tonya: I agree. I started with an anti-KIndle feeling. Then with the amount of travel I do, became in love. My husband travels all over the world for business. He literally was cutting books with a razor blade so he'd only carry 100 pages or so- he packs very light. I convinced him to borrow my Kindle on one trip and he hasn't looked back. We still read "real" books all the time. There seems to be a place for both.
Kari: I hear you!
Thought provoking, Cassy. I was definitely in the club with you and Tonya hating Kindles. I remember when hubby wanted to buy one for me when they first came out.
I broke down and asked Santa for one this year, and I love it. (My kids got me the coolest cover that has its own light in it powered by the Kindle.)
For all the reasons everyone else does and more. My time to read has really been reduced since I now have a deadline. I'm always being asked to read stuff for people - I guess they are gluttons for punishment since I tell it like it is. Anyway, I now put what they send on the Kindle and it doesn't feel like I'm robbing my writing time now.
I believe e-readers are here to stay and will be the new cellphone rage, but I also believe there will always be a place for the printed book.
I used to be a 'real' book person, but then I got my Sony eReader. I adored it, and it saved me from the toppling piles of books all over my house.
But THEN.. then I got my Kindle. I adore it. It's fast, easy, and I love it. I love it even more now that I have a sturdy leather cover on it.
And here's a confession for you... I used to say I loved the smell of books. I picked up and read a paperback last week... I hated the gritty feel of the paper and feeling like my hands were dirty after turning all those inky pages! Never expected that!
Like most of you here, I was anti-Kindle for the longest time. Until I got my iPhone a year ago. I got the app fo rthe phone along with the ones for B&N and Borders. Of the three, I'm only using the Kindle to where I'm looking at buying one for myself. I plan to phase out my collection of paperbacks only when they fall apart, then replace them with eBooks. New book-Kindle.
As far as other electronic gagets-my coffeemaker. Got to have it.
I'm a NOOK girl. You can't bet it for traveling. But I have to say, after I read a few NOOKbooks, I need the feel of a printed one between my hands.
Yup, I agree with you all. I like walking both worlds. Sometimes it's the iPad or Kindle and other times it's the real deal. But, I think the most important point is that we keep reading!
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