eReader craze is crazy
The Kindle was not the first, but it made the biggest splash. And you know what? I think it made too big of a splash. Any and everyone out there is now coming out with some type of eReader that lets you read books or magazines or whatever other print media that can be sold. Its as if they all realize that Apple took over the music business with the iPod’s and so they don’t want anyone to get the jump on them. Thus, every week you hear of another one that comes out.
And you want to know what I think? Well, I posted it a while ago when I talked about how I thought for me the Kindle is a waste of money. But, I’ll get somewhat into it again. I will never buy an eReader so long as they either continue making paperback books or they sell eBooks for the same price that I can buy a paperback book for, a used one at that. I buy the majority of my books at a used bookstore, at the price of 50% off, plus buy 2 get 1 free. So, why in the world would I spend a couple hundred bucks on an eReader of some sort, and then on top of that have to spend a minimum of 10 bucks per book?? Are you kidding me? It’d be one thing if I spent a couple hundred and then got whatever book I wanted for free, but that’s not what we have here.
And don’t even get me started on the fact that when I finish reading a book that I bought myself, I can sell it if I so desire. Yes, the book that I bought myself I can then resell. Its mine and I can do whatever I want with it. But with an eBook? Fat chance. Not only are you spending more money on it (unless you buy hard cover books of course), but you don’t even own it. You are paying for the opportunity to read the book, and then once done, it pretty much sits on the hard drive, and there isn’t anything you can do with it other than read it again or erase it.
So, unless you are a person who buys brand new hard cover books regularly (even used hard covers are cheaper than 10 bucks most of the time) or you are just the kind of person who has to buy the latest and greatest gadgets no matter if you really use it or not, then financially I just see no reason why anyone would want to buy one of these. Am I wrong? Is there a Kindle owner out there who can defend themselves from me? Is there someone out there who can change my mind? Three dollar paper back books are just too tempting for me, so you’ll have to try hard!
Comments on eReader craze is crazy
in general i would actually agree with u, based on the cost of the e-books alone. but i did get one for xmas so i can add additional perspective.
i like that the kindle will auto-look up a word for me while i’m reading. it’s one less step to reach a dictionary, which most ppl never end up doing anyway.
i like that i can electronically bookmark and highlight, and then access this quickly again – not just on the one book i have in my hand, but on everything in the kindle.
kindle also has web access and allows mp3s (tho still experimental) – not that other devices couldn’t, but they’re nice extras.
like many, i do avoid bringing books on trips if they’re only available hardcover, or they’re on the thicker side. kindle solves that.
overall, there are some pluses – but it just depends on how often u read and where.
but yes arguably, depending on how much u value these added options, it may still not be worthwhile.
I think its great that you are enjoying your Kindle. I always bring one book with me on every trip, and so that takes up about the same space as a Kindle. Also, unlike you, I never ever read more than one book at a time. Always read one, then finish it before starting another.
I don’t listen to mp3′s and I never look up words in a dictionary. Thus, the only thing I really see is the price and so that’s my biggest thing with it. But, glad you got it. Now I know I can get you eBooks for your birthday!!!