Sunday, May 23, 2010

Ready To Kindle



For quite some time I have been hearing about e-books and how they are going to revolutionize publishing and reading. I have been a skeptic because I love books and the way they feel and smell and look. I collect old books. How could e-books ever replace that experience?





I recently stumbled across a discovery that made me sit up and take notice. I knew that e-books were supposed to be cheaper than their print counterparts, but I wasn't aware of the huge amount of free books that are available. Over 1.8 million free, out-of-copyright, pre-1923 books are available to read on Kindle. As I browsed through what was available I was amazed. There were so many books that I would not have ever been able to even see a copy of much less read. I love history, and the amount of historical material that is available is staggering. To get an idea of what is available go here.


You don't have to buy an e-book reader to gain access to this amazing treasure. Kindle provides free apps for the i-Phone and i-Pad, Windows and Mac PC's, and Blackberry phones. You can download the free Kindle Apps here. I have used Gina's i-Phone, and it is amazingly easy to read from. Since I downloaded the apps last Thursday I have already read:
The Truth About Henry Ford by Sarah T. Bushnell
Lincoln Letters by Abraham Lincoln
Narrative Of The Life Of J.D. Green, a Runaway Slave by Jacob D. Green
Slave Narratives: a Folk History of Slavery in the United States from Interviews with Former Slaves.

The Kindle is slim: Just over 1/3 of an inch, as thin as most magazines

It is lightweight: At 10.2 ounces, lighter than a typical paperback

You can be reading in under 60 seconds: Get books delivered wirelessly in less than 60 seconds; no PC required

Includes 3G Wireless: 3G wireless lets you download books right from your Kindle; no annual contracts, no monthly fees.

The Kindle has a Paper-Like Display: Reads like real paper without glare, even in bright sunlight

You can carry your library wherever you go: The Kindel holds up to 1,500 books

With the experimental Text-to-Speech feature, Kindle can read newspapers, magazines, blogs, and books out loud to you.

With Kindle you get free book samples: Download and read first chapters for free before you decide to buy

I just had to have a Kindle so I ordered one last Thursday. It came today, and I have been pleased with it. I spent most of the evening reading on it, and it is a pleasurable experience. I think that I am going to like it. It's not the same as holding a book in your hands, but the convenience more than makes up for that.

I've gotta go. So many books and so little time. I think I am going to read Ben Franklin's Autobiography next.

6 comments:

  1. His autobiography was a surprisingly good read, although Franklin had an obviously large ego. My mom has the B&N e-book, and she's really enjoying it for many of the same reasons you got your Kindle. :) Just a little bit till you all get down here!!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. (someone trying to cash in?)

    I too am skeptical, I was skeptical of the ipod/mp3 players. They just didn't seem right to me.

    I am extra skeptical of these readers because they really seem only slightly different than a laptop.

    I didn't realize there were so many public domain books available, that is un-real.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Wow!! Great arguments for it...I've been hesitant because I find reading a computer screen more difficult than reading on a printed page...But the availability of so many public domain books sounds fantastic! Warmly, Janine

    ReplyDelete
  4. Absolute Kindle addict here. I got mine as a pre-Christmas present from my sister.
    I adore the light weight, the ease of purchase and lack of shelf space required.
    I also like that if my eyes get tired, I can press a key and have it read out loud to me.
    I have read mostly free books. A lot of first time authors publish this way and often established writers will offer an early book free to hook you. I now have over 60 books waiting to be read stored on Kindle.
    Enjoy.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Must be somthing for me,I love to read,and to get books for free is just great.Thanks for your kind words on my photoblog.Have a nice day:)

    ReplyDelete
  6. how times are changing and so fast. however i seriously doubt i would get one soon. not quite my thingy yet

    ReplyDelete