Hi. (I apologize in advance if this ends up being lengthy - I tend to do that).
So, here's the deal. I came across the Kindle a couple of months ago when going to Amazon for something because, well, you can't really miss it. Ooh, I wanted one, but $400 is a lot of money that I don't have.
Since then, as I've read more about it (since I'm the kind of nerd that will obsessively research something that I can't get my grubby little paws on), I came across the Sony Reader, which I had no idea existed, and as of this weekend now know about the eBookwise, Cybook, Iliad, and Astak. Ah, long weekends.
I've read a bunch of back posts and such, but I think my situation is a little unique enough to warrant my own post.
The reason I drooled over the Kindle was because I've never heard of eInk or knew there were dedicated readers like that before it. However, it's way too expensive, I think it's hideous (sorry Kindle people), and the rolly side bar thing would not work for me - I have issues with laptops that have the eraser-looking mouse – there’s been bloodshed involved. The only thing specific to the Kindle that I like is the ability to instantly look up a word. Oh, so nice, and one of the things I liked the best. The rest of the connectivity I don’t need. I had resigned myself to waiting for a second generation where the problems I'd read people had would be fixed (and it hopefully would be prettier).
Now that I know there are several options, I don't know what to do. Price is a factor, obviously, but while the eBookwise is a nice price, I worry about eye strain that people talk about. I know that after reading things on my laptop for a while I get a lot of eye floaters (very near-sighted) and I can't stand to read long papers on it - I print them out. I assume it would be kind of the same thing?
What I dream of using this for would be long backpacking trips, and the occasional travel should I get the chance. The idea of having a bunch of books with me without the weight is fabulous. Plus, I'll admit, I just kind of want one.
I've read a lot about the conversion issues and which is better for what, etc. but here's where the unique part comes in: I own no ebooks. I've never even read one, since I though you would have to read them on a PDA and that seemed like a small slice of hell. So my real issue would be which is going to be the best given that? My guilty pleasure is romance novels (I know, I know...), but I like a good non-fiction too. I'm also just graduating college (figured this would be a nice gift to myself
) but am still horribly poor and since I'm doing AmeriCorps likely to be that way for a few more years yet, and would like ebooks either free or as cheap as possible (do libraries offer them?). I looked at some of them and they were the price of new paperbacks, which I think is too expensive and buy used anyway.
What else...I guess I'm also wondering if I should wait for this elusive Astak, but am worried about buying something brand new. I also don't know much about the Cybook and know the Iliad could be the best thing on the planet but that won't happen - I barley paid that much for my laptop. I also probably won't upgrade whatever I end up with for a while, if ever, so I want one that has as little bugs as possible and will be sturdy enough to last. I'm still driving my first car, which is a lovely Geo Metro, and don't have a cell phone or an ipod (or similar), if that gives you an idea.
But hey, it's been six years to get my degree...I deserve this, right?
Thanks for your help, and for listening to the ramblings. Future posts will be shorter, I promise.
(I love the smiley collection you have here!)