Quote:
Originally Posted by zenmonky
warning rant
There isn't an ereader worth buying on the market unless you have a gadget fetish, which is ok. Why? First, the generic 6 inch models are useless for anything other than paperback novels. These books are common and can be read for free from the greatest thing before the internet: the library.
Second, the larger format ereaders are too much money. Ereaders must come down below the price of the cheapest laptop. How can i justify paying more for something that is essentially a specific purpose computer than I would pay for a full functional netbook with a windows or linux os? Ive seen a $100 netbook on engadget recently. Im not hard up, i just know that paying $800 for an irex only make me another person walking around with a dorky status symbol. I understand the economics of scale but they are still too expensive.
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Oh, zenmonkey, this is all so wrong on so many levels. Its not about having a 'gadget fetish'.
Its about carrying my entire library with me where ever I go, and reading whichever one I want whenever I want. (and I'm not done yet)
Its about opening the book to exactly where I left off each time.
Its about having a built in dictionary at your fingertips without skipping a beat while reading. Think you know the meaning of every word ever written? I did until I started reading more.
Its about having adjustable font, for those "old", or weak eyes.
Its about being able to read no matter where you are, whether at the doc's office, or standing in a long postal line, without trying to carry huge hardbacks, or more than one book at a time.
Its about discovering wonderful authors whose written words have stood the test of time, and for free, not just paying for the latest best sellers.
Its about discovering new independent authors who might never make it to your local library or book store. We have several here on MR.
Its about being able to download library e-books onto your device, and reading those also.
With the Kindle, its also about being able to download books instantly........if I want. Or not. I don't buy into the "big brother" theories that are going around, and I download most of my books with my laptop.
Personally, and this is just me, my Kindle has been my 'best buddy' since I bought it 6 months after it came out. I never upgraded, have loved it from the first. I don't need to read graphs, or worry about a bigger screen. I don't worry about being "locked in" since I learned about taking control of my own books.
Price? If you must have the latest and greatest, yes, you will pay the $800 you mentioned, but anyone who just wants to read, really read, will get by with $200-300, and the prices are coming down constantly.
I guess my point is........the entire purpose of an ebook reader is to read books, not be a multifunction device. Everyone has their favorites, and I defy anyone to prove on is better than another. Its all about personal preference.
I hope you enjoy yours when you finally get it.