Let's just start this post out by saying that I am a moron. Seriously.
For the longest time I resisted reading ebooks. I mean, I've got a lot of them — many are ARCs, and many I bought to support friends. But in all honesty, I didn't read many of them…mostly I read just the ARCs. Why? Because I HATE reading books on my computer. Hate it, hate it, hate it.
Part of the hatred comes from the fact that I spend so much time writing on the computer that I don't want to READ on it. And part of it is because reading books on my computer makes the books seem like, well, drafts. I realize this is stupid. It's a psychological thing. I've critiqued chapters and full manuscripts for years on my computer, so when I read a book — even a finished product — on a computer, I end up in critic mode.
So I hate reading books on my computer.
And yet, I resisted buying an ebook reader. Why? Because I really like the feel of a book in my hand. I like owning it. Petting it. Tapping the cover (ooh, shiny!) Plus, I was afraid of that ebooks read on an ebook reader would still read like drafts to me.
But I finally broke down and bought myself an eBookwise.
I'm a bit of a techno-idiot, so it took a little while to figure out, but eventually I got some books loaded onto it and then settled in for some reading.
Let me just say again: I. Am. A. Moron.
WHY did I wait so long to buy one of these things? I love it! OMG! I can keep it right beside me, turn it on and have it instantly take me to the last page of the book I was reading, I can turn the page with a push of a button, I can mark up the pages, take notes, highlight…I can read in bed…in the dark…
Love it!!!!!
Now, I know it won't replace print books, because I still do love to have one of those in my hands. But I can definitely see myself buying a lot of books in both formats. I can try it in ebook, and if it's a keeper, I can buy it in print. Or if I already have it in print but want it to take on the go with me for vacation or something, I can buy it for the ebook reader. And ARCs? I can read them so much faster now!
My ONLY complaint about the eBookwise is its inability to read pdf formats. I'll need to get a converter program to be able to read the books I've already purchased in that format. But otherwise, I'm thrilled!!! (Well, I'd love to see them made in fun colors too, but hey, I can put stickers or something on it! *g*)
What about you? Do you have an ebook reader? Do you love it or hate it?
Larissa,
I’ve owned my Amazon Kindle since last December. I haven’t parted from it since then. I’ve bought over 100 books for it and saved $211.43 so far! Yes, I keep a spreadsheet that shows what the book would have cost me in print and what I paid in Kindle format. I’m on my way to letting the Kindle pay for it’s self.
I love reading on it. I read so much faster not worrying with pages of a book, losing my place, and I now long have to skip over words I don’t know! The built in dictionary is my new best friend!
I no longer buy print books, UNLESS I totally want to read it and it’s not available on the Kindle, but that’s hardly ever.
I also am no longer filling my already filled bookshelves. That was one of the biggest reasons I wanted the Kindle. No more wasted paper and space.
As you said, we can take the ereader anywhere. I took mine to the beach this summer and I bought a new book while sitting on the beach! Loved it!
Ebooks are the way of the future, just like Oprah said on Friday when she reviewed her Kindle on her show.
Hugs!
I just did exactly the same thing — got an eBookwise. It’s actually at the post office right now, waiting for me to pick it up, but I can’t wait to use it instead of trying to read off my computer.
I knew going in I would have to convert some of my old ebooks, so that won’t be too much of an issue (I hope.)
I work in an academic library (http://www.lib.byu.edu) and we have been testing the eBook readers for 5 years. I tried several Sony’s and one from Sharp and we thoroughly unimpressed.
I was about to give up on eBook and stick to faithfully to paper books, but then, I found the Kindle. The Kindle was leaps and bounds above the competition, although some of their buttons need to be moved to make it harder to accidentally jump to the next page. I love have thousands of books with me on the Kindle. It is great for readers.
I also think viable eBook readers will present more opportunities for authors because we won’t have to go through the traditional expensive publishing channels. We can sell our books electronically online and enjoy the benefits of The Long Tail (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Long_Tail).
I love, love, love print books… but I’ve been buying more and more ebooks and reading them in my computer… don’t like it at all. So, I decided on an eReader recently, but didn’t know which way to go… I’ve been waiting for the new Kindle to come out, to see if I want to go that way or go with the eBookwise. I’ll have to do it soon, I have limited space for my books, and I can’t keep donating them after reading them, it kills me to decide which to keep and which to give away.
Hi Larissa:
I only recently purchased my e-bookwise as well and like you am absolutely sold. I too will never give up my paper books but the e-book technology has opened a whole new world for me.
I chose the e-bookwise because I live in Canada and Kindle isn’t available here. The Sony didn’t appeal to me. I haven’t found the .pdf issue a problem yet but have a converter so it is workable.
The ease of carrying this device around and accessiblity is awesome and I love the backlight for night reading.
Best Regards
Huh, this is funny…
I could have written the post pretty much word by word, as that’s exactly how I feel. I have now a mini PC that has made reading eARCs and ebooks much more comfortable–and I’m happy not to have to mess around with format, ’cause I’m a Luddite and dog knows I’d mess up the conversion
Have a good weekend, Larissa!
Yay! It arrived! :) I still love my print books, but maybe some day I’ll break down. You’ll have to show me the e-reader so I can see how it works. :)
I haven’t invested in any e-book reader because they’re not really designed for the visually/physically handicapped. The tiny/button controls are the main problem for me, but some of the ones I’ve looked have screens with such poor resolution that I can’t read them unless I hold the unit an inch from my eye.
I download the e-books I buy, print them out on paper and put them in folders or binders (which I really like, since I use the type of paper I prefer and in some cases can enlarge the font to make my own large-print edition.) Often if there is an audio edition I’ll buy that instead; I’m building a nice library of audio books to take on road trips and the weekly errand runs into town.
If I can’t print out the e-book, I read it a little at a time on my computer screen or pass on it (usually the latter.) I have tried using my PDA a few times for e-books as it accepts .pdfs, but reading from the small screen is also tough.
I think eventually they’ll come up with an e-book reader that is more friendly to the handicapped user. Until then, I’ll print them out or listen to them in the car.
Hey Larissa – I just got my ebookwise reader and I’ve gone on e-book read-a-thon.
True the pdf thing was a bummer, but I broke down and bought one because I had like you nearly fify e-books.
I didn’t mind reading books off my computer so much when I was only buy one or two a month. But now that I’m buy more like two or three a week.
I had to do something different. My e-bookwise reader was money well spent.
Besides when I go home for Christmas for two weeks – I can take a ton books with me now :)
I love reading ebooks… but I still have no ebook reader :mad: But, I’ve told myself I would get one before the end of the year
Hi Larissa…I have giving e-bks a try but I still prefer cuddling w/ a fluffy blanket, a huge cup of coffee & a gr8 bk in my hands. Just my thought. Have a gr8 wkend every1! Ada
Yay, glad you got it and love it :) I’m taking notes! I hope to get one closer to the holidays – then I can call it my present, lol. :roll:
I have a Bookeen Cybook and freakin love it and it reads most formats too. Except .lit but those are the easiest files to convert anywasys.
I’m completely converted. I still have my absolute favs in print but I got rid if the rest of them. Who knew my spare room was so big?
Reading ebooks on the computer is extremely rough. Eventually the screen would get ultra bright and I had to take a break.
Then, in February, the hubs seen the Sony E-reader on display at Borders. Luckily this was around income tax season and he said “We must have one.”
True story! He goes on to tell me “We’ll buy it for us to share.” Not very good because he horded it for three months before I got a hold of it.
It’s extremely convenient. Yeah, I don’t like the small print on the pdfs (talk about needing a magnifying class to read it in medium because it won’t go to large. Now the rtfs work like a dream (it doesn’t handle htmls or anything else)
It holds pictures and music (which I don’t put any..Heck I have an 80 gig Zune that i have a hate/love relation ship with for music).
Now that the hubs learned you can read ebooks on your PSP, I’ll probably be having the ereader allll to myself. It’s handy for big trips where you don’t have to cart around bunches of books
I have to say, I’d love a Kindle! The reason I went with the eBookwise though — besides the price — was because I needed something to read the books I already have, and with the Kindle, I couldn’t do that. But maybe someday…
Meljean, you’re going to love it! Go pick it up. Immediately! *g*
Lynn, I love audio books! When we make our cross-country moves (because Heaven forbid we transfer only to the next state over or something,) I stock up on audio books to listen to on the drive. I stick my son in the back seat with his video player, and we’re all happy! :) I do hope they come up with a more user-friendly e-reader for everyone, though. You’d think someone would figure that out sooner than later!
And boy, I’m so with everyone who prefers a print book! I really do prefer to be holding that puppy in my hands, but I’m also loving the eBookwise. I just finished Lara Adrian’s Veil of Midnight on it, and holy crap, I couldn’t push the Next Page button fast enough! LOL
I don’t have an ebook reader yet as I haven’t really purchased many ebooks. I love the feel of a print book and prefer to have one if I can get it. As of right now, all of my ebooks are just on my laptop that I take with me on vacation anyway, so I just read them all there. However, I have recently been considering getting an ebook reader that I can take on vacation with me so I don’t have to always read on my laptop.
I absolutely love the instant gratification of ebooks. As much time I spend on my computer you’d think I’d be more resistant to spending even more time on this thing reading but…
I blame Amie Stuart. I read a blurb and excerpt for her book Once in a Blue. (Super awesome book by the way) and had, just HAD to have the book and joila! was able to get it that same day! And ever since then I’ve been addicted to ebooks!
LOL. That was a long drawn out explanation, wasn’t it.
I may have to check out this ebookwise reader thingy.
I still prefer print books, but I do read ebooks on my laptop now and then. I recently downloaded the ereader application called Stanza onto my iPhone, but haven’t had a chance to try it out yet. :oops:
Oh, thank you for putting this into words. I like to read fiction in the tub or on the back porch swing, or cuddled up in bed. While I could techincally do that with an ebook reader, it doesn’t feel “right” and I certainly can’t do that on a big bulky computer.
And it’s true…on the computer it still feels like a draft.
I’m giving out free ebooks of my novella (here in a couple of weeks) and personally I’m not really fond of ebooks, but…I get that some people are.
Still… i prefer a book I can hold in my hand that’s made of PAPER. not epaper or e-ink.
It doesn’t mean I’ll never own an ebook reader. I can see the benefit for long car trips or plane rides, but mostly I just don’t like books that aren’t physical dead tree books.
Books to me are a special kind of portable magic, and when you mix too much technology into that, some of the magic drifts away.
I have a Sony Reader, which I really liked…until I got an Amazon Kindle. Amazon sent me one to try for 30 days and I’m in love with it. Those jerks knew.
I’ve wanted an e-reader for a while now.
The ability to see a book,buy it and read it all in the same day without leaving the house sounds like my idea of heaven.
I am patiently waiting for my ebookwise to ship. I won it, you know *g*. Then all I’ll need is an Ebookwise for Dummies book to teach me to use it.