I just had an epiphany. I was sitting here reading an e-book (something I found advertised on the Smart Bitches who Love Trashy Books blog – Samhain Publishing) and I was starting to feel cold. I all of a sudden wanted to take a bath, but I didn’t want to quit reading, so I was trying to figure out how to bring the computer into the bath with me. Of course I can’t do that, it could end badly in so many ways, none of which I’m eager to experience. Thats when I realized that though there are positives to e-books: they’re convenient, cheaper, don’t kill trees, etc… I can’t take a bath and enjoy one at the same time and for me that’s a deal breaker. I don’t have a Kindle or any other hand held e-book reader and I honestly don’t know if i’ll be getting one anytime soon (though having one still wouldn’t help me with the bath issue). I don’t mind reading e-books on my computer but there is just something about holding a book in your hands that I like; not to mention a book won’t electrocute me in the bath.
March 22, 2008...2:30 pm
E-books…pros and cons
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7 Comments
March 24, 2008 at 1:41 am
While I don’t read in the bath, I do like to read stretched out in bed. For me, paperback books are so much easier to read and won’t get damaged by my fumble fingers. I always get a headache from looking at a computer or tv screen for too long – say an hour – which is not at all relaxing! I also like the portability of paperbacks. No worries about damaging an expensive electronic device or it having no juice because I forgot to charge it – again. I can see the good points of e-books and ereaders – several books in one device, etc. but I don’t think they’re for me. Besides, I like to see the books I’ve enjoyed on my bookshelves!
March 24, 2008 at 9:27 am
Considered audio books? I download ebooks from my library and listen to them lots of places. In bed, on the sofa, taking a walk, and, now and then, in a bubble bath. The MP3 player is outside the bath under my towel and I can relax and listen to either music or my latest romance. Sigh! luxury. I’m seriously considering a subscription to audiobooks to get my fix of more, more, more since Overdrive only allows 5 at a time and you can’t return them early. But, free sure beats paying for them. My sansa was inexpensive and holds a ton of music and audio. Consider it.
March 24, 2008 at 9:35 am
You know, I haven’t done many books on my ipod. I should look in to it. Though it would have to be one of my tamer romances…I can read almost anything thing, but I get a little prudish when I listen to someone reading the sex scenes to me. I know its silly, but there it is; I’m a 27 year old who has been reading romance since the age of 12 and I have issues with listening to the more amorous scenes. Go figure.
March 24, 2008 at 12:05 pm
Change the ages to 28 and 14 and that could be me. WooT! I’m not the only one. LOL
I have an e-book Reader and I swear by it. I hate reading on the computer, and having the Reader really saves me. Plus, I can take it in the tub if I want, though I never have. Partly because it’s an electronic device and I’d rather be safe than sorry, but also because, like you, I miss holding a book in my hands sometimes.
March 24, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Holly, nice to know I’m not alone! Which e-book reader do you have? I’ve looked at the Kindle but I’m just not sure that A. I really want it and B. if I’m going to pay that much money, I figure I should wait for the next version and let them work on any kinks.
March 25, 2008 at 6:31 pm
I haven’t heard great things about the Kindle. I have the eBookwise and I.LOVE.IT.
It has all the features you could possibly need (and then some) and it’s affordable. Highly recommend it. I blogged about it:
http://thebookbinge.blogspot.com/2007/10/ebook-readers-finding-one-thats-right.html
March 25, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Having a handheld makes a real difference, IMHO, particularly the part where you can have a couple dozen (or a couple hundred) books in the palm of your hand. You can be curled up in bed, a few chapters into X, and if you’re bored, you don’t even have to get up and go to your bookshelf or find where you left the damn thing, it’s right there.