Time For The Next Generation
Prepare yourself, I'm about to present a timely blog.
This morning, we get out first official look at the new Kindle 2, the second generation version of the e-book reader everyone is talking about. The original Kindle was introduced by Amazon in late 2007 and according to information leaked over the internet during the weekend, the Kindle 2 is rumored to be new and improved without a newer and larger price tag.
I've long been in the camp of "I'll never give up my paper books!" I've downloaded some e-books to my computer, but I've honestly never read any of them to the end. Which is a horrible confession, but the truth. I have many friends who have written e-books and I know there's a ton of fantastic stories I'm missing out on. But having these books basically trapped in my laptop means I never think to open and read them.
There's just something about holding a book in your hand. The feel, the smell, the texture. The truth is, the book is pretty perfect just the way it is. You can get one in any size, they hold up to all kinds of abuse. They stand the test of time and can make us feel better just being there on the nightstand.
Here's the *but*. Last November, I got the chance to check out e-book readers in person. I admit, I was fascinated by the Kindle. It felt comfortable in my hand, was easy to use, and even easy to read. I don’t know the details of the technology behind this thing, but it's impressive as hell. And I'm considering buying one.
According to Amazon, there are something like 150,000 titles available. The perks are many. I don't need a computer to buy and download books, I can store my own files, earmark any page I like, and even highlight or makes notes as I go. And there's the added bonus that if anything happens to my files, my books are backed up on Amazon so I can just go back and get them. It's small, simple, and completely mobile.
I don't like the idea that I can't get my books from anyone but Amazon. I'm not big on monopolies. But I had the same concerns about the iPod, until I got one. Now I can't imagine living without it. I wonder if I'd feel the same if I had a Kindle.
The big question of the day. What do you think of this new fangled thing called the Kindle? Do you have one? If not, are you considering it? Or are you too old school to even think of crossing over to the e-book side? If you do have one, tell us what you like and don't like about it.
Books by the Crew
49 comments:
Oh, I'm sooo old-school, so old-school I hardly ever order books online---I need to find them on a rack and pick them up in my hand. I know the Kindle is fabulous, but in this economy I'm not making any major purchases. Maybe if someone gave me one as a present (not that I'm hinting). Otherwise, I'm waiting it out.
And those teeny buttons. Eek. I've got fat fingers. With my luck I'd get a truck manual instead of a romance.
I have read a lot about the e-readers and I just don't know. I'm not sure I want to invest that much money in something I'm going to probably break.
I felt the same way about ipods. And Ipods are smaller, so my chances of breaking them were higher.
I think it's a great idea to save natural resources. My jury is still out though.
I think it's cool. I'm into new technology, but it would never replace books for me. I wouldn't mind having both! LOL I can see the advantages for those who travel a lot. With the way some people read, having to stock up on enough reading material for a week long trip could take up most of the space in your luggage.
I love all of it's features, or at least those I'm aware of. The best one is the ability to look up the meaning of a word with a press of a button. I'm with Maggie, though, I'm not willing to fork out the cash needed for one of these babies but wouldn't turn my nose up at it if it was a gift.
Wow - the Kindle is a hot topic today! I really like mine. I see that Smart Bitch Sarah and Angela James are both backtracking on their recommendation of the Kindle, but it still works well enough for my purposes.
Though I still read a lot of print books (My TBR pile is huge and, alas, there's no print to Kindle conversion), I was just realizing this weekend that I find ebook readers more comfortable to hold. It's so easy to hold with one hand and still be able to turn the page with the movement of my finger that holding open a print book and having to turn pages feels a bit cumbersome. So I've adapted to the technology much more quickly than I expected.
I agree about the fear of being tied to Amazon, though. Technically you aren't, if you're reasonably computer savvy and willing to spend the time converting files. Though Amazon appears to be making it harder and harder. Plus that kills one of the main advantages of the Kindle, which is the convenience of direct downloading.
Maggie - The price is the biggest issue for me. If the article I found is true, then this newer version is going to be around $360. That's A LOT of money. Especially considering the fact we can always check out books from the library for free. Or pick them up at a considerable discount at the UBS.
Marn - It's a shame there aren't actualy Amazon stores because you really need to hold one of these to know if you want it. And it's much more durable than it looks. Or at least it felt that way when I held one. Didn't feel like I'd have to be uber careful or anything.
Irish - ITA with your comment about travelers enjoying this device. If I had a job where I was on a plane at least a couple of times a month, this would be a must. And I'm with you and Maggie on the gift thing. Someone wants to buy me one, I wouldn't turn it down. But since no one ever buys me anything, I won't be holding my breath. LOL!
Lindsey - Angela is backtracking? She's the one who showed me the device in person. Though she had a Sony e-reader with her as well. I didn't take to that one like I did the Kindle. And that's true about not being able to put your current books on it. At least with my iPod, I can put all my old CDs into it. And I think I'd like to be able to turn the page with a push of a button.
I forgot to say there are a ton of other features I didn't mention in the blog and that dictionary option Irish mentions is only one of them. You can also read newspapers and magazines on this bad boy. And as I remember, the buttons weren't too small on the first version, Maggie. Though I have no idea what they'll look like on the newer one.
Y'all know I love new fangled gadgets but I'm not on the bandwagon for the Kindle. I know a lot of people who have one and know of someone going to get one *that's right, I called you out, Lis* but I can't imagine giving up my paper books yet. I can't read books online or stored on my computer. My eyesight is terrible. This is the reason why I have to print everything out if I'm critiquing or revising anything I wrote. I'm not even an audio fan.
Sin - I really don't know how it works, but reading off the Kindle is nothing like reading off a computer screen. It's just like looking at a page in a book.
And my guess is no matter how popular this thing gets, no one is ever going to give up their paper books completely. I just don't see it happening.
They say eventually everything is going digital, including our beloved paper books. I'm with you- I'll roll over in my grave first.
But they also said television would replace movies and videos would kill radio. *They* say a lot of things (whoever *they* are..lol) but I'll believe it when I see it. I think there's room for both the old and the new.
I haven't seen one in person, but I have heard that the people who have them, love them. At the First Place blog, one of the ladies actually named hers. And gives a list of pros and cons. I think the price is the biggest con for me right now. However, I'm with you, I don't think I'd turn it down as a gift.
Di
P.S. Terrio do you know you're on the Monday puzzlers list for today at Eloisa/Julia's BB?
Di - I found Mary's blog last night right after I put this one in. Mary's blog is much more informative than mine is. LOL! But to be fair, she actually has one so has much more to go on.
And I didn't get the reminder in my email about the puzzler. Crap. I don't have any books with me either. I'll have to contact Kim right away! Thanks for the head up!
Yep, Angela switched back to her Sony and has now sold her Kindle. She found the file management too difficult - you can read about it on her blog. I see what she's saying, but it isn't something that bothers me for the amount of files I have. She reads almost exclusively ebooks - for work and pleasure - so I can see why it would be important for her to have an excellent organization system.
And Sin, I second what Terri said about readability. It is SO much better than reading on a computer screen. Plus it gets me away from the computer so I'm not distracted by email and such.
I can't decide how I feel about these. There's a lot of things to love, but the thought of e-readers replacing paper books, no matter how unlikely, just makes my heart ache.
I'm old school. I love the feel of books. I've seen the video for this, and can see the appeal though. I suppose if I were willing to drop $400 for one, it'd be worth while. And you'd download cheaper than it'd be to buy print. Plus none of that pesky "bookshelving" problems.
Still. I'm too cheap. I don't have an Ipod...I don't even have an M3P player--and they're giving those away. I only have a cellphone so my boyfriend can call me...or so I can call work to say I blew out another tire. Technology is pretty much wasted on me. And I'm not even enchanted by "high definition" TV or Blue-Ray discs....
I think it really comes down to the target demographic. If you don't do a lot of traveling and get most of your books the old fashioned way, then there's really no reason to make the investment. But I can see the need for those busy professionals who are always on the go. And for the amount of reading Angela must do, it's almost a necessity. (Angela is an editor with Samhain for those who don't know.)
Hal - I think this is one of those things that will add another option for those who want it, but not necessarily replace anything.
I have wanted a Kindle since I first saw one. A big part of its attraction for me is storage. I already have about a dozen boxes of book in storage plus about a thousand on bookshelves all over my house. I've reached the point that I need to discard a book for every new keeper I add, a real problem for a rereader. I also love the idea of my own writing files being so easily portable.
But I'll probably wait a while on the Kindle. I have friends and family members who are jobless right now. I can't justify spending $360 on something that is sheer indulgence for me when I could use the money to buy food or help with a mortgage payment or utility bill for someone I love.
I was all excited when I got HD TV, then realized it wasn't all that big a deal on my little 32" screen. LOL! Though it's amazing on the bigger screens.
Anyone know how much it would cost to download Romance paperbacks? I've heard most best-sellers are available for around $9.99, but no idea what the cheaper paperbacks cost.
Janga - That's the real temptation for me. As a person who has moved on average every three years since she was 18, the need to reduce the book collection is BIG. Though as I'm not a re-reader, that makes no sense. Maybe I could give you all these books. LOL!
But I'm the same with the money. There are things I *need* and this is just a *want*. Kiddo is getting bigger so they'll be braces and more clothes and who knows what else in my near future. Can't justify the expense at all.
I'm getting a Kindle in March(Thanks a lot, Oprah, for making me wait so long!). I can't wait!!! But I will never give up parerbacks!! Favorite authors will forever on my shelf. The Kindle, for me, will be for trying out new-to-me authors, avoiding hard cover books(I just can't stand how they feel in my hands and it's almost impossible for me to read on my side with them), AND it's giving me entree into the vast world of e-books(Ellora's Cave! Cobblestone! Samhain!And so many more).
PS: Ter, this was not aa HA blog!!! It's grrrreat(remember Tony the Tiger? Anyone?*g*).
Kel - You've been so excited about getting this thing in. Will yours be the new or old version? And exactly how long have you had to wait?
I know Linds says you can still transfer files in from other sources, but I don't think it's going to be very easy to get the EC, Samhain and other source stuff on that thing. LOL! We will expect a blog from you on your findings come March. LOL!
I love Tony the Tiger. My favorite cereal, hands down. LOL!
Ah, I love the e-readers. Don't have one yet because I climbed on this bandwagon nearly a decade ago and bought a rocket e-book. They lost the format wars and now I have a doorstop. I'm waiting to be certain I get one that will last.
From a booksellers point of view, they save so much on waste. Ever been behind a bookstore, at their dumpster? Mass market doesn't get sent back to the pubs whole. Only the covers are sent back. The rest of the book is thrown away. This has a lot to do with why authors make so little on their books...too much waste.
I'm holding out for a Sony e-reader. You can demo them at a lot of bookstores. Borders usually has a kiosk so you can play with them.
I'm a total revolutionary on this...want to see all books in e-format. Save hardbacks and kids books. (Can't read Pat the Bunny on an e-reader!)Reserve print for those you want to special order. Imagine going to college with an e-reader...no heavy backpack. No thousands of dollars for books they buy back at a fraction of the cost... No cheaply printed books from Asia that fall apart after two reads...
If I had the money, I'd have one today!
Wow! We have a real rebel in our midst. Totally forgot to bring up the environmental issues. The whole going green thing. Think of the trees and production work that could be saved! But then, think of all the jobs that would be lost. For every good there's a bad, I guess.
I didn't know I could play with one of the e-readers in person. I'll have to check that out. As I said, I saw a Sony one when I saw the Kindle, but it didn't tickle my fancy the same way. Then again, if I wait long enough, they'll keep improving them AND dropping the price. I'll be more apt to jump on the bandwagon then.
I am strongly in favour of electronic books but get really annoyed with the encryption that most ebook sellers use.
I feel that when I own something I should be able to use it in any way I choose for personal use, consistent with respecting the author's copyright.
If I borrow a book from the library or buy a paper version, then for personal use I can scan it into a computer and convert to MP3 using the excellent computer voices now available. I can then listen to books while driving or out walking the hills. I curse Amazon for attempting to curtail my pleasure!
Many with visual impairment or simply eye strain also rely on conversion to audio formats.
In principle digital books would be perfect as they can be simply downloaded and converted to audio books if it were not for the encryption.
Really its enough to drive a book lover to use those dodgy file sharing sites....or even find ways of breaking the encryption!
ebook sellers seem obsessed with restricting use to one particular device (kindle for Amazon) and IMO are shooting themselves in the foot.
I think that the future for books is electronic, but not with current encryption formats.
I hope that a method will soon be found which allows free use of the ebook on one computer or reader, allowing conversion to all file formats but somehow preventing file sharing on the internet. This would then satisfy the sellers and would restore the reader's rights to view or listen to their property in any way they choose.
OK rage is subsiding now
I think I'll have a cuppa and LISTEN to a good book using Kate, my favourite computer voice!
I might even have something a little stronger. *grin*
Q - This is the real issue. The control factor. The "we'll sell you this but only if you buy this and do this with it and don't even think of doing that." It would be as if every different car brand used a different kind of fuel. Once I've purchased something, it's mine and therefore, in my control.
I understand intellectual property is tough to protect, but people will always find a way to exploit things. At some point, you have to let it go.
Oh, and I listen to audiobooks on my road trips a few times a year, but admit it's not the same as reading the story myself. The tiniest inflection in the reader's voice can change the entire meaning of something. So I'd much rather read a book than listen to it.
How is it using that voice software of yours? Is there inflection or is it kind of monotone?
I guess it is a lot of the green thing for me. But it's also about the profits. I worked the bookstores, I love bookstores...but when you look at the ecomomics of it all. The bookstore is really between a rock and a hard place, profit wise. Books come premarked with a price. They buy them from wholesale places or direct from pubs and only get a 40% markdown on them, generally.
This pays for clerks, store rental, insurance, the whole shebang. And they can't compete with Walmart, Cosco and the like. It isn't Amazon and Borders that is the problem, it's the big box stores that sell books to draw people in. They don't need to make a profit on them, so they don't. Bookstores need to make the profit.
In a perfect world, the local bookstore would sell e-books, at a sort of kiosk. No absolute need for a computer. Imagine, no shipping costs, no printing costs...how much more could an author earn?
Every new technogy challenges the status quo. And yes, jobs would be lost. Jobs would also be created. One of my father's favorite bits involved buggy whip makers...they lost out when the automobile rose. But look how many more jobs were created.
When the money is available, I'll likely have a Sony e-reader.
I'm with you Q...this format wars stuff is for the birds and all it does is sour the users to putting the money out. I did with my rocketbook, and it's a doorstop. Sigh.
Terrio -
I'm lucky enough to live close to a large mall with a Sony store in it. I've gone in and diddled with the player trying to be sure it's what I want. A salesman talked with me a few months ago about an improvement in the works to display PDF in an easier to read format. I'm waiting for that!
I am just unhappy with the idea that Amazon's Kindle is so restrictive... As I said, been there, done that...no more doorstops.
I'm off to see "He's Just Not That Into You." Thought a good giggle would be good for me...
Okay, the Kindle 2.0 is really intriguing me. Why does it have to cost so much though? I'm not a fan of the e-readers but this looks really cool and small and convenient. Plus easy to use. And it's a new gadget. I'm just thrilled for my mom since for X-mas, my brother, sister, and I went in to buy her a Kindle 1.0 (but because of the hold-up, it still hasn't been delivered). So she's automatically getting an upgrade, which I think, is completely awesome. I bet she loves it, too.
But I wonder . . . for the people who have Kindles out there, do you think you've saved money, or are you still buying "book" books along with "Kindle" books?
Chance - It's very true the old fashioned business model of the book store doesn't work anymore. I didn't know all that about how much they have to pay for the books, but I knew they had to be losing money for us to be losing so many stores.
I wonder if the exclusivity is going to change or become the norm. I guess we'll have to wait and see. I don't see the need or appeal of these devices meaning they'll take over the world anytime soon. But I wonder how this conversation will be different in another 10 or 15 years.
Let us know how the movie is. I've been avoiding that one since it's WAY too close to my reality. I did go see Australia yesterday. LOVED IT!
Excellent question, Ely. As I mentioned, when I got my iPod, I didn't have to repurchase all of my old CDs. I just put them on there. And I pay at least $3 or $4 less when I download a CD instead of buying it at the store. Sometimes more. So I can totally see the savings. I don't see how buying this device then paying just as much for the digital version as you pay for the print version of the book would be beneficial.
I found out today(after hearing that there IS a 2.0-where the heck have I been?)that I am in fact getting the 2.0.This made me happy. And, yes, I will blog about it!
Immediately after Mer told me about it I told my parents it was what I wanted for X-mas. Mom placed the order in November. That Oprah and her Favorite Things show! The woman's a menace!lol.
PS: You are a buzzkill!LOL! I can't believe you would rub salt in the wound of my lack of ease at getting EC and Samhain books on my Kindle.*g*
PPS: I'm trying to come up with a name for my Kindle. Mer named hers Elinor. But maybe I shouldn't choose until I have it in my hands-kind of like a new mother and her child.LOL!
I have to tell my own Kindle/Oprah story. My parents decided to get me one right before I went to France as an early gift. I got it a few days before and it broke within 24 hours. When I called customer services was just when they'd run out because of the Oprah thing, so they didn't think they'd be able to get me a replacement before I left for France (in 48 hours), though they promised I was at the top of the list. And they managed it! It arrived a couple hours before I had to head to the airport. My customer service experience has been great.
Ely, I'll admit I don't think it's saving me money yet. I imagine if you read a lot of hardbacks and switched to a Kindle it would pay itself off pretty quickly. But I'm mostly using it for work, continuing to work through my current print TBR pile, and taking advantage of some of the ebook freebies. I have bought a few titles, but ebooks for paperbacks aren't THAT much cheaper. And I'm just not that voracious a reader lately.
Oh, and Kelly, it actually SHOULD be very easy to get Samhain and EC files onto a Kindle. Kindle reads unsecured mobipocket files, that you can transfer to the Kindle by email or cable, and I believe most major epublishers sell unsecured mobi format as long as you're buying direct from the publisher.
FABULOUS blog, Ter!!
Okay, I'm in love with my Kindle 1.0. Love, love, love. I already waxed poetic over at First Edition about it, but it really blew my expectations out of the water. The screen is amazingly similar to reading a book, it's much more portable since I travel so much, and - well - the books are cheaper! (If you're regularly buying hardbacks anyway...)
But all that being said?
Not five minutes ago, I put mine up for sale on Facebook & Craigslist, because the Kindle 2 has a feature that I would push old ladies in front of buses to have - the Text-to-Speech application. I'm trying to see my defection not as being a traitor to my original Kindle, but loving it so much that I want to be an early adapter to the next as well! ;)
Thank you, Lindsey! That's great news.
Mer, you are so inconstant!!!lol. I hope your poor Kindle 1.0 finds a home where it's appreciated. So sad.:(
See, I'm so glad Lindsey joined us today. Much of Amazon's task is going to be educating consumers on this bad boy.
Mary - The thing will talk to you? Really? See, I didn't know that either. Though I haven't looked around the internet today to see what came out of the morning news conference.
Yay for Kelly on getting 2.0!
I chickened out and canceled my Kindle order. I had too many reservations about the price and the price of books. I heard they were perfecting a new model, so I'm even more glad I decided against my purchase.
I agree with Terri, I don't like being monopolized by Amazon. I also don't like that you can't share the books that you purchase.Although I find it a wonderful gadget, I'll stick with my used books at the Paperback Exchange, and the glorius smell of print.
The Kindle would be such a space saver, but then what would I put on the shelves of the library I'm going to build in my house someday?
Lisa - The dollar is always the bottom line, isn't it? Especially today. The price has to drop eventually, and big time, IMO. Look at the price of cell phones and computers and even iPods. As the technology progresses, the price should become more reasonable. But as mentioned, they'll also have to drop the price of the books. When you take out the actual printing, the materials, and the distribution, how can you insult people by charging almost the same price?
I know, the high cost of older books on Kindle is what amazed me!
Terri said: Oh, and I listen to audio books on my road trips a few times a year, but admit it’s not the same as reading the story myself. The tiniest inflection in the reader’s voice can change the entire meaning of something. So I’d much rather read a book than listen to it.
How is it using that voice software of yours? Is there inflection or is it kind of monotone?
Terri, I like audio books as well, but the choice is very restricted, especially for more specialised stuff. Like you I would prefer to read a book, but nowadays my eyes are weakening and I keep them for work related stuff. Text to speech software is a real boon for relaxed listening.
The best computer voices no longer sound 'robotic' and do have inflexion though not quite up to a human reader standard yet. I believe many telephone reception sites now use computer voices and I did hear that Stephen Hawking is also now using one of the premium voices in his voice simulator.
I noticed that the latest Kindle has a rudimentary text to speech facility but I believe that there is no pronunciation editor and the choice of voices is limited. It sounds similar to the free Adobe Reader pdf facility but is a step in the right direction!
I won't be buying it at any price until the voice technology is up to scratch and I am the one controlling the technology.
Great blog and many interesting posts! :D
Lisa - I know they are pushing this thing for *convenience* but if it doesn't save us money, what's the point?
Q - I understand the audio if your eyes are bad. As it is, I can't read without my glasses on or contacts in unless I hold the book about four inches in front of my nose. And I bet it's relaxing to just sit back and listen to a good story. I know I could put some audio books on my iPod but I've yet to try it. I may look into that.
I am hoping to see some manifestation of these for the kids in school. I am tired of seeing my 50 lb. daughter lugging home a backpack that weighs at least 30lbs.
Di
Di - I'm with you on that one. There are times I have trouble lifting my daughter's bookbag. No wonder they had to start making the things on wheels!
Di - Rumor has it, a student version of the Kindle will be showing up sometime in mid-2009. It should have a larger screen and full highlighting/note-taking capabilities, so hopefully they will start popping up in schools soon after that!
Also, I'm way behind, but Elyssa said: But I wonder . . . for the people who have Kindles out there, do you think you’ve saved money, or are you still buying “book” books along with “Kindle” books?
Honestly, I have continued to buy print books, as well as Kindle books, but only if they're not available on the Kindle. For hardcovers, the difference between the list price and the normal "9.99" has truly made the money spent on the Kindle worth it. A lot of what I'm reading nowadays is in the Young Adult genre, most of which comes out in hardcover first, so it's definitely helping my pocket book. Also, I've been scooping up a lot of classics for really cheap - like $3 and below - in order to do some research, so I've saved a bundle not buying the regularly priced book versions. My Kindle's ticket price hasn't been paid off yet, but at this rate it definitely will be worth it as time goes by...
I am hoping to see some manifestation of these for the kids in school. I am tired of seeing my 50 lb. daughter lugging home a backpack that weighs at least 30lbs.
Di
ROTFLMAO!!! I just wrote a long response along the same lines that you did, Di, and then went up and read yours and deleted it. I stated my daughter is 70 pounds and carrying 30-40 pounds of books. I really hope they incorporate it in the schools before she gets to college!
More than likely, the kids will have a portable e-reader soon. None of the schools seem to like lockers anymore and man! I don't have a kid, but I see them hauling around these massive bookbags all the time. And I've read of them developing back problems...
That's one of my points for the e-readers. For students, period. All grades. No more long lines at college bookstores! And taking a cruise without several pounds of books... And travel guides! Imagine that! Going somewhere with a guide book at your fingertip.
Only drawback? Pictures. Though the newer ones are getting awesome at that. Maybe by the time I've got the cash, they'll be good for that. I read so many mass market paperbacks, it just kills me to waste the money and paper!
ITA on the school book stuff and I'm happy to hear that it's coming in the future. My daughter's education will be very different than mine was.
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