Now that I’ve dug my head out of the sand, it seems everyone is talking about the Kindle lately, whether the original or version 2.0.
Here are a couple of links highlighting the Kindle:
Agent Joshua Bilmes relates his story of his Kindle’s death due to cold weather
…and my friend Teegan talks about her insatiable desire for the Kindle2, which is likely making her husband jealous at this very moment.
Here’s my take on e-readers in general:
– It’s going to be a generational thing. (not sure how many generations involved though) I’m sure I will always be part of the generation that loves the solid, textural experience of flipping through the pages, but eventually the memory of that enjoyment will fade as our children grow up and e-readers are as common as cell phones.
Of course, people who learn to love and subsist on e-books will eventually be laughed at as old-school by the generations that can have books directly beamed into their brains.
– They’re good for traveling. I mean, wouldn’t you rather take a single, slim pad rather than stuff a few bulky books in your suitcase or carry on? It’d save a lot on hassle and provide plenty to do during layovers and cab rides.
And yes, any ebook is likely to be less expensive than the book you can purchase in the airport. And food? Don’t get me started about airport food.
– Lastly, I’ll be more convinced to get one when they are developed to have some writing capability included. I.e., I want my Kindle/e-reader to double as my typewriter, so I can write on the go, email updated documents back to my home computer and generally replace my currently buggy PDA.
So, if someone wants to send me a Kindle 2.0 out of the kindness of their heart, I won’t say no. Otherwise, unless I win the lottery or rob a bank, I probably won’t be indulging in the newest tech toy. But here’s for hoping.
I see that smile.