Comments on: Sony Reader Digital Book: almost like the real thing

By: GeekMom

GeekMom — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 15:04:00 +0000

Yes, there is a downside to e-books. I guess I tend to think of paper books and e-books as filling different needs. I do love a shelf full of books. I enjoy the look of a library, the smell of the pages, and the feeling of significance that accompanies a hefty hardcover.

But I also love the convenience and practicality of the lightweight reader. My purse is full to the zipper, with all kinds of junk you can’t even imagine. Last time I cleaned it out, I actually found a head lamp in there! I don’t know which of my kids put it there, but it was a fun surprise. Maybe it would have come in handy if I’d happened to do some spur-of-the-moment spelunking…

By: H.E.Eigler

H.E.Eigler — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 04:45:10 +0000

I think readers and 'real' books can coexist nicely together. There is no need to replace one with the other. I could see myself using a reader while traveling so I wouldn't have to pack books around but at home, there's something about walking into my office and seeing my bookshelves full of pretty books. H.E.Eiglers last blog post..Where have all the parents gone? (Off topic again, get over it)

By: waterrose

waterrose — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 20:50:51 +0000

I think that there is one that just came out that is somehow linked to Amazon as well. I think they have their uses, but I also like real books. waterroses last blog post..Thrill on the Hill! and contest!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 15:02:12 +0000

I am a librarian and whether or not ebooks will ever really become a big thing much less replace regular books has been debated for years. I for one, think they are only good for research books where you can follow links. I would never use them for a novel or biography. Besides not having the comfort of a book, I am a bibliophile. I love owning the book. Jennifers last blog post..TV Series With the Most Pop Culture References

By: Kelly

Kelly — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 10:10:35 +0000

I lend books, too. And if I buy a book, I want to OWN it! (Well, at least until *I* decide it’s time to give it away.)

The biggest problem I had when playing with the Sony reader (and it’s probably the same with the Kindle) is the lag time when turning pages. Maybe I just read faster than the average person, but after a couple of pages it got to be seriously annoying. So I’ll be sticking to the real deal for a while longer.

Kellys last blog post..Collaged Words: Wish

By: Jojo

Jojo — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 06:43:31 +0000

I’ve been reading you for a while now but never got to comment. Why? I don’t know. Anyway I’m so jealous you have the Wii Fit AND got to hold the reader in your hands. I’ve been ogling it since it came out a long time ago. I’d also take the Kindle anyday. I’m an avid reader but the thing I don’t like is that I have to purchase the e-books from only one place.

Jojos last blog post..I better go to sleep soon…..so to not EAT

By: Sue

Sue — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 23:03:06 +0000

I'm in agreement with John. When it comes to the mysteries that I devour in my bedtime reading, I want to pass them on to others. There are five or six people with whom I share and circulate books. For each book I buy, I generally read another book that someone else bought. And each book I buy gets read by at least two, some times four or five other people. Ultimately most of my books end up in public libraries, either as part of their collection or as part of their book sales to raise money. Most of the non-mysteries that I read, are books I want to keep; they will get reread several times over the years, and many will be used as references for writing and teaching. So both the lack of ability to transfer individual titles to others, and the lack of permanent ownership are problems for me. Sues last blog post..all the pretty ponies

By: [keywords removed] Anonymous

[keywords removed] Anonymous — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:18:15 +0000

I am still sketpical for a couple of reasons. One – I am just old school, even my to-do list is still on paper. Two – I look at a computer all day for work, I really don’t want to read a book on one.
I know lots of people love these but I don’t think they are for me.

By: John

John — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:16:15 +0000

Of course, two major drawbacks to e-book readers like this one and the Kindle (both related to DRM):

1. You can’t loan your books. Rather, you can loan them the entire device with all of your books, but not just one book.

2. You don’t own the books you buy. When Sony discontinues their service (they will eventually) and the device fails, you will lose access to all of the books you “purchased.”

I’d like an e-book reader myself but until publishers realize that DRM is anti-customer and stop using it (like the music industry appears to be doing) I won’t be buying one.

Johns last blog post..Teamwork