Someone explain to me the kindle craze.

1. 66

   Rastamermaidposted 12 years ago

   Someone explain to me the kindle craze.
   
   I'm a avid reader but ole school. I like turning pages and with me reading quite abit,because of space and eco reason I'm looking at kindle but I'm on the fence.
   
   

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2. 65

   iamageniusterposted 12 years ago

   I prefer reading physical books more. If I wanted to read through a screen, then I'd just read articles through my laptop.

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3. 0

   oldandwiseposted 12 years ago

   I don't own one, but my oldest daughter does. Before she was purchasing books for her and her daughters. She claims one of the biggest pros to be cost. Apparently it's cheaper to download the books as opposed to purchasing them from a book store. The other thing she related to me, was the library didn't always have the books in she wanted. And lastly, she expressed this is not a good investment for someone who only reads a couple of books a year. This device is definately for the person who reads on a constant basis.

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4. 80

   Uninvited Writerposted 12 years ago

   I have a 2nd generation Kindle and I love it. It is not at all like reading on a screen, it is just like reading a physical page. I have started reading as much as I used to as a teenager since I got the Kindle.
   
   I'm not sure about reading on the Kindle Fire though, I haven't seen one in person.

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5. 73

   hildredposted 12 years ago

   E-readers (the generic term, since not all of them are made by Amazon) are very, very cost effective and easy to use if you know basic  computer/cell phone skills. First, it is not the same as reading on a common LCD monitor at all, unless you have a tablet like the Kindle Fire which IS a LCD screen. (I have the Fire and do not get eye fatigue, but I am used to reading on my laptop a lot.) E-readers use a technology called "e-ink" which simulates reading an actual book page. It's really cool.
   
   E-readers save lots and lots of space and helps save the environment in the process as well. Most books cost either less or the same as a paperback edition for the big titles. "Classics" such as from the Victorian age are free. You can make annotations and other notes if you so wish. You can even punch a word and have a dictionary pop up. Lots of libraries are going electronic now too, so you can use your card info to "log on" and check out books on your e-reader!
   
   They're just like any other technological thing now as well. I remember when MP3 players came out and people swore they would never stop buying CDs because they liked the physical aspect just too much. Well, we know how that went. Books (physical ones) aren't going anywhere right now. I only buy my favorites in physical form now.

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6. 84

   M. T. Dremerposted 12 years ago

   I wrote two hubs about the pros and cons of e-readers, so I won't go into those details again here (plus hildred already explained it best). What I will say, however, is that I think the recent craze was spurred by the holiday season in 2011. Amazon was able to get the price of their lowest kindle below $100 because of screensaver advertisements that play when the device is off. So, with an American economy that is just starting to crawl back from the brink, it was the perfect gift idea for that father/mother/aunt/brother/sister/uncle who you always struggle to buy gifts for, but you're pretty sure likes reading. I work at a library and the number one question we've gotten since December 25, 2011 was "So I just got this kindle/nook for christmas and I'm not sure how to use it." So, that's my theory as to why there was such an explosion of them recently. The market for e-books and e-readers has officially taken flight.

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7. 89

   JKennyposted 12 years ago

   To be honest, I can't. I'll always prefer a good book. Owning a book sometimes isn't just about what it contains. Sometimes a single book can serve as a reminder of a person or a place or an event.

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   duffsmomposted 12 years ago

   I agree that a book in the hand has a certain magic.  But--books take up a lot of room and gather dust.  You can have your entire library on Kindle and save tons of room.  If you travel, you no longer have to take a book or two not knowing what you might be in the mood for.  It is all on the Kindle for you.
   
   I think both mediums have their place.  My daughter loves her Kindle but also still buys lots of books.

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9. 64

   LoriSoardposted 12 years ago

   I am seriously thinking about buying one as well. These comments are all interesting.

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10. 66

    Rastamermaidposted 12 years ago

    Great answers,I've been pushed over the fence.
    
    Now which one to purchase,with me being in school I have physical textbooks I must read,but I also read for pleasure and relaxation. I the idea of less to pack on trips and it looks perfect for the beach,I'm sold.
    
    Thanx everyone!

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11. 58

    WD Curry 111posted 12 years ago

    It is no big mystery. People are fascinated with the newest fancy gadget.

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12. 74

    skinsman82000posted 12 years ago

    I don't understand it either.  I'd rather have the book on my shelf.  No matter what happens to a screen, battery, or one of the books....I'll still have all the others in my possession. 
    
    With all the online ownership issues going on today, I think it's much better to physically own something.
    
    I feel the same way about itunes.

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