A million books at my fingertips!
Published by Nichole on 15 January 2010.Ok maybe not a million...but 1500 Books! That's how many I can take with me if I buy myself a Kindle or one of its cousins! But only if I like the titles that are available, and only if the publisher doesn't take it away (after I pay) because they changed their mind about having an e-book, and only if I can have it finished within the maximum number of downloads allowed for that particular book...and really that's only good if my eyes can handle more on-screen reading after 8 hours at work.
Don't get me wrong, it's not that i'm opposed to this technology, I really do see how it could be useful. When travelling for example, you could have many different genres of books with you, all conveniently stored in one little space, easily tucked away in your briefcase or purse. Or for research, where all of the books on a specific topic could be quickly retrieved with just a few simple clicks. And just think of all the space it could save in my apartment! But is it really necessary?
I guess i'm just a sucker for the old fashioned ink on paper versions. I like to turn the pages, I like the way the paper crinkles under my fingers, the crack of a fresh spine, even the smell. I like that I can take it with me in the bath or to the beach without worry of it getting broken or stolen. I like that I can read it as many times as I want without having to pay for it again, and that I can highlight particularly insightful passages or lend it to a friend. I like that I can reach out and grab the info i'm looking for whenever I want it. No rules, no restrictions, no hidden cost.
Over the next few years there will be several versions of the Kindle (and it's spin-offs) then, just like technology that came before, they will become obsolete, on to the next big thing. Remember VCR's and cassette players, anyone? So I guess I don't really understand because books themselves are timeless, they can be re-read and passed down through generations, never losing any of their value. They don't require a special gadget to enjoy, there are no upgrades or repairs, all you need are your eyes, some good light, and a little brain power.