I have in the past professed a desire never to give up my physical paper books in favor of an e-reader. I was quite adamant about it. Not quite two years ago I said it thus:
I’ll probably cave at some point and then I’ll be eating my words, but for now, I’ll revel in my own stubborn desire for the smell and feel of well-worn books, lugging around heavy packs and getting ink all over my fingers. If I change my mind, I’ll let you know!
Well, the tide has turned, my mind has changed, and I am letting you know: I have acquired a brand new e-reader. Now, don’t worry – I’m not giving up my endless bookshelves. I will still have ink stained, dog-eared pages of philosophy and theology scattered around me at every turn. I’m just adding another facet to my reading habits.
I’ve got it all set up with every public domain book I ever wanted to acquire, and bound in a fancy leather cover, and my, is it ever convenient.
So here I am, in the 21st Century, reading books on a screen – and quite happy to eat my words.
12 thoughts on “A Reversal of Opinion on E-Readers”
coldhandboyack
I made the leap with my iPad a few years ago, and I love it.
Steve Morris
Yes, I too am enjoying my Kindle Paperwhite.
Michelle Joelle
It’s better than I could have imagined. Far superior to the kindle app on my laptop for reading, but the same endless supply of public domain books.
SelfAwarePatterns
Welcome to the dark side 🙂
BTW, even though I’ve been using Kindles for years, I’ve never given up my old (and vast) collection of physical books. I just rarely add to it now.
Michelle Joelle
Given that the dark side is self-lit, I’m feeling pretty good about it 🙂
stephencwinter
I guess it is all about a both/and as against an either/or.
James Pailly
I was surprised when I got my Kindle how enjoyable it was to use, but I still spend far more time reading from physical books. I think that has more to do with habit than anything else.
medievalotaku
I know what you mean. I used to hate the idea of using an e-reader, but I’ve recently found them very convenient, especially considering all the public domain works. Still, for a heavy work of philosophy or theology, nothing beats a good hardcover.
Michelle Joelle
Agreed! I have to be able to underline and jot notes in the margins. I know you can highlight and make notes on a Kindle, but it’s just not the same!
rung2diotimasladder
I had to get a nice cover like that too. It helps to soften the blow. 🙂
Michelle Joelle
It makes it feel like you’re holing a book, too, which makes reading feel more natural!
s7hummel
for me, the best reader was a smartphone (note, oled display). but in the light of day, smartphones and netbooks are useless (not even to mention in direct sunlight). so i decided also buy e-book reader. however, as i don’t like Amazon’s extensive e-book ecosystem, so different (equivalent kindle paperwhite). now the sun absolutely don’t mind, but simply conducive to reading. and undoubtedly the best place to read is a quiet park, garden, forest … but when approaching night, dusk, it is no longer so great, even with the backlight. and then i return to my smartphone with a great screen and s-pen (stylus). but what may know about the real stylus iPhone users!