I think Kindle a good idea, but unfortunately it sounds as if there are some kinks that need to be worked out before this technology makes it big... collaboration with the iPhone, anyone?
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
The iPod of Books
What is "Kindle 2?" I did not know until 15 minutes ago about this gadget, but this is another example of technology spicing up an old routine. Essentially Kindle 2 is an updated version of Amazon's E-Book reader, able to hold up to 1,500 books at a time. It's design, like the most of the newest technologies, is thin and slim, and light as a feather. My first thoughts of this article were skeptical. Theoretically it sounds like great technology, but who wants to read books off of the screen of a handheld device? I would much rather read a hard copy of something than read off of a screen. Isn't part of the whole "book reading experience" holding a book? Will the bookstore business become obsolete?? Realistically, I don't think things will ever go that far. Kindle 2 does possess some cool features, like E ink. Unlike LCD screens on TVs and cell phones, E Ink reflects light, rather than constantly creating it, which is easier on the eyes. Kindle also has 3G wireless and a keyboard for emailing. The disadvantages to this gadget however kind of weigh out the good. When changing pages there is a second or two of black as a new page loads, the screen is not touch and only displays 16 shades of gray, and, like all small expensive gadgets, Kindle is unavoidably subject for being lost virtually anywhere.
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There is a lot of speculation about whether or not something like the Kindle will ever take off. Many people do seem to prefer the tactile experience of actually holding a book in their hands. I've seen one (can't really afford one at the current price), and it's actually a lot bigger than I imagined. It's a "hand-held" device, but it's not something that you can just slip in a back pocket, like the ipod. But if it was much smaller, you might not want to read the book on the screen. I don't think print books will go extinct in the near future, but someday...
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