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10/27/09
It was one of those spit-take audible guffaws that came out too quickly to stifle. #cellphones
10/27/09
10/27/09
[laughingsquid.com]
It's actually part of a series of 4 that are definitely worth tracking down if you're a fan. I think all together they comprise Acme Novelty Library 18.5 #cellphones
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10/27/09
might i introduce you to the GREAT PUMPKIN..........? #cellphones
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07/27/09
When a device is completely useless and noone sees a future to it, there's no need to write 6300 words to bash it.
Anyways, as usual, I think the iPhone/iPod comparison is out of context.
We had large screen cellphones for that before, and even small laptops/tablets.
iPhones and iPods have several problems which is why devices like Kindle or other digital books where developed, including: small screen, eye straining with backlit screen, sunlight unfriendly, among others.
I'm not confortable reading books even on my 32 inch screen, I imagine the torture trying to read something on an iPhone.
But what can I say? I'm one of those oldschool guys who likes to turn pages, open a new book for the first time, go through the pages carelessly... and it's not only for books, but for comics too.
Even when the whole thing is backwards. Like, I loved reading Perry Bible Fellowship comics on the net, but it was an even better experience when I bought the book... dunno how to explain it.
Oh, and nothing replaces my Calvin and Hobbes complete collection! :P
07/27/09
Here's some tips on making it an enjoyable experience. Use an eBook reader that lets you increase the font size and has auto-scrolling. If you read at night before bed make the background color dark gray and the font color light gray. This reduces eye strain. I prop my phone on a pillow so it stands on it's own. (Just like a real book my arm get's tired from holding the phone.) Turn on auto scroll at a good pace and drift away.
One thing my wife does, she loads an audio book and the same eBook on her iPhone. Then she can listen and read at the same time. This is too slow for me though so I can't do it.
As you pointed out, I do miss the illustrations. And I miss examining the book covers. And I miss having a bookshelf full of evidence that I'm a learned man. :(
07/27/09
This guy is coming from a history in an industry that is past its prime and that is currently threatened by new devices like the Kindle. Of course he's going to think that the traditional versions are better, he'd be a total hypocrite if he didn't. Bottom line is that you can't take this guy's opinion at face value.
07/27/09
You also have the ability to have every one of your books have the same font and size. For people who read a it can take a little while to start a new book that is completely different. I'm not a fan of the kindle, but the sony readers paired with calibre can't be beat. If you know where to look, just about every book ever printed is readily available.
All the sony readers need is an integrated dictionary and some would argue they could use wireless, but I don't need that.
07/27/09
07/27/09
Okay, so the font made it unfunny? Wow. That's some top-notch device reviewing right there.
I've said it before, I'll say it again. I like books, but ultimately books are a means to an end; they're data storage. To fetishize them as the be all, end all, method of data storage is stupid. As is this article, since the screen I'm reading it on lacks the three dimensionality of a page printed with manually typeset plates and presses, thus transforming it into a jumble of random letters.
07/27/09
As others have said, the kindle isn't perfect. It certainly is still a version 1 device. I will also admit it feels weird to use a kindle and iPhone (and netbook, what have you...) as these devices should all be the same thing. Eventually, they will be.
For now, though, the e-ink display technology (and related battery life) is unique to e-readers and the kindle. It is just silly to waste energy staring at a fixed screen. Even sillier is the pulping of trees and associated environmental cost of producing, shipping and returning books.
I do like the kindle, though. Books are cheaper than hardcovers, you don't have to pay for shipping, and you get your book instantly.
The kindle weighs less than most books and is certainly thinner. I can keep many books with me at all times. I read more. I never have to worry about bookmarks. Everyone I've shown the kindle to has been impressed.
I can hold and turn pages on the kindle with one hand, freeing my other hand for a beer or greasy popcorn.
The search feature is more useful than I was expecting, I can back up and find initial references to keep track of a complex story or characters.
I'm finding I'm using the dictionary quite a bit. I'm used to guessing what a word means by the context, but now it is so convenient to get a precise definition, I'm doing that instead.
07/27/09
Reading newspapers on iphone? Sure, might be better than Kindle. But books? Don't make me laugh
07/27/09