What’s your favorite way to read a book?
There's been a lot of hype lately regarding whether or not Apple's new iPad will replace the Amazon Kindle as the newest and hippest digital book reader.
I guess this really depends on how many people buy the iPad. A recent poll running on the Noobie web site revealed that 54% of respondents have no plans whatsoever to buy an iPad. In fact, only 4% said they would buy it the day it was released. Another 24% said they plan on buying an iPad but only after all of the kinks have been ironed out.
To me, the bigger question still remains. Do people want to read books on a digital book reader? I know I personally don't prefer to read them at all. Now before you think I don't read any books, think again. I consume about 3-4 books every month. I just don't read them. Rather, I listen to them on my iPod or iPhone.
So the question I want answered is what is your favorite way to read (consume) a book? Which is why I created a new poll running on the home page on the Noobie web site asking this very question.
Will you please take a minute to chime in with your vote? Thank you!
6 comments for this blog post so far...
April 19, 2010 at 3:49 pm
y_von69
Actually, I don’t think there is anything like cracking open a new book. I love the feel of a new book and the smell of a new book, and I collect the hard cover of my favourite authors because I even love the ‘look’ of books and the cozy warmth they seem to transcend. As much as I cherish my iPhone and undoubtedly will cherish my iPad (on edge of seat or it’s arrival!), I don’t think anything will ever replace that beloved relationship that I have with the good old fashioned book. (Having said all that… I will likely do more reading now because of the convenience of downloading via iBookstore and the clarity/convenience of the iPad. Maybe I’ll just buy the ‘book’ version of the one’s I really like for safe keeping.) :D (Sidenote: I am very excited to see how the iPad influences TEXTBOOKS… because in this regard, I think it could make learning FUN, FUN, FUN. Just imagine the animation and hot links to videos, photos, pronunciation of words, etc. I think it could truly change the way students engage with reading / learning and I can’t wait to see how all that unfolds!) Okay, I’m done. :)
April 20, 2010 at 8:10 am
Karin
I like to read real books. One reason is that it is easy to see how much you have already read (Or how much is left). It is also easier to go back and reread a section if necessary. On the other side, we travel a lot and with the cost of suitcases on the airplanes, I need to conserve space. I save some books on my laptop for this reason. I wouldn’t buy another piece of equipment (which would take up space in the luggage) unless is was really great!
April 20, 2010 at 8:31 am
Andy
@Karin, the Kindle app for both iPad and the PC (the versions I’ve used) actually have a % complete amount at the bottom of each page so you know exactly how far through you are.
@Patric, I bought an iPad, mostly for the wife, on the release date. We returned it two weeks later. The bottom line was that we couldn’t justify $500 on the device. I have a full review over at my site.
http://www.thedigitante.com/2010/04/15/ipad-here-and-back/
April 20, 2010 at 12:40 pm
Rebecca Pressley
I read on a Kindle, and now I don’t like reading a paper book. A book requires two hands and you can’t just lay it in your lap. I really love my Kindle and I’m hoping for an iPad for my birthday but I don’t think it’s gonna replace my reader as it’s heavier and backlit which is hard on the eyes.
I like to own books and have just run out of space, e books save space and paper.
April 20, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Chris
I would love a Kindle, or an iPad, but not in the budget. I do have an iPod Touch, and love it! I recently downloaded an app called Stanza. Similar to Kindle. I wasn’t sure I would like that the screen is so small, but it really doesn’t bother me at all. I love the convenience of having it on my Touch. I always have it in my purse, and I can just whip it out and read a little while I am waiting in line, or riding in the car. I don’t have room in my purse for a book, so it’s perfect. I also like it because I can take it with me to the gym, and it is easy to flip pages while I am walking on the treadmill...no fighting with trying to keep the book open. I like to read, but hated carrying the books around. Now I am reading all of the time! Absolutely love it!
April 21, 2010 at 1:15 pm
Donna W
I prefer the paper book. Its simple to use. The library is free to get my reading material. The only cost is late fees. The paperback book fits into my purse or tote. The book comes in different fonts. The library carries audio books as well as regular print or large print books.
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