Electronic Books

[Chris Tusa]

I'm wondering how readers feel about e-books? Have you purchased (or read) any e-books yet? If so, how did you feel about the process as a whole? Are you impressed with (or suspicious of) the current e-readers on the market (Kindle, Sony, etc)? A few years ago, I remember thinking that I would never want to listen to an album (or cd) without the cover art and liner notes, yet I haven't listened to an actual album or cd in years (I simply download music from the Internet). Do you think the same applies to reading? Or, is the experience somehow different? Do you think you'll eventually read only e-books as the technology evolves? Or, do you think you'll always want to read a physical book instead?

[Karoline]

I'm not an e book person. I think it's a little hard on the eyes. I think I"ll always prefer physical books. I like to sit in a corner and sniff the pages of new books :P

[Linda]

I prefer physical books, but I will occasionally read an ebook. I would love to have a Kindle, but they are going to have to drop drastically in price before I will buy one.

[Jaime Huff]

I tried a kindle and it wasn't for me. I have tried to read an Ebook, once again, wasn't for me. I like it old school- give me the weight of a book in my hands, while I am curled up in my reading chair, and reading away. I am also a sucker for the covers, too. Also, I am not an audiobook person, either. In comparison to music mp3s, I was never really a "collector", so the cover art and liner notes never really mattered to me, so I love my Ipod!

[Christy Pinheiro]

I prefer physical books, but I am going back and forth on SPAWN (the Small Publishers, Artists and Writer's Network) about the value of e-books and whether or not they are going to take over the market.

The Kindle might be the thing that breaks traditional publishers for good. Joe Konrath (horror writer) has some pretty strong opinions about it on his blog, which is excellent, by the way. I'd post the link but I'm new here and I'm not so sure how much linking would be considered "egregious."

As a writer and a reviewer, I like the idea of saving trees and getting the book immediately, but I really love holding a paper book. I don't know if it's a feeling I'll ever get over.

Christy Pinheiro, EA ABA

[Karoline]

Speaking of environmentally friendly, there are some books out there printed on that "special earth friendly" paper :)

[Michele Gold]

I haven't tried any e-books. The Kindle seems really easy to use and better for the environment. However my eyes start to hurt if I read things on the computer for too long. I also enjoy having my books. My house is full of books! And you can't lend an e-book to a friend....well maybe you can...I'm not really sure. For now I am sticking to the real thing.

[Suzanne Levin]

Hi Chris! And Everyone!
Well, some of you have read my eBook reader posts on my blog, but thought I would just briefly say that eBook readers do have their place. I LOVE the physical heft of the book in my hands, and just the feel of the pages as I turn them, but do have two eReader. I have both a Kindle and just recently received a Sony Pocket Reader to try out. I just love my Kindle! It is an amazing little machine, ergonomically designed and travel friendly- lots of books on the go with one little plastic thing to carry. It's easier to read the Kindle while commuting and while in bed. The ink technology is easy on the eyes... I actually read YOUR book on my Kindle! :D My husband swears by his KIndle! I hope publishers will give the option of both paper and plastic!

As far as Kindle or Sony- I think KIndle has the far better design, but Sony is going to grab quite a bit of the market because of ePub- their format which the majority of text book publishers just signed onto. Amazon has a good price point at $9.99 where as Sony seems to think they should charge the actual hardcover price... I will never give up books, but do enjoy my reader! And I think the younger crowd will gravitate to the eReaders because when it comes right down to it, it's the words that count....

Suzanne
Chick with Books

[Stormi Johnson]

Since I don't have something like kindle (not sure what it is but heard about them) I don't like to read ebooks, but I have reviewed some authors books through PDF files and I don't mind doing that but to just read a book I don't really care too. There is something about holding a actual book in your hand...lol

[drey]

Honestly, I won't read eBooks--at least, not on the computer. I spend enough time tied to the darn thing, lol! However, I've had my eye on the Kindle for quite some time, I'm just waiting for a few things to get ironed out before I make the leap. I think it would be great to have a "lighter" reader when reading a huge tome (Drood, anyone?). And bring my entire library with me? Awesome. But until I get one, my eBook reading will be light and far between (sorry, Susan!!!)...

[Suzanne Levin]

Hi Drew!
Hubby has a Sony eReader ( got him to be a big reader because of it!) and he just downloaded Shogun because he couldn't stand hefting that big thick book around! And yes, Drood would be a good one for the eReader! I wanted to buy The World Without End for my Kindle, but it's not available yet :(

And I really don't like reading books on the computer either- I'm already on it too much as it is! But like I said I'll never give up real books, but my Kindle has its moments!

Let me know when you make the leap!

Suzanne

[Gina (BookDragon)]

I love ebooks but that is mainly because some of what I read only comes that way. It is harder to review an ebook (that's what's taking so long Chris) but as for reading pleasure, I'm fine.

I did purchase a Kindle but I returned it. The page refresh is too slow and the screen actually goes black during the process. It was giving me a headache. I now have an iPod Touch and love it. I'm looking at some of the others but they're too much money right now.

I haven't given up my print books but have duplicated some of them in ebook format. I know it isn't for everyone, just as audio isn't.

[Patricia Ramirez]

I really don't like ebooks. They just aren't the same -- I love going into a bookstore and getting a big whiff of shelf after shelf of books :) Not to mention that it absolutely kills my eyes to read an ebook for hours, and I can't imagine ever owning a Kindle or any other ebook reading device.

Viva la (paper) book!!