Travel
This past weekend found myself and Mr. Moore making an unexpected and last-minute trip down to Texas.
We spent about 24 hours (spread out over two days) on air travel, including multiple remarkably long layovers.
During that time, I came to the conclusion that if I traveled regularly (even twice a year) I would own an eReader. No questions, hesitations, or qualms.
Entertainment
We took several things to armor ourselves against the expected time delays – things which took up a great deal of room in our carry-on baggage.
Some items got used not at all (airports are, surprisingly, terrible places to try and plot stories or do networking homework).
Additionally, I brought along a single book (Patricia C. Wrede is rapidly becoming a favorite author), my laptop, and Bones (my iTouch).
Laptop
The laptop was only used at our destination. Even then, all we used her for was to check email, listen to music, and watch a few youtube videos (Dara Ó Briain, you absolutely crack me up. <3).
It was awfully heavy for such a tiny use, and I was constantly afraid it would break or be stolen. (Athena is my only computer, and she has all my writing. I DO have frequent backups to an external hard drive, but STILL).
The Book
The single paperback book didn’t take up TOO much space, but I still managed to squish and fold some of the pages, lose my place, and shove it in five or six different places trying to find a good home for it.
Also, I finished it just after our first flight, which meant I was carrying around a finished book all weekend. Oddly enough, it seemed to take up MORE space after I read it. *winks*
Bones
Bones was the highlight of the weekend.
Not only did we use him to listen to music (poor Athena, she’s just too bulky for easy music sharing), but we also played apps on him (Scramble supplied LOADS of entertainment for everyone in arm’s reach) and I had multiple eBooks* ready to read from three different eReader apps (Stanza, iBooks, and Kindle).
Furthermore, I pasted our itinerary on him and used him for note-keeping throughout the weekend.
Best of all, he took up far less space than any other entertainment item we brought.
eReaders
Looking around me, I saw many, MANY passengers with Kindles and other eReaders.
There’s no denying that the traveling masses have begun to embrace eReaders for their portability and convenience.
And I have to admit, if I traveled more often, I wouldn’t hesitate to snag one. Based on my experience on this trip, it would likely be an iPad. I could still use the other apps that proved to be so entertaining and useful this weekend, but on a larger screen. It would be easier to read eBooks, and easier for my friends to join in the app games with me.
I would have replaced most (if not all) of my other entertainment options with a single product.
That’s pretty sweet.
Why Not Now
If I’m so enamored of the eReader, why do I still not have one?
1) Cost of eReaders
eReaders are much more affordable than they used to be, but they’re still expensive and my current lifestyle doesn’t NEED one. I drive to work, don’t travel often, and spend most of my time at home, where I have my laptop. I have to balance cost with need. Even in my geeky inner heart, I know I don’t need one yet. (And my geeky heart has its sights set on the iPad, which is the most expensive of the eReader options)
2) Cost of Books
eBooks CAN be much cheaper than paper books … but the prices are still pretty steep for a girl who refers to Barnes and Noble as Full-Priced Bookstore. I DO like that most places let me preview a few chapters before I buy – that alone relieves a great deal of concern I have for wasting money on books I might not like.
3) DRM
One of my favorite benefits of paper books is my ability to share them with friends. The Nook has some capabilities built in, but I’d like to see both GIVING and SHARING of eBooks become a common feature. And yes, my expectation is that if I share a book with a friend, I don’t have a copy to read any more. I purchased one copy and if I loan it, I no longer have a copy. But maybe it has a “Property of Tami Moore” on it, along with a settable loan time which would remind the borrower to return the book. That would be awesome … and is totally unrealistic in an age where publishers are so terrified of people stealing eBooks that we have trouble moving our eBooks from device to computer.
I’m not going to go into a long, drawn-out speech on DRM. Many others have, and with more eloquency than I can muster. I point only to iTunes and beg for sanity.
4) Format Wars
Currently, I am afraid that if I buy a book on the Kindle and then later choose to purchase an iPad, I will LOSE all of my eBooks. I feel absolutely zero certainty that my purchase will be transferrable, that it will be readable by other eReaders, and that it won’t be lost forever if my eReader goes kaput.
If I spend $10 on an eBook, I want to KNOW that it is the only time I will be required to spend money to buy that eBook. If I want another copy or another version, that’s different.
Your Opinions
Do any of you have eReaders? What are your thoughts on them? Have things changed for you in the past year or so?
* For the curious, the eBooks I read were His Majesty’s Dragon, by Naomi Novik (Fun read and a superbly well-realized idea for battling a-dragon-back. Fans of historical fiction and battle will find this interesting, indeed.) and Call of the Wild (which is an old, old favorite and STILL makes me cry *sniffle*)
I got a Kindle for my b-day 1.5yr ago and never looked back. I’ve been on several trips with it and am still stunned with how much easier it is to travel.
No more debate about which book to carry on, and which other three books to pack in case I need more (which therefore means, no more griping hubby — added bonus!). Instant gratification for new book purchases. My TBR stack is now a TBR list over 12 pages long, each one with a sample chapter to review before deciding.
I just got an iPad and passed my Kindle to my husband, who has *finally* admitted how much more he enjoys reading now. The backlit screen isn’t a problem for me, and I don’t really miss my lighter-weight Kindle which many people complain about.
All in all, no matter what you decide on, the e-reader is definitely the way to go. Once they solve the lending issue, it will be just about perfect imho.
Cheers!
Rebecca :)
Rebecca´s last blog ..an ode to Lowcountry writing
@Rebecca
Woot! It’s so great to hear people loving their eReaders (and double woot for the hubby enjoying reading more with it!).
Were you able to transfer your purchases from your kindle to your iPad?
Two points that probably don’t need emphasis, but I’m going to chime in anyway, because that’s how I roll (especially on your blog!).
First, DRM. I’m convinced the “d” stands for devil. Enough said.
I do like your idea of tagging a digital media item (e-book, song, movie, audiobook) with a meta-tag to indicate who the owner is. And the idea of expiring a loaned item (with the ability to electronically/digitally “renew” the loan) should not be too difficult to implement. (Who knows? The idea may be patentable!) That sort of flexibility in DRM I’d be willing to back.
Second point, format wars. I have run across the occasional article discussing Amazon’s attempts to have authors (or publishers; not positive which, but I believe it’s authors, in order to bypass publishers) commit to exclusive electronic distribution via Amazon (and by extension, of course, the Kindle).
THIS IS BAD. It’s bad for a lot of reasons, that could fill several magazine-article-length blog posts. We’re already seeing some of that. Currently on my Android smartphone, I have no less than four (FOUR!!) e-reader apps: Kindle (Amazon), Kobo (e-pub format), Barnes & Noble, and Borders. All of them have different native formats. What the…?
Of course, I could download to my computer, and convert to PDF (or, God forbid, .txt or .rtf), and use a single reader. Umm…so much for the “convenience” factor.
Can you imagine, back in the days of vinyl records—okay, let’s be a bit more contemporary: CDs—if every studio (RCA, Capitol, Sony, Motown, Apple, A&M, etc.) encoded the discs differently, requiring a different CD player for each label?
“One format to bind them, one format to rule them all!”
Steve Hall´s last blog ..Hands-on with the Droid X
I haven’t gotten an e-reader for pretty much all the reasons you mention. When B&N dropped the price on the Nook I was really tempted especially with the free WiFi/3G access. But then I found out their internet “browser” isn’t a touch screen and is difficult to navigate and that ruled it out for me. I figure if I’m going to have a device, I’d rather have one that I can also browse the web on and read/comment on blogs and such. And usually I will borrow a book from the library, and the library’s electronic options are really terrible right now.
@Steve
Is that a blog post I smell cooking on your site? It smells delicious!
“One format to rule them all” nearly made me splort tea all over my keyboard. *levels a severe look at you* That will be quite enough shenanigans!
I hadn’t heard the Amazon-pressuring-authors thing. 0.0 Very. Very. Ungood.
Absolutely! Of course the Kindle only used Amazon and I’ve no desire (or ability) to break it for other uses. I also use the Kindle app on my iPhone, and the Whispersync between the two were great.
With my iPad I’ve since installed the iBooks, B&N, Kindle, and Borders apps and still almost exclusively use the Kindle app. I like having the choice, but I prefer the program interface as well as the sync w/ my phone when I’m sitting in traffic.
@Daria
*nod* usability of the software is a HUGE thing to take into account. Can you imagine having over 100 books on a device and having no way to organize them?! Egads! The thought gives me heartburn.
@Rebecca
Oh, excellent! I’m so glad to hear that went well! I have to admit, the iPad is looking more and more desirable – the ability to shop multiple locations and read them all with one device is irresistable!
Seems to me the iPad would be perfect for you, Tami: All the convenience (and apps) of a smartphone, and an e-reader (several, in fact), without the hassles of a phone contract. (Does the iPad require some kind of subscription though?)
Steve Hall´s last blog ..Hands-on with the Droid X
The fella and I have been talking about eReaders a lot lately (he wants to get me something, but is struggling with WHAT XD) We’ve both personally played with our friend’s Kindle a bit, and despite the comparatively limited functionality of the Kindle, I think I love it. I think that they could certainly add a couple of features that would make it THAT much better, but overall, I think it does its job, and does it well.
I don’t lament the lack of backlighting, because honestly, when you’re reading something on a Kindle, it’s more like reading an actual book. Also, how many adorable little booklights do you think I could get to ~accessorize~ hmm? A lot? :D
I’ve had eReader apps on both my Blackberry and my HTC Hero. I usually get sick of reading on my tiny phone screen and trying to figure out where I was in the story, oh, about a chapter into anything :\
I have yet to play with an iPad, but they do seem pretty cool. However, I think I prefer the Kindle’s screen for reading because it’s matte. The gloss of most other screens kinda kills it for me a little.
I think that when it comes right down to it, if I want an eReader, I’ll probably go with something like the Kindle, but if I decide I NEED more functionality and that I’ll get over the glossy screen (seriously, this is a real problem for me), I might go with something more like the iPad.
Also, I’d like to see the Kindle and other eReaders equipped with some kind of feed reader function. That would be a HUGE seller for me, because sitting in front of a computer to read is for chumps, yo. Curling up on the couch is where it’s at.
Also, this story has been blowing my mind more and more the more I hear about it: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20011536-1.html (Seriously, $35 for a tablet PC? $25? $10? Revo-effing-lutionary) :P
@Steve, the iPad comes in WiFi and 3G models. You can buy either, and do not have to activate the 3G if you don’t want to use it. That’s what I did. Any time you travel or want to activate it, you can pay for the 3G network access on a month to month basis, which is a nice option to have.
Rebecca´s last blog ..an ode to Lowcountry writing
@Steve
*nod* Yup, I like the others for various reasons, but I have more positives for the iPad than any of the others, I think.
I believe the iPad only has a monthly subscription if you get the 3GS or 4GS service on it, which is optional (I think). If you rely on free wireless, it’s still the same as the Touch, I think.
@Courtney
Having seen both the true eReader screen and the iPad screen, I know what you mean about the glare. It’s less of an issue for me, but if it WAS, I’d absolutely gobble up a Kindle. =]
*clicks link* Wow, go India, go! You show the rest of the world how it’s done!
<3 Patricia C. Wrede
Great article as usual my dear!
Just a quick note, I do know the Kindle app for the iTouch, iPhone and iPad syncs to your account. From what I heard, it allows you to download the books in your library to a total of six devices. I also heard there is a way of sharing your e-books with others, but it isn't a simple "click here" button.
Tami, here’s a link to one story on the Amazon exclusivity scheme: Mashable: Amazon Deal Threatens Ebook Market.
Very. Not. Good.
Steve Hall´s last blog ..Hands-on with the Droid X
Minor correction to my first comment here: The Kobo reader is from Borders, so it sports their proprietary format (and also supports EPUB).
Steve Hall´s last blog ..Hands-on with the Droid X
@Arleen
ooOooOooh, thanks! That’s definitely good to know!
@Steve
Aha, thanks for the link and the clarification!
[...] today, Tami Moore briefly described her travel from Wisconsin to Texas and back over the weekend just past. She’s come to the [...]
Shameless self-promotion (and because Tami suggested it), here’s an expanded version of my initial comments: E-Books: DRM + conflicting formats + exclusivity = We’re Screwed.
Steve Hall´s last blog ..E-books- DRM conflicting formats exclusivity “We are screwed”
wait, you came to Texas? You better not have come down to my area without telling me! I could become very upset.
I don’t have one, but I may get one in the future. Anyway, my sister has a Nook and even bought it before the prices came down! A few things about my sister: she spends money on books and not much else and since she is not into technology much, she doesn’t do much on the computer other than use the internet. As soon as someone demo’ed a Nook for us in B&N one day, she immediately bought it the next day, and she NEVER spends that much money on one thing. She LOVES it! I was floored. I’m so happy she likes it though. I’ve also heard good things from other friends who have eReaders. I may invest in one one day, but I don’t read books enough unless the mood hits.
Now I don’t know what to get my sister for her birthday in a couple months. :P She even bought herself a cover for it.
@Adlib
Speaking as a bookaholic, gift cards to our favorite bookstore (or ebookstore, as the case may be) are ALWAYS cherished. Far more than rose-scented body wash. =]
Tami´s last blog ..Travel and eReaders
@Adlib
Tami beat me to it, but yes indeed: A B&N gift card would probably be the cat’s meow.
And I know I would never appreciate rose-scented body wash! ;)
Steve Hall´s last blog ..E-books- DRM conflicting formats exclusivity “We are screwed”
Oh, the body wash. I’ve never found that to be a GREAT gift unless you know it’s the recipient’s favorite scent. But the ladies at work will appreciate your new soaps and lotions in the bathroom.
Another vote for gift cards from me!
@Steve
Awww.
*crosses out Steve’s name on the gift tag and ponders who to regift … *
@KristenSue
That is the BEST solution for the problem of sweet but clearly confused gift givers I’ve yet heard.
Tami´s last blog ..Travel and eReaders
Yeah, I’m with KristenSue! Y’all came down ta Texas without tellin’ me?!
Of course, it was probably the week I was in Seattle. Which just happened to coincide with a Naoami Novik book signing. We got four books signed, actually, and although I took a picture of her, I didn’t get one of us together.
Charlie Hills´s last blog ..Shhhh