On the weekend, a friend and I checked out the iPad. Initially we couldn't get near it. But then a gap opened up and I swooped in. Now I'm not usually a swooper. I'm the type of person who lets others get in front of me and smiles. Not this time. Well there was on time restrictions for one, but I'd been waiting and sometimes being nice = being take advantage of.
iBooks looks fantastic & would be great for the e-books I get - colour woohoo! I'm new to e-books and usually only buy things that are available in e-book format only e.g. Nocturne Bites. I'm a tactile person so I love holding a paper book. It is a rewarding experience, but I can see myself going more the e-book route especially with books that I enjoy but don't necessarily need on the keeper shelf - because let's face it my shelves are overflowing.
I suppose the thing about e-books is that you have to keep up with the technology. Otherwise will you be able to read them in 5 or 10 years? It's something I learned during my time as a librarian. Technology changes, format changes = expense. The printed book has been around for so long and the experience of going into a real life store is one I enjoy, so I don't think I will give that anytime soon - actually I don't think I will ever give it up.
And the other thing about e-books, you can't loan them out unless you loan out your whole device. Sorry but that isn't going to happen.
Back to the iPad.....
So while I fell in love with it, my friend thought it was nice but that's it. Hey, I get that. She like me, loves the experience holding a real book.
Having had my iPhone for a little while now, I can say I love touch screens where before I was dubious. Oh yeah, sometimes they can be a pain but on the whole I get along with my iPhone. So I think the iPad is something I would use. I have an iMac and instead of getting a MacBook, the iPad may the way to go. Of course more research needs to be done - ie. visiting the store again and again *grin*
However, there is the price and the two options... the one with wi-fi only; and the second one with wi-fi and 3G connectivity (which of course is more). Those costs have to be factored in and so while I would love to grab one, realistically it will be some time yet. I've got an EeePC and can take that when travelling for writing. I don't use it for emails etc, but then again I have my iPhone.
So do I really need the iPad? Not now. But it is on the wish list. *grin*
Update on June challenge: 866 for day 2. Hey do blog posts count? *wink*
~yia~
10 comments:
Thanks for posting Eleni,
just another techie gadget to consider when I had almost made up my mind to buy a sony ereader!!! LOL
And then there's that imitation version that's just come out for a fraction of the cost!!! (I likey!!)
Oooops I should have waited a few days ha - ;-)
I did see Officeworks had an e-reader for about $130 but I would have to do things. Is that the one you were talking about?
Good luck with the e-reader hunt.
Hi Eleni,
Good point about the sharing. Has anyone else brought up that significant disadvantage of the iPad?
One of the lovely things about real books is that you can pass them on when you're finished. Share the joy (or disappointment) around. An iPad changes all that.
I saw one the other day. I feel like we're witnessing an historic moment - the beginning of the end for real books? Sort of like when cars first came on the scene and most of the population was still using horeseback? Too long a bow to draw?
Shayne
Definitely on my wish list Eleni! I like the fact you can also type on it (as opposed to other e-readers) and it imports and exports to/from word (which is what I use on my computer). Makes it very compelling.
I'm a Mac addict too, Eleni. I haven't swooped on an iPad yet--I'm afraid I might want to buy one on the spot.
Great point about the possibility of some e-readers being obsolete in a few years time. I can see why e-readers might be handy but I love the feel of real books.
I love real books too, but when I was caught unexpectedly waiting at the dentist for my son the other day, I remembered I had several e-books on my iPhone! Wow, I felt so... techie! I do love my iPhone. I'm afraid I might fall in love with the iPad if I ever get to see one!!!
Hey Shayne,
Yes passing on books is another disadvantage to ereaders. I think it will be some time before we go Star Trek & have screens for everything...or almost everything. Picard still read paper books.
We'll just have to see :)
Anita - yes the fact that it can import and export from Word is a big plus in my book.
LOL - they were sold out Vanessa, hence I didn't have to worry about buying one on the spot. Otherwise maxed out credit card would have ensued. :))
Hey Christina, the small screen on the iPhone will do in a pinch. I've been reading Neil Gaiman's American Gods slowly in waiting rooms or if I've forgotten to bring anything else along to read.
Yay for being such a tech-head! :))
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