Hi, does anyone use one of these?

I'm a traditionalist and love books with a passion - it's not just the content but the feel of them too.  I like the heft, the texture and the smell BUT (and I'm loath to issue a but!) I simply can't take enough with me when I go anywhere!  I read quickly and when I'm in the mood, can go through a stack of books.

I was heading to Amazon today for a quick rummage round the music when I got a page about Kindle, and became intrigued.

Any views, observations or buying hints would be gratefully received - I'd like to find out more before deciding    Thanks

I've never used one but it's been top of my wish list for ages. Sony also does one (the Sony reader) but the Kindle is cheaper and I like the fact it's Amazon's own -I buy a lot from Amazon. As Sony doesn't sell books they have to use a third party and I'm unsure about that pricewise -think they use Waterstones and they're NOT cheap. Would LOVE to have a Kindle before my house is so full of books there won't be any space left for the dogs!

There are a number of these about Sony do one as well.  IIRC Kindle is limited in the books you can get for it and you can only buy from Amazon, the Sony version I believe has a much wider range of books and allows downloads from places like Waterstones. 

This is all off the top of my head so you need to check it:)

You can get books on the Nintendo DS now as well.

I'm like you though, there's just something about the feel of a book that these handhelds can't replace.

I'm exactly the same re. the amount of books on holiday, but I'm unconvinced about the electronic readers. Have looked at the 100 books card for the Nintendo DS, but just can't get excited about reading in that way.

However, audio books I am selectively very keen on. I think you need to listen to a bit of it to ensure that you like the tone and voice, but if you pick the right books I find them brilliant. (An example of one that I am enjoying is Shadows of the Silk Road, if you could find it to listen to a bit and see if you liked it.) I also like the thought of some of the autobiographies read by the subject.

Perhaps you could consider an iPod or similar instead?

M.

  IIRC Kindle is limited in the books you can get for it and you can only buy from Amazon, the Sony version I believe has a much wider range of books and allows downloads from places like Waterstones.

That was my point -Amazon has by far the BIGGEST range of books.

Have looked at the 100 books card for the Nintendo DS, but just can't get excited about reading in that way.

The difference is with the DS you only have two very small screens, not a normal book sized screen. Plus of course you can only get the 100 books that are so old they are no longer copyrighted.

Oh I think I have found something to put on my list. when I am on holiday I always run out of books. 

However, audio books I am selectively very keen on.  Love them to. I use them on my long drives to shows etc.

The Kindle seems to be a one voice translator is it now.  That would be the only down side as you need a good voice.

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/tech-talk/551018-amazon-releases-kindle-software-iphone.html

Saw this on line also about the IPod

> Perhaps you could consider an iPod or similar instead?

I do have a few audio books on my pod but it's not my preferred story option - I find even the good voices inhibit my imagination - although they can be great for very wordy period dialogue stuff!

Don't fancy the small or split screen options - I think I'd rather have a proper page view.  I don't mind downloading from Amazon - it's probably where I'd go anyway.

I wonder what these things are like in bed, in the car, with a cup of tea or an ice cream?!  Another issue I'm not too sure about is that if you happened to leave a book on the train it wouldn't matter too much - these handheld jobbies are a bit more expensive than your average paperback though. 

I'm still thinking ...    Thanks for the input

My daughter got one to go on holiday - and I'm hooked!  I want one!   It will save carting loads of books around - would also be great on the train/tube.

Hers has a nice leather cover - so it almost feels like a proper book - like you I do love the smell and feel of a new book - and I'd still have to buy them

Son is after one............says it would be great for text books for work!
His job is programming??
Karen

> My daughter got one to go on holiday

Was hers a Kindle?  I do like the idea of a cover - more bookish; and leather for the full olfactory experience

How do you suppose these things cope with the times when you need to re read something?  Some thrillers you want to go back to check 'how did I miss that??!!'  Or you forget just who was married to whom?  I've been reading A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel - that had so many characters in it I was getting dizzy...

I wish I could get my hands on one - I'd love to try before I buy.  A large strong latte, a good story and 'me electro gadget'.  Might I have to travel to America to see one??

Yes - and it had a lovely green leather cover.    She does live in the USA, and its been available there for some time.

You can "turn the page" over and back - but you can't stick post-its in where you need to refer back to characters!

I listen to audio books alot on my ipod going to and from work.  i've taken out a subscription with Audible.co.uk.  Much easier than having to lug a book around in my bag 9although could do with the extra weight when the tourists start to annoy me on the tube!)

Also can you enlarge text for people with vision problems like myself, if you could do that it would be a real option for me, as it is I read standard books with my nose on the page.

Newspapers are the worst as I have to remember to wash the ink off it.

Where can I see what oen looks like.

I like Amazon too.

OH wanted to buy me one for Xmas last year - the Sony one I think but I said don't bother.  I love going into book/charity shops having a mooch around & picking up books I wouldn't normally read, just generally widenning my knowledge. 

I agree books are a heavy thing to take on hols & they take a bit of space up, but lets be honest the holiday thing (well for me anyway) is only twice a year & I love nothing more than looking at the books on my bookshelf, remembering the storyline & maybe re-reading one I've not read in a while. 

For me nothing will ever replace the joy I take from curling up on a dark evening with a really good book, big mug of coffee & a pack of choc hobnobs & loosing myself for a few hours.  I know it sounds old fashioned but books have played a huge part of my life & I don't think something like the i-reader will replace the traditional hardback book for me, plus I'd be so sad if book shops went the same way as record shops & disappeared from the high street.

Funnily enough I've just made a note of all the books on the Man Booker shortlist for xmas pressie ideas!!

Brainless - I think Waterstones stock them (I think it was the Sony one). Seem to recall one in the window of our branch a while back. As they are not cheap I would expect anywhere that is selling them to give people a demo of them which would let you find out if they can enlarge text.

Mind you Sony is a huge company so I would expect they probably have a website about is also - haven't actually looked for it just typing ideas as I think of them.

Ailsa

> Also can you enlarge text for people with vision problems like myself

Kindle: 
Adjustable Text Size - Because one size doesn't fit all, you can increase the text size of your favorite book or periodical with the push of a button. If your eyes tire, simply increase the font size and continue reading comfortably. Kindle has six adjustable font sizes to suit your reading preference. Now every book in your library can be large print

The more I find out about Kindle the more I want one!!

I really fancy one also BUT will hang fire till we have a UK stockest especially for warranty issues. They are bound to half in price shortly !!!!!!!

> I really fancy one also BUT will hang fire till we have a UK stockest especially for warranty issues. They are bound to half in price shortly !!!!!!!

Ditto