Kindle

[cjsmith]

I finally figured out what the Kindle would be good for.

See, I read paperbacks. I wouldn't want to carry a Kindle around because it is larger than a paperback. If I know I'm going to be waiting a bunch, I'll just carry a book. Duh. I also wouldn't prefer to buy a Kindle-book because it's more expensive than a paperback. PLUS the thing can run out of batteries, or break if you drop it. AND it's got a $399 start-up cost. What's to like?

I figured it out.

Airplanes.

Every December I fly from California to Boston, from Boston to Louisville, and from Louisville to California again (or the other way 'round). Every leg of this trip has two flights. Every flight includes a bunch of waiting time in the terminal. I can easily wipe out two paperback books on one leg, often three if it's a long one or a plane is delayed (and when, in December, are they not?).

A Kindle is a lot smaller and lighter than NINE paperback books.

It's still not worth $399 to me, not by a long shot. But now I can see that it's worth more than zero.

Comments

[layer.livejournal.com]

i tend to read trade paperback not mass market so it's about the same size and i really like the idea of being able to just download another book when i finish one which is inevitably shortly into a very long wait.

but you're right. $399 is a lot. especially when you can get just about anything from the library for free with a little notice.

[cjsmith.livejournal.com]

Yeah, no "library borrowing" is another downside.

I'm sure the price for similar stuff will come down. Early adopters always pay top dollar. But it needs to be WAY down.