Last week I confessed to having bought a Kindle, Amazon’s new e-book reader. I’ve had it for almost a week now and thought I’d report on my initial impressions…
1) Many commentators and Amazon reviewers have talked about how the design of the Kindle makes it too easy for you to accidentally hit one of the side buttons and turn a page when unwanted. There is some truth to this, but I found it no more annoying than pressing the wrong key on the tiny keypad of a Blackberry, hitting the wrong link on the tiny iPhone screen, or for that matter turning two pages at once in a physical book. I also have found that this happens less and less the more I get used to handling the device.
2) The so-called e-ink screen is pretty remarkable. It can be viewed from just about any angle and still be easily read, just as a regular page can – and distinctly unlike most other computer screens. Resolution is excellent. Again, some reviewers have complained about the brief delay between pressing the “next page” button and the new page appearing on the screen, as well as the slight flicker when doing so. And indeed, at first this can be a bit off-putting. But I barely notice the flicker anymore and I quickly learned to time the page turn so I don’t get distracted.
3) I hate to say this, but in many ways the Kindle is easier to read than a traditional book. Several factors contribute to this. The first is it’s size. It weighs less than most hardbacks and even many paperbacks. Second, it doesn’t need to be held open. This means that it can be read hands-free. And finally, the ability to adjust the size of the typeface means for people like me (who wear reading glasses) less strain. Indeed, I’ve read in several multi-hour long sessions since getting the Kindle and have experienced no difficulties and arguably less fatigue than with a typical book. Those who argue that no one could ever “curl up” with an e-reader are quite simply wrong.
4) So far I’ve only really read non-fiction on the device (currently making my way through Michael Pollan’s Omnivore’s Dilemma
5) Another negative: I miss book design. I like the work of typographers and cover artists and the other people involved in how commercial books look. On the Kindle, everything appears in the same typeface; covers are often reproduced poorly. This uniformity could become a bit boring over time. My guess, however, is as the technology improves, so will the publishers’ ability to present the texts as they would like.
6) I find that I mark more passages and jot more marginalia notes than I did before. Generally, I am loath to write in my books as it feels a bit like defacement. Sometimes I do, but not often. That the Kindle includes this ability without the guilt is a feature I like. That said, the itty-bitty keyboard is, well, itty-bitty. And there is a noticeable lag between typing and the letters appearing on the screen. Short notes are fine, but anything much longer can be frustrating.
7) Also nice: the onboard dictionary. Only needed it a couple of times, but probably wouldn’t have looked the words up otherwise.
8) Selection of titles is decent, but still lacking. Again, I expect this will improve over time. Once plus: MANY public domain titles are available for free in Kindle format from manybooks.net. I’ve already downloaded the complete Sherlock Holmes.
9) Downloads are easy, seemless and on the Kindle in less than a minute. The ability to buy directly from the device really is one of the best features. And the price is right. I paid less for Kindle version of Omnivore’s Dilemma than any other edition available anywhere else, including used (assuming you factor in shipping).
So overall, I’m impressed so far. I have a lot more to say about the Kindle, including how it could be a good development for both booksellers and book collectors, but that will have to wait a bit. Until then, Paul Krugman has some interesting things to say on the subject in today’s New York Times, including this:
Indeed, if e-books become the norm, the publishing industry as we know it may wither away. Books may end up serving mainly as promotional material for authors’ other activities, such as live readings with paid admission.
I’ll talk over the coming days about why such a development might not be so terrible.
And though Michael and I don’t say it very often, your thoughts and feedback are always welcome. Just click the comments link immediately below these words.