I still think the name of the damn thing reminds me of Fahrenheit 451 and book burning.

Good idea, I am going to have to start reading more as watching the TV has become unbearable!

What are you reading on it, Charles?

But, what if I can't read or write? This seems to be an object for the learned.

Tired of reading your favorite blogs for free? With the Kindle, you can now pay to read those free blogs!

re: #3 Sharmuta

What are you reading on it, Charles?

The tech manual, of course.

If I had the money, I'd be tempted. As it is, most of my reading time is online in any case -- I'm a great fan of Baen Books' Webscriptions.

OT: You might want to look at this: a list of Obama's real opposition.

AKA Congressional Democrats.

While many voters may think they've voted for "change" in Mr. Obama, they also handed power to the oldest forces in the Old Democratic Party. Jimmy Carter campaigned as a moderate and outsider, but Congressional liberals quickly ran his budget director, the economic centrist Bert Lance, out of town. Then they overrode Mr. Carter's veto of a pork-barrel water bill. Mr. Carter referred to the tax committees as "ravenous wolves" after they transformed his tax reform into a special-interest bouquet. Next came Reagan.

Bill Clinton also campaigned as a moderate, but in his first two years he was unable to govern as Congress pursued liberal priorities, including a big boost in taxes and spending. Recall Roberta Achtenberg as the scourge of the Boy Scouts and Joycelyn Elders calling for the legalization of drugs? Mr. Clinton chose -- or was forced -- to take up gun control and HillaryCare before welfare reform. Next came Newt Gingrich.

You've had a great run with islamists and the elections, Charles. Maybe it's time to return to blogging about bikes, gadgets and web coding for a while.

re: #4 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

But, what if I can't read or write? This seems to be an object for the learned.

You could always get a job at McDonald's. Or, if you have background you'd prefer not go through a rigorous investigation like that, you could always run for U.S. President as a Democrat.

Jeez, and to think my thrills come from restoring old classic stereo electronics from the 70's bought at fleamarkets.

Thank god somebody invented another gadget i can't afford.

Just curious, how many books do you have to buy, Kindle vs Non-Kindle, before this gadget pays for itself?

re: #9 gmsc

Brilliant!

Right now I'm reading The Battle Over the Meaning of Everything: Evolution, Intelligent Design, and a School Board in Dover, PA, by Gordy Slack.

(But you know, I'm obsessed.)

Effing readers.

G'night kids!

re: #1 Colonel Panik

I still think the name of the damn thing reminds me of Fahrenheit 451 and book burning.

I recently mentioned the book Fahrenheit 451 to someone, and they replied, "You mean Fahrenheit 9/11?"

Is it any wonder . . . ?

Awesome -- I've been thinking about getting one too -- I think this sealed the deal.

I'm also hooked on Jeffrey Deaver's novels, and working my way through all of them.

iPod for books, yes! This is exactly how I described the concept to my father.

I want one.

re: #10 ErislDysnomia

I have a Teak reel to reel vacuum tube 4 track if your interested. I need the cash.

Ha, I can't lie, Charles, it's hard for me to read this objectively knowing how the Amazon thing works a little bit. (And knowing that everyone I know who has tried the Kindle has thrown it through the nearest window within a month, and reached for a good old paper book).

But heck, man. If you can make even a few pennies off this, I'm absolutely behind you. I know how bad things are right now. It sucks.

re: #11 Killgore Trout

Thank god somebody invented another gadget i can't afford.

All you need to do is invent a gadget everybody wants. Then you'll be able to buy all those gadgets you can't afford.

re: #4 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

But, what if I can't read or write? This seems to be an object for the learned.

It's elitist!

I got one last summer and agree completely. Being able to use Amazon.com to purchase content is great ... plus newspaper & blog subscriptions downloaded and updated automatically (including LGF!) -- terrific. I live in Australia & it doesn't download here (so papers and blogs no good when not in the US) ... but I simply keep an Amazon book list over time as things strike my interest, get to the States, purchase and download 6 months worth of reading ... plenty until my next visit. I enjoy the fact that I can easily read with one hand. Very cool product.

re: #18 Charles

Try some Palahniuk, you might dig it.

re: #21 Cognito

Ha, I can't lie, Charles, it's hard for me to read this objectively knowing how the Amazon thing works a little bit. (And knowing that everyone I know who has tried the Kindle has thrown it through the nearest window within a month, and reached for a good old paper book).

But heck, man. If you can make even a few pennies off this, I'm absolutely behind you. I know how bad things are right now. It sucks.

You know, you really are a creep.

In Obama's Soviet America, gadgets lust to know what you are reading.

re: #22 gmsc

All you need to do is invent a gadget everybody wants. Then you'll be able to buy all those gadgets you can't afford.

That sounds like a lot of work. Maybe somebody will spread the wealth around and I won't have to go to all the trouble.

I'd love one, but it doesn't download outside of the U.S.

re: #14 Charles

Thanks- I'll add that to my ever growing list.

I've been reading Buckley's book Flying High Remembering Barry Goldwater. I didn't know Goldwater was such a science fan.

re: #25 Killgore Trout

Try some Palahniuk, you might dig it.

I will check him out after I'm finished with the Deaver books.

re: #28 Killgore Trout

That sounds like a lot of work. Maybe somebody will spread the wealth around and I won't have to go to all the trouble.

You could always buy a lottery ticket.

re: #26 Charles

You know, you really are a creep.

Didn't intend it to be creep at all, and I apologize if it came off that way.

I've got a weird thing about blogs and ads/editorial, etc., but that's mostly because I'm stuck on the old model.

No creepiness intended. But it's late, so who knows.

re: #21 Cognito

That's really low- even for you.

I don't read much. Can anyone recommend a book on the country of Africa?

/just had to do it. nothing meant by it. it was just laying there.

re: #31 Charles

Fight Club and Choke are good places to start.

I clicked thru the link and watched the video ...it looks good ...I am off news totally now so I am gonna read more ...when I was looking at the additional photos of the reader ...the third one was showing Audacity of Hope ...cannot get away from the guy ...

I don't understand how it makes the print look like you are reading from paper ...

re: #33 Cognito

Yeah- some of us have noticed your anti-blog mindset. Amazing you spend so much time here despite that.

re: #18 Charles

I'm also hooked on Jeffrey Deaver's novels, and working my way through all of them.

Read "The Blue Nowhere"? And his recent "Twisted" and "More Twisted"?

The best fiction I've read in ten years.

re: #18 Charles

I read the blue nowhere, great stuff. On a Joseph Wambaugh kick myself -- floaters and hollywood station, beyond funny.

re: #26 Charles

You know, you really are a creep.

He cabn suspect you of being a shill, but he can't suspect Romney might be behind the Palin rumors that Fox is running.

Journalist's instincts? No wonder Obama was elected without being vetted.

re: #38 Sharmuta

Yeah- some of us have noticed your anti-blog mindset. Amazing you spend so much time here despite that.

Read closer. I said, "I've got a weird thing about blogs and ads/editorial, etc."

Which has a very specific meaning, intended for the person to whom I was responding.

Of course, you're free to jump in as you see fit.

re: #31 Charles

palahniuk's that rare fiction author who doesn't write technothrillers yet sells far more to men than women.

When the price comes down... Otherwise, I have shelves of books that I still haven't got to already.

re: #41 karmic_inquisitor

He cabn suspect you of being a shill, but he can't suspect Romney might be behind the Palin rumors that Fox is running.

Journalist's instincts? No wonder Obama was elected without being vetted.

What the?

We are the all singing
all dancing crap of the world

re: #35 karmic_inquisitor

I don't read much. Can anyone recommend a book on the country of Africa?

/just had to do it. nothing meant by it. it was just laying there.

Downbelow Station by C.J. Cherryh has a ship named Africa.

/fwiw

I've been reading on a Kindle for about 10 months, and have a library of about 100 books on the device. It is an awesome way to read. I agree with all the advantages Charles describes. Anyone who trashes it (@Cognito, are you listening?) has not seriously tried it. It's the best thing to happen to reading in decades.
Don't believe the negative nancy's, give it a try.

(I have no Amazon connection of any kind, in case you are wondering, except as an excellent customer ;

Charles, can you download a book off Amazon to a computer and then transfer a book to the kindle? That'd make it worth getting.

re: #21 Cognito

I support you most of the time. Not on that post.

That was intentionally unkind and un-called for Cog.

re: #45 Cognito

What the?

I must have posted 4 entries on the prior thread addressed to you on the matter.

That is the "the".

Just think a bit wider than the people feeding you the information want you to. It can do wonders.

Look folks,

these "didn't know Africa was a continent" smears are not even credible.

You would think staffers could at least come up with bullshit that was believable.

WHO DOES THIS REMIND YOU OF?

HINT - linky

re: #48 pcalver

Well, hey, that's interesting to me. Everyone I know who has a Kindle has enjoyed it briefly, and then set it aside in favor of regular books. But if you've had a different experience, that's worthwhile.

re: #43 LynnfromNZ

Palahniuk has the same problem as Vonnegut and Twain. The Female characters may drive the action but they are two dimensional.

In the previous thread (just as I saw there was a new thread and popped over here), someone mentioned that the avatars seem to have been turned off. I hadn't even noticed until just now, so intent was I on reading the discussion... :-D

Charles, did you turn off the avatars due to the earlier server problems... and then forget to turn them back on? :D :D :D :D

re: #24 mountb

have you checked to see if you can download to a computer and then to the Kindle? I'm sure it'd work the same way in Oz as it would here.

re: #49 LynnfromNZ

Charles, can you download a book off Amazon to a computer and then transfer a book to the kindle? That'd make it worth getting.

Yep, you sure can. Hooks to a computer via USB. You can transfer books back and forth, and it also will read PDF files.

re: #50 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

I support you most of the time. Not on that post.

That was intentionally unkind and un-called for Cog.

Not intentionally unkind at all. Very likely dunder-headed and foot-mouthed, but never intentionally unkind.

re: #53 Cognito

Nothing wrong with that post. I'm sure you could care less about my opinion, but, well, okay.

I'm out.

Mr. Johnson and Cognito, I've been thinking about buying one of these Kindle thingies and I appreciate both of your reviews

re: #6 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

The tech manual, of course.

Not available yet. It does, however come in a printed version, and for old timers like me there is one done in cuniform on stone tablets.

So Charles, any other recommendations for books on your obsession?

re: #10 ErislDysnomia

Jeez, and to think my thrills come from restoring old classic stereo electronics from the 70's bought at fleamarkets.

Think of it as preserving our heritage.

Personally, I like the warm glow of tubes.

re: #54 Killgore Trout

Haven't read him so I don't know, I'll take your word for it. i would have thought subject matter would contribute to it too -- can't imagine too many women interested in a book called fight club.

I do know he started writing because he was living somewhere up in the mountains that didn't get tv reception so he didn't have anything to do.

re: #59 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

Nothing wrong with that post. I'm sure you could care less about my opinion, but, well, okay.

I'm out.

Not at all, man. I take serious posts seriously.

re: #63 suboptimal

Think of it as preserving our heritage.

Personally, I like the warm glow of tubes.

Yeah I used to do tubes, until I touched the wrong place and had an electrifying experience.

re: #57 Charles

Yep, you sure can. Hooks to a computer via USB. You can transfer books back and forth, and it also will read PDF files.

Oh. Cool. I did not know you could drag-and-drop documents to the Kindle that didn't originally come from Amazon. I've been wanting to get a device I could read PDFs and stuff on...

re: #61 JeremyR

But, I thought it was funny.

re: #57 Charles

Wow, distinctly cool. Porbably get one next time I'm back in the States.

re: #60 Neo Con since 9-11

Mr. Johnson and Cognito, I've been thinking about buying one of these Kindle thingies and I appreciate both of your reviews

Since I'm 'stuck on' full disclosure, I should say: I'm not really reviewing the Kindle. I've never even handled one. I'm just reporting what my acquaintances have said.

Thanks for the review Charles. I've been wondering about this since I first saw it. Now I'll consider it.

Oh Honey! I've got something for the Xmas list.

re: #53 Cognito

It's not just me; I bought them as X-mas gifts for my wife and daughter last year, and they are both as hooked as I am. It is especially nice for reading while you travel. You can take many books with you to read, in a very compact package. You can move other documents onto it. It has a primitive web browser (which needs improvement, hopefully in the next edition of the device), with which you can check email etc. It's a really nice little machine.
Try it yourself, and as I said, don't just listen to others.

The Kindle is tempting although I don't even know if it's available yet in Canada. I like gadgets but there's just something about holding a real book. Plus, I think it would be dangerous to have immediate access to the next book in a series. I would totally neglect all other responsibilities. I just finished The Pillars of the Earth and now I have to wait for the next book to arrive. Hence, the dishes will actually get done.

Oh ... and I don't think I should use the Kindle for reading in the bathtub.

Maybe a better name would have been "Kinder?"

Kindle sounds like a good name for a Nazi book burning scene.

Discworld will never be the same!

I'll still keep listening to Thomas Sowells' economics books on the iPod when I'm out walking, though.

I have to admit I love the feel of a book in my hands. Crazy. But the Kindle is definitely a temptation. Especially because I hate book covers. Somebody always interrupts me with 'oh I read that, the kid dies in the end ...'

So do you save all your books on the unit? What if you get too big of a library? Can you save them then on the computer?

Might have to give it a try some day. I have been reading electronic books on my palm pilot for almost three years now. Since I have been a big sci-fi geek, and my favourite authours are published by Baen. All of Baens books now come in electronic format. Even with the exchange rate I save money on new and old releases. Does the Kindle have a special formatting? I.e. mobipocket, windows lit, etc. . . .

FANTASTIC device. Got mine in August.

The only drawback that I see, mine locks up when I try to take it out of 'sleep mode'. Regularly.

I have taken to keeping a paperclip inside of it so I can reset it, sometimes a few times a day.

It's still been worth it. I carry around an average of 8-10 books on this one device. Wonderful.

CUrrently reading 'The Looming Tower'. I want to get 'America Alone' which I have not yet read.

I wonder how long it will be before they make a color Kindle.

re: #2 jeremy0114

Good idea, I am going to have to start reading more as watching the TV has become unbearable!

Oh thanks for Reminding me... I need to return the books I have to the library and check more out...

What will college bookstores do?

From the pictures Kindle looks like a pleasant black on gray.

Does it have a backlight? Can I read it in bed without having another light on?

Can I read it outside in the sunshine or is there too much glare?

Two more good ones on ID/evolution:

Intelligent Thought: Science versus the Intelligent Design Movement

Evolution: What the Fossils Say and Why It Matters

can you upload lit files, rtf files, word files to read? Or is it only on the approved DRMed and paid for through Amazon files?

re: #65 Cognito

Not at all, man. I take serious posts seriously.

Nothing in life is serious enough to be taken seriously. The worst it can do is kill you, and you're gonna die anyway.

Charles, I'm thinking about your reaction, there, and it's bothering me.

Clearly I'm too worn out to post, I guess, because I don't think I'm a creep at all. I meant it to be a commiseration about universally diving ad revenue. I'll give myself a little time out to get a little perspective.

Later gators.

re: #66 ErislDysnomia

Yeah I used to do tubes, until I touched the wrong place and had an electrifying experience.

Did that once, on a B&W picture tube. From that day forward I always keep one hand in my pocket when poking around anything that's plugged in, and most things that aren't. Fortunately, you can't see the scars on my knuckles anymore from where I reactively jerked my hand out and hit some nice chunks of metal on the way.

re: #85 gadlaw

can you upload lit files, rtf files, word files to read? Or is it only on the approved DRMed and paid for through Amazon files?

Yes to all of those.

re: #87 Cognito

Charles, I'm thinking about your reaction, there, and it's bothering me.

Clearly I'm too worn out to post, I guess, because I don't think I'm a creep at all. I meant it to be a commiseration about universally diving ad revenue. I'll give myself a little time out to get a little perspective.

Later gators.

I sure didn't read it that way, man.

re: #80 NomadOfNorad

I wonder how long it will be before they make a color Kindle.

If you have the right markers, you can color on it now.

Oh. For a while (humor me please!) I have to make the following statement (whenever I remember)...

"Troofers? Please allow me to introduce your new President. Please meet President Barack Obama.

Have at..."

Charles,
Can you easily read with the Kindle in the dark without eye strain? Thanks!
;)

re: #87 Cognito

Charles, I'm thinking about your reaction, there, and it's bothering me.

Clearly I'm too worn out to post, I guess, because I don't think I'm a creep at all. I meant it to be a commiseration about universally diving ad revenue. I'll give myself a little time out to get a little perspective.

Later gators.

Good. It should bother you. I don't write posts like this to make money, and I'm offended by your smeary little implication that I did.

re: #2 jeremy0114

Good idea, I am going to have to start reading more as watching the TV has become unbearable!

I haven't watched anything but kids TV in so long (I screen like crazy!) but I used to have a whole list of shows I followed. And now I just can't stand it! I think the acting's for crap and the stories are just awful. Prurient, amateurish, poorly written, implausible ... you name it and they suck at it.

So I've been reading a lot, but I like to own books because I'm also big on rereading (especially if I'm working on a series). I've got crates and crates of books now. It's embarrassing.

re: #94 Charles

Make sure you read "Twisted" and "More Twisted". Fascinating.

It doesn't have a backlight, and I'm actually glad it doesn't. It makes it much more pleasant to read. Reads great outdoors in full sunlight. I got a little clip-on reading light for it, and haven't actually used it yet.

re: #90 Moe Katz

I sure didn't read it that way, man.

Yeah, I was trying to be too cute. A little nudge about Amazon, a little wink about the total obliteration of advertising across the media spectrum.

Like I said, I'm worn out. A dumb post, but you can't take 'em back.

So. Off to watch late-night television, something I can do with guaranteed stunning success, no matter what.

re: #1 Colonel Panik

Ouch, never thought of that, I just look around at the stacks of books in my room and think...MORE SPACE!

re: #88 suboptimal

Did that once, on a B&W picture tube. From that day forward I always keep one hand in my pocket when poking around anything that's plugged in, and most things that aren't. Fortunately, you can't see the scars on my knuckles anymore from where I reactively jerked my hand out and hit some nice chunks of metal on the way.

Holy crap, a CRT? Mine was just a lowly 6146 with 800V DC on the plate that I brought a probe a little too close to. BANG!

re: #94 Charles

Good. It should bother you. I don't write posts like this to make money, and I'm offended by your smeary little implication that I did.

Yep. You're right. I apologize.

re: #93 Irene NYC

Charles,
Can you easily read with the Kindle in the dark without eye strain? Thanks!
;)

Good question. Too many electronic gadgets are designed by arrogant 20 something geeks who don't realize that eyesight deteriorates with age.

The Amazon reviews complain about the batteries failing after 2 months and that the page buttons are awkward (lots of accidental page turns). The best advice seems to be to wait for version 2.0

re: #77 kynna

There is a slot for a flash card in the Kindle. It can accommodate a 4GB SD card, which will store thousands of books. You practically can't exceed it's capacity. Also, all of your Amazon-purchased Kindle content is available anytime for redownload at Amazon if you should have a storage glitch (not likely in my experience).

On eBay some vendors are advertising the Kindle as "Oprah's favorite new gadget!" Anyone need a lot of 10?
;)

Got mine in August, too. Got it to lighten the load for a trip to NYC. The wireless bit didn't work but I connected to the net via cable and downloaded a couple books and a couple newspapers.

Before the trip, I talked to the folks at Amazon and scheduled a replacement to arrive after I got back home. The replacement worked great out of the box. Whispernet takes about 30 sec to connect. I search and buy at the laptop, work computer, and on the Kindle.

I'm using it for light reading -- the stuff I would wait for in paperback.

Downloaded some Mississippi John Hurt, too.

re: #94 Charles

Good. It should bother you. I don't write posts like this to make money, and I'm offended by your smeary little implication that I did.

Just an observation, and not to offend, but I wonder how many people will go out and buy one in the next month because of what you wrote?
In this way, you are a great advertiser for them. Hope you enjoy it, it sounds great.

This is kind of like an MP3 player for books. That's part of the appeal of it. I wouldn't take it everywhere like my MP3 player, but...

That remeinds me-I saw an ad yesterday for something called The Slacker, which is like a satellite radio player that's the same size as an MP3 player. I'd like to check that out someday, too.

re: #94 Charles

Good. It should bother you. I don't write posts like this to make money, and I'm offended by your smeary little implication that I did.

It's all Bushitler's Obama's fault. Nobody trusts anyone anymore!

/sarc

re: #21 Cognito

Ha, I can't lie, Charles, it's hard for me to read this objectively knowing how the Amazon thing works a little bit. (And knowing that everyone I know who has tried the Kindle has thrown it through the nearest window within a month, and reached for a good old paper book).

But heck, man. If you can make even a few pennies off this, I'm absolutely behind you. I know how bad things are right now. It sucks.

My God, Cog...some times you peg the Dick-O-Meter and this is one of those times.

Asshole...

At that, SD cards are plentiful and cheap. My digital camera uses them, my MP3 player uses them. I've got an extra one for my digital camera and might well pick up more if I see them on sale somewhere...

Did I mention SD cards are cheap? :D

re: #107 JeremyR

Just an observation, and not to offend, but I wonder how many people will go out and buy one in the next month because of what you wrote?
In this way, you are a great advertiser for them. Hope you enjoy it, it sounds great.

Well, if so, cool. I bought and paid for it myself, and wouldn't have bothered to write this review if I weren't really pleased with it.

re: #107 JeremyR

Just an observation, and not to offend, but I wonder how many people will go out and buy one in the next month because of what you wrote?

That's the free market, folks. Good product. Word of mouth or word of blog advertising.

re: #94 Charles

Given the potential, with voice recog. software, could you poss. write a book with this system?

No joke, I've seen a very fluid system used in medicine without the old 4 hour tutorial login...
wondering...

re: #103 Pythagoras

The best advice from what, a few irritated people who have written up their concerns at the Amazon site? The current Kindle rocks, and I've had no battery problems in 3 of them over almost a year in my family. I think version 2.0 will be interesting, and surely better, but like much of technology, it rarely pays to sit on the sidelines waiting for the next, "better" thing if the current version is quite usable and you can benefit from it. My $0.02.

re: #108 Salem

This is kind of like an MP3 player for books. That's part of the appeal of it. I wouldn't take it everywhere like my MP3 player, but...

That remeinds me-I saw an ad yesterday for something called The Slacker, which is like a satellite radio player that's the same size as an MP3 player. I'd like to check that out someday, too.

Is it different than XM?

re: #111 NomadOfNorad

At that, SD cards are plentiful and cheap. My digital camera uses them, my MP3 player uses them. I've got an extra one for my digital camera and might well pick up more if I see them on sale somewhere...

Did I mention SD cards are cheap? :D

Less than $5 for a 4G card:

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

Well I know for my Palm, I currently have about 100 novels and 25 or so short stories on it. Some I paid for some were free. If the kindle can handle .rtf files there's a whole lot of classic material at the Gutenberg Project just waiting to be found. :)

re: #77 kynna

You can save on a computer and transfer (as Charles notes above), but Amazon remembers all your Kindle content ... so you can delete stuff from the device and re-load later if you want. Also, if you accidentally lose or break the device, etc., no problem getting all the content back. Before buying I was worried about the computer-to-Kindle transfer, but I never use it.

BTW, you email pdf files from your computer to a Kindle address they set up for you when you buy the thing and then those files can also be downloaded.

And, no, I don't work for Amazon or get $$ from them, just very happy with the device :P

re: #107 JeremyR

Just an observation, and not to offend, but I wonder how many people will go out and buy one in the next month because of what you wrote?
In this way, you are a great advertiser for them. Hope you enjoy it, it sounds great.

I think a lot of people who might have been thinking about buying something would buy it on Charles's recommendation. Mainly because he doesn't do it for a buck. If he likes something he wants to pass it on. Glenn Reynolds is the same way.

I love Rush Limbaugh, but I don't get really revved up by the things he recommends because I know they're paid endorsements.

Right now I'm seeing Christmas present written all over this post. :D

re: #112 Charles

Well, if so, cool. I bought and paid for it myself, and wouldn't have bothered to write this review if I weren't really pleased with it.

I remember the days when ANY even mildly potentially commercial message on the internet newsgroups (Usenet) resulted in massive flames!

When it comes to books, I prefer books.
You can underline, circle, insert notes, add comments...with a real pen.
The feel, smell & energy, yes energy a book contains.
This gadget doesn't interest me in the least.

Besides the thing's ugly.

re: #26 Charles

Thanks, Charles. I needed that chuckle.

re: #122 So?

When it comes to books, I prefer books.
You can underline, circle, insert notes, add comments...with a real pen.
The feel, smell & energy, yes energy a book contains.
This gadget doesn't interest me in the least.

Besides the thing's ugly.

So? Don't buy one then.

Also recommended: Everyday Zen
and Nothing Special: Living Zen

re: #112 Charles

Well, if so, cool. I bought and paid for it myself, and wouldn't have bothered to write this review if I weren't really pleased with it.

What I read on blogs has more influence then advertising because people like you do not do it for money. If the product is great, people mention it. If it is fair, they might reply to some one elses comment, but rarely. If its a product that stinks, readers get warned. Friends don't let friends drive Yugos.

re: #114 nightwatch

Given the potential, with voice recog. software, could you poss. write a book with this system?

No joke, I've seen a very fluid system used in medicine without the old 4 hour tutorial login...
wondering...

But for what field? Those usually are optimized for specialized termsets.

re: #100 ErislDysnomia

Holy crap, a CRT? Mine was just a lowly 6146 with 800V DC on the plate that I brought a probe a little too close to. BANG!

I only got the back end of the tube, not the HV flyback lead. That would have a been a bit too hot.

The next gen Kindle is supposed to come out any day now. It doesn't look as clunky as the original.

re: #117 Charles

Less than $5 for a 4G card:

[Link: www.amazon.com...]

:D :D :D

Actually, I've literally seen SD cards in the budget bin at OfficeDepot and at CompUSA. They're getting ubiquitous.

Oh, I just got online and Charles is reviewing something I've always wanted. If you are still on, Charles, could you answer a couple questions:

1. Is there a way to highlight a book or take notes in the margins?
2. Could I hook it up to my Mac laptop and pull info off the Kindle onto my desktop or document? Lets say I'm writing a paragraph on my laptop and I want to incorporate some text from my Kindle ... can I do that?
3. Again, I'd like to go back and forth from the Kindle, the Internet and my documents with the Kindle hooked up to my laptop, somehow. Possible?

I'm worried about available texts, though 200,000 sounds pretty good, as long as its not mostly fiction.

re: #116 JacksonTn

Is it different than XM?

Here it is: Slacker Personal Radio

Congrats on the Kindle, Charles!

I bought my Sony Reader literally two days before Kindle was announced on Amazon. I'm happy with my Reader's design - it's perfect. The software is not as good, but I have a good shareware program, and Sony is improving.

Of course, the big cool thing about Kindle is the easy interface with Amazon, which rocks. I'm an Amazonaholic, and not being able to download from them is kind of annoying.

I totally understand how cool it is to be able to buy and download your book in minutes without moving - at two in the morning. Totally awesome.

I recommend electronic readers - either one of these - to anyone. Consider this - right now I have 90 books on my Reader, and that's apx half of what it can hold. Awesome space saver - and easier to find your book when you want it.

re: #128 suboptimal

I only got the back end of the tube, not the HV flyback lead. That would have a been a bit too hot.

you don't say!

re: #124 Moe Katz

So? Don't buy one then.

I won't!

Where's my papyrus? I have some shit to write?

re: #119 mountb

Thanks! Looking better and better for Christmas. :D

Here's another question. Maybe I missed it but is there audio? Could I download an audio book on it?

I can't read with out real paper...and a pencil in my hand.
Hopeless. Utterly hopeless.
But I bet my kids would looove this.
Especially my geeky reader son.
I wonder how much this fancy thing costs.

re: #122 So?

When it comes to books, I prefer books.
You can underline, circle, insert notes, add comments...with a real pen.
The feel, smell & energy, yes energy a book contains.
This gadget doesn't interest me in the least.

Besides the thing's ugly.

You can also lend a favorite book to a friend and still have the ability to read through the rest of your bookcase.

re: #115 pcalver

I read quite a few reviews. One of my favorite things about Amazon is checking the most critical reviews. I'm used to flames, so I know how to filter it.

I'm guessing that the Kindle's battery charger can overcharge and kill the battery. I've learned that many devices (e.g. cordless drills) cannot be left on charge. However, they are MUCH cheaper than a Kindle.

re: #97 Charles

It doesn't have a backlight, and I'm actually glad it doesn't. It makes it much more pleasant to read. Reads great outdoors in full sunlight. I got a little clip-on reading light for it, and haven't actually used it yet.

It's easier on your eyes, and it has a much longer time before you have to charge it. The Sony Reader is the same.

re: #136 Killgore Trout

Where's my papyrus? I have some shit to write?

Next to your clay tablet and stylus. ;)

The McCain campaign’s classless cowards

Malkin

re: #131 hermeneutics

Oh, I just got online and Charles is reviewing something I've always wanted. If you are still on, Charles, could you answer a couple questions:

1. Is there a way to highlight a book or take notes in the margins?
2. Could I hook it up to my Mac laptop and pull info off the Kindle onto my desktop or document? Lets say I'm writing a paragraph on my laptop and I want to incorporate some text from my Kindle ... can I do that?
3. Again, I'd like to go back and forth from the Kindle, the Internet and my documents with the Kindle hooked up to my laptop, somehow. Possible?

I'm worried about available texts, though 200,000 sounds pretty good, as long as its not mostly fiction.

1. yes, you can take notes and highlight passages.

2. not sure about that, but I think so.

3. not sure what you mean by "go back and forth," but it hooks up to a computer via USB and it's very easy to transfer stuff.

Is there a device that will read downloaded books out loud (text to voice)?

Eyeball, bird, triangle, wavy line.

re: #126 JeremyR

Actually I am running a little bit behind... Just bought an iPhone the other day based on mostly Charles' good luck with his. Unfortunately he was not compensated in that transaction, although he should have been as he was the one who eventually led me to it.

As for the Kindle, if I do end up getting one, since I only knew it existed tonight because of Charles' post on his blog, I would hope he gets compensated by amazon.

If not, let me know, as I may just donate a few bucks to his Amazon account for bringing me the info!

re: #127 ErislDysnomia

caught me with termsets, I'll take a stab that it means "format specific".

So, is it possible? Or am I just too much a non I T? (which i am by the way)

Nifty. I love modern technology.

*Sigh* Christmas. Until yesterday I was looking forward to buying some nice Christmas presents for folks. I'll still be buying everyone a present, but I'm going to have to economize some and get creative.

I don't like to have credit card debt, so I only pay cash, and all of a sudden I've got to buy ammo before the crippling tax increases (or bans) come. Grrr.

Hello Night Lizards. Outside, it's dark where I am.

I think I need to read the thousands of books I already own before I invest in another electronic device. If it would read them to me, in the car, I'd consider it.
I'm an audiophile as well as a bibliophile.

How are you-all tonite and what are we talking about?

re: #132 Salem

Here it is: Slacker Personal Radio

Hmmm... that device looks interesting. Quick question, though: Can it be used on your LAN to play MP3s off a shared-out folder or a Network Attached Storage box, or is it limited to what you get over their connection?

re: #125 Killgore Trout

Also recommended: Everyday Zen
and Nothing Special: Living Zen

...and: That Was Zen, This Is Tao

re: #89 Charles

Yes to all of those.

That's another plus for the Kindle. With my Reader, Sony has its own file type, but it also can read txt and PDF. You have to get creative and convert, which is easy with non-protected books. At least, it's easy if you are a little tech savvy.

However, with the Reader, for secure books, you have to buy them from Connect. Connect HAS the books I would want, but I don't like having to buy from just them.

re: #148 nightwatch

caught me with termsets, I'll take a stab that it means "format specific".

So, is it possible? Or am I just too much a non I T? (which i am by the way)

Specialized vocabularies. I.e., medical terminology; medical "lingo."

Fuck nobody can have an alternate opinion without some snarky remark being made. I know a lot of people who feel the same way I do about books. Reading news on the internet is another matter. Haven't bought a newspaper in years. However, just yesterday I bumped into 3 women at a magazine shop looking to get their hands on as many different newspaper about the election. When I told one she could find everything on the net, she had the same reaction about newspapers as I have to book readers. She needed to feel the paper in her hands.

So---to each his own.

re: #145 Racer X

audible.com is a good friend to your iPod.

re: #146 Killgore Trout

LOL

re: #139 Cheeseland

You can also lend a favorite book to a friend and still have the ability to read through the rest of your bookcase.

And dust the bookcase as well, and discover a few gems you never finished, or knew you had.

RedState
Operation Leper

RedState is pleased to announce it is engaging in a special project: Operation Leper.

We're tracking down all the people from the McCain campaign now whispering smears against Governor Palin to Carl Cameron and others. Michelle Malkin has the details.

We intend to constantly remind the base about these people, monitor who they are working for, and, when 2012 rolls around, see which candidates hire them. Naturally then, you'll see us go to war against those candidates.

re: #150 ggt

I want a blue tooth headset with voice recognition software so I can write a book, not just read an electronic book...

re: #145 Racer X

Is there a device that will read downloaded books out loud (text to voice)?

My mac does that from most text files. It is an option built into the OS. Just highlight the text and in the Edit mode click on Speech.

re: #146 Killgore Trout

Eyeball, bird, triangle, wavy line.

Talk like an Egyptian?

g'night

re: #162 stevieray

Talk like an Egyptian?

Walk Like An Egyptian!

re: #140 Pythagoras

Actually, no, the Kindle charger does not overcharge the battery. It ceases to charge when the battery voltage has been restored. Every portable product has a proportion of batteries that are defective when shipped. It happens. Any more surmisals you'd like to try out?

re: #156 ggt

Thanks!

re: #161 Cheeseland

My mac does that from most text files. It is an option built into the OS. Just highlight the text and in the Edit mode click on Speech.

Thanks!

Looking for a portable device that is real easy to use.

If this is a book thread I must post the standard public service annoucement --bear with me.

Please post any book recommendations in the BOOK CATEGORY of the Spin-off links. Others can comment if they choose and it is a good for future reference. A Lizard Reading List if you like. AND any purchased made at Amazon thru the Book Links (or any other LGF links-I think) count toward the Tip-Jar for Charles. All and all, it is a win-win situation.

(BOOK CATEGORY PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUCEMENT OFF) I really need to put this into a macro so I don't have to type it every time. Only, the only macros I remember how to do are in Lotus 1-2-3. I feel very old. Are they still called "macros"?

re: #129 cicero05

The next gen Kindle is supposed to come out any day now. It doesn't look as clunky as the original.

That does look better. This is silly of me, but one of the things I LOVE about my Reader is it looks just like a little leather notebook. It is gorgeous - Sony is good at hardware. It's the software and their incredibly obtuse instructions that aren't so great.

Do you know if they've moved the page turn thingy to make it more intuitive? They had it in an (I think) awkward spot.

Is it cheaper to buy the book electronically than in the paper version?

I read, too. Those crazy, outdated, wacky things called BOOKS!

I'm so behind technology. But I so love that old book smell.

Reminds me that Michael Crichton died yesterday. RIP.

:-(

re: #160 nightwatch

Wow, what a concept! Can you really do that? or are you dreaming outloud?

The picture in that 'next gen' article is the current Kindle. It comes with a leather book cover.

re: #164 gmsc

Walk Like An Egyptian!

Wayo wayo, wayo wayo!

Could Allegations Invalidate Senate Results?

Allegations have surfaced of voter irregularities involving a paid staffer of Sen. Norm Coleman, and the ramifications could have a profound effect on the outcome of Coleman's race against Al Franken.

A reporter for the Minnesota Independent, a progressive online publication, was working on a story about voter turnout when she overheard that Republican poll challengers monitoring voting at the precinct had brought in Mahamoud Wardere to help voters translate.

The Coleman campaign confirmed that Wardere is a paid member of their staff.

"I made some calls, found out his name and I confronted him and I said, 'Are you Wardare?' And he said, 'Yes, I am,'" said Priesmeyer. "At that poin I said, 'Are you working for Norm Coleman's campaign?' And he said, 'No, I am on vacation today.'"

However, Priesmeyer said voters told her that translators were telling them to vote for Coleman.

/you know, because the odds are slim that Franken's going to win the recount

re: #170 Sharmuta

Is it cheaper to buy the book electronically than in the paper version?

Yes ... sometimes a lot cheaper.

re: #156 ggt

And to your Kindle:
[Link: www.amazon.com...]

You can easily listen to books using the Kindle, too. I listen to MP3 music with a headset while I read from the Kindle as well. Very talented little device.

re: #105 Irene NYC

On eBay some vendors are advertising the Kindle as "Oprah's favorite new gadget!" Anyone need a lot of 10?
;)

Great. More "Oprah's favorite" junk email coming down the pipe...

/

re: #151 NomadOfNorad

Hmmm... that device looks interesting. Quick question, though: Can it be used on your LAN to play MP3s off a shared-out folder or a Network Attached Storage box, or is it limited to what you get over their connection?

Hmm. I should think, but the demo and stuff doesn't seem to cover that, exactly.

re: #144 Charles

Have you seen The Age of Spiritual Machines?

re: #154 ErislDysnomia

So then, is it poss to term set a software for writing a book if you first imply a specialized category? Like a western? Or maybe a ghost novel?

re: #146 Killgore Trout

On the previous thread, were you talking about Kubrick's "2001; A Space Odyssey"?

re: #180 legalpad

Have you seen The Age of Spiritual Machines?

Haven't read it yet, only reviews. Planning on getting to it.

re: #138 wolfie

I (generally) listen to fiction and read non-fiction. I don't take so many notes with fiction so it works out. I have a little notebook I write "new" words when I run across them while reading and another for "research later" when I run across things I want to know more about.

Sad, I know.

Charles, with Kindle, can you buy from other sites besides Amazon? Like Fictionwise? I used to buy all my e-books from them - they had good prices.

re: #155 So?

Oh, I still enjoy dead tree press. But for my cheeseburger fiction electronic is so much easier for me. Especially if I am reading a back to back series. Easier to carry them electronically than juggling two to three books at a time. Besides a lot of books aren't electronic yet.

re: #20 Killgore Trout

I have a Teak reel to reel vacuum tube 4 track if your interested. I need the cash.

How much? ?

re: #176 Charles

Thanks, Charles. And for the science books too. I still like books, and the library is cheapest, but I also like gadgets and this one will go on my list now if I can own books for less.

The next four years, it's going to be all about spending less.

re: #173 Charles

The picture in that 'next gen' article is the current Kindle. It comes with a leather book cover.

Here's a "leaked" photo of the next gen Kindle 2.

re: #185 Cattt

Charles, with Kindle, can you buy from other sites besides Amazon? Like Fictionwise?

I don't think so -- Amazon only. But I think it would be hard to beat Amazon's prices...

re: #177 pcalver

WOW, now, that might be something to look into when my iPod dies. Does it interface with the car radio? What about podcasts? Will it work with iTunes?

Actually, I'm reading a tree-killer book right now - Every Last Drop, by Charlie Huston.

Just checked, and it's available for Kindle for about three bucks less.

Charles,

The Iphone does not suit you as a reader?

Haven't posted for a long time but have to say, the Kindle is amazing. I too love it. I got it for my birthday back in June and it is amazing. I travel a lot so its great for that.

Can't wait for it to come out in color (don't know what gen that will be) but it doesn't really matter. Its a great tech device -- awesome avid readers and those who travel.

I get the WSJ downloaded every a.m. (like at 3:00 am PST) -- it is just a fabulous device. I highly recommend it -- you will wonder what life was like before the Kindle (similar to the effect an iPhone has -- you never will go back to ordering books the "old fashion way").

Hope this helps convince some lizards to try the Kindle. I think Charles can post LGF to it as well?

re: #192 Cattt

Actually, I'm reading a tree-killer book right now - Every Last Drop, by Charlie Huston.

Just checked, and it's available for Kindle for about three bucks less.

Just finished that one on the Kindle.

re: #190 Charles

I don't think so -- Amazon only. But I think it would be hard to beat Amazon's prices...

Crap, in a few years we'll have virtual libraries.

re: #195 Charles

do you sleep?

re: #172 ggt

No dream, have watched a radiologist read a chest film with a boom mike while is words are printed up real time on a flat screen and the finished dictation faxed to the appropriate department within 5 minutes. The soft ware is out there!

re: #167 Racer X

I had been able to hear the text on email and in documents. After your post, I picked my way through a bit of the documentation and found a way to to hear text from Safari. All I do is highlight the text I want to hear, and hit option-s.
Mac speech instructions

re: #196 Ozark Mountain Daredevil

We do, it's called Project Gutenberg. Another fabulous benefit of the internet.

re: #137 kynna

There is an audio jack which, presumably, is there for some reason. I never use it though, so can't really say how that works. I listen to audio books on my iPod -- a gadget for every purpose and a purpose for every gadget!

Also agree with Charles re: the electronic paper display -- easy to read in sunlight, need a reading light in dark codnitions. I am happy with that. The buttons are positioned in a way that I do sometimes inadvertently hit one and move a page ahead. OTOH, haven't had any of the battery problems etc. mentioned by others.

You can highlight text and bookmark pages -- and it provides a summary for you of all these, which is helpful (e.g., I use TeX and downloaded my favorite reference book, highlighted the sections to which I am always referring -- allowed me to dump the ~500 page real book I was always lugging around on business trips).

Also, you can do text searches. However, it is not a text processor. So, you can't , e.g., cut-and-paste from Kindle docs to PC docs as far as I know.

re: #190 Charles

I don't think so -- Amazon only. But I think it would be hard to beat Amazon's prices...

True. I love Amazon.

I have been reading e-books for years - I was ahead of the curve. I wore three PDAs out reading books. Now there is an embarrassment of riches in the way of reader software. I'm glad Amazon produced Kindle, because they made it really happen in a big way, so more people will see how awesome e-books can be.

re: #200 ggt

We do, it's called Project Gutenberg. Another fabulous benefit of the internet.

Like a regular library? Guess I can google it.

re: #198 Nightwatch

I had a doctor a while back that did that with my records as he conducted the evaluation. It appeared on the screen as he spoke. It still had some bugs that had to be worked out, but he was into it-- always trying to save time. that was --at least 6 years ago.

If I had a Kindle, I would download "The New Dealers' War, F.D.R. and the War Within World War II" by Thomas Fleming.

It's relevant to a fresh set of diplomatically deficient Democrats, and one may find juxtaposition between their predecessors and men who actually were capable of perceiving evil and doing something about it; like Claus von Stauffenberg.

re: #203 Ozark Mountain Daredevil

Like a regular library? Guess I can google it.

Here you go: Project Gutenberg

re: #195 Charles

Just finished that one on the Kindle.

Is this related to that google book scanning in any way?

re: #196 Ozark Mountain Daredevil

Crap, in a few years we'll have virtual libraries.

There already are virtual libraries. :D

re: #206 gmsc

Here you go: Project Gutenberg

Thank you.

Quite telling, Charles. I've created a specific environment for reading - mostly historical musical texts - and I have a specific chair, I have a specific floor lamp, a certain light bulb, and I have a separate bedroom (I call it a den) dedicated for the purpose. In it is my library, many books of which are quite old, and a few positively ancient (I add to it all the time, and I sell from it all the time).

Part of the experience is tactile - I love the feel of books - part of it is olfactory - the smell of old books when you open them up is quite exhilarating - and then much of it is emotional and intellectual: It's amazing to study a book that many men, now long dead, have learned from.

Sorry, but no gadget will ever replace that experience for me.

But... well... enjoy.

I find it amazing Charles finds time to read - books, I mean - when I am sure managing LGF is one hell of a time-consuming endeavour. I admire the multitasking ability.

re: #21 Cognito

Ha, I can't lie, Charles, it's hard for me to read this objectively knowing how the Amazon thing works a little bit. (And knowing that everyone I know who has tried the Kindle has thrown it through the nearest window within a month, and reached for a good old paper book).

But heck, man. If you can make even a few pennies off this, I'm absolutely behind you. I know how bad things are right now. It sucks.

We've had ours for about a year now. It works just fine, and it's not been through a window once yet. What's more, the kindle accepts Gutenberg project ebooks. A massive amount of literature is post-copyright, including all of Dickens and Shakespeare and Mark Twain. *

If you travel, you can read and read and read, and not have to lug around a mass of books.

If you like, you can buy individual issues of major national and international newspapers for 75 cents a throw or something like that. You can even use the thing as a clunky email device, when coupled with a google gmail account.

Any honest review includes some faults. The worst failing of the kindle is that it does a truly pitiful job rendering maps and illustrations from books.
The lines are mere tracery, not bold enough to be readable even in good light.

That's a fault, but not a disqualifying fault. I don't regret the purchase.

(* that's how it looks to me. Everything I've asked for, I've got. Conceivably, some odd item penned by one of those authors is still under copyright.)

re: #208 Cattt

There already are virtual libraries. :D

Call me old fashioned. I still go to my, lol, "brick and mortar" library.

re: #203 Ozark Mountain Daredevil

Like a regular library? Guess I can google it.

sorry, I didn't provide a link --still getting used to Safari. Project Gutenberg Very cool place.

re: #204 ggt

So 6 years foreward, the soft ware IS here.

And by the way - it's Larry Niven's fault.

I found a free e-story online by him. At the end, it gave a link to Fictionwise. That was it for me.

re: #201 mountb

Thanks! I have an ipod, but I don't love using it for audio books for some reason. My hubby is the one who does audio books anyway, I just wondered for his sake.

I like to see the words.

BTW -- thanks for posting this thread. This is the first time today my stomach isn't hurting. It's nice to have a non-political discussion to end the evening. :D

I'm reading The New Annotated Dracula, Necronomicon: The Best Weird Tales of H.P. Lovecraft, The Closing of the Western Mind (which is great but I keep putting it aside), The Dogs of God (ditto)

Got a mass of books lined up after those but I spend so much time reading off the internet I scarcely find the time to read books.

re: #213 Ozark Mountain Daredevil

Call me old fashioned. I still go to my, lol, "brick and mortar" library.

It's funny - today I used txt slang in an IM to a co-worker I'm coaching, and she IM'd "what does TY mean?" I'm twice her age!

You are never too old to become a techno - um - person.

re: #184 ggt

I should have a little notebook. I end up writing words and things to check out on little scraps of paper, napkins, etc. and then lose them!

re: #217 kynna

Thanks! I have an ipod, but I don't love using it for audio books for some reason. My hubby is the one who does audio books anyway, I just wondered for his sake.

I like to see the words.

BTW -- thanks, Charles for posting this thread. This is the first time today my stomach isn't hurting. It's nice to have a non-political discussion to end the evening. :D

PIMF

re: #210 Hucbald

I think the history of books is fascinating. I like the feel. I like the way they are made. I can't go into an antique store without walking out with a few books. I used to sell online, but haven't the time anymore. Book people are good people.

re: #80 NomadOfNorad

I wonder how long it will be before they make a color Kindle.

If they make a color Kindle, I'll be hooked on it.

Here's a favorite poem of mine: Cadaeic Cadenza

It's the story of classic poems being re-written via a particular constraint. Part of the fun is figuring out the constraint.

re: #218 Salem

I have a pile too! I tend to put everything aside and do "power" reading for a week or two and get thru the stack. Then another stack builds. . . .

Speaking of books...

Maybe it is time to drag one out from way back in the 50's.

George Orwell

"Animal Farm."

Night Lizards

re: #214 ggt

sorry, I didn't provide a link --still getting used to Safari. Project Gutenberg Very cool place.

I like Safari for windows except there's no full screen option, and no way to go back multiple pages without clicking the back button once for each page. Plus the "okay to resend" window is extremely annoying, which is why I still prefer FF.

re: #195 Charles

Just finished that one on the Kindle.

:D Glad you read some fiction in there with all that hard techno stuff.

Charlie Huston is awesome, if anyone hasn't read any of his stuff, btw.

re: #220 wolfie

I should have a little notebook. I end up writing words and things to check out on little scraps of paper, napkins, etc. and then lose them!

I used to do that, but when I'd find the scraps, I couldn't figure out why I wrote on them about 90 percent of the time.

re: #228 Cattt

:D Glad you read some fiction in there with all that hard techno stuff.

Charlie Huston is awesome, if anyone hasn't read any of his stuff, btw.

Anything by Victor Gischler is also great.

re: #159 ErislDysnomia

RedState
Operation Leper

F**k yeah...serves the sniveling little opportunists right!

What I do sometimes (ok, a lot of the time) is to create my own books from PDF files and collections of things that interest me. I have them coil bound at Kinkos when I'm in the States.

I'm considering buying my own coil binding machine for Israel.

I like reading things that I can carry around like a paper notebook (and then swing the pages around to the back so that it's showing one flat page.)

I find the audio (if there is a good narrator) is helpful for books written way before my time. Mostly because the words are pronounced correctly for the time in which they were written.

re: #210 Hucbald

Quite telling, Charles. I've created a specific environment for reading - mostly historical musical texts - and I have a specific chair, I have a specific floor lamp, a certain light bulb, and I have a separate bedroom (I call it a den) dedicated for the purpose. In it is my library, many books of which are quite old, and a few positively ancient (I add to it all the time, and I sell from it all the time).

Part of the experience is tactile - I love the feel of books - part of it is olfactory - the smell of old books when you open them up is quite exhilarating - and then much of it is emotional and intellectual: It's amazing to study a book that many men, now long dead, have learned from.

Sorry, but no gadget will ever replace that experience for me.

But... well... enjoy.

Who said it replaced real books? I have thousands of real books myself; the Kindle doesn't replace them, it supplements them -- and is far more portable. I can have an entire library on it, and take it wherever I go.

When I was a touring musician, I used to have a separate suitcase just to carry my books. I really could have used a Kindle then.

re: #230 Charles

Anything by Victor Gischler is also great.

Thanks. I just added Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse to my wish list, so I won't forget the name.

My mom was a librarian, and even SHE called me a bookaholic. :D

re: #219 Cattt

It's funny - today I used txt slang in an IM to a co-worker I'm coaching, and she IM'd "what does TY mean?" I'm twice her age!

You are never too old to become a techno - um - person.

Actually, I go there because even though just about every newspaper has a website, they don't have the whole paper online. And because of my business, I look for ads for new businesses, which are very seldom in the online editions.

Unfortunately, portable e-reading is above my pay grade. q; Guess I'll just have to stick with paper.

/btw, Quantum of Solace was awesome.

re: #235 Cattt

Thanks. I just added Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse to my wish list, so I won't forget the name.

That book is totally berserk. I loved it.

I like to go to the bookstore a lot. I usually browse the books I want there and then order them off Amazon. I guess I'd do the same with the Kindle. But in some cases I would just want the book.

Thanks again, Charles. I know what I want for Christmas.

re: #227 Ozark Mountain Daredevil

I like Safari for windows except there's no full screen option, and no way to go back multiple pages without clicking the back button once for each page. Plus the "okay to resend" window is extremely annoying, which is why I still prefer FF.

I can't be sure about the Windows version, but on the Mc version of Safari, you click and hold the back button, and it shows all the back pages. While you're still holding the button down, choose the page to which you want to go back, and it will jump right to it!

I wonder if there are any Robert E. Howard stories at the Kindle Store?

re: #227 Ozark Mountain Daredevil

Never tried FF. I'm having trouble getting that new tab to open. Have to remember how I did it earlier today. I'd like to change the color of the top bar, not enough contrast for my eyes.

re: #231 talon_262

I agree. The idea that somehow Sarah Palin was the cause of the McCain defeat is ridiculous. I hope she is around national politics for a long time. Hopefully she will be the next Senator from Alaska.

These political professional hacks want someone else to blame for their own ineptitude, and to cover for their losing campaign. They should be recorded for posterity, and maybe even tarred and feathered.

I'm still waiting for the next upgrade, that will allow the device to read the book for you.

re: #236 Ozark Mountain Daredevil

Actually, I go there because even though just about every newspaper has a website, they don't have the whole paper online. And because of my business, I look for ads for new businesses, which are very seldom in the online editions.

And meet chicks (and/or guys), too, natch. /

re: #245 itellu3times

I'm still waiting for the next upgrade, that will allow the device to read the book for you.

Wait for the chip implant that will automatically download the book's content into your brain. :D

re: #225 ggt

I have a pile too! I tend to put everything aside and do "power" reading for a week or two and get thru the stack. Then another stack builds. . . .

Yeah, I like to keep them around so I look like a scholar or something. :D

I'm much more of a space-opera type myself. Though lately I've been reading a set of political books I've gotten from Dollar Tree for $1 a pop. I'm a third of the way through David Limbaugh's Bankrupt: The Intellectual And Moral Bankruptcy Of Today's Democrat Party.

As for space-opera... I'd recommend Simon R Green's "Deathstalker" series. Wild and crazy space-adventure stories that are just full of surprises, twists, and delightfully strange stuff.

There's also David Brin's "Uplift" novels, off in a completely different direction. The endings of those always have a laugh-out-loud twist. 'Cept for the first one in the series, Sundiver (I believe that was the title) which merely had an interesting ending, not a laugh-out-loud one. It wasn't quite as good a read as the later ones, either. Was still a nice book, though.

BTW, Charles. Thanks for this thread.

Very upbeat and fun. We can use all of that we can get nowadays.

re: #247 Cattt

I'm thinking my Borg Implant (a/k/a Bluetooth) will do that for me someday.

re: #250 Cattt

BTW, Charles. Thanks for this thread.

Very upbeat and fun. We can use all of that we can get nowadays.

Amen! :)

re: #239 Salem

I like to go to the bookstore a lot. I usually browse the books I want there and then order them off Amazon. I guess I'd do the same with the Kindle. But in some cases I would just want the book.

Me, too.

I don't like to buy books that have been browsed by others. :)

re: #249 NomadOfNorad

Have you read Lois McMaster Bujold's Miles Vorkosigann series? Looks like she's more into fantasy books now, which I don't care for, but the Vor series is great.

re: #253 Adina in Judea

Me, too.

I don't like to buy books that have been browsed by others. :)

Kindle seems to have a browser feature (I dont have a Kindle but have been eyeing it from time to time). You can download the first chapter of many (all?) books for free to get yourself a taste.

re: #253 Adina in Judea

Me, too.

I don't like to buy books that have been browsed by others. :)

I like Amazon because not only are the new books cheaper but you can get used books for dirt cheap.

re: #255 Cheeseland

Kindle seems to have a browser feature (I dont have a Kindle but have been eyeing it from time to time). You can download the first chapter of many (all?) books for free to get yourself a taste.

That's how I got sucked into the Harry Potter books. Scholastic had the first chapters posted on their site.

re: #248 Salem

The problem for me is that I used to be a small-time on-line bookseller. Then I started reading my inventory. Then I quit selling online, but didn't quit buying.

I can't look at a book without considering if I'll be able to re-sell it. My retired Dear Old Dad buys the $1 books he thinks are interesting and gives them to me. I get grocery bags with every visit. Most are not re-sellable and even more worthless as reading material.

re: #241 gmsc

I'm checking that on Safari for windows. I'll let you know if it works there. Thanks.

re: #233 ggt

I find the audio (if there is a good narrator) is helpful for books written way before my time. Mostly because the words are pronounced correctly for the time in which they were written.

I bought the entire Harry Potter series in unabridged audio books. It was great to hear all 7 books in various British accents!

I wanted to know about the books because a great many Orthodox Jewish kids read them all. I wanted to be able to talk with some of them about the series.

The audio books are really fantastic with a great narrator who does all the voices. It was really an enjoyable experience (and I heard the last two or three books several times.) I listened to them on my iPod while traveling.

re: #257 Cattt

the audio of Harry Potter is WONDERFUL.

What's hard for me is when I have to study for a licensing exam. I can't read three to five books per week AND study options and futures, more's the pity.

re: #241 gmsc

Holy shit, you're right! LOL!

re: #260 Adina in Judea

gmta. The narrator, Jim Dine, won emmy's for his work on Harry Potter. His character vocals were spot on! Amazingly, he had to come up with something like 70 character vocals for that series.

re: #260 Adina in Judea