Monday, January 14, 2013

Virtual Bookshelves

As much as I love my Kindle (it is light, easy on the eye, cheap and so feel happy to take it more or less anywhere)), this


is so much less attractive than this


the display on the first generation ipad which I inherited from my father.  The display of covers makes the books themselves so much more enticing (more than I think it should), and there is much more of a feel of actually having an object and opening it.

8 Comments:

Blogger jem said...

I'm getting to grips with our first Kindle which we got for Christmas. It brings far more benefits to our life than I was keen to admit - but I'll never not be devoted to the printed word. I love the varying weight of real books, the way some bend easier than others, they way they smell different depending on their age and where they've been, the way some fight and some surrender easily to the reading. They are a lot like people.

Mon Jan 14, 02:35:00 pm  
Blogger Clare Dudman said...

Yes, I agree, Jem. Neither can replace the real thing! (I also like finding the accidental infills of secondhand books - odd bills and notes).

Mon Jan 14, 02:52:00 pm  
Blogger Anne S said...

My new techtoy is an Ipad4 which I have had for four days, and I do agree that when you sync your Kindle account to the device the book covers look so much more attractive, and the reader displays a neat little bookmark symbol on the page you are up to. Also books with maps or images display so much better on the Ipad. However, the Ipad is somewhat heavier than the Kindle and also has a much brighter screen which is a bit of a strain on the eyes after a while, and it does get quite hot if used for an extended time. I prefer the Kindle screen for reading, but I do love the Ipad too, not to mention real physical books.

Tue Jan 15, 02:58:00 am  
Blogger Clare Dudman said...

Anne, I am now struck with techno-envy. :-) I love the look of the new ipads, but I didn't know about them getting hot - although, thinking about it, lap tops have this problem too, a bit, I've noticed. I'm just wondering if the mini-ipad might be a way to go as far as weight and size is concerned. I keep picking them up in the shops but they are always attached to a security tab so it is difficult to gauge how they feel in the hand...and then there's Kindle Fire too ...and then the retinal display of the full-sized ipad lures me a bit too...

Tue Jan 15, 11:40:00 am  
Blogger Anne S said...

Techno envy was the reason I purchased the Ipad. My brother had just got one, and I had a play around with it when I was at his place at Christmas. What could I do after that but get one myself.

I recommend the large 9.7" Ipad. The retinal display is gorgeous and crystal clear. It comes in various capacities - 16gb, 32gb & 64gb - and with wifi or wifi & 4G (cellular)

I got the 16gb with wifi & 4G for the convenience of being able to use it outside the house or while travelling. The Ipad comes unlocked so all you have to do is insert a sim card from your chosen carrier.

It weighs about 652grams, so is not all that heavy, but weightier than the Kindle. And the battery lasts approximately 10 hours continuous use, though that time can be extended if you put it in sleep mode when not in use. My brother claims he only has to recharge his once a week, but I've found mine lasts for two or three days with moderate use.

Another advantage over the Kindle Fire (for instance) is the astonishing range of useful apps that can be used with the Ipad, a lot of them for free.

Wed Jan 16, 01:02:00 am  
Blogger Clare Dudman said...

What a great resume! Yes, I'd certainly love to have one of those. The app feature is quite an amazing thing - really increases the value. I have just downloaded a free cook card one - such a great use of an iPad (wipe clean surface for one thing!)

Wed Jan 16, 06:00:00 am  
Blogger Lee said...

Wipe-clean surface? Then here's a link you may appreciate:

http://www.wimp.com/dadipad/

Fairly self-explanatory despite the German, but if you'd like a quick translation, just ask.

Mon Jan 28, 01:36:00 pm  
Blogger Clare Dudman said...

Heh, heh - very funny! It would be good if it would go in the dishwasher, though. Cooker app & messy cook is a bad combination!

Mon Jan 28, 01:41:00 pm  

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