• Home
• Reviews
• News
• Downloads
• CNET TV

About me

My posting summary

1 to 1 of 1

My comments

• I'm a convert...
  A six-month assignment far from English-language libraries and bookstores (but not from the net) prompted me to buy a used Sony e-Book off craigslist. It has become my constant companion, and has got me very interested in the Kindle. Sony, Amazon and others won't be happy to know however that, after my initial short-money investment, I have spent not one dime.
  
  Many websites offer free ebooks in most of the popular formats, including Sony's. These are not obscure titles but rather the classics or any books old enough to be off copyright. My favorite e-book site is probably www.manybooks.net - highly recommended...
  
  I love my e-book. It's compact and portable - I can put it in my coat pocket, my gym bag, my carry-on, wherever, it stays charged up for days and days, and I have access to truly vast amounts of books that I really want to read.
  
  As for "can't read it in the bathtub" comments - gosh, I do still have some hard-copy books. Magazines work well there too.
  
  Still - I bought used because I thought the initial investment was too steep. I download free (but intend to donate money to keep these e-book community sites viable) because, well, I can. I genuinely want to read these books, and it'd be silly to pay when they're there available for short money or free...
  
  What does this mean for e-book readers? If I'm representative of their target market, the prices for readers and content have to come way down. I run from DRM ball-and-chains, but will pay for connectivity and "connected" content...
  
  I'm all ears (or eyes, as the case may be...)

  November 19, 2007

  0 replies