[lmvsmom]

Originally Posted by Mommy K

My dh asked me if this would be something I would want for Christmas and I said-no ...

I love books, to re-read favorites, and I need to hold it and turn pages etc. I recycle some books-give them away etc. But I enjoy the whole process of reading and the books themselves are a big part of the experience for me. I imagine being all comfortable on a rainy day on the loveseat, w/ the fireplace on and holding a cold metal thingy instead of a book. No, it would not work for me.

My thoughts exactly!

[JillnChris]

They just released the kindle software for your pc. You can buy a netbook for $300 and then have a laptop and a kindle. Personally I would go that route.

[lcikra00]

Yes you can change the font size. It can actually get pretty big too!

[dance_muffin]

I'm looking into one for my older dd; there are two versions $199 and $299....need to decide.

I spend alot of time running from each kids' activities; wait times etc.; this would be great for me. Never worry I'll finish a book and not have another with me. Do I share with dd or get my own?

Also, I read recently (think in was in NYT) that different co. is putting out a new type one sometime around the holidays. Can't remember all the details.

[joepegcamp]

Barnes and Noble released their version of an e-book reader. And it's the "da bomb." Look it up. I might just bypass my Kindle for this thing. Dual screens. Touch screens. Great deals for e-books through Barnes and Noble. (Like, if you're in one of their stores, you can look at the content of ANY book BN sells.)

[Devora]

I can see the merits of reading on a Kindle and downloading books, but I am wondering what it will do to the future of my field personally. I am wondering if the libraries of the future will be virtually paperless and just a bank of computers and chargers and book computers.

I do not at all see this happening. As an academic, I read tons of professional journals. Almost all of my searching and reading is in the online versions of print journals. But....I and my students could not live without the university librarians! They call it "library and information sciences" for a reason. As you know, there is so much more to it than putting books on the shelves.

I think the field will continue to evolve, which is a good thing. For example, at one of my previous universities (that had an LIS program), one of the LIS faculty was working on research about the the digital divide and how not having access to information affected poor communities and how to bridge that divide. So the field is changing, but libraries will always be necessary. Just because information is out there doesn't mean people know how to access it or make thoughtful choices about what sources are reliable -- the internet is a great example of that. Think of all the junk that's out there, pseudo-information, etc.

[mom.mama.mommy]

I was enitrely apprehensive, but no longer. I *love* my Kindle. Yu can get refurbished Kindle1 for cheaper. And there are many free/discounted books (SO many classics are available for free, if you just love to read and don't mind the older ones, you'd only rarely have to buy a book).

The size, weight, and feel are perfect, and it is great when travelling too. I'd always resorted to buying many paperbacks that I would just leave behind...but I don't have to anymore. I can stock up and/or buy more while travelling. Much easier.

My only complaint is no files on it, to separate my books from DH (though he only rarely uses it, and has no need for his own). And no backlight. Wouldn't want constant backlight like a computer (and that's why I wouldn't only want a laptop/reader or just to use with an iphone), but an optional would be nice. Oh, and cost of newer books, like first week top sellers come out, are hitting near $15 now. ugh.

[dance_muffin]

joepegcamp; that's it, the B&N "Nook". Plus as a B&N member; you get 10% off B&N purchases.

[dana3262]

Originally Posted by amyfk

As a SAHM mom who is trying to reenter the workforce by working in the public library(Im a professional librarian) I woe the day that the printed page may be fully replaced by gadgets like the Kindle. Im sure there is some need for them, but it still makes me sad.
Amy , NJ

I completely agree!! I love books. The Kindle makes me sad!

[Mommy K]

I just read in fortune magazine(nov. 9th issue) that google is trying to come out with a virtual library--it is waiting for fcc approval.

Add to that my oldest son has no more textbooks in school-they are on his laptop along with a program called Microsoft onenote, which is a virtual binder notebook.