I’ve been thinking about eReaders a lot lately. Partially because I love new gadgets and also because you can no longer see our coffee table.
However I’m not sure I need one…
I *think* I have it narrowed down to a Kindle if I do get one. Although I love the look of the Nook, I have an iPhone and don’t need something that does a whole lot. I just need a good eReader linked to a good eBook store. Amazon is known for having more books at better prices. So what’s holding me back? The $260!
Using my In My Mailbox posts I went back and (as well as I could) compared the price of what I bought to how much the eBook would have cost. Between October of last year and now (although I have the feeling I missed quite a few weeks…) I would have saved $71 on 22 books. So it would seem that I would have to buy around 80 books to pay for a Kindle. I actually think the number of books would be less because I avoid buying hardbacks when they come out because of the price and would probably buy the eBook… but that just means that I’ll spend more on books… so it will just even out. I guess it’s all about shelling out the money for the device. What to do?!
What do you think?
Do you have an eReader? Was it worth it?
My motivation behind getting an ereader was to have a place to store my books that wouldn’t take up any actual space. I’m drowning in books.
But, saving money? Yeah, no, you’re pretty much right on target with that. I’ve bought more books because of the whole instant gratification thing and I’ve spend way more than I would have on physical books.
I love my nook. It’s so pretty. With expandable memory! But for getting really good deals on books, Amazon seems the right way to go. Amazon is always promoting it’s free and under a dollar books. And there are many independent websites devoted to seeking them out for you. B&N doesn’t have that going on yet. Mark Henry’s newest book came out as a free read during its release week. Exciting, right? I never would have known if Henry hadn’t directed his followers to it on Twitter. I had seen it linked to on Amazon by others, but never knew I could get it from B&N.
The Nook just doesn’t have the community behind it yet to promote these things. Maybe down the road it will, but it’s hard to save money if you don’t know about the best sales.
If you take the money aspect out of it, ereaders are great for book bloggers. Lots of publishers (especially small ones) would rather send out ebooks than physical copies for review. I receive way more pitches now that I’ve began accepting ebooks for review and
Thank you so much Jennifer! This is exactly what I was thinking and I guess I just needed to hear it from someone else lol. Part of the “getting a eReader” deal with my hubs is that I will go on a book budget (which is probably a REALLY good idea!).
I really do LOVE the pretty Nook and all the customizing you can do to it. I only wish it had Amazon’s book store
I would be worried about all the Kindle 3 rumors going around, but I think it will just be features I don’t need for more money… at least that’s what I’m telling myself
Thanks for the imput!!!
I won’t buy an eReader until there’s some way to buy books from indie booksellers on them. Books are something that should not become monopolized, and Amazon is far too close to a monopoly. So I’d advise against it and recommend you buy your books from indie booksellers.
@ Amanda (Opinions of a Wolf) : Since the only bookstore in Springfield (unless you count the used bookstore which unfortunately is terrible) is B&N… so I don’t get much indie shopping done as it is.
I could have sworn you could buy books from other places for the Nook… or maybe the Sony Reader…
Thank you for your input!
Kindle is a must for book readers! All the classics are free, plus e-books are so cheap and easy to store!
I think the best value for the money is Kindle over all the other.
Check out Kindle Vixen’s blog for a complete comparison chart.
http://www.kindlevixen.com/
@ Missie : Thank you!! So do you have a Kindle? Sound like you love it.
I did see that post! It really helped me decide on the Kindle (even the Nook is really cool!).
P.S. The instant gratification thing is completely addicting!
@ Missie : That’s why I’ll be starting a new book budget lol
I don’t have one, but like you have seriously considered it. My problem is that I don’t normally buy books, I’m a big library junkie but my library can check out books to e-readers now which is awesome. You still get the instant gratification thing, but with no money. For me it would be about portability. I like to have something to read with me, besides my phone
.
But also from a blog perspective I think Jennifer is right, being able to do reviews and things of e-books would open a lot of doors as far as reviews go.
@ Stacey : That is awesome!!! I wish our library did that! I wonder if there are online libraries you can join… there should be… have we already talked about this?
I don’t have one and I don’t quite like the idea of it too. Mostly because I love everything about books! I think the ‘feel’ of the books will be lost. Plus sometimes I like to hug my books,browse through the pages…all this will never be possible through an e-reader. So I wouldn’t get it. But ofcourse you have got some valid points too,like saving cash.
@ Debasmita : I love books too. Since my local library does not offer eBooks, I’ll still be reading quite a few hardcopies
I couldn’t give up books completely!
“However I’m not sure I need one…”
This should be a clue to you not to get one right now. Be sure first.
And yes I’m being logical again. You’re welcome. =P
I love my nook! I love how portable it is and so easy to read in dr’s offices or when I have to wait anywhere for something. In no way is it replacing “real” books for me, though – I buy them if I know I’ll want to read and reference them again or I borrow them from the library if it’s a book I want to read a hard copy of.
I’m not a fan of the Kindle’s screen, which is why I went with the nook.
@ Candice : Hmmm I didn’t realize their screens were that different :/
I don’t think it would replace books for me, but would it would be more convenient to carry around.
@Tara I don’t think we have, but it’s a worthwhile discussion. it would be genius. I was really excited that our library started doing it even though I don’t have an e-reader. You can actually download them to your computer. And you can download audio books and things for your iPod or whatever. But I have a hard time listening to books so I haven’t checked those out.
@ Stacey : I can’t do audio books either. I would pay a monthly fee to borrow eBooks! I’ll have to look into it more…
Hi Tara. I have a nook, I won it around Thanksgiving. I really like it, but I have only used it once. I did purchase several books for it, but because the books are so tidy and out of sight, I keep putting them off. It is nice for digital arcs (that was the one I read).
@ Elie N : Wow! That’s awesome that you won it! See I have to opposite problem so far. I’m an organizational freak and having my books out of order on my coffee table drives me nuts! I like lists and everything together
i recently bought a kindle 2 and i’m bummed that it took me so long to do it! i had always put it off, because like many people, there was always something about holding a book that i thought i would miss.
but, now that i have one, i actually prefer to read books on the kindle. i can make notations galore without ruining the book and shopping is just ridiculously easy. i find a book on someones blog that sounds interesting and i can have it in my hand in a matter of seconds, if i wanted. it’s dangerous, really.
you’re correct that it may take a long time to see the financial benefit of the purchase, but think of all the time you save in trips to bookstores that can now be spent doing the reading!
@ the little reader : Thank you! I’m really happy to hear you love your Kindle. I’m also relieved to find out that you read MORE. I’m a little worried about getting addicted to downloading books, but it’s a risk I’m willing to take