For Father's Day I received a new Kindle. For those of you who are not familiar, a Kindle is Amazon's E-Reader. I had been thinking about e-readers for some time now. One of my big limitations and reasons I had not jumped into the e-reader area was that not all e-readers worked with libraries. And libraries really only offer a portion of their books as e-books. So getting an e-reader meant that I would be buying some books, something that I honestly kind of abhor. But the more I thought about it, and the more I read I came to a realization that this was the way of the world. And eventually any new book I might want would be available as an e-book. Then the capper was Amazon's announcement that it would be joining with the company that provides most libraries with e-book software, so some time this year that big obstacle would disappear. And the other obstacle: not all books available as e-books, feels like it will disappear the same way obstacles like not all albums were available on CD, and then not all songs could be found on iTunes etc. do drop in some fashion or another.
Given all of the above, when Kim asked what I wanted for Fathers Day I said I wanted a Kindle. I made it clear that there were other less expensive things, but she must have decided that I was such a great Father that I deserved what I wanted. Thanks Kim, I love my new 'toy'!
Today I have downloaded about 5 free books from Amazon, plus sent myself 3 PDF files that I had saved on my computer, and received 6 other books from a friend. I have lots to read now! And it is so nice to now have a good selection and variety at my fingertips, if I want to look up something about basic GURPS, or Jediism, or a quote from Kipling it's all right there on the device. If I am reading a new book, and am struck by a great line I can just click a couple of buttons and bam, it is shared on Twitter & Facebook! This is all so cool, as Wil Wheaton says: 'I love living in the future!'
Look for me to share more about my reading now as I find it easier to do so using this new tool. And if you are someone who is looking for something to buy for me (the guy who has everything he could ever really needs) then Amazon gift certificates are now a very good option.
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