To Kindle, or Not to Kindle? That is the Question.

I recently read someone's comment on facebook about the greatest gift ever for this year being a Kindle. Not knowing what Kindle was I googled it of course.

It was familiar. I remembered a cousin saying she thought eventually books might become obsolete because of this new invention.

Here are the facts. Kindle 1 came out in November of 07 by Amazon. It sold out in five and a half hours and the device remained out of stock for five months. The original Kindle, retailed then for $399.

Now there is Kindle 2 and Kindle DX. Kindle 2 holds 1,500 titles, Kindle DX holds 3,500. Kindle 2 is 8.0 x 5.3 in., Kindle DX is 2 1/2 times larger.

I have mixed feelings about this new invention. I love to read. Books are more reasonable priced through this device and you get immediate access to newly released books. It DOES NOT read like a computer. The images are razor sharp and can be read in bright sunlight. After you order a book it is delivered to you in less then 60 seconds. You also have free access to some classics.

Why would you want a Kindle? That's up to you of course. The written word will never go away in my opinion. There is always your local library were you can order any book you want whether they have it or not. You just have to drive and sometimes wait for what you want. With Kindle, you buy it and supposedly it is your forever. No books taking up space in your house. No germ filled books from the library which have been previously read by who knows who with who knows what disease. (No I am not a germaphobe) I do wonder where a library book has been when I read it. Don't you?

There are many pro's and con's to this Kindle. I will probable break down one day and buy one. Once the price is more reasonable. My biggest reservation is I hate reading online. This is supposed to be unlike that experience and more like a real book. I'd have to see for myself.

I didn't mention that along with access to 350,000 book titles, you also can access newspapers, magazines, and over 2,500 blogs.

We all need to make up our own minds. This is not to sway anyone to the right or left, just to inform. In the spring Mac is supposed to come out with their own version of Kindle. I would definitely wait to see what they have to offer.

Until then, I shall return to my stack of library books waiting to be opened and devoured. Whatever way you take it in, the words remain the same, with the ability to wisp you off to another time and place, Kindle, or no Kindle.