eBooking it up

Nearly a month ago I wrote a post titled eBooks, Kindle and the iPhone about turning my last fortress of old technology books into the electronic. I did have to finish a thousand page book first, taking quite a while since I pretty much only have time to read on my twenty minute commute. After that was finished, it was time to go electronic.

I wanted to start with something quite easy and quick to read, so I went with the “classic” X-Wing series by Michael A. Stackpole. So far, I’m nearly done with the first installation of the series, a book starting the tale of the legendary Rogue Squadron. Currently I’ve read some 300 pages using my iPhone and an application called Stanza – which is not only quite good, it’s free.

The reading itself has been surprisingly easy and I’ve had no problems even with an hour long reading session. Turning the pages is similar to Kindle and the Kindle iPhone application – which I cannot download since it’s only available to the United States. Which is just plain retarded. The other retarded thing is the fact that people keep staring me and trying to figure out why I’m trying to out-stare my phone looking thing.

The best part so far has been the independence of having a book with me at all times. I’m a somewhat of a hyperactive person and I need things to do. Before, I had to carry a backpack or a similar carrying device in order to make sure that I’ll have my book with me, but now I have my books with me all the time. The strain on the phone’s battery doesn’t seem to be too demanding, so it’s all hunky dory.

I still miss the touch and the smell of books, but the ebook technology seems to be reliable enough. On an interesting side note, Kindle demographics just came in and it showed that most users are not young technomages, but old geezers. 50% of Kindles users are 50 years or older. I’m sure my dad would invest in a Kindle – if they would sell it in Europe. Still, it’s awesome to see the old timers to be the first to embrace new technology.

Related posts:

1. eBooks, Kindle and the iPhone
2. 1st of 5 Reasons why printed media will evolve
3. 5th of 5 Reasons why printed media will evolve
4. More Doom and ranting
5. We go back to the future!