When I purchased my eReader, I knew it'd be great for travelling. I love having 100s of books with the option to purchase more at any time on one device that is the size and weight of a trade paperback. But that was an expected benefit. Now a year later, my favorite part about my eReaders is downloading sample chapters. I knew I'd get that feature when I purchased my eReader but I had no idea how much I'd love it.
Now when friends recommend a book, I pull out my eReader (both have 3G access) and download a sample chapter. If someone on DKos recommends a book that sounds even slightly interesting, I download a sample chapter. Then, usually when I'm waiting somewhere, I read the samples. Samples make great little bits of reading. If I like the sample, I file it in the appropriate category on the Kindle or on a bookshelf on the nook. When I'm ready for something new to read, I have an organized list at my fingertips. I don't have scraps of paper floating around my purse that never make it to my desktop computer's file of books to be read. When I'm travelling the list of books to be read is with me rather than at home on my computer. I had no idea how much I'd love being able to download sample chapters.
I don't make it to the gym as much as I should. But when I do go, I love the hands-free reading of an eReader. No longer am I fighting holding a book while I'm on the elliptical trying to prevent it from closing on itself. My eReader fits nicely into the little slot on the control panel and it's easy to turn the page as needed. My eReader cover is a flip cover with a little kickstand, so I can also stand my eReader up on a table for hands-free reading when I'm eating.
I also like that I no longer have to pick which books to take with me and which ones to leave behind when I'm preparing for a trip. Or if I have unexpected travels, I don't have to find a bookstore on the way to buy a book or two or three for my travels. My eReader easily pops into my travel purse with its hundreds of books. There's no need to see if I can cram yet another book into my purse just in case I want it.
Some questions for discussion:
1. The new kindle priced at $114 has ads and sponsored screensavers. Is this a good idea? (Thanks Limelite for mentioning this last week in the comments)
2. Here's a Mobileread thread that says irate kindlers 1 star Michael Connelly's new book in protest that the eBook is priced above the hardcover. What do you think of this protest method?
3. What are some of your eReader unexpected benefits or favorite features?
As always if you have a diary idea about eReaders or eReading, please volunteer in the comments to guest host. Thank you.
Also a tech question - has anyone tended a DK4 diary from a Kindle via 3G? Is it possible? Any tips on how to do it?