This is my very first post, and I'd love to ask the opinions of avid readers 2 questions: (1) Do you think that electronic reading devices (Kindle, Nook, etc.) will continue to grow in popularity and eventually be preferred by devoted readers? (2) If you are already using Kindle, Nook, or any other reading device, do you miss having an actual book in your hand? For ease in travel, I am thinking of taking the plunge. Any advice? Thank you!

maryannewrites,
PC's had skeptics and now look at 'em. Don't have any advice for
you. But anything is possible in this crazy world of electronics. Welcome to the BWS site!

Welcome!
I own a Sony Reader for all my travel reading. I received it for Christmas last year and I haven't bought a paper back since. I missed the "book" for a while, but except for a very few disadvantages (not seeing the cover) I love it.

Welcome to our little corner of the world!!

I have had a Kindle since it first came out. I researched everything on the market at that time and chose the Kindle because it worked with both PC and Mac (I'm a Mac person) and because it didn't need to be hooked up to a computer to download content. There are also a lot of free books from Amazon, mostly classics, but sometimes a free older book from an author who has a new book coming out. I love to read but had run out of bookshelf space. Some books I have both on Kindle and the physical book. The only thing I didn't like is that you can't share your books with a Kindle unless you have two registered on the same account. But then I don't lend out my books any more as I've lost way too many that way.

With the Kindle, the cover is still available to look at. And I like that I can download a sample before I buy a book. I do miss browsing in the used bookstore, but I have way too many physical books and can't bear to part with any of them. I'm a book hoarder!

WELCOME Maryannewrites to our cyber home. You will love it here and we are so glad to meet you. Several 'writers' I know have published their books on Kindle and say they like it from the writers point of view. Me, I prefer the actual book when reading but if downsizing Kindle seems to be the way to accomplish that. I think Kindles here to stay...

Ladies,
I have medical and natural healing books galore, many have never been opened. I am selling them and believe me there is no disease or condition not covered. I paid full price along the way for each book but am selling them for $2.00 each plus shipping. Let me know if anyone is interested.

Ladies,

Thank you so much for your thoughts. Now my dilemma is Kindle vs. Nook. I spent two hours researching available on-line opinions about this today. I welcome any comments from anyone who has been using either device. Thanks again!!

My suggestion is that you go to Target where you can see an actual Kindle and to Barnes & Noble to see the Nook. I have the first generation Kindle, which has an SD card slot for extra storage, and the new Kindle doesn't have that. I looked at one at Target yesterday. It's lighter and thinner than mine.

Good luck in your hunt!

I love my Kindle, and I buy more books through Amazon than through B&N, so the decision was easy. You can really save money with e-books, not only are they much cheaper, but no shipping cost.

Speaking of Kindle, I have just posted a message in the Bragging Rights forum - my novel, Every Little Step She Takes - is now available in paperback OR on Kindle at Amazon.com.

Carolyn

I loved the idea of a Kindle when they first came out. Didn't get one, and after thinking about it some, don't think I'm going to. My husband and I read a lot and trade our books in at a used book store (I get books from all kinds of stores and places -- from new to used to garage sales and whatever). And I share my books with friends who return them to me when they're done so I can trade them for more. You can't share a Kindle!! That and the fact that once I've read a book, I'm pretty much done with it, so I wouldn't want to keep it on a kindle or any other reader anyway. That's the major disadvantage to me. All my friends and I share books back and forth. I think I read somewhere that one of the new readers has the ability to let you share the book with 2 or 3 other people but of course they have to have the same kind of reader you do. So, while I think it's a great idea for some people, the Kindle and other similar readers are not for me. Give me a hardback or paperback novel any day, so when I've read it, and I know it was the kind of book you would love, I can pass it on to you and say "you're going to love this" and it's right there in your hand.

Maybe these links will help you decide:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20009738-1.html

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/kindle-vs-nook.html

My best friend has a Kindle and loves it, but wishes it was backlit to read in different lighting conditions. Maybe the new ones offer that? But then I heard that a backlit screen can bother your eyes if used for long periods, so who knows?

I like having a paperbook in my hand, and I don't normally buy books. I use the library or trade books with friends. My son downloads books onto his iPhone and charges them to my credit card. If you read a lot like he does, you're likely to spend quite a bit on costs.

I never re-read a book, so this just doesn't make financial sense for me.