I expected this, I really did; and I think that’s why I’ve put it off as long as I have.
For several weeks now the Kindle application for iPhone has been in my pocket without any books to keep it company. The idea of it is cool. Tons of people have sung its praises. I just wasn’t sure it was for me.
I wasn’t a fan of the first Kindle, nor am I sure I would purchase version two or its super-sized brother. I read and write on a screen all day, the last thing I want to do is read something book-length on my laptop, iPhone or other electronic device. I enjoy the way a bound book feels in my hands. I get a sense of pride when I browse the decent collection of books that make their home on my bookshelf. I enjoy marking up books, and from time to time, being able to take the sub-par books or that stack I’ll never get around to reading down to the used book store for some quick cash.
For all these reasons and more, a digital book is worthless to me.
Or so I thought.
Today while browsing around the bookstore, I was keeping track of books I thought I’d enjoy, so I could add them to my Amazon.com wishlist that I utilize as my reading list. When adding the half-dozen titles to the wishlist, one popped up as a Kindle purchase and asked if I wanted to send a free sample to my iPhone Kindle application.
I clicked, and before I could pull my phone out of my pocket the book was already there, ready to read. All I had planed on doing was reading the sample to see if the book would find a prominent place on my reading list or if it would be something I could scratch off.
Several minutes later I was clicking the “purchase full book” option, and a few minutes after that I had read the equivalent of 60 or 70 printed pages.
Now, I fear for my checking account balance, which has always been impacted by my reading habits, but now there’s an easier and more convenient form of reading.
I already pull out my iPhone to check out the latest news, read tweets or play a game, when I’ve arrived at a meeting place early, or find myself in a boring situation with no other distraction. Having a book always at my disposal just adds to my arsenal.
Will the Kindle iPhone application replace my desire for bound books? Absolutely not. But, for lighter reading, it may be the perfect companion.