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Sales of ereaders continue to soar as Kindle and Nook devices are showing up everywhere. Coffee shops, cruise ships, parks, trains and planes are filled with people enjoying books on their ereaders.
Earlier this week I talked to a friend who just got a Kindle. He was so excited at the ability to take all of his books with him wherever he goes. But then he confessed that he thought he was the last person to get an ereader. I assured him that he was far from the last person to get an ereader. Even if he got a cell phone, he wouldn’t be the last person to get one.
But his confession made me wonder, how many of you own a dedicated ereader? You don’t need an ereader to read an ebook. You can read ebooks on your computer, iPad, smartphone or iPod Touch. But many prefer ereaders with their e-ink screens that are easy on the eyes and can be read in the sunlight.
Do you own an ereader? Vote in today’s poll and let us know!
How do you feel about ereaders? Have ereaders changed your reading habits? Do you wonder what the hype is all about? Let us know in the Comments section below!
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I might would have liked the Nook, but I’m perfectly happy reading on the iPad. Kindle just doesn’t offer enough contrast for my eyes (I have trouble seeing in low light or when there’s not a lot of contrast). So for me, the iPad and other backlit devices work best. I know some people can’t stand them, and it’s possible I’m getting eye strain from them, but until they issue me some new eyes, I’ll take the iPad!
Great survey!
Hi Kathy, Wow, that’s interesting that you get less eye strain with the iPad. I had never heard of that before. But I’m glad you found a device that works well for you! 🙂
I want a Kindle! Really badly! In Canada we have another choice – the Kobo. Not sure how it compares, but I think it might even be less expensive.
Hi Ruth, I have seen the Kobo and it’s a great ereader. In addition to the price of the device, you should look at the price and availability of the compatible ebooks.
I hope you’re able to get the Kindle soon, Ruth! 🙂
Your were right. Your friend wasn’t the last one to get one. I don’t have one but I really love ereaders. I like the fact that you can read anywhere you want. Yes, reading from Ereaders is not like reading from your laptop. They are much, much better.
The arrow looks great! This is the first time you use it on your blog. That’s encouraging. 😀
I look forward to seeing more graphics. 🙂
Have a great weekend!
Mouh
Hi Mouh, Thanks for the awesome graphics! I will definitely be using them in future blogs.
You’re right, reading from an ereader is much more pleasant than reading a book on a laptop.
You have a great weekend too, Mouh!
I’m in the no bracket, unless we count the Kindle I stole/borrowed from by friend.
The Kindle Fire is very tempting however. It’s the right price range and if it can do the key things I’m looking for I’m almost certain I’ll be an ereader owner by Christmas.
Very interesting poll,
Bryce
Hi Bryce, Maybe I should have re-phrased the poll: do you “have” an ereader?
The Kindle Fire is compelling, especially at the low price of $199. It will be very interesting to see how well the Fire sells. I’m thinking you’re not the only one who will have a Fire under their tree! 🙂
I need one real bad Carolyn and have read a lot about the various kinds one can go in for- more so for my daughters who love to read! And for kids it works best as you save a lot of space and have a larger variety available for them, as compared to getting them the real hard bound books etc.
Great poll- can’t wait to see the results here as well 🙂
Hi Harleena, One of the great things about ereaders (and other tech too) is that the prices keep dropping. You can often save money on ebooks too.
Two of my girls like reading on the Kindle which is very handy when they want to buy a new book.
I hope you’re able to get one soon, Harleena! 🙂
Nope, still cover to cover w/ the newspaper and library with the books. Billy old school………..
At some point will probably get one and have heard great things about them, but not at the top of the ‘must have’ list yet.
I will have a new iPhone 4 in less than two weeks and I think I will be able to get the 4s………….sweet…………..
Hope you are well; I’ve been MIA for last couple of weeks.
No worries, Billy Old School. There’s a lot to be said for Dead Tree Books.
So excited for you getting your new iPhone. I hope it’s a 4S because you will love Siri. But an iPhone 4 would rock too!
Hoping life is getting in the way of your social media visits for good reasons. #youaremissed
I have my Nook Color and it is fantastic. I tried going the tablet route for ebooks but found that a 10″ screen is too awkward to hold, that and it doesn’t fit into my pants pocket
Hi Matt, I’m glad you like your Nook Color. That’s a fantastic tablet. The screen is very sharp and the pictures really pop on the Nook Color.
I agree, I don’t like reading ebooks on my iPad. It may be the size, weight or backlight, I don’t know. But I enjoy reading on my Kindle tremendously.
So does your Nook Color fit in your pocket? It’s interesting because whether a device fits in your pocket is a big factor for men, which is why some don’t choose the larger screen Android phones. Women don’t care that much as we just put the devices in our purses. I now require that a purse be able to accommodate my iPad as I tend to bring it with me everywhere.
I do not own an e-reader but certainly want to have one.
Tough m not an apple enthusiast but, I’d like to buy an ipad 3 next year.
Hi Faran, It will be interesting to see which features are coming on the iPad 3. A really cool feature would be the ability to interchange a backlit screen with an e-ink screen, but I’m not counting on that feature.
Hi Carolyn
I like the focus you have chosen for your blog. You are addressing a large segment of the population.
I have two Kindles (the version with physical buttons, not the new touch screen). We bought the first one for our 12-year-old son, who devours books. He can get them cheaper (and faster) through the Kindle store, and he can explore all the great books that are in the public domain for free. I bought the second one for myself. I teach digital media and communication design and have an interest in these devices and the social and business practices surrounding them. I’m waiting for an e-reader that isn’t limited by the codex book metaphor. “What is the future of the book?” is a good question; “What is the future of reading?” is a better one.
Thanks.
Mark McGuire
http://markmcguire.net/
Twitter: @mark_mcguire
Hi Mark, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! I really enjoyed reading your article, eBooks: In Remembrance of Things Past. Here is the link for others to read it: http://markmcguire.net/2011/10/06/ebooks-in-remembrance-of-things-past/
You make very interesting points here and in your article. Ebooks are changing not only the future of reading but the future of writing as well. Authors are able to self-publish and are no longer restrained by publishing companies (self-publishing could occur before ebooks, but their successes were rare). Authors are no longer restricted by length, with many short stories enjoying success on the Kindle.
As much as I enjoy my Kindle, for the ease and convenience of reading, I am concerned about the book industry as a whole. I see many issues with an over-reliance upon ebooks. Do we really want the written word controlled by companies such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google, etc.? What happens when there is a change in format? What happens when the next revolutionary device makes the Kindle obsolete?
Ikea is no longer selling bookshelves. Is that a good thing? Time will tell.
Thanks so much, Mark, for stopping by and leaving your inspiring comment!
Yes. I’ve got a Kindle and I love it. It’s almost the only way I read books no. It’s fascinating how fast i got used to not reading on paper 🙂
Hi Jens, Great point, The key to reading on an ereader is to forget you’re reading on an ereader because you get so immersed in the book. It sounds like that happens to you when you read on your Kindle. I know that happens with me as well.
It’s hard to believe that people would be able to read so easily on a Kindle, but it absolutely can and does happen.
Hi, Carolyn. I confess too, I don’t have a dedicated ereader, but I read most of my ebooks on the computer. For some reason, I still enjoy reading most of my books the old-fashioned way, in paper form. A dedicated ereader does sound fun though, especially if you’re on the move a lot.
I was just checking out your poll, and the results are pretty interesting.
Thanks! Hope you’re enjoying your weekend.
Hi Allyson, that’s interesting that you read ebooks on a computer. I have never read an ebook on a computer, though I have on the small screen on my iPhone. I think there are too many other things to do with a computer that I get distracted.
Ereaders are very handy when you travel because they are so light and small. Plus you can have your whole library with you and purchase books from almost anywhere!
The results of the poll are very interesting. I am usually surprised by poll results, but this one is particularly fascinating.
Thanks for stopping by, Allyson. Great to see you again! 🙂
Wow! I’m surprised about how many people are in the same boat as I am — who don’t have but want to have an eReader! =) I’m waiting to get back to Canada this Christmas. It’ll be my gift to myself! =) For me, the biggest benefit is that I’ll have books in English again! =) They’re almost impossible to find here or exaggeratedly expensive. =P
Glad to know that *I’m* not the last person to get one. =P
Hi Samantha, Yes, you’re right a lot of people will probably be getting ereaders for the holidays. Amazon was very clever to introduce their new Kindles just in time for the holidays.
I have been in your shoes, wanting books in English but being in a foreign country where they are difficult to find. I would end up buying pretty much anything I could get my hands on and then not enjoying the book. That problem is gone with the Kindle
What a great idea to give one to yourself. That way you get exactly the one you want since there are so many models of the Kindle now.
Have a great week, Samantha! 🙂
I am also surprise how many are waiting just like I am – for Christmas as well.. I like it and I am so anxious to get it:)
Hi Anna, I’m not surprised that so many people want an ereader. I wonder if I run this poll a year from now how different the results would be!
Thanks for stopping by.
Hi Carolyn,
I really really want to own this thing. This is the perfect answer of all the book worms like me. I am now saving to buy my own kindle.
Hi Reign, Yes, ereaders are excellent devices for bookworms. The ability to purchase books instantly and store them on your device is very handy. Enjoy your Kindle!
Interesting poll especially seeing that the majority either have it and love it, or want to get it.
I fall in the latter category and probably will get one before long. However, I have dozens of paper books that I haven’t yet read or want to reread, and I fear that if I get a Kindle, they may be put on the back burner, especially the heavy hardcover ones.
Also, I wonder if an e-reader will actually work as well for me as paper. I dislike reading on a computer, can manage a few blogs or articles, but skip or scan or give up on almost anything more than 1,000 words.
Would you know the current stats about Kindle vs. paper book readers? Are people switching over completely or just for some things?
Hi Penelope, you’re right. Nothing says you have to stop reading physical books when you get an eReader, but that’s what happens with many people. I’m like you, I get eye strain if I read too long on the computer, but with e-ink screens it’s just like reading a physical book to my eyes.
Last year, Amazon announced that it was selling more Kindle books than hard cover books. This year, Amazon announced it was selling more Kindle books than all physical books. In May, Amazon said it was selling 105 Kindle books for every 100 physical books sold. Bloomberg The tipping point has been reached.
Same here,can’t wait to have this device. I feel bored if i am not reading.. wish to have this early next year.
I’m in the group that doesn’t yet have one, but would really like one. Everything about it just seems so much more convenient and cheaper than buying paperback books. I thought it wasn’t something I would really want, but after seeing how much my girlfriend enjoys her, it seems like a wise purchase. I might just wait until my birthday and drop some hints.
Hi Jeremy, Welcome to The Wonder of Tech! You’re right, there are many advantages to getting an ebook reader, including convenience and cost. The first time you download a book to your ereader you will be hooked.
Great idea to drop hints to your girlfriend about the ereader you want. The good news for her is that the price of ereaders has certainly decreased from a few years ago!
You’re definitely right about the pricing. My girlfriend has an older kindle and I think she paid close to $150. Now there are lots under $100. With the new popularity of tablet computers and increased eReader competition, consumers are benefiting from much better pricing.
Great point, Jeremy. My first Kindle, I bought less than three years ago, was $350. The prices have dropped tremendously since that time and continue to drop while the product continues to improve. That’s one of the many things I love about tech!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your thoughts with us, Jeremy.