I read a lot, when I travel.  So, I finally decided that it was time to get an e-reader.  I’m all over the place when it comes to gadgetry and technology.  On the one hand, I publish an online magazine (that you’re currently reading), and spend a huge amount of my time in front of a computer, watching TV, on the phone, or surfing the web.  On the other hand, I use a PC, take pictures with a camera, and love vinyl records (and though I tend to DJ using CDs, I don’t use Serato).

I’m not a Luddite, by any means.  WiFi?  Awesome!  Bluetooth?  Fantastic!  Digital photography?  Genius!  So how hard could it be to find an e-reader with HD capabilities?  As it turns out – either absurdly easy or unbearably difficult, depending on your point of view.

Since I knew I wanted the device solely for reading and watching some of my programs, I cared nothing for most of the incredible technologies being listed on each device’s proprietary website.  And I do recognize that these technologies are incredible.  But I think that sometimes, by trying to cram every conceivable function into a single device, the quality is drastically lessened.

For instance, I doubt I will ever stop using an actual camera.  Nor will I cease using a phone (unless I can get whatever Jim Caviezel’s character uses on Person of Interest or the Dick Tracy video-phone wristwatch).  And – with the possible exception of photo-editing – I won’t be using the device to replace my laptop.  For a long time I assuaged my Grandpa-Behind-the-Times persona by telling myself that I loved the tactile feeling of holding the book and turning the pages, etc., but it turns-out, I’d rather use the extra weight allowance for shoes.

After a little bit of work, and some input from friends, I narrowed my search down to two devices – Apple’s iPad Mini and Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD.  The tablets from Sony, Google, and Samsung are lovely, but just have far too many bells and whistles for what I wanted (especially for a device I’d only use on airplanes and by the occasional pool).  At no time would I have this device where I wouldn’t also have my phone and camera, within arm’s reach.  I’m not a gamer.  Furthermore, I don’t Skype or use FaceTime (for the simple fact that if people were forced to see me in the state of abject disheveledness that I tend to be in while speaking on the phone, they’d stop taking my calls, tout de suite).

At the end of the day (or rather, the beginning, as I made my choice at 4am), I opted for the Kindle.  Why?  I really don’t know (although it made sense at the time).  But I figure that if I didn’t like it, I can always return it.  Besides, I’m already a member of Amazon Prime, so that’s something, right?

Meanwhile – any excuse to get me off of my iPhone and out of the App Store is a bonus!

Technology and Gadgets

Get into it!