The Kindle: My Thoughts on this Ghastly Device

Поделиться
HTML-код
  • Опубликовано: 19 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 85

  • @karenbird6727
    @karenbird6727 3 года назад +3

    I love that you can find complete works by so many of the older authors for ebooks. I was able download the complete collection of Anthony Trollop's works for $1.99, same for most of the other Victorian authors.

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +1

      Yes, that is one of the best things about this device. Thanks so much for watching!

  • @DebMcDonald
    @DebMcDonald 3 года назад +6

    Totally agree with you! I love physical books and was a bookseller for over 30 years. I’m now disabled and can’t hold a paperback over 300 pages or so. It also takes me ages to turn pages. I still buy books but I read much faster on my kindle. I couldn’t read long Victorian novels without it, and they’re often free. I imagine they’re invaluable for those with poor eyesight. Deb

    • @daviddandrea6491
      @daviddandrea6491 3 года назад +2

      I sympathize. I also have a hard time holding books especially big ones for long periods of time. I also like to read in all different positions, especially lying down. Nothing beats the Kindle for that.

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +1

      I have known a few people who have benefited from having a Kindle for similar reasons. I’m so glad you get to read your long Victorian novels!

  • @walliewallace9990
    @walliewallace9990 3 года назад +5

    Personally I live in a situation where I am unable to horde as many books as I'd like, finding discounted books online straight from the publishes or from gutenberg is the most amazing thing that has ever happened to me! The gutenberg project is absolutely free and has such an amazing collection of classics I can't explain to you how expansive the works are!

  • @saintdonoghue
    @saintdonoghue 3 года назад +4

    Whoa! This took an unexpected turn - into the 21st century! I love it!

  • @hairylittlewombat
    @hairylittlewombat Год назад

    I agree, Michael. I never thought I'd ever use a Kindle but I received a Paperwhite for Christmas and now I read absolutely everything on it. It's just so convenient in everyway. I especially love the syncing with my phone so I can read my current book anytime, anywhere. I love - and will always collect physical books, but for sheer practicality and convenience, you can't beat reading on the Kindle.

  • @GinaStanyerBooks
    @GinaStanyerBooks 3 года назад +4

    I agree! I love my Kindle and I love my paper books. There is room in my heart for both.

  • @AJDunnnn
    @AJDunnnn 3 года назад +3

    Also, I don't support Amazon, in any way.

  • @GideonCyn
    @GideonCyn 3 года назад +1

    One of the best things about the kindle is the very quick access to a dictionary definition of a word you dont know or are unsure of. This came in very handy when reading Malazan. Which brings up another point, bookmarking and taking notes is also much easier, not to mention you can get great books for 0.99p regularly!

  • @jeremyfee
    @jeremyfee 3 года назад +3

    I like my little Kindle. I've got one of the tiny ones that are easy to carry around. But I only read things, like you said, that either aren't available in print or would be too expensive to get. This topic deserves a lot of attention though, because the younglings growing up today are often in a new mental paradigm in which they don't need physical copies of things like music albums, movies, and books. It makes the minimalist lifestyle easier, but - in my opinion - it feels like you don't really own the stuff.

  • @uptown3636
    @uptown3636 2 года назад +1

    While there are certain BookTubers who have gotten ridiculous numbers of views for their Kindle overview videos, I have never watched one as compelling as this one. Your insights were well-considered and particularly suited to serious readers. Bonus points for calling out the vast out-of-print catalogues of Wells, Doyle, and Haggard. Thanks, Michael, for making some of the best videos on BookTube!

  • @terryolsen4244
    @terryolsen4244 2 года назад +1

    I've had a Kindle since 2010 (I'm on second one) and I agree with you. If you are reading just text, it is a wonderful device. However, if the book has illustrations or pictures, a paper book is much better. I like being able to have a library of hundreds of books in such a small package. I ran out of room for all my printed books. One thing you didn't mention is the built in dictionary. If you don't know a word just touch it and a definition will pop up (usually). Thanks for the review and your thoughts.

  • @BookishChas
    @BookishChas 3 года назад +1

    You make some really great points about the kindle. I love mine. It’s also great for classics because you can easily look up unfamiliar words with a tap of your finger. Great video Michael!

  • @Johanna_reads
    @Johanna_reads 3 года назад +3

    This gave me some good chuckles! I completely agree with you about the kindle advantages. "These Amazonian people!" 🤣 Great endorsement for the Kindle!

  • @grantwallace1882
    @grantwallace1882 2 года назад

    One advantage I appreciate when reading books on my phone is the search function. If I forget who a particular character is or an obscure event is referred to from a previous part of the story, I can search the text easily.

  • @ABFrank.
    @ABFrank. 3 года назад +4

    I've just been getting into my Kindle and I like it now I'm used to it. It's why I'm starting to cut down on physical books unless they're really nice to display or I know I'll reread them

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +5

      I definitely should cut down on the physical books. I probably won’t though!

  • @Vmarsh241
    @Vmarsh241 3 года назад +4

    I love mine. I almost never *buy* anything for it though-my library system loans e-books, so I use it mainly for that. I do also find free/cheap versions of older works-just bought the first three Barsoom novels for 99 cents. Can’t beat that price to try them out.
    If I love a novel, then I’ll buy myself a nice copy for my shelves.
    I agree that non-fiction requires a physical book!

  • @MasonInTheDark
    @MasonInTheDark 3 года назад +1

    It's also worth noting that Ebooks are an invaluable addition to the world of accessibility. i know many of the people in the blind & visually impaired community are only still able to read because they have gotten their hands on an E-Reader. The ability to change the font size as well as getting rid of the challenge of lighting is absolutely crucial to making sure that those with visual impairments still have something that allows them to read. I do agree that physical books ar better and honestly I miss being able to read them but I've grown used to the fact tha I can only read via audiobooks these days. it makes me happy knowing that things like Ebooks exist because I've seen so many peple say that they would have had to stop reading without them because of their various visual challenges.

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад

      I agree completely and probably should have mentioned that. I knew a man in a wheelchair who only had the use of one arm. The Kindle allowed him to read comfortably for the first time.

  • @SteveTalksBooks
    @SteveTalksBooks 3 года назад +1

    Years ago i got rid of most of my physical books and tried to go digital. I prefer the experience of having the books in my hand, but the Kindle comes in handy sometimes. Having Kindle Unlimited is really nice. It's great having options.

  • @DDB168
    @DDB168 3 года назад +2

    Great device for travelling too. Especially if you like using guide books. The battery lasts forever and you dont need connectivity. I hide mine inside a hollowed out Jordan Peterson book and I've found the sneers have stopped. 😉

  • @walliewallace9990
    @walliewallace9990 3 года назад +2

    I'll add another comment later into the video....but I have unexpectedly fallen in love with the channel! Honestly watched because we have the same last name but found out your tastes are way more diverse than what the other youtubers on booktube can offer! Love the content and it means a lot to me! Thanks!

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +2

      Wow, that is very kind of you to say. I really appreciate your support! Thanks so much!

  • @special3585
    @special3585 2 года назад

    Michael, again I have enjoyed listening to your video. I also agree with you and your oddly shaped grape that a Kindle is superior in so many ways. I keep my original one (Circa 2008 and no longer working) and keep it alone on a huge bookshelf in my office and tell everyone that's my library.

  • @darkbroseph
    @darkbroseph 3 года назад +3

    Absolute facts, even from a book collector , haha

  • @darrylsloan
    @darrylsloan 3 года назад

    I have the old Kindle Paperwhite. I love it. And your point is absolutely right. I have the complete works of H.G. Wells as a single ebook. Same for a few other classic authors. My favourite feature is the ability to hold your finger on a confusing word and get an instant dictionary definition. Would love to buy the new 2021 Paperwhite, which has a larger 6.8" screen (mine's 6 and yours is 7). But I can't justify it until mine breaks. I'm currently working my way towards reading everything by John Wyndham (my favourite author), and I'm so glad that ebooks exist to keep his less popular out-of-print works available, even if it's technically piracy.

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад

      Yeah, I have a bunch of those giant collections. John Wyndham is great!

  • @stews9
    @stews9 Год назад

    Nailed it, Michael. Bravo. I was an early adapter to Kindle but these latest are superb. My wife yelled at me for being a tad spendy for Kindle, but ... what's a reader to do? I love, and own thousands to prove it, hardcopy books. However, Kindle has some wonderful advantages, even if Amazon continues their conceit of "renting" ... ahem. Other than that, it's fantastic.

  • @HeyYallListenUp
    @HeyYallListenUp 3 года назад +1

    I'm still debating whether or not I should get one. I hate the idea of investing in one and then not liking it and not using it. I appreciated hearing your experience with one.

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +2

      I find it a pretty valuable tool with a lot of advantages. It does take a bit of getting used to for us old time readers, but it is a pretty good reading experience.

  • @drawntostories5940
    @drawntostories5940 3 года назад +1

    Excellent timing, I just bought myself my first Kindle (paperwhite) a few days ago. I'm still trying to figure out how it works. At first I disliked the device or rather the idea of books that are not physical, I have to say, because I'm so used to books as physical objects. But I really like it so far, very handy for reading in bed. I wish it was easier to get Finnish books on it, though, but maybe I just need to explore it a bit more. And some books are still quite expensive, almost as much as paperbacks, possibly because of taxes, I don't know. So far I've only read free classic books on it.

  • @ThisJustInBookTube
    @ThisJustInBookTube 3 года назад +1

    Nice bait and switch, Mike! I agree with you on this topic, as I believe we have discussed before. One disadvantage you didn’t mention is that you don’t really own the digital books you purchase and Amazon is within their rights to remove them from your library. Though I’m not sure how often that really happens.

  • @sgriffin9960
    @sgriffin9960 2 года назад +1

    Do you have a favorite place to buy old sci-fi printed copies?

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  2 года назад +1

      I have had good luck at Pegasus books in Berkeley. Otherwise I get them on ebay. Results may vary!

  • @revenantreads
    @revenantreads 3 года назад +1

    This was a very helpful overview.

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +2

      Thanks, I’m glad. I’ve actually had every version of the Kindle except the first one, I think. They are useful.

  • @deborajohnson5717
    @deborajohnson5717 3 года назад +2

    I prefer print books. I love to smell a book, to turn the pages, look at the cover. I have tried to use the e reader several times. My mind understands why they are good however my soul say the ereaders are ghastly!

  • @BookTimewithElvis
    @BookTimewithElvis 3 года назад +1

    Hahaha loved it Michael, I was worried about the way you were holding it at the start. I agree with almost everything you said. I absolutely rely on my kindle because it is small and I can carry around a library in my bag, also I can get a book instantly rather than having to wait for a delivery. You are so right about the ease of obtaining classics. I find that many of the books I buy, I buy because I enjoyed them on the kindle. Thanks for something a bit different. Looking forward to next time, Mark :)

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +1

      Thanks Mark! Yeah, it’s funny how some people just hate these useful devices. At least a couple people have described them as “soulless”. I need hardly mention that physical books are actually just paper, ink, and glue and certainly don’t have souls either. I obviously like them an awfully lot but not nearly as much as the words inside!

  • @lisarichards1956
    @lisarichards1956 Год назад

    My Kindle is 10 years old and still going strong even with five grandkids playing video games on it. I hope it lasts a long time because I don't look forward to buying a new one. But I would. I love physical books, too, but I'm trying to scale back on them. Swedish death cleaning, ya know, ha ha. (I love buying complete collections on the Kindle. I'll never run out of stuff to read!)

  • @daviddandrea6491
    @daviddandrea6491 3 года назад

    Can't live without mine. Have 2. One for upstairs, one for downstairs. Other advantage of the expensive oasis is the warm setting, less blue. Agree, free editions through Project Gutenberg priceless. Instant dictionary and Wikipedia access priceless as well.

  • @janicecuroso1042
    @janicecuroso1042 3 года назад +1

    I have used the Kindle you gave me on my last visit to California, but admit I hardly use it. You will inherit 10 bookcases of books, plus all the stacks on the floor. Isn't it better to get real books than inheriting one small Kindle?

  • @Spafon1
    @Spafon1 3 года назад

    Love my Kindle. Love books, but the Kindle so is much more comfortable to read. No worry about creasing spines or damaging dusk jackets, no more aching wrists holding up heavy hardbacks. While I loved having a huge collection of books, they took up a lot of space which would likely have led to an early marital breakdown. Art books, coffee table books, graphic novels etc, sure I still buy the analogue version but for novels it's ebooks all the way.

  • @BookBlather
    @BookBlather 3 года назад +1

    The one thing I love about e-readers is, if you don’t know a term, you can just click it for a definition. But it’s not enough for me... I gave them a fair shot, but I need the hard books.

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +2

      I’m pretty sure that is going to be the common opinion. I feel like that also, but I do pull it out and use it, especially for those more obscure classics I mentioned. Also, it must be said, as large and lofty as the Manor is, it will soon reach maximum book capacity.

  • @juliecottrell8206
    @juliecottrell8206 3 года назад

    I read with a flashlight under my covers for soooo long, so I love the kindle for night time.

  • @2024FingersCrossed
    @2024FingersCrossed 2 года назад

    I held off getting a Kindle because I love physical books but then I was given a Kindle for a present and started using it every now and then but I still prefer real books but it is nice to be able to just download it when you want to read it.

  • @knittingbooksetc.2810
    @knittingbooksetc.2810 3 года назад

    I have books in e-book format because they’re much cheaper or even free. If I love a book I then buy the physical copy and often the audiobook.
    I like to collect complete works of authors I love. I like the Delphi editions for example.
    And I like the search functionality, the note taking capabilities, and the easy way of carrying loads of books with me.

  • @glockensig
    @glockensig Год назад +1

    My kindle doesn't prop the door open as well as a good big book!!

  • @leematthews6812
    @leematthews6812 Год назад

    While I prefer a physical book, I just don't have the room for them anymore. If it's entirely text, I'm happy to download it to my Kindle. Also, I'm not keen on the size that Michael has, mine is more like A4. I find most actual books I buy are where I have the opportunity to get a signed copy, something you can't do with a Kindle.

  • @Lost_Highway2049
    @Lost_Highway2049 5 месяцев назад

    Hello, just wondering how you feel about reading comics on a large tablet like an iPad. I know prose books are great on a Kindle book reading comics still sucks on those.

  • @jamesfetcho6315
    @jamesfetcho6315 3 года назад

    Welcome 2 the dark side. 😁 I had mine for 2 years before I even took out of the box. Afterwards...I use mine all the time. That's why I'll tell friends yeah I've read that , they will be like they can't even find it....I tell them it's on Kindle. I got the complete works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle for 99cents. Can't beat that. U can expand a map by spreading your fingers over it. My biggest Love is I can carry every book I own in my back pocket. I have rebought all my physical books that I own on 2 the Kindle. So I have both.
    Again Great Video

  • @tripp8833
    @tripp8833 3 года назад +1

    I get intimidated by the volume of books available on the kindle - too many choices. Better just to stick with one physical book at a time for me ... less distracting!

  • @cliffordhodge1449
    @cliffordhodge1449 3 года назад

    Agree about the relative advantages of each. For some purposes the ability to flip through pages, back and forth easily, is very important, so a kindle is out of the question. If you do want ebooks for your kindle, you might want to look first at the Gutenberg Project site - for older books - because they will be free for the downloading. Btw, today is a declared a celebration of Gutenberg himself.

  • @vickiragland8066
    @vickiragland8066 2 года назад

    just ordered one. thanks.

  • @Raulreadsbooks
    @Raulreadsbooks 3 года назад

    I really enjoy my kindle because a lot of self publish authors don’t have print copies so a kindle is a perfect place to find all their work. Plus kindle unlimited is a godsend. Great video Michael 🤠 I was wondering when you were gonna bring up technology 🐮

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +1

      Thanks. This video seems to have annoyed at least one person! 🤣 You are right about it giving self published authors more of a chance to get their work out there. I forgot to mention that.

    • @Raulreadsbooks
      @Raulreadsbooks 3 года назад

      @@michaelk.vaughan8617 I’m telling you let me know who it is and I’ll start throwing hands. 🤠 and yes that’s my favorite part about the kindle

  • @attention5638
    @attention5638 3 года назад

    I do prefer reading physical books, and like my bookshelves taking over. but yes, this is all very true. I have a few of these devices and I just never liked reading from them, myself. But I really don't know why. Haha

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +1

      I usually choose a physical books myself. But how could I read 50 H. Rider Haggard books without this ghastly device!?

  • @geraldblade1147
    @geraldblade1147 2 года назад

    Although I have recently begun involvement with your channel? If you ask kindle for free books it confirms the ultimate truth about kindle's worth

  • @knittingbooksetc.2810
    @knittingbooksetc.2810 3 года назад

    I keep getting distracted by that big blue book laying on top of the books below the photograph on the left side. Please tell me which book is that one. It wasn’t there when you showed us your books.

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +1

      That would be Demons or The Possessed by Dostoevsky. You have a Detective’s eye!

    • @knittingbooksetc.2810
      @knittingbooksetc.2810 3 года назад

      @@michaelk.vaughan8617 Thank you. I’m one of those annoying people that always gravitate towards the bookcases at people’s houses. And I need to read every spine.

  • @AJDunnnn
    @AJDunnnn 3 года назад +1

    I completely disagree. LOL. HATE them! I love everything about physical books. I threw out both e-readers I owned after about 2 weeks. I don't like the lit screens or the impersonality of them.

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +1

      Ha! I feared I would provoke your wrath with this video! Sorry about that. I completely understand your point of view, of course. However, that little machine does have the distinct advantages I mentioned, particularly for someone with my sometimes obscure reading tastes. And of course you not wanting to support Amazon is completely understandable.

    • @michaelk.vaughan8617
      @michaelk.vaughan8617  3 года назад +1

      @@Leoslittlebooklife yeah, you probably shouldn’t buy another one! I can hardly fault you for preferring physical books. I have a few myself.

    • @AJDunnnn
      @AJDunnnn 3 года назад +1

      @@Leoslittlebooklife Book buddies!

  • @GideonCyn
    @GideonCyn 3 года назад

    Subbed!

  • @bustercrabbe8447
    @bustercrabbe8447 2 года назад

    It hurts my eyes.

  • @snoopenny
    @snoopenny 2 года назад

    You didn’t mention the dictionary. With one click, you have definitions of words.