There’s no doubt that the likes of iPads and Kindles are the future — the ebook and tablet now set to do to the printed page what MP3s did to the CD. Or at least that’s surely the case in regards to on the road reading anyway. The multitude of books they can store, along with the added multi-media, make them the perfect all-in-one travel companion.
But despite the convenience, and the ease of making a new purchase, there’s still nothing quite like the smell, and the sometimes surprising selection, of a second hand bookshop.
Teresa says
To me, nothing can replace a good book. Part of the joy of reading a book is the feel of its cover and the flicking over of pages as you progress.
Lee says
To be honest Teresa, that’s how I always felt (and still do in many ways), but when traveling back to the UK this summer, I decided to download a book on to my iPad to save on space. And to my surprise, it was a joy. So much so in fact that I didn’t even check what films were a available, I just sat and read the whole flight.
Matt says
He certainly looks content. I recently had a similar epiphany as you, Lee. I was for some reason quite against downloading a book, but recently (also for a planned trip) downloaded two. The ease and immediacy of it was almost addictive. I found the experience of reading it on my Galaxy tablet very enjoyable too.
Lee says
Yes, the only negative thing for me was that I had only downloaded one book. I finished the one I had with about an hour of the flight to go…
KenC says
I use my Kindle all the time when travelling but still prefer a “real” book when at home.
Lee says
Yeah, same here.
Jonzie says
I truly love your blog. Thank you for all these beautiful images 🙂
Lee says
Thank you very much!
Jeffrey says
“. . . the ebook and tablet now set to do to the printed page what MP3s did to the CD.”
If by that you mean degrade the experience . . .
Spent a lot of time in Jinbocho. Picked up a couple first editions in great shape over the years.
Lee says
Personally I don’t miss the CD, although I do still have a strong affection for vinyl. Provided it’s at a good bit rate, I’m much happier having easy access to all my music and being able to stream it to multiple speakers or devices.
Books on the other hand are another thing altogether. As much as I enjoyed reading an ebook, I wouldn’t want to throw out my books and just have digital versions. And for reading at home I still prefer a real book as it were. Whether that will change over time I don’t know. Doubt it though.
As for Jinbocho, yeah, there are some wonderful little shops there. A great place to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon.
Lizzy says
MMMmmmm Definitely one of my all time favorite smells.
Lee says
Can’t beat it, can you?
April says
I’m such a book addict but I bought a Nook for the convenience. I love my Nook but I still buy books at second hand stores. Much cheaper and I enjoy holding a book. Plus I find bookstores and libraries very calming. That guy really looks content and happy.
Lee says
Yeah, the two definitely have different uses. And feelings too. Certainly room for both at the moment. And considering the man’s expression, it’ll be like that for a long time to come too.
Don says
Strangely, I was having a similar conversation at lunch today…
There’s a point in the day for me where I just don’t want to look at any electronic device if I can avoid it. As a CG artist, at the end of the day my eyes are *tired* and looking at my Nook or iPad isn’t enjoyable, it’s painful. In all fairness, I want to try an e-ink based reader, just to see what I think.
Mostly, I don’t see any of my devices replacing a good edition of an art book. So much photography really needs a large page to be appreciated, and a lot of other art does, too.
I freely admit to being biased, so many memories of youth in the library, my college job for years was in a bookstore, my mother was a librarian… 😉
Lee says
Bias or no bias, they are very good points. With the emergence of more and more tablets, plus numerous ebook readers, it’ll certainly be interesting to see how things change. Or perhaps don’t change — at least too much.