This post, while thought provoking, doesn't directly say what I think of as the main point: many modern electronic devices are loaded with "interruption technology," while books are not. For example, a smartphone can interrupt you with various types of alerts, or encourage you to interrupt yourself by checking up on emails, text messages, etc.
Acknowledge your interruption device(s). Move it out of the way when you want to read on your designated reading device, whether it's a book, a Nook, a Kindle, or even an iPod touch.
Many people find reading on a designated electronic reading device is no more difficult than reading printed books. You just need to keep away the interruptions and distractions.
> Many people find reading on a designated electronic reading device is no more difficult than reading printed books. You just need to keep away the interruptions and distractions.
I don't own any particular electronic reading device, but I find that reading from a paper book gets me in a different mental state than reading from a computer. I believe this is a cultural bias because of my past experience with computers and books, but for me paper books still get me able to concentrate in a different way on what I'm reading.
I still have to try e-ink e-book readers, and see if I can rewire my mind to actually work in the same way as if I was reading a paper book. I've already tried with desktop and laptop computers, even turning off all distracting software, and couldn't achieve the same experience as with paper books.
I too am unable to read a book on a computer or laptop. I've tried. While it is possible to get around distractions temporarily with readability tools, unplugging from the internet, etc., there are still 2 issues:
1) You're used to using your computer for many other things, so it's hard to avoid temptation.
2) Physical issues:
* Light emitting monitors are not natural for human eyes
* Monitor resolution is lower than print resolution
* Reading at a desk for long periods is uncomfortable
It's possible to read with small laptops, especially netbooks, away from a desk. But not anywhere near as easy as with an e-book reader or tablet, due to weight and bulk.
e-book readers like the Nook or Kindle are lightweight enough to be used anywhere. E-ink feels better on the eyes for many people and the resolution is pretty good (and for those who prefer LCD, the Color Nook or iPod touch can be used).
I've read lots of books on a Kindle 2, an iPod touch 4g, and lately the new Nook (Simple Touch). For me, all of these work fine for book length text.
3 comments
[ 5.1 ms ] story [ 11.0 ms ] threadIn my own essay on this subject (http://www.filterjoe.com/2011/05/06/smartphones-most-pervasi...), I propose the following simple solution:
Acknowledge your interruption device(s). Move it out of the way when you want to read on your designated reading device, whether it's a book, a Nook, a Kindle, or even an iPod touch.
Many people find reading on a designated electronic reading device is no more difficult than reading printed books. You just need to keep away the interruptions and distractions.
EDIT: fixed link
I don't own any particular electronic reading device, but I find that reading from a paper book gets me in a different mental state than reading from a computer. I believe this is a cultural bias because of my past experience with computers and books, but for me paper books still get me able to concentrate in a different way on what I'm reading.
I still have to try e-ink e-book readers, and see if I can rewire my mind to actually work in the same way as if I was reading a paper book. I've already tried with desktop and laptop computers, even turning off all distracting software, and couldn't achieve the same experience as with paper books.
1) You're used to using your computer for many other things, so it's hard to avoid temptation.
2) Physical issues:
* Light emitting monitors are not natural for human eyes
* Monitor resolution is lower than print resolution
* Reading at a desk for long periods is uncomfortable
It's possible to read with small laptops, especially netbooks, away from a desk. But not anywhere near as easy as with an e-book reader or tablet, due to weight and bulk.
e-book readers like the Nook or Kindle are lightweight enough to be used anywhere. E-ink feels better on the eyes for many people and the resolution is pretty good (and for those who prefer LCD, the Color Nook or iPod touch can be used).
I've read lots of books on a Kindle 2, an iPod touch 4g, and lately the new Nook (Simple Touch). For me, all of these work fine for book length text.
EDIT: formatting