Kindled by a Kindle

Published on Sep 03, 2009 by Todd Reifenrath | 0 comments

Since a young age I've been enamored with shiny new gadgets. As a kid these included Apple II computers (I often forfeited recess for screen time), the Atari 2600 (Space Invaders anyone?), and a Commodore 64 (which, by the way, had more rattle and hum than Bono).

As an adult I'm too practical to salivate over the latest cool thing (most of the time). Nonetheless, given the kind of work we do here at Webitects, I think there are certain gadgets that heighten our awareness of interactive media and digital technologies. My iPod (combined with iTunes and Audible.com) has changed the way that I listen to music and audio books. Netflix has changed the way I choose and watch movies. My Nintendo Wii has changed my definition of a video game (sorry Atari). And, quite possibly, I think the Kindle might change my reading habits.

I'm only a couple of days into my Kindle experience but so far I like it. I'm impressed by the device's simplicity (a sign of good design). And, the ability to subscribe to newspapers, magazines, and blogs is not only convenient but green (no more papers or magazines to recycle). The Kindle's web browser is a bit clumsy, but I like being able to read online content while sitting on the train without breaking out my laptop - reading large chunks of text on a computer screen has never been entirely comfortable. It's interesting how just being able to hold this device like a book makes it more familiar and comfortable.

When I first subscribed to Audible I was motivated to listen to books which spiked my consumption of information. Now I listen less often...but still, there's nothing like a good audio book to make a long drive seem shorter. And now, I'm feeling motivated to read more - Amazon has kindled my interest in reading, at least until the novelty wears off or I find an excuse to get another new toy!