Screw Valentine’s Day

It’s that time of year again….  Cards, flowers, candy and jewelry are flying off the shelves of every store at an alarming rate. And I, perpetually single, am told once again that I’m bitter. I’m not bitter. Seriously. My distaste for valentine’s day has nothing to do with my marital status.

In my opinion, valentine’s day is just another day. In the past, when in a committed relationship, I always felt pressured to do something bigger and better than the previous year or holiday, regardless of cost or lack of time. Valentine’s Day is stressful. It’s also a HUGE boost to the gift sector of the economy as people in relationships are guilted into buying anything and everything to woo one’s sweetheart. I’m all for boosting the economy and I’m also not against making your loved ones feel loved. But why can’t you celebrate the wonderful people in your life every day?

February 14th is just a day. There are 364 other days I like to use to honour and love the people in my life.

To my friends and family: I love you all. I don’t need a special day to tell you. I’ll probably tell at least one of you once a day that I love you until the end of time and that’s never going to stop.

eBooks: Reading for the next decade!

So this year for Christmas, as did many other bloggers and avid readers, Santa brought me a Kindle (with a fancy pink leather case). I did a lot of research before asking Santa for such a gift, as there are many eBook Readers on the market. I’m going to take the time to list a few that were big this past holiday season and why I picked the Kindle over them all (and I’m not going to bring price into this at all because when it comes down to the quality of the device, the price shouldn’t matter all that much).

First, lets review the Sony Reader. I tested out both the touch and button versions of the Reader and found three major issues for me. First it’s big and bulky. Compared to the sleek design of the Kindle, it’s a giant! The casing seems to be the issue with its square design and sharp edges. I did like that it came in multiple colours, but that didn’t make up for the size. Secondly, I found it to be slow. There were only a few publications on the Reader in the Sony store, but it still moved slower then a tortoise. Lastly, I did not like the complete dependence on other devices, such as a desktop or laptop with internet access, instead of a built in networking option. What I did like was the overall layout of the device. The page turning buttons are on the right middle and bottom left side of the device. I would most likely use the buttons located on the middle of the right side as that is where my hand would naturally rest while reading. I also liked the wide variety of supported file formats. This is great for sharing eBooks with friends and family, as well as borrowing books from the library or purchasing them from most online suppliers like Chapters.  (for a comprehensive check out this comparison of the Kindle vs Sony Reader by Wired.com)

Next, lets take a look at Barnes and Noble’s Nook. It has a similar design style to the Kindle. Smooth edges, page advance buttons on the side, and no glare/non-backlit display make it a pretty good competitor for the Kindle. A feature the Nook has that the Kindle doesn’t? Touch screen controls. As with any device, such as cell phones, some people prefer touch screen and some don’t. I like touch screens in theory, but have problems typing on them when it comes down to daily use (hence the reason I don’t have an iPhone). Now for the differences/downsides that I have found. First is the wireless access for downloading content. Yes, there is wireless access. Since they use the AT&T network, I doubt the access is international and I am 99% sure this would cause me issues here in Canada. The only plus to the wireless access on the Nook is the WiFi option. This, I could probably live with.  Secondly, I can see the touch screen/colour LCD display destroying the battery and as this is a huge selling feature, I doubt you can turn it off. Now for the benefits! If I lived in the States, my decision to get my Kindle would have been much harder because of the Nook. The Nook has expandable memory, runs on Android (Google mobile operating system), and supports multiple file formats. But what really grabs me is the new LendMe technology they have included. This software allows you to digitally share your electronic content with any friends using the LendMe technology (available current on iPhone, iTouch, PC and Mac OS). This technology I envy and can only hope that Amazon jumps on this bandwagon soon.  (Barnes and Noble made a pretty chart for comparison. Check it out here)

Lastly, I want to review Kobo (formerly known as Shortcovers). I know, it’s not a device…. yet. But this up and coming technology could possibly be the future in digital publications here in Canada and a worthy competitor for the american giants that are Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Kobo is working with Chapters for their digital publication needs. This is HUGE for Canadian readers. The free Kobo apps are available on PC, Mac, iPhone, Blackberry, Palm Pre AND Android smartphones and operating systems. This is huge. Without a dedicated device, their books are still easily accessible. Now, for the kicker. Any device that can read ePub or PDFs can display these books. So if you already have an eReader and it can display ePub or PDFs, you’re good to go. They have a very substantial library that is growing day by day. (For more information about Kobo, check out their website)

Now, for my Kindle. I love my Kindle. When I opened it Christmas morning and  was able to just download any old book I wanted and to start reading within a  minute, I was overjoyed. I felt like I was 5 years old again using the toy I had  specifically asked Santa for and was so shocked that he delivered. It’s lightening  fast and I have only had the charge the battery once. The online purchasing    system is flawless. The ONLY thing that I would change is the inability to lend  content. That’s it. I love the layout, accessibility, speed, size, and feel of the  device.

In short, it all depends on what you’re looking for. If you want the    instant gratification of being able to get a book any time, any place? Get a Kindle.  If you’re in the States and want the newest toy with all the current “hot” features?  Get the Nook. What to be able to access pretty much any publication and don’t  care about instant access? Get the Sony Reader. But keep your eyes out for  new developments from Kobo. I see big things for this new player in the world of  Digital Publication. Who knows? This Canadian contender could pull the rug out  from under the big bad American competition.

CBC Books, PICK ME! My pitch for a Sony e-Reader

Although I’m axiously awaiting Christmas Morning so I can (re-)open my Kindle, I’d love to test out the Sony e-Reader. Not only do I just want to test it, I want to gift it to my Mom. My mom is my rock in this world and is also a book lover. I’m constantly lending her books and she has a stack now sitting on one of her side tables, ready to read.

My suggestion for this year’s book? Ragged Company by Richard Wagamese. A great human story about a group of homeless people who find half a pack of cigarettes, $60 and a winning lottery ticket for worth $13.5 million dollars. No one is able to claim the prize as they lack proper ID. The enlist the help of a wayward Journalist named Granite to help them change their lives forever.

This is also a LondonReads pick for this year (As well as Canada Read’s pick Good To A Fault and The Outlander). I’ve just started to read it and am now completely enthrawled in this foreign life lingering outside my safe little world.

-W