Kindle

As some of you guys know, I got a Kindle for Christmas. And I really love it. It's portable, light, sleek, and has the capacity to carry over three thousand books. It looks so cute in its apple green leather case (another generous gift from my parents) and I like to carry it with me on campus or to the coffee shop. I've read a few books on it with no problem. In fact, I kinda forget that I'm reading it on an electronic screen.

But I've had a nagging issue with it. Just one. 
It doesn't display real-time page numbers. For example, if I had an actual book and compared it to the same text on a Kindle, the actual page numbers would be different. You see, the Kindle has its own page numbering system. Rather than marking actual pages, it gives the reader the page location relative to the book. Obviously, this is a problem if I'm trying to cite any sort of information in an academic context. I mean, I can't just write on my works cited page that it's "Location 5.482". That's a little ridiculous.
So instead of using my Kindle for any sort of academic reading, I've been just using it for fun. There's some great theology books and other poetical readings that I've been "leafing" through. But I've always wanted the opportunity to read for class via Kindle. I actually read faster and in a less distracted way with the device.

It's a rather strange thing, considering the reaction from the English major community. I was previously riding the fence about the Kindle, wondering if I would actually enjoy it. I've heard that the Kindle was "killing" books and the printed word. I've also heard that it was the "next step" in publication. But to be honest, the form of the book doesn't really matter. And if you think about it, the "book" has evolved so much, from manuscripts and papyrus to stitched together novels. What really should count is the content. Think about it, Chaucer never published in a book form. In fact, he never "published" at all. So why should I look down on books in an electronic form? It's not about the form. It's about the content.

But the main point of this post, the real reason, is that I just got a software upgrade for my Kindle that assigns real-time page numbers to all of the books. That means that I can actually cite pages, saving me money, time, and weight for my books. Imagine. Instead of being weighed down with physical books, I can just carry a Kindle that weighs less than a pound! Basically, it's a huge, awesome and amazing thing. So my qualms with my Kindle have been resolved and I am one happy camper.