Last night I purchased the Sony ebook reader touch edition. It was quite a bit of money, but I’ve been wanting an ebook reader for a while, and really want to support those that come out with note taking abilities. Alas the cost was $300 + tax. 
Is it worth $300? Not really. But as I said, I want to support e-ink + note taking abilities.
The past few months I’ve been craving fiction to read. I haven’t wanted to buy a fiction book though, due to not only the cost of the initial purchase of a book, but also because for $8-12, I’m already done with the book within a few hours. And then either I take the book to the used bookstore (possibly gain back $2-3), the library, or let it collect dust and use up space in my home.
I probably shoulda just gone to the library, I know. But even there it takes a while to sort through the books for something that looks interesting (have to go through each book one by one, ugh). And then the mental energy used to track where the book is so I don’t lose it, and when it’s due so it’s not overdue. Add to that my disliking to drive much compounded with only being able to be on my feet for a little time before my back starts hurting, which forces me to keep my trips into town short and simple, one trip one purpose. Well, needless to say, none of that is all that appealing to me. The library may have free books, but the non-monetary costs are a bit high for me nowadays. :(
I suppose, also, that I could read books on my computer. Need I mention how annoying THAT is?? I really don’t like computers that much, and then there’s the weight, and size, and resulting discomforts. Movies on the computer is one thing, but reading a book? No.
For a similar cost I could have gotten a netbook. That would be smaller and allow me to read ebooks and take notes too, right? Yes, except that the netbook tablets for under $350 aren’t quite out yet. Soon, very soon, I hope.
There ARE some items that I found really interesting, though which aren’t available yet. Asus Tablet eee, which may or may not be available by christmas. This is an item I’d like to buy for my daughter.
There’s also the concept product known as the Microsoft Courier. OMGosh, now THAT I’d LOVE to have!! A folding two screen “notebook”. I’m not talking pc notebook. I’m talking an electronic form of a spiral bound notebook. That also has internet access abilities and such. I’ve seen videos of them being used like moleskin notebooks…but even better in that you can have multiple moleskin books in ONE product. Sorta like having a product devoted to OneNote type abilities. This is my dream product.
I keep imagining how nice it would be to be able to take notes like with a pen and pad of paper; be able to edit and move those notes in similar method; create maps for helping me think clearer; hyperlink between maps, notes, and ideas; all while having the same feel of pen & paper as well as in a thin, lightweight item.
I’m not interested in using it for playing music, that’s what an mp3 player is for. I don’t want to use it as a phone with monthly billings. I don’t want to use it for watching videos, nor for playing games. I want a simple, lightweight, easy to carry with me, won’t take up much space, “notebook” dedicated product.
I really don’t see why such items don’t exist yet. If we’re looking at the idea of being able to carry multiple books and textbooks on a single lightweight item, why not look at the idea of being able to also carry multiple notebooks for multiple subjects/projects in a single lightweight item.
And yes, I do have a tablet convertible pc. I’d love to use it as a tablet. But the weight, the heat, flexibility of movement, and neck angle are all off for doing much with it.
This Sony Reader won’t get me anywhere near to the “notebook” that I want. But purchasing it was similar to putting in my vote for what kind of product I’d like more R&D on.
These are the items I’m keeping my eyes on:
