Gadgets
I’m blogging for Julie today because she’s sick with 101 fever. 
GET WELL SOON, JULIE!
Today we’ll talk about my favorite things: electronic gadgets. And tomorrow when I blog for Janelle (who blogged for me on Monday), I’m going to post an Plotmonkeys exclusive excerpt of HOT PROPERTY (7/08).
But for now, let’s get DOWN TO BUSINESS.
You’re wondering what electronic gadget Carly can possibly blog about that she doesn’t already own, right? 
GET REAL. If there’s one to be had, I will find it!
So … winging it’s way to me is something I never thought I’d buy. An eBook reader. An Amazon KINDLE. 
Why? The answer isn’t the obvious one: because it’s a gadget. When I went to Aruba I packed ten or more paperback books. I read over seven of them. I left seven in the room and brought home the unread ones. I was trying to lighten my load. Remember we pay for overage on luggage these days! I checked on Amazon and discovered the romance books I read are available on the Kindle. I stored the information in the back of my mind. When I came home, I looked into the Kindle only to find Amazon had it on back order with no info on when it will be available. I have quite a few trips coming up, long plane rides, etc. and I’m thinking … this would be cool.
Maybe.
So I emailed the only person I know that purchased one: Julie Kenner and asked how she liked her toy. She raved. LOVE LOVE LOVES the thing. She directed me to eBay for a brand new one. So I am now awaiting my new toy.
Will I miss the feel of paper in my hands? I don’t know. But I will be able to carry the ten books I’d bring to read with me in one little portable device … So on my end, STAY TUNED!
On your end … does anyone have the Kindle or other eReader and want to give their two cents? Even if you don’t own one, what do you think?
I don’t own one of any kind, because I prefer the feel of books in my hands. I’ve read a few ebooks, but it’s just not the same for me. Someday I think I will be buying one, just not today.
Though Carly, you bring up a very good reason for getting one - saving space while traveling. Inevitably, no matter what’s on the agenda, I will be needing books, so that does sound like the perfect solution.
Comment by Stacy ~ — March 5, 2008 @ 7:17 am
I own an eReader and love it for the same reason you are buying the Kindle. If fact at least two of your books are on it now. I didn’t take long until if even feels like reading a book. Have fun not filling your bags with books.
Comment by Jim B — March 5, 2008 @ 7:41 am
We are always selling out of the Sony eReader at work. I want one. We don’t get an employee discount though, so I am holding out for Christmas.
Hubby’s son has one and loves it. He travels for work and does find it much easier than hauling books around along with all his other gadgets. Actually, I love gadgets too. And tools. Love tool stores.
I wish I had had one when we went on our cruise. Would have made my bag much easier to carry.
Comment by ev — March 5, 2008 @ 8:37 am
I don’t have one and honestly don’t know if I want one. The traveling part sounds wonderful, but I worry that I will miss the flipping of the page to see what is going to happen next. I look forward to hearing what you have to say Carly.
GET WELL SOON JULIE. Remember sleep is your friend, so get lots of it.
Comment by Patty L. — March 5, 2008 @ 9:07 am
I was just looking at ebook readers the other day. The Sony one and the Amazon Kindle. Hubby and I have decided to spend the government economic stimulus check when it arrives. We are splitting it and each using our half however we want. Woo-Hoo! Anyway, back to the point. I have never been a gadget person but would like to lighten the load in my purse and when traveling. I also recently purchased a few ebooks since that was there only format. Sitting in front of the computer to read them was not much fun.
Since I will probably be buying one this summer, does anyone have an opinion on Sony v. Amazon? I am somewhat technically challenged. Thanks.
Comment by Kelly H — March 5, 2008 @ 9:46 am
I don’t own one yet, but will probably buy one in the next year. I still need to do all the research to see which is the best for the money. I always pack so many books when I travel too, so I know it would help out with travel. I do love the feel of a book in my hand, and I know I would still read regular books even if I do buy one of the ereaders. I think I’m going to get my mac laptop before I buy the ereader. Of course, if I got a regular laptop, I could buy it and the ereader for the price of the mac I’ve found.
Hope you get to feeling better soon Julie.
Comment by Liza — March 5, 2008 @ 9:56 am
Carly I’m the same as you! GIVE ME GADGETS!!!!!!!! I have a gps that I got last year for Christmas, how did I ever live without this?! And then after getting some ebooks and finding it very difficult to read them off my computer and I talked my husband into getting me one (conversation sort of went like this: me: wow! this would make reading my ebooks so much easier. him: uh-hun me: this is the one I like and the price is much better than I though it would be (sends link of ereader to him). him: uh-hun me: This would be a great v-day present for me *g*. him: can you order it, I busy today at the office) A few days later my reader arrived and I love it. Fortunately I have an online friend who has been helping me learn how to use it. I bought (or rather hubby bought) the ebookwise 1150e. It is really nice for an inexpensive reader. I love how I don’t have to put a bookmark in the book (sometimes I read a stop lights). I turn it off and when I turn it back on it’s right where I left off. I can make notes too.
I didn’t think I would ever want one either as I really like the feel of traditional books too, but this is really nice and it won’t completely replace me buying regular books. How would Border’s survive without me?!?!
Comment by Laura J — March 5, 2008 @ 10:11 am
Julie, I’m so sorry you’re sick. I hope you don’t have what me and Mike and Lilly had for the past week. My husband woke with a 101 fever again this morning and he’s been an antibiotics for a week. Being sick and with a sprained ankle at the same time has taken its tole on me. I feel like I’ve been living in a dark hole.
The Kindle looks really cool. At least it doesn’t have a the hefty price tag like the Sony Reader. Keep us posted on how you like it.
Cher
Comment by Cher — March 5, 2008 @ 10:11 am
Julie—I hope you get to feeling better soon!!!
Comment by Laura J — March 5, 2008 @ 10:11 am
I would love to be able to get a kindle someday… too many other expenses lately.. truck transmission etc and a refrigerator that seems to be hanging on by a thread lately..
I have a small palm z22.. i do enjoy it but the screen is so little that it is hard for me to read..it makes a great pda but i just cant bring myself to read the books i have on it..
hope everyone feels better soon.. tis the season of the crud around here too…
Comment by Jolene — March 5, 2008 @ 10:20 am
I’ve got a Palm and two different ebook readers on it. I love it, love it, love it. My husband got it for me when my son was an infant so I could read while my hands were full of baby. I could read in the dark or play games when I got bored. Okay, I am a gadget head and love gadegety things that make my life easier.
It isn’t a matter of choosing paper book over ebook. I still own, purchase and read paper books. All books are not available in both formats so, it is a bit hard to compare. Can I go with ‘I like both’?
Feel better Julie.
Comment by ThatBrunette — March 5, 2008 @ 10:22 am
I like the ‘feel’ of a book, plus, I have a hard time reading books online (I first noticed this when Leslie had her book on eharlequin, had a tough time reading it and I am only 37!). I’ll stick with books.
Have you gotten the new Mac Air, Carly? I figured you would have.
Get better, Julie!
ev, you are my hero! Love ya and thank you! I have a place where I can cash the rewards in for Border’s rewards…you know I am! I think you need to come out here and teach those employees about the program! LOL!
Comment by katie — March 5, 2008 @ 10:30 am
I have an eBookwise and I love it! So many books in my hand at one time. I take it with me in the car, and no matter where I’m sitting around and waiting, I always have a book to read. And an ebook reader is awesome for plane trips. Really cuts down on packing all those books. So many books are available in ebook these days. Plus, it has a backlight so great for reading in bed at night. Bonus!
To Julie, feel better soon!
Comment by Jaci Burton — March 5, 2008 @ 10:50 am
I just started looking at ebook readers, but don’t know what kind to get. I told my husband I want one for my B-day, so hopefully I will get one in May.
Comment by Rebekah — March 5, 2008 @ 11:23 am
I’ve considered e-readers from a space-saving standpoint. However, I already haul around a lot of gadgets. I’ve been considering an e-reader for my Palm, but the screen is a bit small. I would also have to check to see how many of the titles I want are available for e-readers.
Comment by Amy Addison — March 5, 2008 @ 12:31 pm
I think my book shelves would be lonely if I got an ereader. What would I do without hundreds of books piled everywhere?!
I’d like to try the Kindle but I’m still not convinced to buy one.
Comment by wendy roberts — March 5, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
Just stopping in for a quick hello
it’s my first time out of bed in days, I’ve been sick with the flu 
wich for the record was not fun.
I’m not sure how I feel about the ereader, I’ve thought about it just not sure I’m sold yet.
Julie feel better
Comment by Tina Martinesi — March 5, 2008 @ 12:55 pm
I think I’ll miss flipping pages too .. and seeing how far from the end I am. But we’ll see.
Everyone with the flu and sick … GET WELL SOON!
Comment by Carly — March 5, 2008 @ 1:10 pm
Like several of you, I’m still not totally sold on an ereader. If I do decide to get one, there’s still
anniversary/birthday/Christmas this year. Despite getting my flu shot (as I do every year), I got
this new strain of flu this year. It has been over six weeks now and I still have remnants of it
floating about my system! Take care, Julie, and I hope you get over this ASAP!!
Pat Cochran
Comment by Patricia Cochran — March 5, 2008 @ 1:15 pm
Get better soon, Julie!!!!
I have an eBookman and love it. I’ve had it for several years and I got it for 2 reasons. One, I was going on vacation with the family and I didn’t want to have to carry a stack of books with me.
Two, I was going on vacation with the family - 2 boys - and the covers of the books that I wanted to take with me would have been a Pandora’s Box I just wasn’t willing to deal with. Several of them were erotica and the covers were such that I didn’t want to be sitting at the pool with my boys and my books in a brown paper cover
Same for when I was sitting at the skate park. Some covers are okay, some are just a tad bit on the risque side and I didn’t want to have to deal with it.
Comment by Jodie — March 5, 2008 @ 1:55 pm
I never even heard of an e-reader until today. That sounds pretty cool.
Julie–feel better. I feel icky today, but I am still at work. Ick.
Comment by Debbie — March 5, 2008 @ 1:56 pm
OOPS–Forgot to ask. As an author–how do you feel about not having an actual “book” out there? Do you prefer sales either way or does it not make a difference.
Comment by Debbie — March 5, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
I love the Amazon Kindle! I take my mom to a lot of doctor appointments and the Kindle is a godsend during those lengthy visits. Besides the books, I also get several newspapers delivered on it daily.
Kindle books are cheaper than paper/hardback books. However the discount doesn’t save me much. I tend to buy the actual book whenever I read one that MUST go on my keepershelf! LOL
I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do, Carly! Julie - get well soon!
Hugs,
Tammie
Comment by Tammie P. — March 5, 2008 @ 2:01 pm
Julie & anyone else that is sick “Get Well Soon”. Remember not to do to much to soon the stuff going around is very nasty & once you start feeling better doesn’t mean it is gone!
Most of my travel is by car & I have a bag that my books go in to go with me! Since I am usually visiting family & friends I don’t always get a lot of reading done. Carly, I will look forward to seeing what you think of the Kindle. Some gadgets I love, like my computer- - is that a gadget?! But I’m not that into all these electronics!
At this point I am not considering an eReader. If you travel by plane or go on cruises I can see that it would be a good thing. I love books, I would miss them!
Comment by Donna M — March 5, 2008 @ 3:26 pm
Lots of e-hugs out to everyone sick. This bug doesn’t seem to go away…..Augh…..
Comment by katie — March 5, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
Julie — FEEL BETTER SOON!!!
And for everyone else who is dealing with the flu, I’m sending get well vibes your way! 
Carly — this gadget is right up your alley, and I think it’s one you’ll get a lot of use out of. I’m so NOT a gadget person, but I really do think this is very cool!
Comment by Janelle — March 5, 2008 @ 3:54 pm
FEEL BETTER SOON, JULIE!!!
Comment by Carol R — March 5, 2008 @ 4:11 pm
I seriously want one. Ebooks are usually cheaper plus I don’t have to go to the mall (the only bookstore around here) to get my new books when the library doesn’t have them. I’ve been reading mine off the computer and it’s getting old fast.
Comment by Ladytink_534 — March 5, 2008 @ 5:58 pm
I have been looking at the Kindle. Please let us know how you like it.
Comment by Estella — March 5, 2008 @ 7:20 pm
I’ll get one when it’s the only way to read information. Like all the other comments, I like the feel of it in my hand. I truly do judge a book by its cover. I look at the cover, then I check out the back. When I’m reading, sometimes I find myself looking back at the cover, as a way to once again picture the hot hero. Do you still get the book covers on ebook readers?
Comment by Celise — March 5, 2008 @ 7:26 pm
Carly - I have a quick question. Do ebooks count in your sales totals, say to make bestseller lists and such?
Comment by Kelly H — March 5, 2008 @ 7:59 pm
I’d love to hear how your experiment turns out! I am one of those “I want the book in my hands” kinds of people, but I can definitely see the benefits for travel!
Comment by Leslie — March 5, 2008 @ 8:17 pm
Jules, I hope that you feel better soon…
Carly, I was just looking at ebooks, but I decided not to sign up for the free subscription because it just didn’t sit right with me…I love the feel of a book in my hand and turning the pages…it also causes less eye strain for me…I don’t think that I would be as riveted to the story if I had to worry about how to work a gadget so that I could read what I want…granted I don’t know that much about kindle, but I could never see myself buying it…btw…one of the joys of packing for me is fitting as many books as I can in my luggage…I usually have more books than clothes…but I couldn’t leave them…I am attached to all my books…
promo here…I Just finished reading the Chandler series by our one and only Carly…I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED THEM!!! My fav was The Playboy…if anyone here hasn’t read them yet, go for it…you are in for a treat…be prepared to be touched on an emotional level…by the time I was done, I felt like I knew the characters and they were a part of my life…I know…kinda crazy…
that’s it for me…I still have about 50 end of term comments to write as well as finish grading my Spanish final exams…talk to you all soon…
Peace and love,
Paula R.
Comment by Paula R. — March 5, 2008 @ 9:58 pm
hey - i run a kindle blog called thekindle.wordpress.com and there’s a ton of information on the kindle. there’s also a promotion going on from whiskeycreekpress (they do romance novels) where they have a free ebook a week so you can check that link too or just go to whiskey creek press straight.
a lot of authors like coelho etc. have been pushing to have their books released for free + succeeding.
so even better if you own a kindle or ebook reader.
Comment by switch11 — March 6, 2008 @ 9:11 am
I love the feel of a book in my hands so haven’t (until recently) even considered ebooks at all.
Then I got given a few to read from a friend. Then I won a fair few and am finding it difficult to get into the book whilst trying to read on a laptop. As I hate starting a book and not finishing it I am now investigating ebook readers
Will be staying tuned to see what you make of the Kindle as it is one of those on my shortlist.
Comment by Ilona — March 6, 2008 @ 3:17 pm
I was looking at the Kindle and liked it but I thought the price was high let us know how you like it …Is it cheaper on ebay????
Donna
It would have been nice to have with this virus going around I have been so sick finally I can smell again
Comment by Donna — March 7, 2008 @ 1:38 am
I have a SONY eReader and love it for the most part.
I still find myself on Amazon purchasing real (used) books at a cheaper price, however.
What I do like from SONY is the romance bundles they offer. I recently bought the “makeover bundle” for $20. It had 10 books it in! I loved it!
I would recemmend it to anyone, as long as they are getting something with it. When I bought it I got 200 free classics and $50 in ebooks. Totally worth the $300. JMO.
Comment by Samantha — March 7, 2008 @ 1:55 am
COOL EXCERPT. WILL HAVE TO GET IT AS SOONAS IT COMES OUT
MICHELLE
Comment by MICHELLE CLARK — March 7, 2008 @ 4:46 pm