3 Reasons You Should Do Your Reading on a Kindle
1. The Software Experience
The Kindle software is really what sets it apart as a the best way to read a book. Being able to go from a book recommendation to reading a free sample in less than 30 seconds still feels like the future. Each kindle comes with a translator, a built-in dictionary, and access to Wikipedia, which means that when you are reading, there is no need to stop and look up something on your phone and possibly be distracted. It is also possible for the Kindle to create a list of all the words you look up so that you can look back at them later to see if you have learned their definitions. The ability to highlight and add notes is one of my favourite Kindle software features. It beats highlighting a real book because you don’t have to deal with extra pens and highlighters (especially if you enjoy reading in bed). Also, it is very hard to find a specific highlight in a real book, yet on a Kindle, they are all in one list and easily searchable. This feature can easily boost productivity, focus and the value that you get once a book is finished. Photo by Jingda Chen on Unsplash I am not currently a subscriber to Audible, but if you are, then this is another reason that a Kindle is ideal. For many books, the Audible version and the Kindle version are in sync. This means that if you’re reading at home on a Kindle, your progress is synced to Audible and you can simply resume the title as an audiobook during a commute. The newer Kindles can even connect to Bluetooth headphones.
2. The Reading Experience
A Kindle is the closest a digital device can be to the experience of reading from real paper. The display is not like a laptop or iPad screen. It requires external light to be read, just like real paper, which means that it remains perfectly legible even in direct sunlight. There is a certain authenticity about this type of screen. Photo by Mauro Lima on Unsplash However, unlike a paperback book, Kindles also have an adjustable backlight. This means that you can read, even in total darkness, without the need to mess around with those ridiculous reading lights that need to be clipped to physical books. Overall, I would describe the reading experience as simple. Once you purchase a book or download a free sample, it is ready to be read. A simple swipe of the screen turns the page. It is essentially the same as reading a real book, but it is possible to turn the pages one-handed. There are other enhancements to reading that come with using a Kindle. A small convenience is that the time can be displayed at the top when reading to ensure you don’t keep reading until 3 am. The Kindle can also calculate your reading speed and display at the bottom how long it will take to finish the chapter or book. Furthermore, the Kindle versions are nearly always a little cheaper than the print versions, and who doesn’t enjoy saving a little money? Personally, I find that having the mind-blowing convenience of instant access to any possible book is more valuable than the “feeling” of reading a paperback book.
3. The Added Benefits
Owning a Kindle also comes with a few benefits not possible with other forms of reading. Photo by James Tarbotton on Unsplash
Free Books
Every Kindle has its own email address, allowing files to be sent to it easily. PDFs and digital books that you already own can be sent within seconds to your Kindle. This becomes even better due to the multitude of online sources for free books, such as classics, which are no longer in copyright. For example, Project Gutenberg currently has around 60,000 free books.
GoodReads
Kindles have GoodReads integration. GoodReads is the largest community of readers. They have reviews for all books so you can see what others think of a book, see popular highlights and create reading lists. It is a great service for serious readers.
Focused Reading
The Kindle comes with no distractions—no YouTube, games or notifications to distract you from your book. This is why an iPad is difficult to use effectively to read long books.
Huge Library
A Kindle can store around 3,000–6,000 (depending on the storage) books offline. This makes it an incredible travel companion for long flights or relaxing by the beach while disconnected from the online world.
Free Samples
Each book has a free sample that can be downloaded. This is perfect if you are unsure about wanting to purchase the book, as you can read the start and see if you believe you will enjoy it before purchasing. It is an excellent feature.
The Takeaway
If you value reading and read a lot, I would wholeheartedly recommend purchasing a Kindle. I have never had a problem with mine, and it has allowed me to read far more books than I would have without it. This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
