I’ve heard of people who read whole books online using devices other than a computer such as the iPad, Amazon Kindle, Rennet tablets, Nexus One Phone and even the iPhone (which I have).
There is nothing like reading a book written by a great author! I love reading and the idea that I could get the same enjoyment from some hand held electronic device was repulsive – I’m into technology, but that just seemed to be going too far – that is, until I was forced to read it on my iPhone!
For those of you that are familiar with R. Daneel, you know that the book covering the passing of Giskard is no longer published and only available in used format. I’m picky with my earmarks and would have a hard time with someone else’s system, so I decided to search for the book online in downloadable format.
My intention was to send the book to my printer, but we’re talking hundreds of pages, something that really wasn’t practical. I found the book in .lit format and discovered Stanza, an free program that let’s you read whole books online.
Click to see comparison
Stanza runs on your computer, but I also discovered that there is a version for the iPhone and promptly installed the software and book. At first glance, I didn’t think I could handle the small amount of text compared to a standard book, but after a chapter, I found that not only was the reading easier on my eyes, but I was flipping pages without noticing the action!
I finished the book in less than two weeks – Not only did I read faster than I would have with a paperback, but my eyes never watered, I could read at night without the need for lights (a simple touch brightens or dims the light level) and because I had the book (iPhone) with me at all times, I could read it anywhere, such as at the doctors office.
Besides the ability to change background and light levels, you can change the font size to whatever suits your fancy! There is also the ability to have the book read to you in the computer’s voice but I highly doubt that could compare to reading it yourself.
Amazon Kindle is large, even bigger is Apple’s iPad, both would be too heavy and bulky to carry around and operate with one hand. The iPhone or Nexus One is the perfect size and I’m convinced that if you give it a shot, you’ll find it’s a great way to read whole books online!