Kindle vs Kindle App: A Reader's Journey

Every year on my birthday, my parents and my boyfriend kindly ask if they could surprise me with a Kindle, despite my collection already brimming with paperbacks. Yes, they are lightweight and easy to carry, and yes, they save me from spending a fortune on books in bookstores. But to be honest, I choose not to use them. I find them too trendy for my liking. They cater to those who just want to check off reading as a task on their to-do list, doing things as efficiently as possible. However, there are those who truly love to read and have upgraded from their old paperbacks to the digital realm of the Kindle.

Why I Don't Use Kindles

Books on paper seem to hold a special place within the community. The scrawled names on the opening page, the folded pages, the faded paper—all these little touches add to the communal experience of reading, as shared in libraries. These features make books more than just mere objects of information; they are part of a collective memory and an appreciation for the physical presence of the written word.

On the flip side, Kindle devices are a trend for those who might think they love books but are more interested in the ease of ticking 'reading' off their to-do lists. I have met people who own Kindles and never actually read anything but browsed the internet for recipes and social media, thinking this was a good use of their eReader. However, true readers often prefer the feel of holding a physical book, the weight and texture that evokes a sense of connection and joy.

The Kindle App Experience

Having said that, I have used the Kindle app on both my phone and laptop. I even began reading books on the Flipkart eBook app, which became my gateway to the world of eBooks. Eventually, I would read almost everywhere, finishing up to three books at the peak of my reading phase. However, when Flipkart decided to discontinue its ebook business, I was forced to switch to the Kindle app on my device.

The Kindle app offered numerous features, such as X-Ray and a built-in dictionary, which made the experience quite enjoyable. It is very convenient, allowing easy access to a vast library of books. However, it is quite a heavy app, requiring a lot of space and memory. It would often lag on my phone, and my 'neanderthal' phone was partly to blame for this. Despite these issues, the app has its charm.

The Kindle Device Experience

Thankfully, I was able to switch back to packing bags full of books. However, one day, a bright idea struck me: I decided to purchase a Kindle device. I got the basic model with no backlight, but to my pleasant surprise, the experience on the Kindle is smooth and amazing. All my books are synced, and there's the option to have an online library. This means that when I need to get a book to review in ePUB format, I simply convert it using Calibre and send it to my Kindle email address. Voila, the book syncs to my devices instantaneously. No more physical books, and no lag!

The Kindle device lacks additional features, which is precisely why I like it. It’s purely a tool for reading, making it a great gift, especially for kids, due to its vocabulary builder feature. If you download a book from the Kindle store, you have access to X-Ray, which highlights important characters and places in the story, along with Wikipedia articles for added context. The Kindle app is a salesperson's dream!

In short, I have found that while Kindle devices and apps offer convenience, the nostalgia and tradition of paper books are hard to beat. I enjoy the experience of holding a physical book, its weight and feel, which make reading a more immersive and meaningful experience.