Technology is a pervasive and sometimes invasive tool. While incorporation of the many devices, software packages and handy websites may offer many benefits, the question of the benefits of those tools should be weighed against the costs at some point.
For example, in my own life, a high priority is placed on internet connectivity and a good deal of money is spent maintaining that. I never travel without a laptop and smart phone, which also means I pay to maintain a laptop and smart phone along with the phone service and unlimited data plans which make those things useful. In my life this makes sense because I work and attend school entirely online and connectivity facilitates those activities.
In many cases, however, the expenses associated with the various toys are purely recreational and are really not justified when considered. E-readers seem exceptionally convenient and I would really like to own one. On the face it seems one would add to the quality of my life, yet I recently tried to justify this desire to my wife. As it turns out, the books are not significantly less expensive, often require membership to a service, can be damaged and need to be charged. Additionally, I like to use my books as decorating accessories in my home and I would lose this capability. In the end, this fun accessory would detract from my life more than it would add.
I see many other individuals and items which would benefit from a similar analysis. How many people are truly reaping benefits (even recreational benefits) from iPads commensurate with the costs?
I can see where an e-reader would be good. I think that in today's technology that there are devices that work as e-readers that would have other functions. I am very interested in the blackberry playbook. I like to have as many devices rolled into one as I can. My wife, on the other hand prefers her devices separated each having its own function. I guess its all a matter of what you want. One thing is for sure.... There are enough devices out there to meet anyone's criteria.
ReplyDeleteI've made more money in savings on Kindle textbooks than the cost of the Kindle already. The difference has been nearly $400 in savings compared to the $139 for the Kindle and $35 for a decent cover. There's no real membership cost as Amazon Prime is free with a .edu email address and that guarantees 1 day shipping. I think I've charged my Kindle once in the last 7 weeks. I was highly sceptical at first, but it's already paid for itself and I'll be saving another $150 or so on textbooks this fall.
ReplyDeleteE-readers are one of the few things that are actually worth the investment.
Joe Greene