Last week, I finally saw a Kindle up close and personal. I have heard about these wireless reading devices, but I have always put them in the category of laser discs, betamax tapes and mini discs; something here today, obsolete tomorrow. But the thing is, I keep hearing about them, and now after seeing one, my interest is piqued.

It seems that when a new technology is introduced, there are those that are overly enthusiastic and have to have it as soon as it comes out. Then there are those that have the “if it ain’t broke, then why fix it” attitude and only upgrade to something new when something literally breaks. I think I flounder somewhere in the middle, sort of like the dvd/vhs player, a little of the old and a bit of the new. I like technology when it makes my life easier, which is I suppose its intrinsic purpose, but sometimes I am a little slow on the uptake.

The idea of the Kindle seems to spark debate and divisiveness. Reading is such a sacred activity, it is argued to be sacrilegious to read from anything but a real book. And I understand that. I adore books and love spending an afternoon in a bookstore and having shelves and shelves of books to show for it. The thing I dislike is holding a bulky 600 page, hard cover novel in bed. It is heavy and uncomfortable. And also when traveling, to take books and magazines with you is such a hassle. Upon seeing a Kindle, I couldn’t help but to notice how lightweight and well designed it looked. I wondered if the two sides could be merged into something that is light and convenient but also fills a bookshelf and has pages that I can turn?

Is the Kindle the new iPod, something that is going to revolutionize the way I read? Are books just the walkman or discman of days past and the Kindle a far more convenient mp3 player? Time will certainly tell, but for now, I will just add it to my wishlist.