Tech Trends: eBooks

I have found that eBooks have pros and cons.  I like them better for fun rather than education.  With the Nook and the Kindle it is a great way to have your library everywhere you go.  I can see that it is very beneficial for someone who is an avid reader, like my brother-in-law.  I have a couple of Dr. Seuss books on my iPhone for my son - he LOVES them because they read to him and have sound effects (by the way, he is only 4 months old!).

On the other hand, as far as eBooks at textbooks, I am not a huge fan.  I purchased an eBook out of a "help I need my book now" situation and it was the biggest waste.  First of all, the book expired so the money that I spent on it is now gone...and so is the book.  Second, I could only view it on one computer.  Thankfully I had downloaded the book to my laptop otherwise I could have only read it at my desk.  Even then I could only read it on the computer; I couldn't just pull it out on a car ride.  Third, I really do like being able to flip through the pages rather than scroll or click.

Some people really like eBooks.  They are environmentally friendly and they do cost less.  I cannot say that I am a huge fan.  Even though my little one loves his iPhone versions of Dr. Seuss, nothing beats sitting down with the actual book for a bedtime story (plus if he chews on the pages it is cheaper to replace than the iPhone).

Day to Day Technology

There used to be a time in my life when a computer didn't matter and neither did a cell phone...I was about ten years old then.  I remember we got our first computer when I was in 5th grade.  I remember my dad being so excited because it had a 56MB hard drive!  Now I carry sixteen times that amount in my pocket on a flash drive and thirty two times that on my cell phone.  When I was younger the computer was more of a privilege now it is a necessity. 

With technology being so prevalent all around us it is important to work to balance your physical life with the virtual one.  I do feel like I have two separate lives at times.  I have a physical job and I have a physical social life.  I also have virtual job (school) and a virtual social life (texting, email and Facebook).  No matter what I am doing I lead both lives simultaneously.  With a new baby I would much  rather be spending more time in the physical world, but the demands of school keep me well occupied with the virtual one.  I am ready to be finished with this degree so that I can truly find a balance. 

Sometimes the two lives come together as a hybrid when I find myself in a stimulating game of "Words with Friends" with my friend right beside me.  Why don't we get out the Scrabble board?  Because our cell phones do it all!  In a magazine article I was reading the author spoke about the "mobile command center" (aka, the cell phone).  It is so true.  I can access my personal email, my work email, and my school email all through one application.  I have done class assignments on my iPhone when in a pinch for time and not able to be at my computer.  I unfortunately feel like I am missing something important when I don't have my phone.  The cell phone has become like an appendage.