Entertainment on the computer…

by Jeannie Ruesch

Recently, our DVR started acting possessed and we had to replace it.  Which also meant that all the settings had to be re-entered, shows newly recorded.  Of course, things fell through the cracks.  I forgot to set the times for both Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters, and I missed a week's episodes. 

Now, both shows have their latest episodes available on ABC.com to view, and I've watched plenty of shows in the past on the computer.  So I sat down this past week to watch, and I jumped right in to Brothers & Sisters. I didn't even notice I was sitting at my desk, because I was so enthralled with the show and when it was over, I was surprised. It had gone by so fast.  Desperate Housewives, which I enjoy but I don't love, was an entirely different matter.  I knew I was uncomfortable and other things kept grabbing my attention, so I ended up stopping the program before I'd finished. 

Brothers & Sisters is one of my favorite shows, I look forward to it every week.   I enjoy Desperate Housewives, but it's not a favorite.  When it comes to my favorites, I'm willing to watch them on computer or on a tiny iPod screen just so I get access to it. So I wondered, if one of my favorite authors (the auto buy list that doesn't even require a back cover read) came out with a new book and the ONLY way I could read it was on the computer…would I? 

If Nora Roberts came out with a book in ONLY e-book format, I'd buy it.  Then I'd waste a bunch of trees, double my cost for the book and print it out.  Same for Kristin Hannah. Or Judith McNaught, or the handful of other authors I can't wait to read.  Not that I imagine this is going to happen any time soon.  But just like my willingness to watch a favorite TV show anyway I can, that same willingness is present for my favorite authors — get it any way I can.   

Right now, I don't buy a lot of e-books.  It has NOTHING to do with the quality of writing or stories.  There are some excellent stories out there, authors who have made a name for themselves and who write just as well as any of the big names.  I just don't like reading a book on my computer and printing out a 300+ book on paper gets expensive.  In addition, reading anything at the computer tends to put me in "critique mode." Being at my computer happens because I'm writing, editing or critiquing one for a CP.

That leaves me out of a lot of quality, strong writing. I know. It's not about preferring pages in my hand, it's about needing a good, quality and AFFORDABLE way to read those books without sitting at my computer. E-readers are at the beginning stages of their development — somewhat like when the VCR cost hundreds of dollars and no one had one.  Or the same for the portable DVD player. I remember when it cost $500.  Now you can get one for under $100. An Ereader is just not that accessible to most people, myself included. I can't justify an almost $400 expense.

So this is one author/reader who is anxiously awaiting an affordable, easy option.  So all you technology companies –get to it!  I'm waiting.

You may also like

7 comments

Lavada April 27, 2009 - 9:47 am

For me the computer is as big a part of my life as the TV. Probably more. I have two computers set up in the den on a corner piece of furniture. To the left on another furniture I have the printer and a newer TV. The screen on the apple computer is bigger than the TV’s. We have a big screen in the great room and I watch it with family but I really prefer the den.

That explained, I watch movies on the computer and TV. I usually have an e-book open in the docking station. I think it’s the setup that dictates the entertainment center. I always have a print book open for that recliner that’s a few notches above my computer chair. Even though this last chair and how it sets allows me to lean back with my feet up. Does it get any better?

Jeannie, I’m with you in wanting an e-reader but not wanting to pay the current price. THEY WILL COME DOWN. Let’s hope they hurry.

Reply
Silver James April 27, 2009 - 9:53 am

iPhone. Sony 707. iPhone. Sony 707. *argh* The debate rages. I’d love to have the Sony, but the DD just bought an iPhone and I covet. Muchly. (Says the technophobe…) I’ll probably wait on both, though, as the price IS coming down.

Reply
Jeannie April 27, 2009 - 11:33 am

Lavada, IA — it’s the set up that dictates the usage for TV. I can grab my laptop and go sit on the couch or the bed or outside, and watch a show. But reading a book on my computer is just not relaxing. LOL

I can’t wait for an eReader I can afford to come out. I hope it’s soon!

Reply
Jeannie April 27, 2009 - 11:34 am

Silver — ahh, an iPhone!

For me, the iPod touch is the golden apple that I have to stay away from. I don’t NEED it, I just want to play with it. *grin* So that means it waits in line behind other things.

Or the price becomes within my “splurge purchase is perfect justifiable” range. LOL

Reply
JK Coi April 27, 2009 - 2:21 pm

For a combo mother’s day/birthday present last year, the family bought me a Sony ereader, and I have to say that it’s the best thing I’ve gotten–ever. I wasn’t sure how well I’d adapt to reading ebooks, but the Sony makes it easy and now I’d rather buy an ebook than a print book any time! Some of the old-skool authors that I read still don’t come in an e-format, but the time is coming.

It’s also my way of being a little more environmentally conscious.

Reply
Jeannie April 27, 2009 - 3:43 pm

JK — if I got it as a gift, I’d be tickled pink. I imagine I’d quickly become a convert, too.

Hmm, maybe I should start hinting broadly to the hubby….. LOL

Reply
Katrina Stonoff May 6, 2009 - 12:29 pm

I’m like you — I hate reading on the computer.

But a few weeks ago, I was in the middle of Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin when I had to go to Seattle (three-to four hours roundtrip). I didn’t want to stop reading, so I bought the Kindle edition and downloaded the Kindle app for my iPhone. It was fabulous! I read all the there and back, even in the dark (because the phone is backlit). And after the first half page or so, I was every bit as sucked into the story as I had been with print.

Just yesterday, I just finished reading By the Rivers of Brooklyn by Trudy J. Morgan-Cole. But the book isn’t out yet, and she didn’t have an ARC to send, so she sent a PDF, and again I read it on my iPhone. The PDF was harder to read than the Kindle version, but not enough to stop me.

Here’s the best thing of all: I could carry ALL the books I’m currently read in my little, straw Kate Spade bag — a bag I’d never stuff with heavy, bound books.

Reply

Leave a Comment

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Please accept to keep reading. Accept

Type Your Keywords: