bookofjoe

Reading in bed: Kindle Paperwhite FTW

Since forever I've disdained and disrespected e-readers like Amazon's Kindle, vowing that I will always do as I've always done: read books only if they're on paper.

Well, guess what?

That's no longer the case.

I took a flutter on Amazon's latest Paperwhite, the most recent in many years of adding features and improving the screen and user interface and making the device smaller and lighter.

The reason I decided to take another bite of the Amazon e-reader apple?

As I get older I'm increasingly disliking holding heavy books open with my left hand (I read in bed and sleep on my left side), with no other support, and then taking the risk of disturbing my calico cat, Vanta, who sleeps up against my hips) each time I reach up and turn the page.

The Paperwhite has done what I thought impossible: given me a 6.8" (diagonal) e-Ink screen with 300 DPI that's bright enough with high enough resolution to render words sharply in a package that weighs 7.23 ounces, way lighter than books.

It's 6.9" x "4.9" x 0.32" — small, thin, and light enough to easily hold it in one hand, and with a grippy surface texture that helps me keep it positioned where I want it.

Lagniappe: the ability to instantly buy any book from Amazon wirelessly from anywhere and have it appear on the Kindle in about 5 seconds — truth.

Other features: a full charge lasts up to 10 weeks; it recharges in 1-3 hours.

For those like to read in the tub or the pool or on the beach:

$149.99.

One Minute Park

Res ipsa loquitur.

Careful... if you don't get a grip, before you know it they'll be turning out the lights.

World's Smallest Magic 8 Ball — Tie Dye Limited Edition

From the website:

Discover your future on the fly with the World's Smallest Tie Dye Magic 8 Ball.

It fits right in your pocket but works just like the original you know and love, with answers that are just a little bit vague but scaled down to mini size.

It has the answers to all of your most pressing questions.

Start by "asking the ball" any "yes" or "no" question, then turn it over to see your answer appear inside the little window.

This novelty toy offers fortune-telling fun and intrigue for everyone!

                       

Features and Details:

• Portable — fits in any pocket

• Funky tie dye colors

• Ages 8 and up

• Wipe clean

• 1.5" Ø

$6.99.