Reading Without Paper

When paper first came out, the Egyptians said they still preferred the look and feel of their solid stone tablets. I jest, of course, but the common issue brought up when it comes to e-book readers is that paper is still better (these are the same people who would have no problem spending hours reading blogs and websites on their LCD and, my goodness, CRT screens).

What follows is an apologia and survey of e-book readers. Now that Apple's iPad is released (which has been hailed as Kindle's greatest challenger) we have a clearer picture of the state of the market today.

For Malaysians theStar's feature on ebooks are a good place [1][2] to familiarize yourself with the scene.

Firstly, what most would call the "proper" E-Reader's are E-Ink based devices. The Sony Reader and Amazon's Kindle are two of the most well-known. E-Ink basically offers the closest thing you'll get to ink on paper and has the advantage of low power consumption as it only needs it whenever you "flip" a page.

Apple's iPad on the other hand is basically an LCD based device, so it's not all that different than reading from your computer screen (if you have an iPhone or iPod touch, it's basically a bigger version of that).

Good old book (left) with E-Ink based device (right). Click for higher detail.

I personally am biased towards E-Ink readers - they work best when it comes to novels and general non-fiction (two of the main things I'm reading). I also read textbooks (with some adjustments) and the occasional manga (manga not comics, because manga is primarily black and white). My paperless (more like cheapskate) college only provides the lecture notes as softcopy, so that saves on my printing costs too.

For those more inclined towards colour and larger books, then probably the iPad (or your netbook) works best.

Adapting to reading on an e-reader is quite easy, especially if you read a lot and so adjust more quickly. The main drawback then, is the initial investment required. MPH Malaysia is currently selling a 5 inch e-reader (6 inches is the industry standard) for RM1299 [3] which I think is slightly pricy, considering that you can get the same device here for cheaper.

My own e-reader was purchased at the nice price point of RM990 (although if it spoils, I'll have to fork out postage fees to Taiwan.)

Really though, the convenience of carrying around hundreds of books in a single device is worth the purchase cost. As for books itself, while Amazon is not selling in Malaysia yet, there are numerous other stores [4] as well as all the free public domain books available.

But in the end, e-readers are for the voracious readers. The one book a month or "I never read books" folks or even paper purists will find it hard to justify such a purchase. Personally, I am enjoying reading without paper.

Broga

Recent two-hour excursion to Broga Hill was unexceptional. At least it was named right - Gunung Angsi (Mountain) is shorter than Maxwell Hill. I guess names aren't just reliable. Went in the middle of the afternoon to avoid the crowds. Great panorama of palm, jungle and kampung but other than that not much.

I have always been unimpressed at what our country has to offer. Of course I know a fair number of Europeans who dream of having their honeymoon in Langkawi (not impressed, either), that the grass is greener on the other side, so on and so forth.

My aesthetic is frankly Continental, and I am unashamed to admit that much. Most beautiful (actually, more like surreal) local sight for me would be the granite peak of Mt. Kinabalu in moonlight, but other than that, meh.

Pics below.

Ten Favourite Films, 2009

10. A Serious Man

The Coens are back at their usual unusual brand of thoughtful comedy.

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9. In the Loop


I may be stereotyping, but only the Brits would come up with one of the best political satires in recent times. Peter Capaldi's character is tastelessly sublime.

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8. Un Prophète (A Prophet)

Any contribution to the rise-to-greatness genre of gangster movies will always have to be in the shadow of the Godfather, but Jacques Audiard pulls off a compelling story with a classic ending.

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7. Invictus

Predictable? Sure. It's a dramatized true underdog story. Eastwood modulates the hamminess and Freeman plays a subtle Mandela. Could be much better, but well done nonetheless.

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6. Moon

Wins the breath of fresh air award for its contribution to the sci-fi genre. Simple, intelligent and tense.

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5. Das Weiße Band (The White Ribbon)


When we have children talking about God, death and blamed for bizarre accidents, we know we're watching something bold and intent on provoking. I found all of its 144 minutes compelling.

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4. The Cove


The best documentary of 2009. The Cove seeks only to show its viewers what it objects to. In this case, dolphin killing. Go and watch it; not much more needs to be said.

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3. Up In The Air


About the meaning of life with special regard to the white-collars.

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2. Inglorious Basterds


If there ever was an Oscar for Best Conversations by the Table, this would surely take it.

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1. Avatar

Cameron resets the bar. Others have to follow suit. Oh, joy.

2010, to do (might do).

The religion of the working class is "keep busy", which offers more existential peace of mind than any god or godless system can. Well, I'm not a usually busy person. I delight in having my calender empty. Still, it wouldn't hurt to do something once in a while.

Mono concert, end of the month. Smaller locale, just hope the sound is just as good as the Mogwai one. Hymn to the Immortal Wind sounded like a movie soundtrack, but a darned good one. I'm looking forward, of course.

Both of my brothers have returned to school. Honestly, I have always told every curious soul that homeschooling is all or nothing. Still, institutions offer that much more security than learning in the four walls of one's home. But of course; even we homeschoolers go to colleges and universities.

College is almost over. Time to think of a thesis project. Sometimes I regret starting so early, which leads to the big looming "to do" - get a job. No more comments on that now.

And yes, I like playing more than working, so the second installments of Mass Effect and Bioshock I'm looking forward to. Both have high expectations to live to; the latter's first installment basically marked the day video games grew up (or was it Half Life 2?). Either way, they are only a few weeks away.

I don't expect to go somewhere this year. Indeed, for 2009, I basically only traveled between two cities. 2011, though? If all goes well, I'll be crossing out half of my "to visit" list.

No New Year's resolutions - time to admit they're useless for me. I never was a goal oriented person. Just a person with a long lists of wants and no idea how to get them. But oh, I'm learning.

Oh, then.

Last year was disappointing. I wrote too little, both here and elsewhere. But it was also inspiring. I learned so much (too much even). I worked in a multi-national for half a year and came out wiser. College will finish soon; I will be two decades old.

What I don't like about this year? The fact that I now have to work in a job that I would not like. What's more, the job I would like to do isn't really a job at all. Not for the time being.

So once again, I occupy my time with my own personal projects. Movie season (for me) is reaching it's peak and I find that 2009 was also disappointing in this regard. Oddly enough, my studies in storytelling has taken a great leap from me playing so many (video) games. I guess alternative forms of media do help you break out. On a side note, I averaged ten books a month.

And then there's the career choice bit, which I admit I have sunk too little time into. The questions keep coming, and soon you're used to blurting out the supposedly truthful "I don't know." But really, we're just bullshitting ourselves here. You always knew.

When I was 7 years old I wanted to write stories.

I still do.