The Tech I Use for Reading (Kindle, iPad, iPhone & More)
Have you ever wondered what device is actually best for reading?
I used to think you had to pick one method and stick with it. You might be Team E-Reader, Team Tablet, or just stick to physical books.
But over the years, I have realised that you can use different devices and each one can do something different to assist with your reading.
By the end of this newsletter, you’ll know exactly which device to use for what, and how to build your own reading setup without wasting money on tech you don't need.
📖Kindle Paperwhite
This is my favourite device for reading. The latest generation Paperwhites have 7-inch, 300 PPI screens, which means the text is incredibly sharp, while remaining portable.
Why I Use It: I love this for reading because it's completely distraction-free. No notifications popping up, no apps tempting me to check my email. Just books. Plus, its size means it can fit in a jacket pocket to take with you anywhere.
When I Use It: Whenever I have an opportunity for a longer reading session, this is my go-to device. If I’m sitting down to read for 20 minutes or more, this is what I reach for.
✍️Kindle Scribe
This is the newest device within my reading setup, and so far it's been a great addition.
Why I Use It: This is a great device for reading and writing within one device. Especially if you like the sound of being able to handwrite your notes on the book as you’re reading, and watch them reflow around the text.
When I Use It: If I am likely to want to read and/or write, I will use my Scribe. I also love this device for non-fiction and biographies, when I know I want to take notes as I read. But, as it’s larger and heavier than my Paperwhite, I don’t find it as good for longer reading sessions.
📱Kindle App on iPhone
I’ll start by saying, I don’t use this option for longer reading sessions. But it's been great for giving me little pockets of reading time across the day.
Why I Use It: I first tried reading on my iPhone for a week, whenever I had a moment to wait, or an awkward moment when I was normally on my phone. I managed to gain an extra 30 minutes of reading that week, and I’ve used this method ever since to give me extra reading time.
When I Use It: I use my iPhone for reading when I don't have my Kindle with me, or when I'm doing something else and have a spare moment. Waiting for food to cook, sitting in a waiting room, those awkward 5 minutes before I need to leave the house.
📲Kindle App on iPad
I already owned an iPad, so I didn’t specifically buy one for reading. I noticed a desire to see some of my books in colour, but I didn’t like the Kindle Colorsoft, because I couldn’t get over the black and white text not being as sharp as on the Paperwhite.
Why I Use It: Sometimes, I feel the need to see my books in their full colour. Admittedly, I rarely have this with the non-fiction or novels that I read.
When I Use It: I use it for cookbooks, graphic novels, and anything where colour actually matters. That means I use the iPad when I'm cooking and need a recipe, or when I'm reading something visual like a comic or a photography book. Occasionally, I'll use it for borrowed library books that won't work on my Kindle.
🎧Audiobooks
I do use audiobooks, just not in the way most people do.
Why I Use It: I like to read and listen to denser books, as I find the narrative helps to keep me locked in to what I am reading.
When I Use It: I read and listen during breakfast and lunchtime for half an hour each. I don't use audiobooks for passive listening while I'm driving or doing chores. This is a personal preference though, as I know many people who love to use audiobooks on the go.
📚Physical Books & Notebooks
A final note on this, because they are part of my reading system, even though they are not tech.
Why I Use It: There's something about the feel of paper, the smell of a book, the weight of it in your hands, that no device can replace. It forces me to slow down and savour the reading experience.
When I Use It: I use physical books when I want to slow down and be intentional. When the book itself is part of the experience, not just the words inside it.
💭Closing Thoughts
When it comes to technology for reading, it's not about having the fanciest tech or the newest gadgets. It's about using the right tool for the right moment.
What devices do you like to use for reading? Let me know by contacting me at Hello@charliesamways.com.
I’d love to hear your experiences reading and using e-readers, so please reach out to share your thoughts.
You can check out the video all about this topic on my YouTube channel below:
If you’re passionate about self-improvement, reading or want to discuss the subject of e-ink technology, I’d love to hear from you. So please drop me a message.
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