We spend so much time on computers, tablets, and iPhones, and one has to wonder if it isn’t doing long-term damage to our vision. We have to use these devices at work, school, and in our personal lives, so going tech-free isn’t really an option for most of us.
But do we really need technology to read books? Isn’t that going to hurt our eyes even more? Well, that is definitely a chance we all take daily, but with Kindle, we can enjoy reading without using books, and it isn’t going to damage our eyesight. So if you are interested in learning more about how Kindle works, keep reading.
Why is a Kindle Screen Better for Our Eyes?
Kindle screens use what is known as ink, or in this case, ‘e-ink.’ This means that no light is used to light the pixels on the screen. Instead, it is the e-ink that does all the lighting. It is placed on the screen in the areas where pixels would be, and you then see the image.
One of the great things about these screens is that you never have to worry about adjusting your eyes to different lighting changes. There is also no glass, so you don’t have to worry about reflections and glare. The material that these screens are made of is different from a traditional computer screen, and it isn’t going to cause eyesight issues.
Basically, if you are using a Kindle screen, it is not much different from reading the pages of a traditional book. The only issue with this type of screen is that it makes it quite challenging to read at night without a light. However, that can easily be taken care of by turning on a good reading lamp. Problem solved.
More Battery Life
What is one of, if not the biggest, complaints about laptops, iPhones, and other handheld gadgets? They use a lot of battery power, and we always end up having to recharge, usually at the most inopportune moments.
Because a Kindle screen emits no light, so you can read for hours without having to worry about recharging the Kindle battery. The biggest drains on the battery will be changing images and connecting to the internet.
Kindle Pros and Cons
There are good and bad things about everything we use, and Kindle is no exception. If you are always on the go and love to read, a Kindle is going to be a lot easier to carry around than a sack filled with books.
On the other hand, many of us still love the feel and even the smell of books. So let’s take a look at the pros and cons of using a Kindle e-reader.
Pros
Lots of Books
In the past, we would have to drag around heavy books if we were really into reading. Now, we can have all of those books, and many more, stored in one handy little device that can easily be stuffed into a backpack, purse, etc. So if you want a thousand books, you can carry that many without actually carrying around a ton of books.
Portability
This goes along with the first pro. A Kindle reader is lightweight, and therefore easy to take anywhere. Also, you can keep on adding more books, and there is no additional weight.
Adjust Font Sizes
As we age, it can become more and more difficult to read fine print. But, you don’t have to worry about that with a Kindle because you can adjust the font size to make reading more comfortable. This is not something you can do with a book.
Great Prices
Have you seen the prices they want for paperback novels these days? Hardcover books are even more expensive. When you have a Kindle, you can get great prices on all of your favorite books, and you can even get many for free, such as popular classics. The only investment you need to make is buying the Kindle itself.
Cons
Vision Problems
While a Kindle is much easier on the eyes than a computer screen, if you are a voracious reader, you could end up doing some damage to your eyesight if you are only using one of these devices for reading.
No Real Books
Many of us still prefer to hold an actual book in our hands. We love how books feel. We love how books smell (especially old books). We love books, period. But, while there is convenience, the personal touch is no longer there.
Availability
If you are into old or rare books, chances are that you won’t be able to find them on Kindle. In fact, there are even many newer, popular books that are not available in the Kindle format. So, to read any of the books that aren’t available on Kindle, you will need to fall back on traditional books.
Technical Issues
Because Kindle is a computer device, there are bound to be some technical issues at times. These issues could be as simple as not correctly maintaining the device or system issues. However, there is always a chance that saved content will be lost or that you will have to get the device repaired or replaced.
Conclusion
So, which would you prefer to use, Kindle readers or traditional books? Both have their positives and negatives, and it is up to you to decide which you prefer to use; both can lead to eye strain if you are reading too much.
But, whether you use a Kindle or prefer hardcover books or paperbacks, the main thing is that you enjoy reading. A story in a book or on a Kindle device can open up new worlds, take you to fantasy worlds, educate you, entertain you, and so much more.
Never lose your love of reading, and give Kindle a chance if you want to make it easier to read while you’re on the go. If you are worried about your eyesight, take a break (well, maybe after the next chapter because the book is getting really exciting).