eReading on an iPod touch

Murder List
Originally uploaded by midgefrazel

I have been a fan of electronic reading for some time now and reading on my new iPod touch is a much improved experience from ereading on my Palm or Windows Mobile platforms.

The ease of page turning is made possible by the touch interface and the screen is clear and easy to read from in both bright light and in the dark.

The ebooks I purchased previously from eReader.com are downloadable from my bookshelf stored on their server. Now if I could only remember which ones I have already read! I have followed the directions to download several to my iPod touch 2g. [After signing up for a free account, and logging in you can look at the free ones here.]

I also enjoy listening to spoken text books from Audible. I purchased a small speaker system for my kitchen table so I can "read" while cleaning or preparing dinner.

A fan of Flickr Groups, I have joined an interesting one this week called 25 Book Challenge for 2009. The idea is to post a photo of the book cover and discuss each book you are reading. I think it will be interesting to find out what books are being read.

I am starting my book challenge with Murder List by Julie Garwood, which is one of the FREE ebooks available at the ereader Web site.

Computer Genius

Computer Genius
Originally uploaded by midgefrazel

Well, this is IT. I have been declared a computer genius by my friend Kathy Schrock. She gave me this huge cup for my birthday yesterday. If I drink this much coffee I may expire!

If you know Kathy, she doesn't hand out a compliment like this every day. I am honored, flattered and thrilled. I guess I am also thirsty and over caffeinated.

Notice that the words on this mug face the "audience" of the person drinking it. That's an ego-booster. I wonder how far I can push this?

Education Expert iPod Touchers

After spending some time yesterday working with my new iPod Touch, I knew I'd better get some expert help. My friends, Kathy Schrock and Tony Vincent, long know for their "handheld" computer expertise, have resources to help me investigate what's "out there"!

Kathy's blog lists the apps on her iPhone (she upgraded from her Touch to the iPhone) and some of them I have already downloaded using both the method of downloading directly from the Touch itself and also from the iTunes interface. I like to read the description on the computer screen to see where the directions for use (such as games) and for the user reviews. I still keep a paper list of which ones I have installed with any comments I have while working with them.

Tony Vincent's blog, Learning in Hand, also has an excellent set of resources, with tips and hints. That's my next step, check what I have downloaded and read Tony's advice.

iPod Touch

iPod Touch 2d gen
Originally uploaded by midgefrazel

I knuckled under to the tech gods and bought an iPod touch, 2nd generation on Cyber Monday. This is what it looks like (with the fake cover) when you open the box. MacMall did a great job shipping it overnight to me and I had it in my hands at noon yesterday. (I got a free case when I sent in the rebate as shown here)

Despite almost 25 years of working with technology, I still feel the thrill of shiny new stuff to learn about. I spent so long with it yesterday, I felt like an iPod newbie, even after owning a shuffle and a 5Gen Classic. Both of my iPod's still work and I am still using them.

This iPod is quite different and feels more like my Palm handheld as far as being versatile. The adventure continues....