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How to read an e-book in the bathtub
October 20, 2007 | 5:35 am
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By David Rothman
Yes, you can read an e-book in the bathtub or maybe even while snorkeling.
Bathtubs are no minor detail in the paper-vs.-electrons debate. Margaret Atwood has insisted, for example, that you can’t laze back in the comfy warm water and read E. And that’s not the only time people have thought, “Tub.”
I’ve got more than a few thoughts on the above over at the E-Book Report blog at Publishers Weekly.
Update, 11:42 a,m.: Join the informative discussions already happening below and at PW. In the latter place we’re discussing the potential of Zip-Lock bags, and I’d like to hear all the pro and cons of the bags and other approaches.
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Comments:
The PW site won’t accept my comments so I’ll post this here:
Otterboxes are great products. Here are links to two reviews, with pictures, I did of their products on Palm Addict:
http://palmaddict.typepad.com/palmaddicts/2007/07/otterbox-does-i.html
http://palmaddict.typepad.com/palmaddicts/2006/11/my_laptop_is_in.html
Paul, it’s great to hear that the OtterBboxes work. I’ll look forward to trying ‘em out. Meanwhile over at my PW blog, people say that Zip-Lock bags are also helpful. I’d welcome others’ opinions on OtterBoxes vs Z-Ls. Are the OBs overkill? Of course they also offer crush protection. Perhaps Otterboxes could be just the ticket for, say, the beach–although I might still worry about other things such as the sun’s possible effects on LCDs (maybe someone can set us straight on that).
As for posting to PW, try an experiment. Do it without URLs and see what happens. Not to detract from the value of those terrific URLs. Those reviews said–and showed–plenty!
Thanks,
David
I get all steamed up about the books in bathtub thing. Come on–glue unglues, wood pulp swells, termites get the ideal situation for eating. Besides, does anyone really take baths any more? I know I’m a guy (and guys aren’t supposed to be readers) but the only times in the last ten years I actually soaked in a bathtub, I wasn’t alone–and I certainly wasn’t going to be reading a book.
Don’t you think these are just deniers, sticking their head in the sand and repeating the mantra they heard before–thinking they’re being clever? I don’t blame you for taking them at their word and showing how wrong they are, but the real secret is to just make them give eBooks a try. I confess I had to be persuaded that a Palm PDA screen would work–it seemed too small. But it does, and bigger screens like the Sony or eBookWise work even better.
Rob Preece
Publisher, http://www.BooksForABuck.com
Amusing thoughts, Rob. I agree with your premise that Luddites will reach for any excuse.
That said, the bath is alive and well. Or is it? Does this mean you’ll soon be publishing The bath is dead?
David
http://www.aquapac.net/
Used them for the neuvomedia, (reb1100), reb1200′s, sony, various PDSa, etc in the hut tub. Never had a leak. And the best customer service ever.
Also another thumbs up on otterboxes.
Oh yeah – the battery life on the hammerhead that you have as the picture above stinks – had to replace the hard drive with a CF card and build my own powerpack to get and useful time out of it.
I recently bought some 3 gallon Ziplock bags that are extra tough. They are made for storing non-food items. These are much larger than my Fujitsu Tablet PC. You even have room for your lunch, along with the tablet
Jon and Joseph:
JON: Thanks for your problem report. The idea here is to help people, not boost the market for Hammerheads. So it’s good to get at the truth. Also thanks for the URL in the earlier post.
JOSEPH: Great tip!
David
I’m with Rob on this one. I will say that I used zip-lock baggies when I was in the Army. It was great for keeping sand and dirt off my reader. Come to think of it, I also used Saran Wrap on not just my e-book, but my keyboard or any other device I wanted to keep clean.
Ellen
Just using Ziplocs will not be enough protection for a several hundred dollar device while reading in a tub.
I use and sell the aquapac bags, which are water proof up to a few meters beneath the surface. It is blue on the backside, but transparent on the front, so you can read quite comfotably. And it fits the iLiad in it.
Aquapac have also good protective cases for iPods and even water proof earphones.
Best regards
Falk
http://www.justread.de
Falk,
My experience and those of many others differ with yours about the usefulness of Ziplock bags (especially the heavy-duty ones). But then again, I don’t sell Ziplocks. I just buy them in the grocery store.
I know that Aquapacs are designed for things like whitewater rafting and other major abuse. However, a heavy Ziplock is plenty good enough for moderate use in a few inches of water. And I hope no one here is launching a raft in their bathtub
Joseph,
if you are willing to risk it, then you are probably fine. I used Ziplocks for protection in sandy areas, but when it comes to more water than a few drops, i am just not willing to risk 650,- Euros just because my wet fingers slipped. Water is just too dangerous for the electronic devices
And i have to say, i sometimes even read in te shower, and there a ziplock will definately not work.
But as i always say, everyone should do as they please