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My latest e-book gizmo: A recliner
November 25, 2008 | 7:44 am
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By David Rothman
Read e-books hour after hour on a desktop PC or Mac? For years I’ve warned against it—as too tough on backs.
But now I’m giving the idea a try, by way of a plush recliner and a 22-inch monitor. I can see the normal type from three feet away and blow it up if need be.
The comfort issues
The La-Z-Boy is more fun to sit in than the usual task chair, and the arms are spaced so I can rest my elbows against them while typing. Remember, I must be able to write comfortably, not just read. My keyboard sits on my lap. And my wireless mouse rests on the right arm of the La-Z-Boy. The mouse wheel is a wonderful page-changer.
Most good desktop e-reading software will let you vary font sizes and screen colors, so that helps deal with the vision issues. Yes, many people will hate readings books off LCDs under any circumstances. But I don’t.
No more sync hell
What’s more, desktop-reading lets you skip the hassles of shuffling e-books from your desktop to a reading device. The desktop is the device.
I’ll see how this works out (I’m also using my iPod Touch and Stanza when I’m in the mood).
If it does, then maybe I’ll eventually move on to a little platform that I can raise and lower to get the monitor at just the right level. As it happens, the monitor is now sitting on the keyboard area of my regular desk, and it’s at a good height to avoid neck strain.
But here’s to perfection! And you never know: maybe there’s a trend here. La-Z-Boy recliners for the standard corporate office? They might not be optimal for image, but terrific for comfort and efficiency.
So are you yourself reading whole books off your desktop? And what tips would you like to share?
For people with circulatory issues: An advantage of the present arrangement is that I can rest my feet simultaneously on both an Ottoman and the recliner’s platform, rather than having them reach to the floor. This higher level is better for leg circulation, especially with a pillow resting atop the stool. My cardiologist, who warned of the need to elevate my feet, is the person who, unwittingly, started me thinking about recliners.
The read/write angle: If e-books grow more interactive, some people may find the recliner option to be attractive. Not everyone enjoys typing on a typical laptop—or sitting at a desktop task chair.
Detail: I’m not using the same recliner as in the photo.
Technorati Tags: La-Z-Boyfriends,recliners
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Comments:
David, way to go. I’ve been enjoying reading ebooks on my Sony Reader while lazing in my La-Z-Boy since the day I received my Reader. Absolutely the best way to enjoy reading.
Here’s an idea for Sony and La-Z-Boy — a package deal for Father’s / Mother’s / Grandparent’s Day — buy them together and save big $$$$.
My only difference with you is that the last thing I want to do is read for pleasure on my desktop. I spend my work hours reading on it, so I want to get away from work when it is pleasure time. Plus, it is hard to get up from the chair and carry the book elsewhere when you are tied to a desktop and a 22-inch screen.
David, I’m on my third recliner and my wife has been after me to buy a new one. Seems I tend to sit on the right side all the time and within a year or two my chair lists toward the ocean. I’m looking for a good deal right now.
I place my MacBook Pro on the right arm of the chair, lift my right leg and cross it over my left leg to prop the computer on and type and read away. Been doing this since the bypass in 1991. In fact, I’m doing it now.
My cardiologist is sending me for the winter to Florida, so I’ll have to find a good wicker chair down there. i guess i won’t have wireless at the beach.
Don, I appreciated those helpful details. Other tips welcome for recliner users–now or later on! And meanwhile my sympathy over the possible lack of wireless. Perhaps you can jog the hotel or whatever to offer it. Thanks. David
It’s funny how aspects of the environment affect reading habits.
For several years I stopped reading in bed because I couldn’t stand my overhead light. Then I changed to a small nightstand lamp and I read a lot more.
A while back I realized that not having a kitchen table meant less reading and more watching of TV during meals (It also meant more crumbs in the living room). I will soon be buying a kitchen table to rectify that situation.
I have a great lazy-boy but I am not particularly happy with the lamp beside it, which may be a reason I don’t read as often on it.
Wow, cool insight about elevating feet.
Great observations, Robert. I’d also welcome other people tips on little ways they try to optimize their surroundings to encourage reading, especially the E variety. Thanks. David