Ever tried to read a Kindle by candlelight? Or another E Ink machine? Can you? New romantic opp?
If true, is this the start of a craze? Somebody on Twitter—at Wellesley College, she says—claims to be “reading her Kindle by candlelight.”
Funny. Even in normal light, I’m grumpy about the contrast between text and background on Kindles and other E Ink machines.
But assuming it isn’t a college hoax or some innocent whimsey, will a whole generation of literate young romantics start reading Emily Dickinson and Robert Frost to each other this way?
Oh, the possibilities. But E Ink? Wouldn’t more practical lovers go for iPhones or other devices with glow-in-the-dark displays?
Meanwhile apologies ahead of time to Rainbowbutt (the cat involved) and owner if this is for real. Whatcha reading by the flame?
Related: E-books vs. p-books in the shower. Another chance to use tech to kindle romance?
September 5th, 2009 at 9:32 am
I’m an old guy and I doubt that I could read my Kindle by candlelight (well…maybe with a hundred of them lit up at once) but my 19 year old daughter certainly could.
I’m always amazed how she can read in conditions so dark I would want a flashlight to walk around with to make sure I don’t bump into the furniture.
September 5th, 2009 at 9:39 am
A very reasonable observation, HG. Here’s to romanic e-book fans everywhere with eyes good enough to enjoy E Ink by candlelight!
Thanks,
David
September 5th, 2009 at 10:23 am
I have found that even reading print books by candlelight can be challenging. The light candles produce is soft and dim, not ideal for reading. I had to hold the book very close to the candle just to see well enough to read – a little too close for comfort.
While the idea of reading by candlelight is romantic, it just isn’t practical. When I need to get some reading done in the dark, I use my itty bitty book light. Works like a charm!
September 5th, 2009 at 10:32 am
I can read my cybook by candlelight. I fill the tub with hot water, good smelling bubbles, light a couple of candles, bring my cybook (zipped in a ziploc bag) and lie back and read. Very relaxing.
September 5th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
That’s great, Christine–candlelight and and a bubblebath.
Next time I run across another clueless, formulaic newspaper story mentioning that you can’t read an e-book in the bath, I’ll try to link to your comment.
Thanks,
David
September 5th, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Glad I could be of service.
September 6th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I haven’t been brave enough to take either of my Kindles out backpacking with me, but I have definitely read pbooks by the light from my candle lantern. It isn’t the best light, but when you have to haul any source of light around on your back a candle strikes a good balance between weight and hours of light.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
It is always good to find another use for the candles
very romatic indead, by my site is getting where i need more light also, maybe someday they will have a backlit Kindle (are you product designers listening)
http://candlecatalog.net Free Candle Catalog