Xmas: netbook gift

Like the Kindle, netbooks are going to be a popular gift for Xmas. Also like the Kindle, you should understand their limitations - there's a good chance the recipient won't like the limitations.

The primary limitation of a netbook is speed, no CD-ROM, and keyboard/screen size. In exchange, you get increased portability and longer battery life. You can't play games well on it, but you can carry it with you wherever you go and sit for hours in a café typing away.

Xmas: to Kindle or not to Kindle

Xmas is coming up quick, and people are asking me whether they should get eBook readers as a present, specifically the Kindle.

First of all, if they don't read at least one book a month, then it wouldn't be a good gift. It's like exercise equipment: if you don't already exercise, then getting exercise equipment won't make you exercise. Getting somebody a Kindle won't make them start exercising their brain.