Making an Informed Decision - Seat 14 B: The Kindle or Sony Reader?
Last week, on a flight to New York, I was introduced to the Kindle : an online electronic book reader. It holds up to 1,500 books, is as light as a paperback, and almost as thin as a magazine. Brilliant I thought - and the person sitting next to me agreed - asking how the owner what she thought. Excited to share her story, she recounted how her husband had surprised her with it only a few days ago, and she had already grown to love it - and did not know how she had lived without it! A strong testimonial I thought.
So did the man sitting in seat 14 B. 'Don't be fooled' he said, coming in over top of the conversation. 'You need the Sony Reader'. The plane had landed, and people were gathering their belongings, waiting to get off the plane, and many now lending an ear to the conversation. 'It's so much better, a screen that is perfect for reading, and cheaper' he touted holding his in the air.
'Ah, but I can download and browse for books at the click of a button' refuted the now standing Kindle owner. The debate was interrupted as the cabin doors were opened and people started to exit the plane. On the train to Manhattan, I realised I had seen something remarkable. I, as well as everyone else around me, had witnessed an debate between strangers, both who were strong advocates of their respective products. Why did the man in seat 14B speak up? He didn't have anything to win. Did he have a stake in the success of the Sony Reader? Unlikely, as he was behind me in cattle-class! He simply wanted to help, and share his views.
Recommendations from strangers, and conversations like this one, happen every day. I wanted to know more. At my hotel, I fired up my computer and went online to check out a comparison to see if what I had heard was correct. It was. I read through the first 10 comments and ratings on Kindle - I was sold. Easy to use, long battery life, access to 350,000 titles...it had everything I needed. I had just taken a view and formed an opinion based on recommendations from total strangers. I had listened to the collective wisdom of the crowd.
Still not sure if I will get an online electronic book reader. But what I do know, is that I have the tools at my fingertips, whenever I need, to make an informed decision.
