I'm LOVIN' it!

Well, I did it... I broke down and bought something to read my e-books on (other than my desktop computer). I've been debating between a straight up e-book reader or a PDA for a while but the expense of both made me hesitate.

But I finally chose.................ta-da!

The Palm Tungsten E2

So now, I can read all of my PDF e-books (I don't have to pay to get them in another format YAY!), I have my book buying spreadsheets on it and I can even modify them on there, I can listen to MP3's and watch certain video clips (I haven't tried this yet), I have pictures (it's my mobile brag book now), I have a calendar, my address book, my 'To Do' list, a memo function (no more sticky notes all over!), and many more things which I haven't explored. PLUS, it's Wifi capable! I just can't decide if I'm going to spend the extra $ to get the neccessary card to do that.

Oh, and did I mention that I have this hottie as my screen background on it? YUM!!

And, I got it for only $63 on e-bay. It's in perfect condition and came with all of the 'stuff'' and a nice case. Don't you LOVE e-bay! BIG kisses to vrod3315 who was one of the BEST sellers I've ever dealt with.

I'm so happy with my new toy!

It came in especially handy yesterday since I had to wipe and reconfigure/install my hard-drive. Grrrrrrrrr! BUT I sat and read e-books while the computer was 'working' so I was less frustrated than normal by the process.

Where are all the honest reviews?

Obviously, my blog is so new that those little rubber pointy things are still on the tires. So I've been working on it a little today, mainly adding some links to romance review and news sites.

I'm not big into using 'reviews' to decide what to buy. I count on my own experience, friends recommendations, and excerpts because I don't generally trust the big-name review sites to be honest.

On most of the popular review sites, I find that their taste is either quite opposite of mine - which IS possible since no two people read a book and come away with the exact same reaction - or that positive reviews are being given out pretty much across the board. I just hate that. Why do they even bother? It's so not helpful to readers!

I LOVE reviews that tell me what is great about a book and also what is bad (in the reviewer's opinion, of course). If it's great but has a few issues that bothered you - say so. And if a book is total shit, why lie? BE HONEST! It's only one person's opinion. Other people can take it or leave it. Sites that offer positive reviews all-around benefits the author, the publishers, and the booksellers. NOT the reader that purchases a book based on a glowing recommendation.

As an avid reader, I'd much rather go into a book knowing that there is an element that I might not like but that the rest of the book is basically good. When I'm caught by surprise with something I don't like in the middle of the book it can skew my whole reading experience, it throws me off my stride, but if I'm somewhat prepared then it is easier to overlook the 'problem' and enjoy the rest of the story. My brain notices and dismisses it instead of zeroing in on it.

The real point of this post is that I'm having a horrible time finding review sites that post reviews that I somewhat agree with (because it's my blog and I get to choose. LOL!) or even just sites that I think are being fair and honest in their reviews. From what I've seen... there just aren't that many that are willing to point out the bad too. Most of them read like PR sites for the books.

I'd really love some recommendations for sites with honest info & reviews!