Backsliding into Digital, Again

I didn’t think I would want another digital device, especially not an e-Ink reader such as Kindle Scribe.  In fact, I swore off my Kindle and started reading actual books for quite a few months. I still prefer to read the actual books over Kindle books.  I truly believe that I retain less from reading a book on Kindle.  I think science backs me up on that.

That’s not why I purchased a Boox Note Air 4 C.  I bought it to write out in the wild, so to speak.  I think it will give me incentive to get out of the apartment once in a while, for instance, to go to the library or a café and sit.  Yeah, it’s kind of a problem.  I stay home a lot, more than most would think is healthy.  I joke about being an urban hermit, but sometimes I do need to get out.  If only for a while.

​One reason I stay indoors is that I am reactive to noise and crowds in the worst way.  I have a work-around on that, as well.  One of the best purchases I made in the last few years was a set of noise-cancelling headphones.

I was, at first, indecisive about buying another digital device.  I didn’t want a tablet because like all other similar devices, there are a plethora of distractions.  E-mail, social media, news, music, TikTok (especially annoying), things that keep me from being productive.  Although you can download all those things on the Note Air 4 C, I am trying to avoid those things.  Nothing is so urgent that I can’t wait until I get home to my laptop.  And besides, I do have a smart phone.

But…there is guilt.  I’m not sure where it comes from.  I mean, I am still going to carry a journal and whatever book I am currently reading.  I will always prefer writing pen on paper.  I still, as I said, prefer actual books to Kindle.  But I also was reluctant to carry my laptop out “in the wild.”  And the Boox Note is so damn portable. I also bought a Bluetooth keyboard, which is incredibly (and surprisingly) light.

I am no Luddite.  I think that there are benefits to technology as long as it’s for good and to improve society. I am even intrigued by some aspects of AI, although the trend I see is that it’s being used not for good. Not necessarily evil, mind you, but not exactly beneficial.

So, my rationalization for buying this device is I hope it will help me get out of my comfort zone and out into different surroundings, at least in small doses.  In fact, I am counting on it.