Final Exam

In Journal 7, I discussed the idea of the Kindle and its inability to replace books. In my discussion I brought up the ideas of how the Kindle could not replace books because you wouldn't be able to have a book and call it your own; the physical presence of the book would not be there and therefore you would not be able to call it "your own." Yet, when comparing the relationship of the Kindle to books to the relationship between an iPod and CDs, I find that it wouldn't be that much of a hinderance at all. CDs used to be the same as books where it was important to own the actual CD to be able to call it yours, yet, in today's age, people are happy to just own the songs by ordering them on iTunes. The idea of the CD still works. For example, in your car, with an iPod and an adapter, you are able to listen to all of your songs just as you would a CD, but now, you don't have to continue to change the CD when you are through listening to the 12-14 tracks on one CD. The same is true for the Kindle; after it is around for a few years like the iPod, people will just be excited to have many different books at their disposal without having to take up so much space with the actual books. As far as giving CDs or books for gifts, there would still be the opportunity to give the actual book, but there would also be an option to give a gift card, such as an iTunes card, so that the person could download any book they would like. The Kindle would also offer better ways of carrying school books; you would no longer have to carry around multipe heavy school books in a backpack, but you would be able to carry your Kindle around and have all of you books at hand. This would also be helpful so you wouldn't have to try to remember to bring your book, but you would always have it with you. Also, if you have your Kindle with you wherever you are and you have a spare time to cram before that next exam, you have your book right there to study. The Kindle would be an upgrade to make accessing information and books easier.

In Journal 9, I discussed the problems with virtual video games and virtual reality and how they can hinder a person's drive to go out and do the actual activity. I mentioned the Wii Sports game and how you can feel like you are actually playing through the game, but it is not the same as actually going out and playing the game itself. The truth is, it's not going to be exactly like going out and playing that sport, but it is very similar. For example, when personally playing the Wii sports games, you have to concentrate on timing and power just as you would in the actual sport. As with tennis for example, you must aim where you would like to hit it and you must also swing with how much or little force you would like. You also feel the soreness of playing the Wii game as you would a regular game. I've heard several stories that individuals can become sore while actually swinging the racket or actually punching the punching bag. It will never be identical to the actual sport because you aren't actually outside playing, but in your living room, but it does come very close to being just like the actual game. Virtual games and virtual reality offer so many different opportunities for people. If a person is in a wheelchair, for example, and they can't walk or stand, they will be able to experience what it would be like to play the sports. Also, if you can't actually do something such as being a secret agent or jumping out of an airplane, virtual reality can give you the opportunity to experience those things that you wouldn't be able to do in real life. Virtual reality games won't deter people from wanting to go out and do the actual activity, but in fact, they will make them appreciate the real activity so much more.