The entourage edge It's not available yet (set to ship in March 2010), but it looks like its got what most people want and then some. I might be getting one myself. I've been hesitant, like most, because of price, ease of use, screen size, etc...
It's not too much more than some of the other readers, so it might be a nice alternative.
http://www.entourageedge.com/devices/entourage-edge.html
Not sure if this was covered above...
I suppose it depends on what areas you will focus on. As in most fields, astrophysics and astronomy have many sub-fields that would require a more extensive background in that area. It also depends on which route you are taking (experimental or theoretical). With a math background, I would expect a theoretical route would be very appropriate.
Additionally, some schools have different notions of what to include in an Astro grad program. I know someone in one now in which the program assumes little or no previous Astro experience, while some assume extensive undergraduate coursework.
I completely encourage you to pursue this, but it may be a daunting task. If you made it through math, it is likely that you have the brain juice to do the physics. There is just a lot of physics out there to learn... so keep a pot of coffee on at all times...:)
For the basics (as most have suggested) check out the Feynman Lectures.
The Schaum's Outline series provides a good overview of many subjects.
Your instructors will probably tell you what to read for your particular astronomy and astrophysics courses.
Most basic and intro areas in astro or physics have a wide variety of books to choose from. Yes, some are better that others, but they all have the information you're looking for, so just grab a few and dive in!
(just a few thoughts from a fellow astrophysicist / college professor)
That's a good point. The quality of the monitor can make a big difference. I would try to adjust the refresh rate of the monitor. The 'more expensive' monitors will have better options to adjust the physical properties of the monitor (refresh rate, contrast, brightness, etc) than the less expensive ones. I had a friend that would always change the rate from 60Hz (default) to 85Hz because the 60Hz setting gave him a headache.
You can also try to turn down the brightness a bit.
That being said, I've always use white text on a black background. I think it would work better if I use a different shade of white instead of Bright White, but I haven't really experimented. I think the studies point to black text on white as the best.
I also found this article had a few good hints (some I already mentioned above).
http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/irritated.htm
My 2 cents...
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The entourage edge It's not available yet (set to ship in March 2010), but it looks like its got what most people want and then some. I might be getting one myself. I've been hesitant, like most, because of price, ease of use, screen size, etc... It's not too much more than some of the other readers, so it might be a nice alternative. http://www.entourageedge.com/devices/entourage-edge.html
Not sure if this was covered above... I suppose it depends on what areas you will focus on. As in most fields, astrophysics and astronomy have many sub-fields that would require a more extensive background in that area. It also depends on which route you are taking (experimental or theoretical). With a math background, I would expect a theoretical route would be very appropriate. Additionally, some schools have different notions of what to include in an Astro grad program. I know someone in one now in which the program assumes little or no previous Astro experience, while some assume extensive undergraduate coursework. I completely encourage you to pursue this, but it may be a daunting task. If you made it through math, it is likely that you have the brain juice to do the physics. There is just a lot of physics out there to learn... so keep a pot of coffee on at all times... :)
For the basics (as most have suggested) check out the Feynman Lectures.
The Schaum's Outline series provides a good overview of many subjects.
Your instructors will probably tell you what to read for your particular astronomy and astrophysics courses.
Most basic and intro areas in astro or physics have a wide variety of books to choose from. Yes, some are better that others, but they all have the information you're looking for, so just grab a few and dive in!
(just a few thoughts from a fellow astrophysicist / college professor)
That's a good point. The quality of the monitor can make a big difference. I would try to adjust the refresh rate of the monitor. The 'more expensive' monitors will have better options to adjust the physical properties of the monitor (refresh rate, contrast, brightness, etc) than the less expensive ones. I had a friend that would always change the rate from 60Hz (default) to 85Hz because the 60Hz setting gave him a headache. You can also try to turn down the brightness a bit. That being said, I've always use white text on a black background. I think it would work better if I use a different shade of white instead of Bright White, but I haven't really experimented. I think the studies point to black text on white as the best. I also found this article had a few good hints (some I already mentioned above). http://www.allaboutvision.com/cvs/irritated.htm My 2 cents...
Blast! You beat me to it!
Well done... you beat me to it!
Maybe you can split the difference between Computer and Paper... I haven't used this product, but I had come across it a while back.
http://www.acecad.com.tw/digimemo/dm-a501.htm
It allows you to write on regular paper. The problem with this: I think the software is Windows based. I did however find a freshmeat project
http://freshmeat.net/projects/digimemoa501converte r/
to convert the files to UNIX, so maybe that will work.
This would allow you to have both a paper copy, ease of 'data' entry, and a computer based backup to print/review.
... First Slashdot Post!!!