the advantages of eBooks over the paper ones
By Wolfechu
@Wolfechu (1193)
United States
July 22, 2008 7:13am CST
http://tinyurl.com/3fdo4y
I've been using various devices to read eBooks for years, from the desktop PC to the handheld Palm PDAs. The article above covers a few of the reasons why they're sometimes actually better than the real thing.
Have you ever read anything in an eBook format, or have a strong preference for holding a book in your hands? Can you see a time when books will be as easy to get as MP3s, downloaded to a device like Amazon's Kindle (Only without paying $350 for the privilege, of course 
)?
)?1 person likes this
5 responses
@nilouette (632)
• Philippines
22 Jul 08
I like reading paper books. I tried reading ebooks but it kinda bores me, sort of pain in my eyes. I tried to print an ebook but its not economical. So whenever I have a book title in my mind I sweep the bookstore first, then if its not available only then will I try to have an ebook copy...
@Wolfechu (1193)
• United States
22 Jul 08
Yeah, it all depends on the screen you're reading them on, too. The first PDA I had had a horrible radioactive-green backlight, and reading on it was a pain. The one I use nowadays is full colour and fairly gently lit, and actually as easy to read as a book. You can zoom the text in any font from flyspeck-3pt to something you could read from across the room.
I shudder at the logistics of even trying to print them out ;)
@DreamOn01 (146)
• United States
22 Jul 08
For the most part, I prefer paper books when I have the choice. I don't really read enough ebooks to invest in a handheld device. The only books I've read in ebook format were technical and professional manuals and books that aren't available in any other format. I understand there are definite benefits to ebooks like saving space and the environmental benefit (saving trees). However, I still prefer paper books when I'm reading for leisure.
@Jen2285 (4)
• Canada
27 Jul 08
I prefer ebooks, I find them more convient than regular paper books. Seeing as im on the computer for work most of the day its nice to be able to read between emails. www.2gosurf.com/ebook/ has a great selection of ebooks that are cheap and 2 for 1, you buy one and they will give you one of your choice for free. Very helpful books.
@vicki2876 (5636)
• Canada
22 Jul 08
To be honest there are only a couple reasons I do read e-books. Firstly is the price is either lower or not even there. But also because I live in a remote area where even the library is a half hour drive away. The book store is 45 minutes away as well. So I do like them to get stuff I really want fast. I don't have a credit card so I can only get amazon stuff when I get a gift card which isn't often. I don't given eBay my business at all anymore cause of getting ripped off there. But if I had a choice I would rather a book than the PC for sure. I read everyday and love laying back in bed and reading. It is like my night cap. LOL
@Wolfechu (1193)
• United States
22 Jul 08
Well, this is where the Psion 7 is REALLY nice. It's as big as a hardback, clamshell design, so I can lie in bed with it on my chest, hitting the space bar to turn the page occasionally. Backlit, so I don't even need the lights on, don't even need to hold it steady ;)
And I agree: I love Amazon, particularly their 'new and used' sections (Books for a penny are never unwelcome), but sometimes, you want something to read right NOW.
@Ldyjarhead (10233)
• United States
22 Jul 08
The only eBooks I would consider reading are informational, no different than looking up a website for information. I read for enjoyment, and I don't find sitting here staring at the computer screen to be relaxing at all. I'm on the internet all day and I enjoy what I do, but not when reading for pleasure.
I read in bed and occasionally curled up on the couch. The computer just isn't the same.
@frankiecesca (2489)
•
22 Jul 08
I would much rather hold a book in my hand - I like to curl up on the sofa with a good book and it's not the same concept to me! x
@Wolfechu (1193)
• United States
22 Jul 08
See, that's the one place I differ. I love the feel of a good book and all, but it's the words that matter. Long as I've got those, I'm happy. Same with audiobooks: I'll happily listen to something on an iPod for hours. Better be unabridged, though; I had an Iain M Banks novel on audio that claimed to be, and I was stunned how much 'extra' was in the book when I read it years later.
