I love the idea of ebooks, of not needing space on our bookcase, and having all my books on one device that I can take anywhere. But honestly, there is something about holding an actual book in my hand. Also, now that ebooks are growing more and more popular, I am able to finding real books much cheaper. I needed a book recently, and it was $15 for the ebook, but only $4 shipped for a paper copy. I bought the copy, even though I'd like to have that book on my iPad instead. What do you think? Do you buy based on price or convenience?
I have read a few books on e-readers, but I much prefer to turn the pages of a real book. There's just something so utterly relaxing about settling down with a book that technology simply cannot replicate. A book is a friend - an e-reader is merely a technological convenience.
Majority of my books I purchase based on price. In the summer, I prefer to read classic fiction, but I'm not going to spend $15 on a book so I opt for cheaper classics. During the other nine months, I read non-fiction (politics, history, economics) and a lot of the books I plan to read over the next few months are relatively cheap, even cheaper than the ebook counterparts!
A lot of people love the ebooks. I have down loaded some. I like the hard cover books, I guess because I like turning the pages. Ebooks are easy to store, but I physically collect books and I love the library effect.
I prefer a physical book. I love the feel of a book and the feel of turning pages. I prefer a soft paperback book that fits easily in my handbag. I have been slow to adopt Kindle books and to purchase an e-reader because I don't want physical books to die off.
I love my Kindle and have well over a thousand titles, most of them (particularly the classics) were free. I also use booklending.com to borrow and lend ebooks. Since it's run by Amazon, there's not worries that my book won't be returned. There are some things I prefer in hard copy. I've found that the books I use for witchcraft are harder to work with in ebook form. It's faster and easier for bookmarking and leaving personal notes if it's available in hard copy. I used to have a fairly large library of regular books. After I divorced, I had no place to put them and no access to a safe storage facility. There was also the cost of transporting them halfway across the country through the mail. My family gave me the Kindle for my birthday over a year ago because they knew how much I missed my books. I also love the ease of just dropping it in my purse when I'm headed to my doctor's office or any other place I know I'll have to wait.
I would prefer to have the hard copy most of the time. If it's something in the "how-to" genre then I would prefer an audiobook. That way when I get to parts I may consider boring to read, I am still able to maintain my focus. If it's in my favorite genres, then I always pick the hard copy. Price is usually a non-factor if I know I want the book (unless I'm short on cash).
I kind of like ebooks right now because of the convenience. I can bring several books in just one device anywhere I go. Plus I can read at nights even if the lights are off. Although, I don't think that's going to do any good to my eyes. Plus I like the fact that I can just download the files on the internet anytime I want; I rarely have time to go to bookstores or the library because my hands are full with taking care of my child and managing the house.
I'm old fashioned. I like to curl up with a book. For some reason reading from my nook for more than and hour or two hurts my eyes. I'm also a thrifty shopper so I definitely would buy based on price first. I'm a fan of hardcover/softcover books first over e books.
I think that I've posted this somewhere before, but to hold a book is to hold a child in your hand. That is something that an eBook cannot replicate. Books are mysterious and have their own power. This I know.
