Ebooks v. Books
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Books vs. E-Books: Which is Better?
Newsweek thinks it's a championship fight between books and ebooks. Who will win?
I say books! Books are better! However, I'm willing to listen to the other side. Here's my take, then tell me what you think.
photo by janetmck on Flickr
20 Reasons Why Real Books Beat Ebooks
Reasons 1 through 10
1. You can take a "dead tree" book on vacation, to the beach, or to the park (and leave it behind without guilt).2. Printed books are available everywhere. There are books in bookstores, airports, supermarkets, libraries, and yard sales.
3. Books are forever. When you're finished reading a book, you can put in on a shelf (and remember the story when you look at it).
4. There are millions and millions of paper book titles in print. Books in Print offers a database of 7.5 million titles in the US alone.
5. No software upgrades. You never have to buy a new Kindle or iPad to enjoy printed books. Digital data degrades over time and software becomes obsolete. Books can last for centuries.
6. No batteries required. You don't need a computer, an Internet connection, or special tools to read a printed bound book.
7. Books are cheap. Used books on Amazon cost as little as 1 cent. Kindles start at $79 (with ads!). That's a lot of books! And Kindle books can cost more too. The paperback version of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society
is cheaper than the Kindle edition!8. You can use old books to hold your new books. Stack them up, lay wooden boards on them, and create bookshelves.
9. Books don't melt or break. You can leave a book out in the sun or in a hot car.
10. You buy it, you own it. You never know when an e-book can be deleted from your e-reader. Books are yours. Period.
Great Books That Are Not On Kindle
The Good Earth
The Good Earth (Enriched Classics (Pocket))
Amazon Price: $3.80 (as of 02/14/2012)
The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
This novel was awarded the 1932 Pulitzer Prize and it's still a winner, over 70 years later. Wang Lung is a poor and illiterate peasant farmer. He goes to town to buy a bride, but can only "afford" O-lan, a plain, hardworking slave woman.
She turns out to be good luck. As time goes on, Wang Lung's fortune's change, but as he grows richer, he also grows greedier. The more he has, the more he wants, and the more he "needs". It's a story of what happens when a poor man suddenly succeeds, and how that success changes him.
A Baker's Dozen of Seuss
Your Favorite Seuss: A Baker's Dozen by the One and Only Dr. Seuss
Amazon Price: $17.98 (as of 02/14/2012)
Not even employees of digital companies want their kids to read digital books. When you're learning to read, you need something to hold in your hand, and touch, and turn the pages. Plus, I'm not so so sure it's a good idea to give an expensive e-reader to a baby.
This collection includes photographs and sketches, as well as: And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, Horton Hears a Who!, Yertle the Turtle, The Cat in the Hat, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, Green Eggs and Ham, and more.
Moving Violations
Moving Violations: War Zones, Wheelchairs, and Declarations of Independence
Amazon Price: $6.14 (as of 02/14/2012)
A car accident left reporter John Hockenberry paralyzed from the chest down. Despite this, he manages to navigate through war zones in the Middle East, up mountainsides, and around exploding volcanoes.
He says, "In America access is always about architecture and never about human beings. Among Israelis and Palestinians, access was rarely about anything but people. While in the U.S. a wheelchair stands out as an explicitly separate experience from the mainstream, in the Israel and Arab worlds it is just another thing that can go wrong in a place where things go wrong all the time."
2001: A Space Odyssey
2001: A Space Odyssey
Amazon Price: $4.22 (as of 02/14/2012)
If the movie confused you, read the book to find out more about what really happened. It all starts three million years ago... and then moves forward into the future. A large monolith is discovered on the moon. It's millions of years old. But how did it get there? And how did we get here? Humans go to investigate, with their brand new HAL 9000 computer running the spaceship. Something unexpected occurs...
Traditional Books Beat Ebooks
Add a link that makes my case
Add a link that makes my case.
6 Reasons to Buy Paper Books
The e-book war is the new burger war. The Nook, th more...2 points
Books are Dead! Long Live Books!
The Motley Fool - New technology could keep paper more...1 point
eBooks fail to attract young readers | TG Daily
eBooks fail to lure young readers1 point
E-books fail to fly into users' hands - WhatPC?
Investigating the barriers to the widespread adopt more...0 points
CIO - Why E-books are Bound to Fail
May 2, 2007 ... Why e-books will fail. There are m more...0 points
e-books fail to excite consumers - Brand Republic News - Brand ...
Read e-books fail to excite consumers and other ma more...0 points
Killed By DRM: e-Books | Gadget Lab from Wired.com
More profoundly eBooks failed because there was a more...0 points
Bound Books Are Better: Books On-Line Pale in Comparison to Real Books
Don't throw out those textbooks and library books more...0 points
Online v. print reading: which one makes us smarter? : Scientific American Blog
It's no mystery that publications have been taking more...0 points
In-Book Ads Coming to the Amazon Kindle? | Technomix | Fast Company
Amazon's just filed a number of patents that point more...0 points
Should You Buy an E-Book? - WSJ.com
Beyond all the hype, are e-book readers a good dea more...0 points
Why you shouldn't buy an e-reader | Fully Equipped - CNET Reviews
While many e-reader owners love their new digital more...0 points
In Digital Age, Students Cling to Paper Textbooks
They text their friends all day long. At night, th more...0 points
5 Reasons You Don't Need an E-Book Reader - PCWorld Business Center
While color E Ink and low prices could motivate mo more...0 points
Harper Collins to Limit Library E-book Circulation
A decision by publisher HarperCollins to limit cir more...0 points
LED Booklights
Mighty Bright, Lightwedge, and Clip-On Booklights
The Mighty Bright Booklight
Mighty Bright XtraFlex2 Light (Silver)
Amazon Price: $16.50 (as of 02/14/2012)
This light has not one, but two bulbs. You can use one or both, so it's extra bright when you need it. It uses regular AAA batteries, so you don't need to go out and get the odd coin-shaped kind. The neck bends so you can point the light exactly where you want it.
Books Are Eco-Friendly
BOOK: Bio Optical Organized Knowledge
The comments (which are in English) are pretty funny too.
20 Reasons Why Traditional Books Are Better Than E-Books
Reasons 11-20
12. Sharing. After you read a "dead tree" book, you can share it with a friend. An online book friend in New Zealand passed a book on to another friend in Virginia, who sent it to Arizona. It then went to me in New York, and then on to California. Can't do that with a digital book. Can't enclose silly notes in a digital book either.
13.Airplanes. A fight attendant recently told a friend she couldn't use her Kindle in-flight. Books have no electronics. Nobody can tell you to turn off your book.
14.Books can swim. Sure, they may get a bit crinkly if they get wet at the pool or the beach (or if melted ice from a cooler sloshes on them), but they're still usable. Kindles will drown.
15.Resale value. Used books can be resold on Alibris
16. Shoulder surfing. If the person sitting next to you is reading a real book, it's easy to sneak a peek at the title. Hard to do with a Kindle or a Nook.
17.Book signings. People line up in bookstores to meet their favorite author and have their new book signed. How do you sign an ebook?
18. No viruses. Books don't crash, get viruses, or go blank suddenly. They don't need virus checkers either.
19. Page numbers. Books have page numbers - so you can cross-reference annotations and footnotes. Not to mention see (at a glance) how long the book is. Electronic readers, like Kindle, have no numbers; you can't tell how far you've read, or how many pages there are to go.
20. Pretty bookmarks
. Each one I have reminds me of where I got it or who gave it to me. An electronic marker can't help you reminisce.21. Illustrations. The drawings in books like Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
or The Wind in the Willows
are an integral part of the story.Your Turn!
Which is better? Books or E-Books?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byThere are way more books in print than I can ever read! Hooray!
Helenee says:
I am a reader, which means I will read everything and anything under the sun, whether in print or in digital form, published in a book, leaflet or scribbled on a piece of napkin, doesn't matter.
On the other hand, I like browsing a book -- smelling a book -- and keeping short notes on a handbook. Especially this notekeeping thing is a major drawback when using ebooks.
Posted July 27, 2011
SudokuNut says:
I'm a big fan of real books. I use both but there's just not the same emotional connection between thumbing through a real physical paperback and clicking through an ebook. It just doesn't compare. Real books give rise to real feelings for me beyond the actual text on the page. Ebooks just feel...cold.
Posted July 01, 2011
jaye5500 says:
i have absolutely nothing against ebooks. However, i still having a book in my hand to read.
Posted May 08, 2011
sedatedeyes209 says:
I'm not entirely opposed to e-books, I find them convenient really and sometimes cheaper, maybe even free but nothing beats the joy of holding an actual book, turning it page by page and smelling the words on paper. Between nostalgia and convenience, I vote nostalgia.
Posted April 25, 2011
BarbRad says:
I'm a bookseller of both new and used books. Need I say more? Your children probably won't cuddle up to you when you're reading from a kindle the way they would if you are reading from an open picture book. And, of course, there are all the reasons you have already given. My other reasons are in my lens "Are Paper Books Obsolete?"
Posted April 01, 2011
TamaraKajari says:
I'm all for books. I totally understand the situations when e versions are better, but for my own pleasure of reading, I have to turn paper pages and hold the book in my hands. When it comes to gadgets I'm living in the wrong century :)
Posted March 21, 2011
JerriHerico says:
Nothing beats the sweet smell of a newly-purchased book!!NOTHING!!!!
Posted March 08, 2011
leek_sprinkles says:
I can't understand why people prefer e-books to the traditional sort. I have a huge book collection, and I can't ever imagine transferring that lot to a Kindle or something of the sort; for me, holding the book is part of the fun, weird as that sounds.
Posted February 22, 2011
Glenn619 says:
Though its the era of the e-book i still prefer the traditional reading books
Posted January 20, 2011
DecoratingforEvents says:
Technology is great but I still love curling up with a good book. There is just something about holding it and turning the pages as I read that I love.
Posted January 17, 2011
Wednesday_Elf says:
Definitely printed books. I 'collect' books by specific authors and have a personal library of somewhere around 800 books! There is something special about holding a book in your hand, carrying it around from place to place, having it 'right there' anytime I want! I'll never run out of 'printed' books to read!
Posted December 07, 2010
WindyWinters says:
I'm for books as they are more versatile and there are a lot more titles. I especially enjoy having a variety of reference books handy. i.e. dictionary, atlas, dummies books etc!
Posted September 20, 2010
Home-Interior-Designer says:
Books. Nothing can replace the feel, smell and look of a book in your hand, especially an old one. One is literally holding the fruit of nature as well as the dreams of mankind.
Posted September 14, 2010
Chadrew says:
I love paper books :) it's no contest - printed books are much, much better than ebooks you read on your computer screen. They don't tire out my eyes as fast, I can carry them anywhere, read in any position, etc. Plus if I'm reading something on my computer, there are tons of distractions... I keep checking my e-mail and stuff like that.
HOWEVER, I have to admit that I've never used Amazon Kindle or any other "reading device". I am sure reading e-books in one of those is much better than reading them on the computer monitor!
I think it will still take a while, but eventually digital books / reading devices will be so advanced, a "digital" book will look just as good as a printed one, it will require no charging, and one flexible paper-thin device will be able to hold entire library. Until that bright future comes, I'll go with printed books.
Posted September 10, 2010
Peregrina says:
I do think e-books have their uses, but I'm very fond of "dead tree" books as physical objects, and think rooms without bookshelves would feel bare.
Posted August 19, 2010
Natalie says:
I prefer Printed Books. Like it said above, physically we own the book, put it on the boards or bookcase, or keep it in the cabinet. It's just not the same, when I read Digital Books, I don't feel that I'm reading a book. However, eyes will get tired immediately by reading Digital Books :)
Posted May 10, 2010
Payten says:
Printed books are better because you can get more involved in the story because when i read a "real book" its like i become part of the story as one of the characters but when i read a digital story i kept getting lost (i lost my place) and i didn't retain as much as i did when i read it from a book
Posted November 03, 2009
Payten says:
Printed books because they are textile and help some concentrate better than staring off into cyber space (which is what i do)
Posted November 03, 2009
Betsy Robinson says:
You can't dog-ear pages of an e-book. You can't run into something you didn't know you were looking for when you page through a reference book that's digital. There is no visceral adventure, no ability to lie on your couch contemplating some amazing thing you just read without the feeling that you're using up electricity while you contemplate. I have made an e-book for actors looking for monologues that I sell on my website. They can print out whatever short piece they want from it. But for pure reading pleasure, it's got to be a printed book.
Posted February 17, 2009
Print is sooo 14th century! GIve me digital!
NorDac says:
My vision is getting bad. EBooks are easier to read. I also live in an area where books stores are hard to come by. With an ebook I go to amazon, choose a new book (at about a third the price) and am reading it in a few minute.
Ebooks are also easier to store, I can have hundreds and my reader doesn't get any bigger (unlike my book shelf).
Posted January 25, 2012
TheCureForYouthMinistry says:
I have to say, I love my iPad with Kindle and IBooks. Both programs let me share a line for a book via Facebook and Twitter as welll as the ability to take longer notes on a line or a paragraph. I still love paper books, but I think I can read more ebooks per year.
Posted January 14, 2012
ernieplotter says:
In terms of space, practicity, ecology and sharing, ebooks are better. For me are ebooks!
Posted January 11, 2012
Susan52 says:
Okay, I've always defended "real books," but I was sitting on the deck this morning reading from my new Kindle and said, out loud, "Anyone who doesn't like the Kindle hasn't tried the Kindle." I am crazy about ebooks!
Posted September 03, 2011
thegirlnextfloor says:
eBooks are the way of the future, in my opinion. I think books are a waste of trees, which will damage the planet far more in the long-term picture. Why do that if you don't have to? I mean, sure...books are sentimental and all that stuff, but is the ability to reminisce worth the price we pay in harming the planet we all have to share? Not really. The cons outweigh the pros. I would argue that ebooks are actually more portable and accessible than print books, actually. Anywhere with an internet connection makes it possible for you to read your ebooks. You don't have to buy a Kindle, you can download the app for free on your PC and read them anywhere you can connect to the internet and download the application.
Posted April 03, 2011
mcochs says:
I'm with JaguarJulie on this one. However, if you are elderlyand/or have eye problems the eBooks and eBook readers could be better because you can change the font size like you can on your computer.After a stroke weakened my eyes,I found the eBook readers easier.
Posted February 19, 2011
kajohu says:
I love my Kindle, although I certainly don't turn up my nose at "real" books! I like being able to store many books on my Kindle, and only having that one small device to worry about. But....it costs more than going to the library to check out the books there.
Posted December 19, 2010
costinget says:
It's a blessing to have stored as much you choose and read as much whenever you choose with a kindle reader.
But, I can appreciate a papper book, too
Posted November 27, 2010
Korvus says:
When you buy an ebook, you don't need to pay for the delivery and you don't need to wait for it. You buy it and start reading.
And yes, you can take it with you anywhere because you can move it to your iPhone, actually you can carry ALL YOUR BOOKS with you.
And by the way, ebooks are cheaper than books since they don't involve printing costs.
And ebooks save space.
But here is MY FAVOURITE: you can SEARCH through your ebooks! Try to do that on the paperbacks!
Posted October 27, 2010
Bon Crowder says:
Ooo, ouch. I have to choose one or the other? Even though I have a post on my blog (#12 above) about my preference for paper books over e-books, I still see the benefit in e-books. Furthermore, Husband, a professional organizer, doesn't freak out over too many copies of e-books. Stack my bookshelves too high with paper books, and I get in trouble.
Posted October 11, 2010
ulla_hennig says:
It is difficult for me to say either printed book or e-book. I see advantages with both of them. I am a very fast reader, and whenever I go away in my holidays I have to carry loads of books with me. A kindle reader would be of some help here. On the other side I like well-designed books, and I would not give up owning "real books".
Posted September 15, 2010
JaguarJulie says:
You know I have to ride the fence on this debate as there is a place for printed books as is there a place for digital! I think the classics, the bible, and coffee table books belong in print. But, give me digital so that I can use my Kindle!
Posted May 05, 2009
Bodybychocolates says:
I would have to agree that books are old but when I want to set in the tub it isn't easy to read an ebook so it just depends on the type of matterial weather book is better or ebook is better and the length is also important.
Posted February 25, 2009
Murphy says:
I agree for reading pleasure it has to be the printed book. But for studying I have discovered that digital books are not that bad, given you find the right ones. It is much easier (and faster) to search for the terms I'm looking for. Plus books providing short theory overiews such as from bookboon definitely help me in getting things done - this way I have more time reading the books I want to read for pleasure. So overall, I would say it is the mix.
Posted February 25, 2009
No, Ebooks are Better
Post links that show why you think I'm wrong
E-books Take Hold
1 point
Amazon To Release New Kindle 2
Amazon announces the Kindle 2 - the latest generat more...1 point
Digital Books Start A New Chapter
Lighter devices, better displays, and the iPod cra more...0 points
Oprah Endorses the Kindle
0 points
Down with paper: A review of the Sony Reader: Page 1
Nov 12, 2007 ... < Previous Page | Next Page > more...0 points
Impressions: My Wife's Take After a Week With an eReader
I gave my wife a Sony Reader for Christmas after s more...0 points
Kindle Wireless Reading Device from Amazon
Lighter than a paperback, more powerful than WiFi, more...0 points
http://theworldsmith.com/Bring on the Fantasy Ebooks.html
A look at issues that will help increase the ebook more...0 points
Feed Your Book Addiction Here
- Which Book
- Don't know what to read? Try this site for suggestions. Select genre, type of character, or theme to get options.
- Book Chat Central
- A worldwide network of people who love books. If you need "enablers," this is the place.
- Library Thing
- Catalog your library online (for free). Get recommendations from your friends.
- Good Reads
- List your books, classify them, share your faves.
- Bookshelves
- Shelves that look like skateboards, double access shelves, and a bookish tower of babel.
Fun Bookmarks
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byWhat do you say?
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JRLSolutions
Nov 8, 2011 @ 11:08 pm | delete
- Love my old dead tree books, but I also love my kindle! Great lens
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cgreen7090
Sep 18, 2011 @ 2:37 pm | delete
- Interesting debate. Maybe Santa will bring me a Kindle...
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ThomasJ4
Sep 18, 2011 @ 12:40 pm | delete
- You make a lot of great points. While it can be nice to instantly download an ebook, I personlly think physical books are more personal and allow for a better reading experience.
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Susan52
Sep 3, 2011 @ 10:35 am | delete
- I love bookmarks! Guess I can collect them anyway now that I am bookless (due to our house fire) and just own the books that are on my new (replacement) Kindle. I'm sure we'll opt for buying an occasional DTB (dead tree book), but most of what we accumulate will now be on ereaders, no doubt about it. Great debate, well presented. Blessed!
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hakamike
Aug 24, 2011 @ 10:27 am | delete
- Love the vid, gracious!
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by Jodi_k
I love real books — holding them, turning the pages, and looking at the covers (can't do that digitally!).
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Amazon Price: $7.98 (as of 02/14/2012)
When I was a kid, we had a "cleaning lady" - much like those in the story - she was from the South and worked really, really hard. We used to call her our third grandmother. As I was reading the book, I kept wondering what she would have had to say about it, and what her own stories were. We (stupidly) never thought to ask.
Banned Books
