Print Books vs. Ebooks
August 18, 2012 by Lillie
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28 Responses to “Print Books vs. Ebooks”
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Does reading reddit non-stop count as reading?
Anyhow, that’s a cool infographic. No surprise that the iPad is absolutely dominating all the competition.
Jeff,
At least you’re reading something though I prefer books.
It seems that Apple dominates the stock market the way the iPad dominates as a reading device. I just heard that Apple is now the largest corporation in the world. I like the Kindle because I don’t have a need for the other iPad features–all I want to do is read.
Good comparison and both types of books have their own advantages.
Absolutely, Azam. There will always be both kinds of books–for different purposes and for different readers’ preferences.
All I could think now is what would be the destiny of the public libraries 10 or 20 years from now on. Maybe the future libraries will have some plug-ins to connect to your e-book reader.
Alex,
Libraries are starting to lend ebook readers with books on them, and I think will become more popular, as will lending ebooks for readers to read on their own devices. Smashwords has just starting making ebooks available for distribution to libraries. And there will always be a need for print books and for the help of librarians. Libraries will change, but if they innovate they will remain important.
I understand ebooks. The convenience, the ease of access, the really good ebook readers.However, it will be a sad day when the look, feel, and smell of a printed and bound book is no longer available. It’ll be a while yet, nonetheless ..
Raaj,
I don’t think you need to worry about print books going away in our lifetimes. Although ebooks are becoming more and more popular, some people still prefer print, and as there is a demand, there will be someone to fill it.
It’s interesting that people who read ebooks read many more books on average than people who read print books. Part of it is the convenience and price advantage, I’m sure, but perhaps people who prefer print books like the smell and feel–the experience of reading books more that what they are reading. People who read more and prefer ebooks are more interested in the content of the books they are reading and not so much interested in the experience of a book.
Nothing can replace the joy when reading a something from a printed material like a book. However, having an ebook is really more convenient especially when one travels.
Jane,
I’ve never had a love affair with printed books–only what I read in them. But apparently a lot of people enjoy the physical book as much or more than the story or information it contains. To me the book is just the container. If I’m ever rich, I love a library of leather-bound first-editions to admire … but I would still read on my Kindle. L-)
I am very surprised with the percentage of nook users. I was not expecting that all. I know a lot of people use nook and they are very happy with it. Like you said Lillie, Apple is the greatest corporation, thats for sure but I am wowed by this comparison. People are really turned out as e-book readers. I am still addicted to smell of the book and still want to be able to hold a real book in my hand.
Ilayda,
It is amazing how many people read ebooks now. I have been an ebook fan since my first novel was released as an ebook in 1999. I bought my first ebook reader (the Rocket eBook) right after my book came out. A bunch of ebook authors did a tour of Hastings Bookstores because they sold a lot of electronics. We had to show people our ebook readers and explain what ebooks were. I predicted here on my blog when the Kindle was introduced that would move ebooks into the mainstream, and that is exactly what has happened.
Very interesting infographic Lillie. Apple really do have a monopoly on the market!
It is good to know that e-books might make people read more
It’s interesting that adults overall seem to prefer e-books, yet when reading to a child, a book seems like the only option. I wonder why? Poorer picture quality (I am thinking young children) on an e-reader, or is there just something fundamentally brilliant and unique about paper?
Christopher,
I think the picture quality (and size) certainly affects the reading experience for children’s books. Also children’s book are often large size books with large print. It’s easier for the children and to learn the words when reading on a reading device. Also one of the things that makes reading print books less appealing to many of us–having to use two hands to hold the book–has an appeal for reading to children because the parent can hold one side of the book and the child the other, making the experience more shared.
Some good points Lillie
Thanks, Christoper. I think the situation determines which is more appropriate–print book or ebooks. Reading to a child is for more than reading–it is also to bond with the child and make reading a good experience so the child will be more likely to develop a reading habit for themselves.
I still love the feel of a good book in my hands, but there is definitely a certain convenience with ebooks. I was very surprised that only 14% borrow from libraries. We use the library frequently; it’s great for research, resources, movies, and kids books.
Victoria,
The statistics are very interesting and some are surprising.
Despite the prominence ebooks, I still prefer reading print books. I simply love looking at them in the shelves after I read them.
I must say I’m no technical expert, but can see how rapidly technology is growing.
Ebook is cool, accessible and portable. You can bring as many books as you want as long as you have your tab, phone or other electronic gadgets. On the other hand I feel that printed books are more handy and convenient to read.
Remy,
I prefer ebooks and find them more convenient than print books all the time. But I believe print and ebooks should co-exist peacefully and respectfully.
Technology is fast developing and improving at the same time. In this 21st century using an e-book to read different books is much preferable because it is portable and it makes various books we want, available in no time. The process is simple and we can carry with us multiple books within that gadget.
Paul,
The number of devices for reading ebooks amazes me. In the early days, there was one brand of ebook reader or you could read ebooks on your computer (in PDF or HTML format). Now there are many different dedicated ereaders, a large variety of tablets, lots of smartphones, and probably other devices I don’t know about.
I find both print books and ebooks both useful. They both provide information to readers.
Elaine,
Each format has advantages and disadvantages. If you want a beautiful coffee-table book,then print is best. If you want to carry a lot of books on a trip, ebooks are better.
Wow, good comparison. But I like the ebook version instead of printed books. We can store ton’s of ebooks at Gadgets and can read the book at anywhere in the World.
Me, too, Maria. If I can’t read it on my Kindle, I don’t read it.