Technology influences everything we do today.
Books are not left untouched with every generation now embracing the convenience of reading in digital form.
With a single device containing all your books, you can effectively carry your library with you. We looked in this article at the manifold advantages of e-books so we won’t repeat ourselves going over what they do best.
Despite their benefits, many people still prefer books in printed form.
While it’s not necessary to choose and many people love both forms of reading, today we’ll look at whether you would actually trade your paper books for e-books…
Questions To Ask When Comparing Print and Digital Media
If you’re thinking about the hypothetical situation of giving up your physical library for a digital one, here are some issues to ponder…
What’s Your Personal Preference?
This is the first thing to get clear in your mind if you are trying to make an honest, unprejudiced decision between the two methods of reading…
There is no right or wrong answer to whether print books are better than e-books. You need to think about what you want and what you need.
Perhaps you prize the effortless way you can read e-books while eliminating eye-strain.
Maybe you will never be swayed from that smell of a new book and the physical sensation of thumbing through the pages.
Never underestimate the role of personal preference.
What Do Your Eyes Say?
E-readers have come under fire for the glare kicked back from digital screens.
How bad is this for your eyes?
Sadly, even this question doesn’t have a clear cut answer.
Glare tires your eyes, but it also creates more detail on the screen.
For users who are older or who have weaker eyes, the contrast between the text and the background on an electronic device translates into easier reading sessions than with paper books.
Most devices now have largely combated the early snags with excessive glare so, for the most part, it ceases to be such a burning problem.
Again, think about your personal needs and pay attention to how your eyes feel when reading.
What Does Your Brain Say?
It seems when it comes to studying, paper books are still the preferred option for many.
Many studies have shown students recall information better when they use paper study material.
This can be put down to the fact that the brain’s memory is aided in various ways through spatio-markers including:
- Turning a page
- Touching the paper
The results of these studies are influenced by other factors. though. An individual’s preference for paper can queer the results to some extent.
There’s also the issue of familiarity. Someone not used to reading e-books might find that they initially struggle. These psychological barriers that inhibit dynamic studying with an electronic device can be overcome in time.
Furthermore, using text alone for study purposes doesn’t necessarily enhance a student’s experience. But when the potential of the technology is fully applied, the picture changes. Texts can be linked with other resources—such as notes and websites on the same subject—and then an electronic study approach gains many benefits. It’s also remarkably easy to scan and search e-books or your entire library.
If you are reading for study purposes, it’s well worth considering using electronic books. You’ll save money and streamline your study process while potentially learning more in less time.
OK…
We’ll take a brief look now at some of the chief advantages and drawbacks of paper books and their electronic counterparts…
Paper Books
For many, there is no substitute for a hardback novel and there never will be.
Some people are emotionally attached to the tactile experience of reading something between hard covers. They enjoy the physical element of browsing through a well-stocked library.
For others, convenience outweighs aesthetics and e-books run out the clear winner.
Here’s a glance at where regular books stand and fall…
Pros
- A traditional book can be beneficial in certain study environments
- It’s a joy to buy and collect books in their physical form
- There’s no glare on your eyes while reading a paperback
- The tactile sensation of holding and reading a book is wonderful
Cons
- Books are heavy to carry around
- Natural resources are plundered during production
- In bad light and for older people, there’s some strain on the eyes
- Printed books are more expensive than electronic versions
Digital Reading
When looking at e-readers, not all models are created equal.
One of the major problems pro-paper readers have with digital devices in general is the effect of the screens on the eyes. While this is a valid point, you need to review each model according to its specifications. Many Kindles are specifically designed to resemble paper and there’s less glare thanks to E-Ink displays.
We’ll walk you through a brief snapshot of the pros and cons of reading digitally…
Pros
- You can have an enhanced experience, especially in a learning environment, by linking text with other resources
- Easy to carry many books and resources with you at all times
- Affordable way of acquiring books without needing to keep buying expensive hardbacks
- You can combine your reading with other entertainment and research platforms via Wi-Fi, apps, and multimedia
- Much greater choice of titles than being limited to your local bookstore
Cons
- Glare from screens can put too much strain on your eyes
- There’s an initial capital expense involved although this is recouped by ongoing savings if you buy lots of books
Verdict
This is by no means an exhaustive exploration of the benefits and drawbacks of e-books set against the printed alternative. We have looked at this subject from many different angles on the site already so browse through for more information.
Also, the question is slightly skewed even if it’s frequently asked. The fact is, very few people turn their backs on printed books completely when they embrace e-books. It’s more a case of combining both to truly push your reading experience forwards.
So…
If you truly feel that electronic books are the way forward, shift to them completely. It’s up to you if you want to make a few dollars selling your existing library or to keep it as a reminder of how things once were.
More realistically, you’ll want to embrace all the functionality of your new Kindle while still enjoying the occasional dog-eared paperback when the mood takes you.
Drop us a line with any queries or feedback and come back soon!
