Physical books and ebooks have been in competition ever since the latter has been introduced. With the rise of digital devices, it looks like ebooks won the heart of many as it becomes even more accessible and convenient to read. With this fact laid out, it begs the question – are there still people that prefer reading a physical book?
Let’s take a closer look at the advantages of eBooks and printed books for a moment…
Advantages of Ebooks:
Portability:
Ebooks can be easily carried around on smartphones, tablets, or e-readers, making it possible to take a whole library of books with you wherever you go without adding any extra weight to your luggage. I have a bunch of them saved in my Google Playbooks library and I get why for some people, ebooks are better.
Affordability:
Ebooks often cost less than physical books. Plus, you can easily find free ebooks online, which is particularly useful if you’re looking for classic literature or public domain works.
Convenience:
Ebooks can be purchased and downloaded instantly, which means you don’t have to wait for them to arrive in the mail or go to a bookstore to buy them. Additionally, ebooks can be searched and annotated, which makes studying or researching with them much easier than with physical books.
Customization:
Ereaders and reading apps allow you to adjust the font size, font style, and background color of ebooks, which can make reading more comfortable for individuals with visual impairments or learning disabilities.
Environmental friendliness:
Ebooks don’t require paper, ink, or shipping, so they have a lower environmental impact than physical books. Switching to ebooks can help reduce deforestation and carbon emissions associated with the production and transportation of paper books.
Advantages of Physical Books:
Tangibility:
One of the biggest advantages of physical books is that they are tangible. You can hold them, flip through the pages, and physically interact with them. Many readers find that the physical act of reading a book enhances their overall reading experience. This is so true and it’s one of the reasons why I still buy them.
No technology required:
Unlike e-books, physical books don’t require any technology to read. You don’t need a device, a charger, or an internet connection. You can read a physical book anywhere, anytime, without worrying about battery life or connectivity issues. Think about when you’re camping. It’s very useful to bring a book to pass the time for a while.
Eye-friendly:
Reading a physical book is easier on the eyes than reading from a screen. The backlighting of electronic devices can lead to eye strain and headaches, especially when reading for long periods. My eyes are always glued to a screen because of my work so it’s necessary for me to take an alternative form of entertainment that doesn’t strain my eyes.
No distractions:
Our phones and other tech devices keep us distracted no matter what because they’re designed to be that way. But reading physical books is different. They don’t have notifications, pop-ups, or other distractions that can interrupt your reading experience. When you’re reading a physical book, you can fully immerse yourself in the story without any interruptions.
Collectibility:
Many readers enjoy collecting physical books and I’m one of them. Physical books can be valuable and cherished possessions, whether it’s a first edition, a signed copy, or a series of books. Plus, there’s something special about having a physical collection of books that you can display and admire. I say that based on my experience. Sometimes it gets addicting but it makes me happy to see a pile of books in my living room and even in my bedroom.
Conclusion:
It’s difficult to say which format will ultimately win out in the end. While ebooks offer many advantages over physical books, the tactile experience of reading a physical book is still irreplaceable. Sometimes I prefer physical books over the other but it looks like both formats will continue to exist side-by-side in the future. I certainly don’t have complaints about that. They’re both useful to me as an avid reader.
Hey, are you looking for new books to read? Check out this book and add it to your collection. Enjoy shopping!
