Do people actually read ebooks on their computer?

[Joss Arden]

In many of the discussions of ebooks around the interwebs, I often notice an exchange that goes something like this:

"I don't read ebooks because I don't have an ereader."

"Well, you can always read an ebook on your computer."

 

I  can understand the appeal of ebooks if you have an ereader. But does anyone actually read whole books on their computer? I can't imagine actually doing this. Among other things, I'm sure the eye strain would give me some major headaches. There's no way I'm printing out an ebook, either. Can someone explain this to me?

[Fuentes]

Hi,
I am reading books on my laptop. Thoses books are not the same I will take with me in the subway. Must of the time it will be some romance novel that I will be probably shameful to read in front of others. I don't know for the American but in France, it's not very trendy to read Harlequin novels. For that, my laptop is wonderfull !
Lucie

http://newbooksonmyselves.blogspot.com/

[Kristen]

I do this ALL the time. I just lay back on my bed with my laptop on my lap and read away. (I don't have an ereader- YET!!!) It doesn't strain my eyes at all (but I'm pretty much on the computer 24/7 anyway). The advantages are that I get the book immediately, it's cheaper than buying a regular book, and you are helping the environment a teeny tiny bit. Now, that's not to say that I also don't enjoy getting "normal" books, because I do! I still make my rounds at Books-a-Million whenever I can get over there.  :)) Because nothing can ever replace the whole shiny new book on your bookshelf feeling.  :))

Hope I could help!!!

-Kristen from The Cozy Reading Corner

[Terri Main]

I have read them, but on a netbook which is a small 9 inch computer that I could take with me. I could also see people reading them on a laptop. The glare isn't that bad on LCD screens, but I couldn't see anyone reading it on a desktop.

[Larissa Hinton]

Yeah, I read ebooks on my laptops but it takes me A LOT longer to read on my laptop then in my hand. I agree with everyone else that it's the portability factor that's keeping me back from reading it faster. Now I've been considering buying an ereader but I'm still debating if I will really use it, but since I'm becoming more and more interested in ebooks and the industry behind it, I may buy it in the long run. Especially since I get so tired of reading books on my laptop. Until then though . . .

[Sophie Gonzales]

I'm eating my words now. My parents bought me an ereader last weekend after I was complaining about having to read books on my laptop. Got a great price - £70 for a solid Sony PRS-300. No more strained eyes... phew! :)

[Frishawn Rasheed]

I read a lot of books on my computer.  I have the NOOK app, the KINDLE, and EDITIONS.

They open within the app just the way that PDF files do in ADOBE.

Please feel free to try them.  Editions and Kindle are used most

Love them all.

Frishawn

WTF Are You Reading?

[Shaunna McLaren@Scarlet Letters]

I did read a few, but I have a Kindle now, so the laptop has been abandoned when it comes to reading! Haha.

[Anya Millar]

I don't have an e-reader but I do have kindle and nook for the computer.  I also read pdf versions and love google books.  I don't mind sitting in front of the computer to read a book.  I can still multitask while reading.  I do wish I have a portable e-reader though. :( Maybe Santa will love me this year and leave me one, lol.

 

Aine

House Millar - Blood's Voice

[Nina D'Angelo]

I have an ebook reader but occasionally if I have an ebook on my comp that I have transferred to my kindle and I can't wait to read it, I will read it on my comp.

 

In the days when I did not have a kindle I still bought ebooks and read them on my comp.

[Hellen]

I've only recently got an e-reader and I used to read e-books on my computer. I never got headaches, but I like to read on the bus and I couldn't do this with a computer. I don't mind computer or laptop screens, but the electronic ink of the e-reader feels more comfortable for my eyes.

[Marta Szemik]

I downloaded the Kindle for PC from Amazon for free and enjoy reading books on my computer. I'm contemplating on getting an e-reader for Christmas.

Marta

Author of Two Halves

[Paula McBride]

Hi Joss,

I'm a writer of children's picture books and have so much feedback on this subject!

Some children are daunted by the size of a book, but put them infront of a computer or ereader, they're more than happy. In these days of technology, children love it!

I've had really nice and helpful comments from parents, grandparents and carers who love sharing my stories with their little ones on Kindle for PC, as it is free and in colour.

As for the Kindle, my daughter has one and its brilliant for taking on holiday or just out and about. She's an avid reader and used to take 5 or 6 novels around with her!  As for eye strain or headaches, I've not heard any bad press.

Anyway hope this helps answer your question.

Paula

www.tothewillowgarden.co.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Behind-Childrens-Picture-ebook/dp/B0...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hairy-Spider-Childrens-Picture-ebook/dp/B00...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Slippy-Slimy-Childrens-Picture-ebook/dp/B00...

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Singing-Contest-Childrens-Picture-ebook/dp/B005OT3ZTK

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Chicks-Childrens-Picture-ebook/dp/B0...