Ebook readers

[shelly blomker]

I was wondering what people thought about ebook readers and whether reading a good book in book form isn't better. I love having to sit back and read a good book and being that I write about each one I read. Is it really worth the money you spend to have it in the first place.

I know that sooner or later that will be the way we all will have to read. But isn't it easier just to go into the stores and buy the book you want instead of having to pay extra or the same amount on an ebook. Yes, I've read plenty of ebooks concerning business but, to enjoy a good book I'd rather hold it in book form. Hope it doesn't change any time soon.

What's you guys opinion of this?

[Anastasia Fitzgerald-Beaumont]

No, I love the feel of books, real books. 

[Savanah Warman]

Well I just got a nook and love it. But if I read a book on my nook that I really liked I usually buy it in paper form for my library. Paper is the standard for me, the nook is just a way to get around getting physical clutter of books I don't like. Also, on my nook, books that I'm actually interested in are way, WAY cheaper.

[Kelly McMichael]

I didn't think I'd like an electronic book but I took the plunge anyway, thinking it would be good to have on trips.  I actually LOVE It!  Really--I love having multiple books with me all the time. I can pick-and-choose what I want to read AND I can read all kinds of new Indie authors.  I absolutely love my Kindle.  So much so that I just published a mystery as an ebook.  It's my first time to abandon traditional publishing and go with the ebook format.  It's been a great experience--both as a reader and a writer!  

Kelly McMichael, author

[Vickie Ramage]

I'm from the UK, so ARC's only come as Galley's. I read half physical, half electronic. When I like a Galley, I pre-order it from Amazon, so I definitely prefer the physical copy.

 

We might not have to read like that, I believe people still love treebooks as much as eBooks.

 

ComaCalm's Corner

[Kris]

I always thought I didn't want an e-reader.  I received a nook as a gift - and I love it.  Don't get me wrong, I still love and purchase plenty of hard cover books.  But the nook gives me more flexibility - I can carry around copies of a bunch of books while using very little space.  The only down side to me is the cost - I spend $19.99 on a hard cover and then have to spend nearly as much on the e copy.    I think publishers should do like the movie companies - for just a few extra dollars get an e-copy with the physical copy (think blue-rays which often come with a code to download free the electronic copy of the movie).  For example, $19.99 for the hard copy - and a "deluxe" edition is $24 and comes with a code for the e-copy.  That would be awesome! The nook is great for traveling.  I still love my paper copies too - especially books with great cover art, or ones where I will re-read many times.  

Bottom line - definitely advantages to both! 

[Kelli Wheelwright]

I think that is an awesome idea! Especially for those who really want to have both

[David King]

I think I saw a similar discussion on another blog about this very thing.. can't remmeber now which one it was alas.

 

However, it was said that if they can do it for Blu-Rays with Digitial versions included, then there should be nothing to stop them also doing it for Books.

[Traci Bell]

I have bins of books in my attic (awaiting husband to build me shelves).  With ebooks they are all stored in one little device, so traveling and looking for old reference books is easier.  Plus the instant purchase option has been great on days I can't get to the bookstore, but want something to read.

 

Traci

[Anne Whitfield]

I buy the paperback version of my favourite authors, but I love the availability of having a kindle and being able to sample new authors I haven't read before. If I like their book I'll buy it and read on my Kindle, but if I don't like the sample, then I haven't wasted any money.

Nothing will replace the feel of holding a real book, however, paperbacks and ebooks can co-exist very well together. What I see disappearing is the need for publishers to bring out hardback fiction. No one likes holding heavy books. I think soon the trend in publishing fiction will be releasing paperbacks and ebooks at the same time, without the traditional hardback first. 

[Dana Bee2012]

I love books, I love making notes and highlighting and re-reading, but (isn't there always a but?)...but I have kindle on my phone and I have found myself reading so many more books, even their free section has some good books. I find I always have my phone with me, so if I am waiting for some reason, it's easy to pick up my phone and read. So I have up'd my reading since my introduction to kindle. I still love my paper books, but happy to be reading more with ebooks!

Dana

[Kelli Wheelwright]

My Kindle also makes it easier for Independant Authors to send me copies of their work to review. Its cheaper for them and easier. I have received several ebooks through members here in Book Blogs!

[Shannon Yarbrough]

Great topic!  I avoided the Ereader trend until just last December when I received a Kindle as a Christmas gift. I immediately fell in love with it because of how fast I can have books in my hand ready to read. Sure, I still love going to a physical bookstore, but I don't have one close to my house so I have to make a special trip.  And even ordering physical books online takes a few days to receive in the mail.  With the Kindle, I could buy a book on my device and start reading it in less than 60 seconds.

 

You mentioned pricing also.  Generally, Ebooks are cheaper.  And if you are price concious, you'll end up getting exposed to all kinds of new authors you might have never found before because lots of authors who are making their own work available on Ereaders are keeping their prices low.  Most Ebooks I've read haven't cost more than $2.99.

 

Also consider that I can have up to 3,000 books on my Kindle all on one device right in my hand.  While on vacation, I used to only carry 2 or 3 paperbacks at most.  And if I want something new, I can ship for it right on the device. I've also preordered new releases before and they are on my device that day as soon as I wake up.

 

-Shannon