For the books I love and want to read over and over, physical. For the books I want to read once and maybe reference from time to time, digital all the way. My e-reader makes digital books a breeze to read, and I'm actually at the point where it's 5GB of storage isn't enough for my library.
I prefer digital books because of the following points:
- There is a book price control in Germany, meaning that you can't get new physical books cheaper. This does not apply to digital books.
- They take less physical space.
- I can read them everywhere with either my Smartphone that I already have with me at all times or my tablet. I do not have to plan to read a book when I'm on the go.
- I can quickly search for something in a reference book if I have it in digital form. This is not possible with physical books.
Only downside:
- I need to have a device when I want to read a digital book. And this needs to be charged. But this is rarely a problem.
For all the logical reasons - space, portability, seachability yada yada - ebooks win all the time.
However, if I am reading in comfort at home and have the option I will still go for a paperback every time. Paperback, mind. Not a hardback, which have never appealed to me.
Digital works really well for me. My phone can carry an effectively infinite number of books. I can try before I buy with Google Play. I can grab library books with Libby.
For my kids, reading on paper is perfect. Nice big text. They can put their finger on the page. When reading long books, they see their progress as they work their way through.
Absolutely digital.
Physical except when I need to quickly search for something, in that case digital.
ebooks. I read better with a back light, I have found, and generally read with light text on a dark background, both of which my tablet makes really easy
Digital without a doubt.
- More convenient to travel with it
- Awesome how the e-ink looks just like paper and draws little energy
- Your entire library can take much less space
- Save the trees
- If it gets damaged, only your device will be destroyed, but your library (hopefully) remains (if you make backups)
- Instant access to basically any book (no need to wait for delivery or in-person shopping)
To me, my Kobo was one of the best investments I've ever made. Before buying it, I didn't really read many books
If it's fanfiction/non-comics, then digital all the way. But if it's comics or manga, then having a physical copy is always super nice.
Reading Ebooks is like watching a movie on a (crappy) smartphone. It’s just not as enjoyable for me.
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