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The eReaders —or wrongly called eBooks— as we know them today are not new by any means. They have been with us for more than 20 years and have raised the question that I am asking myself today: Do I prefer to read on an eReader or a paperback?
It's not an easy question to answer, and I can tell you in advance that My answer is going to be a gigantic IT DEPENDS in all letters, since I can tell you that today my use of both could be 50/50.
I'll tell you.
My experience with digital reading
I have already spoken about my “unconditional love” for My eBook, the Bigme 751C —non-sponsored recommendation—, a cheap, color e-book reader with everything I need to enjoy reading in digital format.
I'm going to give you my personal point of view As far as reading on this type of device is concerned, I'll give you a more or less schematic overview, and after my opinion you'll have to form your own, as I know it's a somewhat controversial topic.
Disadvantages of reading on an e-book
I'm not going to lie to you. These pots are full of good stuff, but if you want, let's go first with What I consider negative of eReaders.
It's best not to think about it, but for the price of an e-book reader you can easily buy more than 20 paper books. Price is importantI know. If you are an avid reader, it can be half of what you read in a year. That's a lot…
It is also true that you have them at different prices and there are more or less expensive paper books, but to be clear, it is usually an average like the one I mentioned. It is no small thing…
On the other hand, I believe deep down that They are impersonalAnd you and I know it... We will talk in depth when we discuss paper books, but in the end, reading as a whole is much more than reading word by word.
An e-reader is nothing more than a kind of large mobile phone or small tablet. Yes, I know that they are made with electronic ink and that the screens have nothing to do with it, but the feeling is similar.
Also, look, I'll give you a personal example. My particular eBook has the option to install applications - it works with Android - such as Instagram, Whatsapp or YoutubeIt's not the best screen in the world but If what we want is to concentrate on reading the 100%, it's not the best. They can distract us from reading.
Either you have developed the awareness of not doing anything other than reading on the eReader or You may find yourself playing music on Spotify while checking your social media instead of reading…
Advantages of electronic eBooks
On the other hand, saving all the above and already having a reader on which you have spent money, you accept that the experience is not the same and you have enough control over distractions, I'll tell you the advantages:
Let's face it. Accessing thousands of books without taking up physical space is a blast, perfect for traveling or carrying multiple books at once. I usually like to read two books at a time—a nonfiction book and a novel before bed, so these devices are perfect. The comfort It is indisputable.
On the other hand, let's be clear. Having the possibility of carrying a lot of books, be able to read in the dark thanks to the backlight or changing the font and size makes it a pleasure to tackle any book. I love the versatility.
I buy books by the bucketload —I have to finish organizing my library— of all kinds, but there are many that I simply cannot get in paper form and are accessible online. That ends up being a saving, but I insist that it depends on your situation.
As I read the other day in Threads:
Reading books and buying books are two completely different hobbies…
There are also free of charge in a completely legal way but they are in digital format, so having them on an eReader makes access to them much easier, and above all the economic savings that it represents, even buying second hand.
Definitely for me These readers are an absolute success in order to read books at any time, to be able to have many of them at the click of a button and without worrying about the battery... I admit that I love them.
My opinion on reading on paper
Bottom line: Paper books are perfect. You can stop reading here…
Or better yet, let me explain a little better. Look, for the purists, paper still has its magic and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The feeling of turning pages, the smell of new books —and especially the old ones— create a unique experience.
I'm not going to go into advantages or disadvantages here. Books and everything around them are ideal as they areThe experience they offer us is ideal from start to finish and the sensations they give us are not worth changing one bit.
However, to put it mildly picky Physical books take up space and can be heavy to carry. When I travel, I prefer not to lug around several books in my backpack, so i opt for digital.
But come on. At home I have more than 150 books on all subjects, so as you can see, except for travel I have no problem with the space they take up…
Which do I think is better: the book or the eReader?
Well, I'm sorry to say that I don't have a definitive answer. Or maybe I do: Definitely both simultaneously. For me, the best option is to combine both formats depending on the situation.
If I want convenience and quick access to books, I opt for read digital booksIf I'm looking for a more sensory and distraction-free experience, I prefer read on paperI imagine it will seem obvious to you, but it is so.
Tips for choosing the best format for you
If you are hesitating between read on paper or digitalHere are some tips based on my experience:
- Choose digital if…
- You read a lot on the go or while traveling.
- You are interested in saving space and money.
- You like to adjust the font size and look up definitions quickly.
- Choose paper if…
- You enjoy the feel and aesthetics of physical books.
- You prefer reading without distractions.
- You like collecting books and making notes by hand.
This is my experience. Both read digital or physical books It has its pros and cons. The key is to choose what best suits your lifestyle and preferences. The important thing is to continue enjoying reading, regardless of the format.
And you, do you prefer to read on paper or digitally? Tell me in the comments!