Books: ebooks (Part 2)

Only in the last 12 months have I taken up e-reading.  I am yet to sit down and read an entire novel, I generally use e-reading for my daily devotional, bible reading and bible study.  I still like that old-fashion paper for general reading! 

I haven't bought a ebook reader, rather I have an iPad that I use for many things, including reading. The iPad is not designed as a traditional ebook reader, so it does not have that "paper" look that many e-book readers have.  This is one reason why I don't read it for hours (but it is great for reading in bed with the lights out!).  It is also slightly bigger than most ebook readers, making it a little heavier to hold, that is where pillows come in handy (when reading in bed). I do like how I can control font size, making it larger or smaller, can quickly jump to another section of the book, underline, write notes, and send text to facebook etc.

I buy my books through KOBO and they are stored in the KOBO app.  Purchasing and downloading is simple with only a few steps that are not complicated. Their on-line store is easy to use and they offer many discounts, sometimes around 30%. The cost of ebooks is minimal - I think the most expensive  I've bought has been around $12 and the cheapest has been under $1 or free (however new releases are more expensive).  The range is huge, so whatever is available in paper, I am also finding in ebooks. KOBO is a Canadian company - but I buy in Australian dollars, unlike Amazon which is in US$$ (not a problem at the moment).

So far, I am enjoying e-reading.  I like the idea of having 1000's of books stored in one small place (especially when I travel).   Another plus to ebooks . . . if I want a book "now" and its 11pm at night,  I can download it within a minute or so . . . it provides instant books and that is a plus.

I now use ebook/internet for cooking, I know longer use cookbooks and in fact I have reduced my cookbook collection by 1/3 and would like to reduce it some more. 

At this stage, ebooks are not going to take over from my paper-based books, however perhaps in the future I might see myself reading far more ebooks.  This is similar to music - I once had a large collection of CDs, now I own none.  All are on my computer and I listen to music via my iPod.  I only buy music online (eg through iTunes).  So one can never say never when it comes to ebooks. 

For all the positives of ebooks . . .  I still like to have bookcases full of books and looking at the number of people buying second hand books the other day I am not alone on this one.  And there will never be a "ebook" second hand sale and thats a bit sad:)

Whats your view on ebooks?  Good  . . . bad . . .  don't care?

~oOo~



Comments

  1. I don't think I will ever read ebooks. I *much* prefer old-fashioned books. What happens if your ebook device breaks??? You can't read until it gets fixed. For that reason alone, I would *much* prefer books. And I am not a huge fan of sitting and reading books that are on a lit screen - that is not fantastic for my eyes (can give me a headache) - reading by sun or lamp-light (I prefer old bulbs for a more natural light) is much more natural and relaxing to my eyes.
    So - that's my opinion!! :) (And honestly, even considering the price different, I still can't imagine why someone would prefer a screen to turning real book pages! But maybe that's just me!!)

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  2. Jo- I have both an IPad and a Kindle. I absolutely love reading on them both. When I read in bed- I love to read the iBooks reader on my iPad. I think it is a beautiful reader. If I am outside- like by the pool- I prefer my Kindle. I love books- but really want to decongest. I do still have some actual books- as I read them, I donate them to our local library. For me- the ereaders have changed my life.
    Vicki
    Ps- I absolutely love my iPad! Do you ever play word games on your iPad? Like Words with Friends? If so- I'd love to play with you!

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  3. I'm enjoying my Kindle, Jo. I've just started reading Jane Eyre on it, but the bulk of my reading is hard copies and I'm sure it will continue to be so. I love to mark my books and make notes, and like you, I like the paper. Still, the Kindle has been a blessing,and I'm glad to have it as an option.

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  4. Vicki - no I haven't played Words with Friends - when I do, I will let you know! At the moment I am enjoying playing scrabble with my iPad!!

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  5. I'm not saying that I'll never use one and I sure can understand the convenience, but I feel like most of us spend too much time staring at screens as it is, so I don't want to have do that when reading.

    Besides that, I don't read many books that would be available that way so I don't think I could if I wanted to.

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