Sunday, March 13, 2011

E-books vs. Traditional Printed Books

I have recently started reading novels and books in the ebook format.  I was very hesitant about it because I have always enjoyed opening and holding a real book in my hands.  Everything from the smell of the paper to turning the pages are part of the experience.  There's an association that I would get when I would open a new or old book and would start to read. 

Until recently, I felt that something about the whole experience would be lost by reading a book on a screen instead of on paper...but I was curious to try it and see if I liked it.  I downloaded the Kindle app for my iPhone and then downloaded a couple of book previews, which are the first few chapters of a novel.  It's the same as standing in a bookstore and reading the first few pages to see if you like the way the author writes.

I have now read a few full novels on my phone, and after adjusting the font size where I like it, I have found that I like reading ebooks better than print books.  I also find myself reading more.  If I have my phone with me, which I always do, I also have whatever book I'm reading with me too...as well as all the others I have downloaded.  Anytime I'm sitting idle now waiting for something or on someone, I find myself reading. 

I also like the fact that the Kindle app can be downloaded to my computers as well.  If I decide I want to read a chapter on my computer screen.  The book is right there too at exactly where I set my bookmark and left off on my phone. 

From someone who was curious about ebooks, but apprehensive at the same time, I can honestly say I like it better.  the book I'm reading now is not available in ebook format and I am reading the paperback version.  I miss having what I am reading on my phone.  For me to read another print book in the future, it's going to have to be one I REALLY want to read that's not available in an ebook, because now I have experienced the convenience of ebooks, and have found that it doesn't take anything away from the reading experience (it's actually easier to read on the screen...and I love the standard font the Kindle app uses). 

If you haven't already, give it a try.  The app is free, and the previews are free.  So why not?

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