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In today’s era, there is no denying the fact that everything is getting the digital treatment, but there is still a lot of debate surrounding paper books vs. digital books. At times, it can be challenging to decide between the two. Both have their pros and cons, and if you wish to find out about them, you are in the right place.
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Let’s take a look at both sides so that you can determine which is best for your needs and requirements. You can also check out this resource for a great selection of books Abebooks Best Buys
Reasons Why Paper Books are better than Digital Books
Images and Illustrations
When it comes to pictures and illustrations, paper books take the cake. Digital books are not all that great at displaying images, mainly because they are seen on eReaders with black and white displays. Without color, a reader cannot enjoy those vivid photographs or illustrations. For this reason, paper books are a much better option in this regard.
No Electricity Required
Printed books do not require electricity for them to be read. Since they do not require power, you can carry them around anywhere you like, unlike a digital book reading device that needs to charging after some time.
Cheaper than purchasing an eReader
If you think about it, buying a book is a lot economical than the e-reader required for reading digital books. It is a better option for those who occasionally read, as it is cheaper. However, if you read a lot of books, then you are better off with an eReader.
Can be Shared
Unlike digital books, you can share your paper books with your friends and colleagues. Digital editions are reserved for the accounts they are associated with, meaning they cannot be shared with your friends or colleagues without sharing your credentials, which is a big no-no in this day and age.
Easier to Read
Paper books are a lot easier to read than digital editions. You can go back and forth in a paper book without breaking a sweat, which would not be the case with a digital book.
Reasons why Digital Books are better than Paper Books
Cost-Effective
A digital book reader may seem expensive, but if you read a lot, it will be a suitable option for you. It is not only a one-time investment, but digital books are comparatively cheaper than paper books. If that is not enough, there are thousands of digital books available online for free.
Instant Availability
Digital books never go out of stock; they are digital copies, after all. Once you have purchased a digital edition, they can be downloaded right away for you to read. Unlike a paper book, you will not have to wait for it to be delivered.
Bookmarking & Highlighting
Bookmarking and highlighting are quite simple in digital books. You do not need a pen or pencil, all you need is a swipe with your finger, and you will be good to go. What is interesting is you can quickly review notes too. Notes can be easily accessed in one place and can be shared, downloaded, or printed without having to go through the entire book over and over again.
Access to Thousands of Digital Books
Digital book reading devices are quite light, and they can store thousands of books. So if you are going for a long trip, and you want to take your books with you, it would be a better idea to take their digital copies along with you on your eReader.
They are smaller than even a medium-sized book, and they do not take a lot of space. On the other hand, paper books can weight heavier, especially hardcover ones.
It doesn’t take much time to create an eBook, and that is the reason it attracts independent authors that want to make a name for themselves
Read at any Angle or Posture
Reading on a digital book reader is the best thing that could happen to you. You won’t need both your hands, as eReaders are designed to give you a one-hand experience. You can read your favorite digital books at any angle or posture. Moreover, they also come with backlit displays, which allow you to read comfortably and without straining your eyes no matter how dark it is.
As can be seen above, both types of books have their pros and cons, so it falls on your personal preference as to which is better. If you read occasionally, you can get paper books, if money isn’t a problem for you. But if you are on a budget, read a lot, and travel extensively, then you will fare better with an eReader for digital copies of books you want to read.
At the same time, it gives digital book readers a lot more content to choose from. So if you’re going to explore what independent authors are churning out, you should get an eReader. It is just another example as to how your priorities can determine what you want to opt for between paper books and digital books, so do your homework well beforehand.