So there’s been quite a buzz about eReaders and eBooks lately. I did my homework(i.e., downloaded several eReaders to my laptop and smartphone, internet reviews, etc.) to learn about each of them and it has left me still wondering – “why?” Sure there’s a great argument from college students claiming to have to read a massive amount of books and carrying those texts around campus all day. Really? Come on, folks. What about travelers? Ease of carrying books that don’t take up room in the carry-on or weekend bags. Close, but no cigar here!
As I prepare for my upcoming flight, I have found that it would seem like a great idea to have an eReader to take on the plane with me. But I must look at the proverbial “bigger picture” on this one. How many books am I actually going to be able to read on my flight? How many books can any one person read at a time? (The iPad seems to be in a class all by itself here.)
To make matters worse, the eBooks aren’t that much different in price that their paperback counterparts. This is something I find unbelievable as well. The manufacturer’s do offer some free classics to load onto your eReader.
In my opinion, the eReader has great intentions. I did enjoy checking out the book samples that are available on each of the eReaders. I also like that my local library allows you to “borrow” eBooks via digital library. However, no matter how I try to rationalize it, at this point purchasing an eReader does not reflect massive benefits in my book. (No pun intended!) And with prices starting in the $200-$500 ranges, I’m happy with my old-fashioned hardback book with that wonderful old library smell in between the pages.
There’s nothing simpler in this very complex world like the written word elegantly placed on the pages of a well published book.
