Is it worth getting a ebook reader?

[StephenKingman]

Here in Ireland our largest book retailer/wholesaler has put an e-reader display & demonstration stand in the centre of their flagship store ... that just about says it all.

Sad though, im sure they are the wave of the future but enough people still want the old fashioned book and i for one hope theres years left for the format.

[pawpoint]

Traditional books are great, but if you are going on holiday for, say, two weeks and you read a lot then the Kindle etc is a perfect choice. You dont really want three of four books in your luggage. One slim tablet is much easier to take

[Eleonore]

I know that you can get a free download of ADOBE DIGITAL READER and a ITUNES IPAD, I THINK IS? CHECK OUT ITUNES, NOT SURE. but I did get for free the Adobe digital reader for my computer. Hope that helps

[ClarityJules]

I just got my Kindle and I don't know how I ever lived without it. I travel quite a bit, and when I'm in the mood to read, I go through books voraciously. One other thing that is a pro for e-readers (I own a Kindle), when you turn them back on, you're straight back to the page that you left off. Being a mother of a 6 month old, reading happens in bursts. None of this having to dog ear a book, or worse drop it and having to find which page you were on. Of course, I would never try reading my Kindle in the bath. If I dropped a paperback it isn't the end of the world.

[MaxDaniel]

I don't have ebook reader. I didn't like reading books on PC. Can you tell me these two have different experience if yes then I will buy a ebook reader.

[ClarityJules]

I didn't like reading a book on my PC either. First of all, your screen on the PC is back lit, which means it's really bright and gives you a whopping headache if you try to read for long periods. On the plus side, you can do it in the dark. The e-reader with the e-ink technology is more like reading a printed page. No headaches. I like the portability of an e-reader, it's nice and light and easier to hold than most books (especially the larger ones). The experience is different, but so is the experience of reading a traditional paperback. Each has it's pros and cons. Now if they made an e-reader that smells like a paperback, then we are on to something.

[epicy]

yes for sure i have one and i am happy with it

[Leonardo Noto]

I also hate reading books on PC because it gives me headaches. As such, I was pleasantly surprised to find that E-book readers don't really feel all that different to the eyes than the pages of a book. I've tried both Kindle and Nook and I found them both to be about the same. There is a larger selection of online books on the Kindle and Amazon is financially the healthier company (something to think about when you're investing in electronic hardware).

Leonardo Noto

[Jimrada]

I think an eBook reader is worth it. I have been able to find a number of new authors that I like through my Kindle. Amazon offers 100 books for under $3 each month that has given me some good deals. I also get a daily e-mail from Pixel of Ink which has about a dozen free or 99 cent e-books daily.

I have also found a number of free books where the copyright has expired. I use these history books for research all the time.

[pawpoint]

If you have an Android or Iphone then you can get a free Kindle app for it. It is surprisingly easy to read and there`s loads of free classics to read.

[froz]

Connectivity is another important aspect to the ebook reader to consider before buying. You will need some sort of connection in order to put material on your reader..

[Ant]

No no no no no, you have to weigh-up other pro's and cons......Library staff will lose their jobs, plus all the staff at the printers etc and although you will be saving some trees ( a lot of paper is recycled these days ) you will be creating more electronic and plastic waste that is currently floating around in our oceans. Save your pennies and utilise your library.

[ClarityJules]

Save your pennies and utilise your library.

I do love libraries. I can spend hours in them. Unfortunately, I don't have access to a library at the moment, so an e-reader is the best most convenient option for me. Libraries are like heaven. Doesn't it make you feel smarter just walking into one? haha

[Ant]

Yes, I feel Libraries have a certain reverence about them, they should be cherished, it is unfortunate that so many people don't have access to a Library such as yourself, in that respect I can see that e-readers would be a godsend. I am not what you would call an eco warrior or anything, I just like Libraries.

[johnnydepp]

The transition to digital books is happening faster than anyone expected. After years of false starts—think Stephen King's novella Riding the Bullet, released way back in 2000—ebook readers have soared in popularity over the past few years. Amazon's release of the first Kindle in 2007 was a turning point; now people are buying and downloading digital books at a breakneck pace.