Book Chick City: To eRead or not to eRead?

To eRead or not to eRead?

Wednesday, December 16, 2009 | Posted by Book Chick City |

I have always loved to read an actual book, feel the pages, gaze at the glossy covers. I find the idea of reading a file on a computer hard to get my head around. I've tried PDF files on my laptop and I just get fed up and bored, even if the story isn't. It's uncomfortable. I can't snuggle up with it or take it to bed or read it in the bath and this has been the reason why I haven't rushed out and bought an eReader.

But lately I have been wondering if I should join the millions who enjoy reading ebooks? I hear so many of my Twitter friends commenting about how much they love their Kindle or Sony etc and after reading that Kindle is now available to buy from the UK and there's a Kindle app for the iPhone, it got me thinking. Should I take the plunge? Am I old fashioned by sticking to the original version of a book? Usually I am ahead of the game and like to keep up with all the lovely new gadgets. But I have no idea what to do with this. Am I missing out? And if I did want to buy one, which one? Can you help? Tell me which eReader you bought and why. Hopefully then I will come to some sort of decision.

Labels: Thoughtful Ramblings

47 comments:

Wendy said...: I'm absolutely with you on this. I've always prefer actual prints but lately, I've noticed how e-readers and e-books are becoming the new thing. I've been thinking of getting one, too. I can't stand reading them on my laptop and I actually have 3 e-books to review that I'm just *facepalm*-ing myself on because I hate reading on my laptop.; 16 December 2009 15:03
Bella said...: I use Stanza on my iPod Touch and love it. Stanza let's you add bookmarks, make notes, change the color of the background and change the font size. I did just get the Kindle App as well because Amazons prices are insanely low.

I converted to ebooks this year and just love them. I still love browsing bookstores but ebooks are so much more convenient for me.; 16 December 2009 15:10
sarahruthdebora said...: I ♡ ♡ ♡ reading ebooks. They're so much more convenient and easier to store, don't need any actual space. Ever since I discovered them last Dec 08, I've only bought 2 printed books this whole year. I have totally & unregretfully converted :)

I think any type of eReader will do, they're all basically the same. Seriously tho, ebook is the way to go. Cheers.; 16 December 2009 15:44
Sandy Nawrot said...: I'm a huge lover of the printed page, but there is room in my life for all forms of books, including audios and e-books. I have a Kindle, so I can only speak to that one, but it is insanely easy to use. New books usually run $9.99, plus all of the old classics you can get for free. They are ideal for traveling. Kindle does not have a backlight on it, but has never been an issue with me. I think some have that feature. On the Nook, you can share files with other Nook readers. I'd say go for it. Multiple media types for all your needs!; 16 December 2009 15:58
Shelley/Book Fanatic said...: Ugh, I can't bring myself to do it! I've thought about getting one. I just can't give up my books. I love the way a new book smells and feels.; 16 December 2009 16:01
Kris said...: I'm having a hard time with this one myself. I love real books. Instant gratification on an ereader is a nice thought. But I just don't know. I have reviewed one or two ebooks and it took everything I had to sit at the computer while I did it. For me it just isn't the same. Sooo...actually I have no good advice Sorry!
http://thecajunbooklady.blogspot.com/; 16 December 2009 16:01
Ophelia99 said...: I am also with you on this. It doesn't help that I have 150 or so paper books sitting around that I need to read.

I did spend quite a bit of time looking into the different e-readers. The Kindle seems to be the overall favorite because it has access to more books at lower prices. I finally just came to the conclusion that the e-reader isn't at the point I want it to be yet.

I want to be able to rent my e-books from the library, and I want an e-reader that supports all formats of e-books. So I am waiting until some of that is available.; 16 December 2009 16:02
Book Crazy Jenn said...: I keep thinking about it, but with you I LOVE that feel of a book - it's such an intimate thing, the smell the pages, the words written - it seems like sorta cheating to read on a "gadget" but then they are sooo convinent...UGH decisions!; 16 December 2009 16:03
Juju at Tales of Whimsy.com said...: While I, like you, prefer a printed book I am going to bite the bullet this year and purchase a Kindle. I'll still buy my favorite books in print.; 16 December 2009 16:07
Marquetta said...: I just wrote a post on my blog about the exact same thing! I've been riding the fence about whether or not to go the ebook route. Like you, I like the feel of the book in my hands and turning the pages. An ebook can't replace that. So I've decided that books by my favorite authors will NOT be purchased in the ebook format. Or if it's a book I really, really want. Everything else is up for game. I'm going to try to check books out from my library. I am running out of storage space for my books. So ebooks is a good idea when it comes to saving space. I currently using the Kindle for the iPod Touch. It's not bad. Takes some getting used to.

Here's my post regarding my ebook dilemma:
http://lovetoreadforfun.blogspot.com/2009/12/e-books-youre-calling-my-name.html; 16 December 2009 16:22
~Jennifer~ said...: I resisted an ereader for a long time, but it finally became apparent that if I didn't do something, they'd be finding my body under a pile of fallen books. I do not have room for any more books, but I can't not buy more.

My husband preordered me a Nook for my birthday (which should be here any day, please please please). I compared the Nook and the Kindle and chose Nook for it's expandable memory and removable battery.

I like the instant gratification of buying ebooks. If I really want to read a book, I can be reading it in minutes, not days or longer. Plus, most ebooks are cheaper than the paper version which helps the bank account.

Of course, this is all theory until the Nook arrives, but I really do think it'll be a great addition to my reading arsenal.

Jennifer; 16 December 2009 16:29
Lisa said...: I would WAAAAY rather read a printed book, but I do have Stanza for my iPhone. The few times I have tried to read a book on it, my eyes to feel the strain. I feel like I stare at screens enough, you know? But what does pique my interest is on holidays when you can "carry" many books on an eReader, whereas usually my luggage is uber heavy with 4 or 5 books.; 16 December 2009 16:48
Jennifer said...: I am not an eReader and do not intend to become one.; 16 December 2009 17:05
Mash1195 said...: My hubby just bought me a Sony Ereader 600. At first it felt funny not holding a book, the smell of a new and turning the pages. However, it didn't take me long to get used to it. There is only one thing I don't like and that is no back light but I bought a light weight clip on light.. I feel tho that it has a log of good features. The price is approx 1/2 of paperback and HC. I like that you can d/l from your local library. My hubby loves it since I read in bed and he doesn't hear me turning pages or repostioing a reg book to get comfortable. Fits easily into a pocketbook. I used to wait for a book to be published in paperback as HC was too expensive..I don't have that problem anymore. Plus I hated throwing books away if nobody wanted them. It will also cut down the clutter in my bookcases..thats why I entered the challenge w/Biblio By The Sea..clean off your shelf. Sorry for rambling but I am very happy w/my ereader. Forgot...there is also the touchscreen, dictionary and even where you can take notes if needed. If you have any ??? feel free to email me.; 16 December 2009 17:25
Charlotte (The Book on the Hill) said...: I had to buy an EReader for work, since a lot of the books I have to read for review aren't released yet and come to me in PDF. My boss used to send them to me printed (I can't tell you how much room these took in my little flat !), and it also wasn't practical for me when I had to travel (which happens often for my other job !).

The thing is, I wouldn't have bought an Ereader if it wasn't for my job. Like you, I love REAL books. I would never read a "real" book on my EReader I think. It will remain for professional use only. Honestly, for work, it really changed my life. But I'd rather enjoy my own books in "real paper" !

It's a Sony EReader. I've had it for 5 months and I've just sent it for repair... There have been loads of bugs rather quickly after I bought it. My boss and a friend of hers also have one, and they have the same problems. It really irritates me to see how prehistoric they look and work (the Ereaders, not my boss and her friend !), when we all know that the industry is capable of doing beautiful designs, tactil and colorful screens and machines that actually work ! I guess we'll have to wait for a few years before we can see decent looking EReaders. I read a bit about all the other ones, I know that a lot of people are satisfied.

My advice for you would be to wait a bit and see what next year will bring. If you're already not completely enthusiastic about the whole "screen reading" thing, you might want to wait and see. But that's only my advice, hey ?!

:); 16 December 2009 17:26
Ryan G said...: Don't give in to the dark side. Stay on the side of light and keep reading physical books. :-)

I just can't do it for some reason, I've tried to read ebooks but like you said I get bored with them too easily.; 16 December 2009 17:26
Annette said...: It doesn't have to be an either/or situation with an ebook reader and printed books.

I've had my Kindle since Sept 2008 and spend a healthy amount on ebooks and printed books. I have also read significantly more this past year than in years past (which is saying something as I've always been a voracious reader).

I tend to buy printed books if I'm continuing a series I already have on the shelf or if it's a book that my daughter or mother will most likely read (Mom has a Kindle, too, but we still share printed books).

I hate reading on the computer (I convert *.pdf ebooks to my Kindle) but love my Kindle.; 16 December 2009 17:33
J. Kaye said...: I'm pro-eReader. Believe in saving the trees, recycling, etc. That said, hate my Sony and can't wait to get a different eReader.; 16 December 2009 18:16
MarceJ said...: I am hoping for a Kindle for Christmas now that they have included Global and if I don't get one I will buy it myself.

BUT

I love the feel of real books, getting excited over the cover, saying to yourself 3 more chapters or 100 more pages, love that so I have said I will always buy my favourite authors in hardback.

The Kindle is for me to branch out of my norm and also when i'm in the mood to read something it is instant. Right now waiting for a book doesn't work out as sometimes i'm no longer in the mood and then my TBR list becomes HUGE.

Sorry for the long response.; 16 December 2009 18:21
Kindle Vixen said...: I adore my Kindle. Seriously our relationship is unhealthy. But It saves me so much space that I just can't help it. I have a tiny house and because of that I have never been a big book buyer. (well that and I don't generally enjoy taking my 2 monkeys to book stores) I borrowed from the library occassionally, but mostly I just found other things to do.

With my Kindle, I read constantly. I take it everywhere I go just in case I find a minute or 2 to read. It was harder for me to do that with actual books because they don't fit easily into my purse (especially hardbacks).

Additionally, Its awfully nice to have the next book in a series in 10 seconds if I finish the previous one in the middle of the night.

so for me it has boiled down to convenience, ease, portability, and usually a tiny bit of savings. There are so many good free books out there in ebook format, I think I have paid for it and then some just with the value of those.

With all of that said, I do still read "dead tree books". I have my favorites on my shelf and I still get things from the library on occassion. Its easy to do both and be happy :)

I don't know what the policy is for the UK kindle, but I know here you have 30 days to try out the Kindle and if you don't like it you can return it without hassle.; 16 December 2009 18:36
prophecygirl said...: I'll personally never buy an e-reader. I love having a real book, with pages to turn and a nice cover to look at. I also find it difficult reading on a computer, and I find it takes more time too.; 16 December 2009 19:11
AD sabry said...: I'm thinking about it too
though i adore printed books
i like to turn the pages,love the covers, but i thought e-reader will
be sufficient in
a. traveling,traveling a lot,vacation or so
b. i really don't have room for all the books i have or i wanna buy
i already read on my laptop but that eye & backache
so i'm thinking about kindle 'cause i heard its the best; 16 December 2009 19:51
Robin of My Two Blessings said...: I prefer actual print and hate reading on my laptop as well. I bought Barnes and Nobles Nook because it appealed to me more for traveling than anything else. However, there are lots of books being released to e-book for free that I would like to read. Plus new books that sound interesting. One reason I like it, you can sit on the couch, take it anywhere, etc. The Nook doesn't have a backlit computer screen so you don't get eye fatigue. Big plus.

Another reason - I'm going to be reading Dune again and my old copy of the book, the print is way too small. With the e-reader I can adjust the size of the font from small to large so can read without straining my eyes. Plus I'm not adding to my overflowing bookshelves.

There are many pros and cons for all the readers. The e-reader will never take the place of my buying real books, just supplement.; 16 December 2009 20:34
Crazy-for-Books said...: I'm debating this as well! My DH indicated he was thinking about getting me one for Christmas. I LOVE the feel and smell of the pages, holding the book in my hands, and gazing at the cover. It's such a personal experience for me. I think I have an unhealthy relationship with physical books! lOL

With that said, I wouldn't mind trying out an e-reader, just to see what all the fuss is about. I don't want to spend $200-$250 on one, though, since my current TBR is inching close to 600, last time I checked! An e-reader would be handy to have, though, since I tend to take a book with me wherever I go!

I have been no help to you! LOL I'm in the same predicament!; 16 December 2009 20:35
hcmurdoch said...: I am a very tactile reader. Before choosing to read a book I like to hold it, feel it, check out the cover and the font, etc. However, I like my Kindle2 for travel. It has lightened up my carry-ons and suitcases!; 16 December 2009 20:38
Mardel said...: I like to feel a book in my hands. I know the electronic readers are supposed to be ecological, but one thing I wonder about - no one talks about the energy it takes to run one. If it were solar powered it would be cool. I can't stand having to scroll down pages though while I'm trying to read an online story. I won two e-books and since I'm reading them at the desktop, I'm having a hard time getting into it. I'd rather use my sitting up time to surf the web, and relax in bed or an easy chair to read.; 16 December 2009 20:46
Hagelrat said...: I have a sony pocket. It's perfect. I love it. I got it simply because there are books now I am either sent to review or buy to read that are only available (in the UK) as ebooks. Reading them on my laptop isn't so great but the ereader is wonderful. Nothing will ever remove the pleasure of physical books for me, but the devices have their place too.; 16 December 2009 20:49
titania86 said...: I love my eReader, but I don't read it as much as I read regular books. It's for books I can get for free online or when I don't want to lug around lots of books on a trip. I never take it out in the rain because I'm always afraid it's going to be ruined. It's a nice toy to have, but it would never replace real books. Plus, if I really like a book, I will buy a regular copy even if I have one on the eReader already.; 16 December 2009 20:53
Shellie (Layers of Thought) said...: I am about to purchase the nook. Sadly it will not arrive till the middle of Feb... they really screwed up with this one.

I've seen some negative press about it. But I have held one in my hands at a local store and it is very cute.

A friend Cara at Oh Books says she likes hers a lot, even compared to the kindle and sony. I have no desire to have either of these readers.

It will never replace my love for real books but it will be easier in the book blogging world since everyone seems to want to send e copies of books.

It also saves paper. I love trees!; 16 December 2009 21:15
Patty said...: I am going to get the Kindle. I still love books and plan to get them anyways but I like the easy access and the variety I can get on the go.; 16 December 2009 21:15
Erica said...: I flat out refuse to buy an e-reader. I love actual books, and will continue to buy individual books. I hate staring at a screen - it bores me even when the story is exciting and I don't want to curl up with a piece of plastic to read lol.; 16 December 2009 21:21
Ladybug said...: I would love too try out a e-reader but I wouldn't want to give up printed books all together. I love audiobooks as well because then I can read almost everywhere but that's in addition to my printed books(I think I've been reading a lot more since I discovered audiobooks).; 16 December 2009 21:40
Barbara said...: I prefer the actual book myself although I wouldn't throw it off if someone gave me one. It is just too expensive so I'm sticking with books for now. I can't cuddle up with a library book since there's the chance of a booger falling out so I have to watch it but since that's where the free books are.; 16 December 2009 22:05
Scott Romanski said...: I love real books too. I do get ebooks and have a Sony, but generally only get the ones that are only in e-format as opposed to real. If i have to chose then i go real every time.; 17 December 2009 00:46
Kindle Vixen said...: << no one talks about the energy it takes to run one.>>

I don't know about the others, but the Kindle actually takes very little energy to run. I only charge mine maybe once a week and it charges up pretty quickly. Like I said, I take it everywhere - if you only use the wireless network when you need to it is very energy conservative.

I don't know if the other readers can do this, but the Kindle will play audiobooks/mp3s in addition to just being a book reader. I don't use it because I have an ipod, but I know lots who keep both audio books and ebooks on it.; 17 December 2009 01:42
Fiction Vixen said...: I still love my print books but I enjoy my Kindle too. I really love my Kindle for book reviews. It's so easy to save notes and highlights then transfer them to my PC to be pasted directly into my reviews. If I want to look something up and I search the entire book in seconds. I'll never stop collecting certain print books but I am a huge fan of the ebook as well.

PS
I love the Kindle for iPhone app as well. I use it constantly since my iPhone is always with me. If you purchase ebooks at Amazon, your iPhone and Kindle will sync so you can pick right up where you left off on the other device.; 17 December 2009 03:06
She-ra (Princess of the Forest) said...: I have really debated about starting to use Kindle or some such other gadget. I've borrowed other friends Kindles, Nooks, and other such things I can't remember the names of. I love the magic of the book being there when I think it. After a while my eyes started to fill the strain. Unfortunately, like with ebooks, I started to get board with it as well. As cool as the gadget books sound, I'm sticking with paper books. Though I'm running out of space fast.; 17 December 2009 04:33
Bunny B said...: I'm with you on this. I love books! And not too keen on ebooks. I have a few readers on my iphone, but I never really get to them. I also have a few ebooks in pdf files on my laptop, but it's hard for me to sit down and read through them. I like being able to sit down and roll around with an actual book in hand!

Having those reader apps on my iphone is only useful when I find myself bored, or waiting for someone and am without a book.; 17 December 2009 08:01
Sagi said...: i also agree with you reading the actual book is alot better than on the comp but i am capable of reading a book on my comp if i have no choice :P; 17 December 2009 08:04
Stephanie said...: I was with you didn't think I would be comfortable with an ebook reader. I recently purchased a Sony Reader and I have to say it hasn't replaced my books, and as a Librarian I hope it never does. But it is convenient for travel. It holds lots of books so I don't have to worry about not having enough to read and never having enough room in my bag for clothes when I have too many books in it. I also use it for studying is great for university notes not having to carry a text book, folder of notes and note book convenient.; 17 December 2009 09:55
Gaby said...: I have been thinking the same. Should I buy a reader?? Which one?? Will I like it??

I love books, the smell of the paper and the feeling of having them in my hand; but, it is time to move on??

I love books, the smell of the paper and the feeling of having them in my hand; but, it is time to move on??

I have read on my laptop, and as you say, it sucks. Its not the same, specially when you can take it to the bathroom (i mean, you can, it is just not comfortable). But maybe with the e-readers its different?

I'm trying to choose between the amazon kindle and the sony reader (the pink one xD)....; 17 December 2009 12:57
Kindle Vixen said...: Gaby - you are right, reading on a laptop doesn't compare to an ereader. The ereader is smaller/book sized... its lighter. Also, the laptop you have to scroll and its refresh rate and light cause eyestrain. The Kindle has eInk so it looks just like a book page, doesn't cause eyestrain.; 17 December 2009 16:31
Serena said...: I probably don't have much to add to this. I don't have an ereader, but love holding books in my hand.

But then again and ereader would be great for traveling; not having to carry all those books or find room in the carryon for them.; 17 December 2009 17:37
Lauren said...: Interesting discussion. My mum asked if I wanted a Kindle for Christmas, and I wasn't sure. On one hand, I love the idea of being able to decide I want a book and then just have it on the Kindle there and then in seconds. Also, it sounds like on balance it's better for the environment. However... like others, I just like having the actual book. They're also decorative - I love having my books on display on my bookshelves. I ended up saying no thanks this Christmas, but maybe in the future I'll change my mind. The idea of being able to take twenty e-books on holiday - or buy them from the beach - is very tempting.; 17 December 2009 18:29
WilowRaven said...: I very much prefer actual books to ebooks. I have never had much luck reading PDFs on a computer. I actually have a bunch saved write now that may or may not ever get read.
I've never held a Sony Reader or Kindle or anything of the sort in my hands before so I'm not sure I would like the feel of them.
But I do have a Apple itouch (essentially the iphone without the phone part). I have a couple of different apps for reading books and I have to say that I am fan.
It's not the same a a flesh and blood book but it's pretty doable.
Until prices of the new ereaders come down I don't think I'll be buying one anytime soon but I am pretty curious.; 18 December 2009 00:22
FNiem said...: aka Ferishia

Hi! :)

I've just recently made the move to reading ebooks. I'm getting a Kindle DX for Christmas. (YAY NEXT FRIDAY!) I settled on a Kindle because it got the best reviews of all the book readers, and I got the chance to actually see two in the 'wild' lol. Both persons praised it. I went with the DX version other the smaller one, because I have a LOT of books in PDF form, and the DX was the only one that would read them at the time I made my selection.

Before I decided to get an ereader, I tested out reading ebooks via my iPod Touch. It took a bit of getting use to, but after I did, I love it. It's so nice to have a book to read anywhere. And the kindle app is so easy. I have about 80 ebooks, and I don't even have my Kindle yet. There are lots of free kindle ebooks and you can download free samples to read. I love reading ebooks. I'm still going to read physical books though, because not all books come in ebook format yet, and the fact that my physical TBR piles are HUGE. lol

Good luck with you choice! :); 19 December 2009 00:57
Steampunk'd said...: I am an avid reader, and for me, an e-reader is just the next step in that. I have access to hundreds of books with just the click of a button. And it's not like a library (which I love, don't get me wrong) where you check it out, read it, then take it back.

I have a Kindle, which was a gift. On Amazon, any book published before a certain date (somewhere in the 1920s I believe) is free for Kindle.

I also travel a lot, so it is much easier and smarter to have my books on Kindle. Also, on Kindle, you can make notes within a text and if you put the cursor on a word, it tells you the definition.

There are so many great things about e-readers. Although I will still greatly enjoy reading a nice big book, preferably ensconced in one of the big fluffy chairs at my local library.; 10 March 2011 16:15