LifecanbetoffSponsored article
Since the Kindle was first released and iPad usage skyrocketed, there has been an ongoing debate about which is more popular: books or e-readers. While e-readers enable users to store dozens of books on one device, most people find books easier to read and digest. For this reason, book printing has remained popular over digital releases. But which is more popular? In this article, we explore the benefits of books over e-readers.
What Are the Benefits of E-readers?
Convenience
A key benefit of e-readers is that they are convenient. They’re easy to take with you wherever you’re going because they are small, lightweight and fit neatly into a bag. Plus, depending on how long you use the device, one charge should last a long time. For example, a fully charged Kindle should last between four and ten weeks, depending on the model.
Access to more books
The beauty of an e-reader is that you can store thousands of books in one small device. For example, you can fit over 1,500 books on an 8GB Kindle!
Cost-effective
E-books are typically cheaper than books as no physical materials are involved in the creation process. Plus, Amazon offers hundreds of free books, meaning you can get into an exciting new novel or two completely free of charge.
While e-readers do have significant advantages, they don’t provide the same experience as reading a physical book.
Why Are Books Better Than E-readers?
Digestibility
Let’s face it; books are simply easier to digest than e-readers. One study found that readers using an e-reader device, such as a Kindle, were significantly worse than book readers at recalling events in a story. The study also found that book readers reported more empathy, immersion and narrative coherence compared to those reading on e-readers.
Popularity
Physical books are still popular with consumers despite the rise of e-readers and e-books. In fact, 53 per cent of UK adults read a physical book in the last year. Over 30 per cent of those individuals are also classified as ‘heavy readers’, meaning they read ten or more books in the last year. Reading using an e-reader is prominent in the heavy reader’s group, but books are still the preferred option. These statistics demonstrate that many people still choose to purchase physical books over e-books. Research shows that they are spending more than they did last year!
Break from technology
Many of us spend a significant chunk of our day using screens, whether it’s at work or scrolling through social media at home. Books act as a much-needed break from technology, giving our eyes a rest from bright screens. Plus, there’s no need to charge a book, unlike an e-reader!
Tangibility
One of the best things about physical books is their tangibility. Books have a satisfying feel to them: the texture, thickness and weight of a book are comforting and nostalgic to us. In comparison, e-readers do not offer the same feelings of comfort and nostalgia.
Less multitasking
Reading e-books on an iPad may result in quick scrolls through social media feeds or a quick check of the news. As a result, you won’t feel engrossed in the e-book you’re reading. On the other hand, books don’t allow for as many distractions.
Progression
Another satisfying aspect of a book is you can see your progression on the fore-edge as you get through the chapters. Unfortunately, you don’t have this luxury when you use an e-reader—instead, you see a number which is much less satisfying!
Environmentally-friendly
Depending on how many books you read, physical books might actually be better for the environment. Because e-readers are made from electronic components, including the screen, CPU and battery, an infrequently used e-reader may be worse for the environment than a collection of physical books. Additionally, more publishers are prioritising environmentally-friendly materials, such as recycled paper. Speaking of recycling, many people still do not recycle their e-readers when they throw them away, whereas book recycling is a widespread practice.
Final Thoughts
While e-readers have their advantages, such as convenience, access to more books and cost-effectiveness, ultimately, reading isn’t as enjoyable using a screen. On the other hand, reading a physical book has plenty of benefits, including digestibility, popularity, tangibility, visual progression and less multitasking. In addition, in the right circumstances, physical books may be more environmentally-friendly than e-readers.
If you’re looking to have a book printed, you’ll be pleased to discover that the process has never been easier. The good news is that there are dozens of excellent book printing services available, so you’re bound to find a printing service that fits your requirements. All you have to do is tell the printing company your requirements, including the paper type, thickness, orientation, cover finish, page and cover colour and the book size.
This article was originally a sponsored article, approved by Life can be Toff to feature on this website.
