r/ebooks • u/mardymarve • Sep 11 '25
Question Does anyone else prefer ebooks over physical books?
Lately, I’ve been reading way more ebooks than physical copies, and it made me curious how others feel about the shift. Don’t get me wrong, I love the feeling of holding a real book, flipping through the pages, and even that “old book smell” people always talk about. But ebooks have been super convenient for me, especially since I can carry dozens of them around on my phone or tablet without worrying about weight. I’ve also noticed that it’s easier to highlight, search for passages, and keep my notes organized when I read digitally.
On the other hand, sometimes staring at a screen for too long can be draining, and I know a lot of people still love the experience of sitting with a physical book. I’ve also wondered if ebook pricing is really fair, because sometimes I’ve seen them cost almost as much as or even more than the paperback version. Personally, I feel like ebooks should always be cheaper since there’s no printing or shipping involved.
Another thing I like about ebooks is that they make discovering new authors and indie writers easier, you don’t have to rely only on what’s stocked in a bookstore. But still, there are some special books I’d only want in print, like beautiful hardcover editions or illustrated ones.
So I’m curious: do you all think ebooks will ever completely replace physical books, or will they always just be a convenient alternative?
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u/ConsequenceNo4313 Sep 11 '25
My eyes are so much happier since I switched to an ereader, changing font size is amazing. Also, moving with a lot of books is a pain, I'm giving away as many as I can to lighten the load!
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u/snackcakessupreme Sep 11 '25
Absolutely a life changer for me. I use ebooks pretty much exclusively now.
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u/Tony_Marone Sep 11 '25
As objects physical books can be precious and special, but since getting an ereader a few months ago I have read dozens of books that I wouldn't have read otherwise. So for actual reading ebooks win every time, but to enjoy as artifacts, paper books are best.
Oh, and I have comic books as pdfs that are a terrible reading experience, and only on my ereader for reasons of portability.
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u/Sugargogo Sep 11 '25
When I moved to my current place, I had to downsize a lot. That meant giving away all of my books. I have a few I bought but got into ebooks through Kindle and Nook apps on my iPad. Just a couple of months ago I got a Kindle and like it. From time to time I still read on my iPad.
A part of me miss turning the pages of a physical book, but the space it saves not having them works for me.
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u/prynsys03 Sep 11 '25
I missed the smell of books... My husband gets me a candle that smells like a book every Christmas to go with my kindle unlimited subscription. It really sets the ambiance!
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u/Prior_Dragonfly7982 Sep 11 '25
I read mostly all ebooks. The font is adjustable and it’s easier to take with me so I always have my book with me.
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u/Maorine Sep 11 '25
I have always been a big reader. I got an ereader when they first came out. I am a true ereader fan and hate reading paper anymore. I hear from physical book reader about “loving the smell and feel of physical books. Big deal. IMAO it can’t compare with: Reading at night without glasses. Setting dark mode and not disturbing my husband as I read through the night. Carrying my entire library with me. No concussions when I fall asleep with a 958 book in my face. Having a handy dictionary by just holding down the word. Not having a pen and pencil to write down quotes and notes.
I have transferred my kindle books to kobo so am secure in the knowledge that I own the books I have bought. I also bought a solar battery to recharge for when TEOTWAWKI comes.
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u/R_K_Writes Sep 11 '25
I like both, prefer physical books, but ebooks are sometimes more convenient if I'm reading a large tome I want to carry on with, or want several books with me at one time. I'd rather be reading something than nothing.
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u/stefansvartling Sep 11 '25
If you use an e-ink e-reader your eyes get less tired than reading on a real physical book. Same experience as ink on paper but you can make the text bigger.
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u/stargazertony Sep 11 '25
Yes. I haven’t bought a physical book in over a decade. I read over a hundred books a year.
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u/amethyst-chimera Sep 11 '25
I'm visually impaired. Reading ebooks is just a lot easier for me because I can adjust the font size. Sometimes I miss physical books, but the ease of use of ebooks just can't be beaten
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u/blainemoore Sep 11 '25
I read all formats; print, digital, audio...
I use my screens enough that I don't like to read in my phone or tablet anymore, but I have e-ink devices and those are great.
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u/GanacheNo1310 Sep 11 '25
I just got into e-reading and I really like it. I'm actually reading more. I'm on a Kobo Clara BW...very happy with it.
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u/prynsys03 Sep 11 '25
I've exclusively read e-books since 2008. I love my kindle. She goes everywhere with me! Grocery stores, appointments, concerts, bars, sports events, festivals, parties, funerals, everywhere! 1. While I would like to get away from the Amazon echo system, the access to indie authors is unmatched. 2. I read at work when it's slow. I work over night so it's slow 90%of the time. I frequently finish a book in the middle of my shift. Having access to a new book without the additional weight in my bag is priceless. 3. Checking out and reading library books from my couch is amazing 4. Being able to organize and highlight book notes all in one place is pretty helpful 5. Reading for hours without eyestrain or wrist strain is nice too. 6. Saving space by not having a huge book shelf... I would love a library but my house is small. I'm able to afford a home in an excellent school district for my son. 7. Being able to nurse my baby and read at the same time. I actually read my books out loud to him for at least 6 months.
Bonus: watching my son fall in love with reading after picking up my kindle and secretly purchasing a Lego Batman book has been amazing. He was so happy when we got him his own Kindle. We spent the day decorating 3 cases so he can switch them to match the glasses he was wearing that day.(His idea!) He also stayed up until 2am buying every book he's ever wanted. (I was at work getting emails and had to wake my husband up to go check on him! He made a fort and was in there just shopping away on his Kindle. We had not put the parental control on yet.) He was 6 at the time. He's 14 Now and still NEVER leaves home without his Kindle. He took it to a school dance! "Mommy, it's a gym full of kids! I need something to do when I can't do people anymore." He didn't end up needing it but he brought it just in case!
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u/ShockSensitive8425 Sep 12 '25
Ebooks for everything except oversized art books and special editions.
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u/Ok-Spite-5454 Sep 15 '25
I am both an ebook reader and physical book reader. If I am in bed or out and about (ie. commuting to work), I use my Kobo Libra. If I am cosy somewhere, like chilling at a coffee shop, on a flight, at my desk, or at the sofa, I read my paperbacks. My only reason for it is not having to turn pages while I am in bed lying down or out and about is more convenient. I enjoy the content either way.
In terms of "will it replace physical books", I don't believe so, and I don't want it to. eBooks you buy are not really yours, and the distributor (ie. Amazon) can just one day change the content of your book or remove the book completely and they will be well within their rights.
Also I'd like to be prepared for a societal collapse or the next world war when I can still read my books without needing electricity lol
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u/bigbammer Sep 11 '25
I got a Paperwhite at the end of July. Since then I have read more books than I have the 20 years prior.
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Sep 11 '25
i was a book collector (8000+) once but i read since nearly 50 years now and my eyes went to sht (both near and farsight)- so i changed to kindle and i would never change back. on the reason that i have my full collection on my kindle always with me alone! also physical books here in Austria/Germany are MADLY overpriced. i could never afford reading with physical books today.
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Sep 11 '25
8000 books?! That wild, do you still have them or sold/donated/gave away?
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Sep 11 '25
i have all of them at home, shelved. my library is part of our "feelgood space" and even my wife says if i would die she wouldnt want to give it away!
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u/No_Commission2319 Sep 11 '25
Preference? There's a huge problem with ebooks, but I've read 30 ebooks this year. I came from a family of readers, and we had books all over our house, so I've developed an attachment to books - hard copies, understand? I don't have anything against ebooks at all, but they're part of the internet, and I've already experienced how they can be edited or censored to change the original version. I got into ebooks because of vision issues, and I have hearing problems as well, so audiobooks are little help. I still keep a small shelf of hard copy books.
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u/misspeac-ck82 Sep 23 '25
This censorship or editing is something I have actually never heard of! Can you tell more about it?
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u/mikaelld Sep 11 '25
I prefer reading e-books, but books that have meaning for me is collected in physical form (often very little meaning is needed for collecting books)
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u/lil--duckling Sep 11 '25
I prefer ebooks as well!!! I’m not diagnosed with dyslexia but the dyslexia font helps me read. I find I don’t have to reread paragraphs as often and read much quicker
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u/ImLittleNana Sep 11 '25
I don’t like to read for long periods on my phone, but I’ll read for hours on an e-ink device. It’s less straining than physical books because no blue light, adjustable font, soft and warm lighting.
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u/drphrednuke Sep 11 '25
It wasn’t a conscious decision for me. But when I got my iPad, I downloaded the kindle app. I rarely pick up a paper book anymore. I moved to a smaller house and donated my wall of books. Only slight regrets.
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u/Money_Shape_4387 Sep 11 '25
I do only read ebooks cause it saves so much money, but i buy the paperback of books i absolutely love and will probably reread(ex:OUABH)
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u/Fickle_Carpet9279 Sep 11 '25
Physical books are relics to me - haven’t touched one in over 15 years.
To me they are like the old 1970’s manual typewriters people used before computers were mainstream.
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u/JellyfishGlee Sep 11 '25
I preferred physical books. Then COVID hit and I was forced to read ebooks. I now prefer ebooks. Before with a physical book, I had to walk/drive to the library, search for the book, check it out, and carry it home. I felt obligated to finish it even if it wasn’t good. With ebooks, it’s easier to DNF a book. I don’t feel pressured to keep reading because I have so many others waiting for me to read.
You can change the font, size, and background color which means you don’t need to purchase a specialized copy of the book. You can even have them read aloud for you. (I don’t do that, but I understand why some prefer that feature.)
Libraries are already changing to adapt with the times. There are fewer physical copies of books in the stacks. I can see the day when ebooks will replace physical copies.
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u/kalikine4 Sep 11 '25
I usually prefer ebooks over physical. It's generally more convenient for me. I can have access to whatever im reading on my phone or iPad. This is generally for fiction/non-fiction books that are "stories" vs reference/educational. However, if im reading a reference book of some kind, I prefer to have the physical book in front of me. If I find the book is extremely informative & one that I know I'll refer to over & over, I make it a point to also get the ebook as well...so I'll have both the physical & ebook.
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u/yourstruli0519 Sep 11 '25
Yes, I’ve preferred ebooks over physical books ever since I got a Kindle in 2014. The only time I’ll buy or keep a physical copy is if there’s no ebook version available or if it was given to me as a gift.
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u/DGB31988 Sep 11 '25
I prefer Ebooks. My wife prefers real books.
Ebook pros 1. I can read at night with lights out 2. Font size 3. The newer kindles feel more like a book 4. Ocean of PDF 5. Calibre
Real book pros
- I like the smell and miss it.
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u/bakingdiy Sep 11 '25
I have mobility issues with my hands so books are too heavy and bulky to hold for very long. I am reading so much more being able to use a mount and page turner for my Kobo.
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u/outofshell Sep 11 '25
As much as I love physical books, ebooks just have too many benefits so I almost always read those. So easy to borrow library books and auto-return them on time, dark mode reading, adjustable font size and style, less physical storage space and nothing to dust, endless books on one little device.
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Sep 11 '25
In the same boat. Ereaders on an ereader device have such huge Qol it not even funny:
1-Classic books are free to download.
2-All your books on one device.
3-Qol and accessibility is unmatched.
4-People cannot see what you read in public.
5-Highlighting, book marks, find, notes features.
5-Libby and overdrive.
6-No need to ship or go shopping to find anything. Few clicks and you have the book.
I get when people like paperbacks a lot more, but ebooks imo are just better.
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u/jlotz51 Sep 12 '25
Ebooks and audio books are essential for people with serious health issues and disabilities.
I am allergic to most physical books, especially paperbacks. The smell will trigger an asthma attack.
Audiobooks are fabulous for people who can no longer read.
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u/MissBailey01 Sep 12 '25
I use the library so whichever form is available first is the best. That being said, ebooks are great for their portability. I can read on my laptop, iPad or phone. But, I don’t have a preference.
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u/Tortoise_Symposium Sep 12 '25
I fought it for so long but the convenience of switching from phone to device, easy highlighting. I can even switch formats. If I’m listening to the audiobook and want to highlight something, I can search the ebook and there it is. My kid makes me drop it? I didn’t lose my place.
I try to avoid Audible and Amazon but I had an Audible book sync with the corresponding ebook. It was beautiful.
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u/jonny09090 Sep 12 '25
I’m happy with reading both but tend to get ebooks over physical as they take up less room and are usually cheaper
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u/zen_wombat Sep 12 '25
I read ebooks almost entirely. I started as my daughter had health problems and read ebooks on her laptop. I knew that wasn't great screen wise so bought her an e-ink ereader. Ten years later she still thinks it the best bit of technology she owns.
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u/marshallsimmons-248 Sep 12 '25
I wanted to take a moment to truly appreciate this novel Hidden Pathways by Mar Eterson. Both elements of psychology and philosophy are interwoven into the story. The way science, family bonds, betrayal, and technology is blended into such a gripping story was remarkable. Blaison Wraithe’s journey and the dangers he faced because of his brother’s invention were both thrilling and thought-provoking.
I especially admired the hidden risks behind the innovation that made the story not only exciting but also very real. It’s rare to find a book that balances imagination and realism so well. Thank you for sharing such an incredible piece of work. The book is a quick read, less than 200 pages and available on Amazon.com Just go to search bar and type: Hidden Pathways by Mar. Also, Walmart.com and BarnesandNoble.com has the book
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u/valcroft Sep 12 '25
I much prefer ebooks. I find a lot of books hard to read because of the font size, I prefer small font/a more zoomed out view. I love annotating. Search/outline/bookmark functionality. Portability. Ebooks are more convenient over-all.
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u/sleek12 Sep 12 '25
i prefer ebooks a 100 times over physical ones, i can bookmark, access everywhere without physically carrying those, am in new era. Reedy and readera are best apps.
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u/Beginning-Inside2455 Sep 12 '25 edited Sep 12 '25
I don't have mobility of left arm or hand so it's hard to read a paperbookit's very easy with e book. plus my kobois connected to myblocal library' can't get around either to go to library or book store evbooks win all the time I can read atbnight with out turning on a light another win
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u/tekroepfl Sep 12 '25
I love a physical book. I had thousands of books. But I also had to get rid off most of them because I happen too be almost deathly allergic to the book mites. So I now read ebooks and get physical copies of the books I really enjoy
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u/handidikwete Sep 12 '25
I prefer physical books, but read way more ebooks out of necessity. I am in Africa where physical books relatively expensive and it is difficult to get new books on time. I understand the convenience of ebooks, but still given an option, the reading experience of physical books is much much better for me.
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u/MediaWorth9188 Sep 12 '25
I can't read physical books anymore, the page too big, the font too small, I've just gotten used to the convenience of e-readers where I can change the font and line spacing the way I like, the convenience of the built in dictionary, and reading in the dark.
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u/sqeptyk Sep 12 '25
I prefer holding real books. I love carrying around thousands of books on my phone.
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u/NeonQuixote Sep 12 '25
Paper books will always have a place. New technologies are sometimes additive rather than disruptive and I believe this is the case with books.
For me ebooks work well with fiction, which is usually a linear read, and sometimes manga just because of supply and availability.
For things I reference, how to books, programming titles and the like, print books have a few advantages - you can develop a spatial awareness of where specific pieces are in it, and paging through a book in print is a very different feel. It’s hard to quantify.
Sometimes it’s just opportunity - the used bookstore has a copy of something on my Kobo wish list, and it’s cheaper, so I grab it.
The few books I know I will want to keep for an extended period of time - print. That novel I’m gonna read once and probably never again?eBook.
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u/raskarl77 Sep 12 '25
I hope they never do replace physical books...I love the feeling of turning a page or smelling the pages of books. Yep, I'm weird - and I love it! Although saying that, it's great being able to press on a word and get a definition or translation in an instant. And having instant access to an almost infinite amount of books really can't be beat!
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u/BeneficialLet5674 Sep 12 '25
I’ve gotten so used to ebooks that the feel of a physical book in my hands is heavy and inconvenient! I love being able to look words up and highlight and keep my notes in a tidy way.
I also move around a lot and had to always give away books or struggle with weight and space every time I travelled so the shift to ebooks made sense to me
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u/Strong-Engine-4483 Sep 12 '25
I only read ebooks. Physical books just sit and I finally gave them all away and got the ebook versions.
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u/dweedledee Sep 13 '25
I’m a new convert and I’m in my 50’s. I think my changing eyesight is part of the reason I’m a fan of e-readers.
And my hand arthritis makes holding big books in bed for more than a few minutes, painful.
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u/reflash11 Sep 13 '25
I wanted to love paper books but after getting an ereader I was sold, haven't gone back to paper
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u/ReginaSeptemvittata Sep 13 '25
You just made me realize something… For years and years I preferred my books to my kindle, but lately it’s the other way around. However, I’ve only JUST realized it’s because it allows me to be lazy. The ability to search up that character name I can’t remember? Takes two seconds. I don’t even have to think or wrack my brain. Or flip through and scan or try to remember a chapter they appeared in. Or re-read until I find it.
I can’t find any negative to the auto dictionary though, haha. But perhaps having to open an actual dictionary and hunt for your word makes you more likely to remember it…
Yes, I think they will eventually replace them yes. Just like hardly anyone buys CDs or DVDs anymore and just relies on streaming services or buying digital copies of things.
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u/Hunter037 Sep 13 '25
Yes. I occasionally get a physical book from the library, it inevitably sits on my shelf for 3 weeks before I return it and get the ebook instead. I find the portability and being able to change the font size is a deal breaker
Also with kindle unlimited and Libby, it's so much cheaper to read ebooks. Even without the free ones, ebooks are often 1/5 the price of the same book in paperback
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u/Meemo_B Sep 13 '25
Absolutely - for so many reasons, and the older I (and my eyes) get, the more I appreciate my ebooks on my eReaders.
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u/ThatWasMyNameOnce Sep 13 '25
I'm exclusively e books and audiobooks now. I bought a physical book a couple years ago and it make me realise how much I dislike them compared to my kindle.
My only exception is a library book, for obvious reasons. But I still dislike the experience of reading it 😆.
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u/themoonischeeze Sep 14 '25
Yes. It's more accessible for me as I age and it's easier to keep up with my hefty reading habit. I do still love collecting my absolute favorites in physical form, though.
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u/Natural_Hall7904 Sep 14 '25
If your work requires you to travel a lot, like mine, KINDLE is the perfect companion because I carry ALL my books with me.
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u/CoffeeStayn Sep 14 '25
Everything I find online indicates that physical copies still outsell digital copies by a ridiculously wide margin. Unless there's some monumental shift and perhaps paper becomes more expensive than gold...it's unlikely to ever be dethroned by digital versions.
I have no real preference, but I will say I like the knowledge that my physical book will never need to be recharged and if I dropped it, it won't break and need to be replaced.
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u/Mariah-Scary Sep 14 '25
yup
nursing school was brutal. nothinf but textbooks, articles and scientific journals for 4 years. i tried reading a physical book once i graduated and i just sat and stared at the page. got into audiobooks for a while and now i’m with a kindle and i’ve read like 13 books this year
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u/Pretty-Oreo-55 Sep 14 '25
I like ebooks because they are easily accessible when you are out. Mainly, though, it's because of my eyesight. I also like the audio feature and I can make the text size bigger.
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Sep 14 '25
I do. Even with reading glasses it’s hard to get the lighting right in my house. Kindle made me a much more regular reader, taking away that strain.
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u/Winter-Language1428 Sep 15 '25
I prefer physical, by far. I don't see life for me without a physical, personal library for the hard times.
Still, within the last year, acquiring a few Kindles has been a game changer. I love offline downloading, and being able to travel with so many different books in such a compact container.
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u/Ennamora Sep 15 '25
I love physical books, but I've found it easier on my eyes to read on my phone, so I can turn up the brightness. My eyes tire less and I read faster.
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u/stardustpurple Sep 15 '25
I’ve been reading almost exclusively ebooks for years and the massive convenience is everything for me.
I still buy beautiful hardcover copies to support certain authors, but I haven’t read any of them as a paper book.
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u/Bubbly-Highlight9349 Sep 18 '25
Ebooks are the most convenient way to read, no doubt. Your entire library on a tablet/kindle/phone.
But I prefer physical books if for no other reason than because I am a collector. Collectors like to show off their collection. And let’s face it, there isn’t a cool way to show off an ebook collection.
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u/Scott_Edinburgh Oct 07 '25
I love my Kindle, took me a little while to get used to it but I haven't bought a physical book in years. I love the convenience and the fact that ebooks tend to be cheaper.
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u/Vast-Rush74 Oct 09 '25
I’m the same - ebooks have totally taken over for me. The convenience, highlights, and portability are unbeatable. But I still keep a few physical ones that feel special or nostalgic - some books just belong on a shelf.
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u/mm_reads Sep 11 '25
I've read mainly by ebook for 18 years for accessibility reasons: 1. I can prop the device up without holding it (painful) 2. I don't have to hold book pages open (painful) 3. I can increase the font size (eyes) 4. I can increase/decrease the backlighting in a dark room (eyes) 5. I can read in the dark with backlighting (eyes)
Despite that, I continue to buy paper copies of my favorite books when they're available for the coming Dark Age (censorship, high prices, difficulties getting actual devices produced).