Evolution of Ebooks

Kobo Vox

The controversy of "real" books versus ebooks is an ever popular discussion.  There are proponents on both sides with strong voices and reasonable explanations of their beliefs.  I for one stand somewhere in the middle.  

Nook

Why do I still like paper books?  The main reason, I would say is the attractive coveres!  I am so drawn to book covers, and publishing companies do not disappoint!  The "feel" of a book in your hand is just so much different than an ereader.  You can easily see how far you have made it in a traditional book, whereas it may not be that easy to see in an ebook.  And, sometimes my eyes do not get as tired reading a paper copy of a book.


Why do I like ebooks?  I love the convenience of having numerous books at my fingertips at any time, without the bulk of having the traditional books.  My bookshelves are not as overflowing.  Often times, ebooks are offered for free or are less expensive than traditional paper books. I also have the ability to change font size in an ereader, so when the print is too small, or my eyes are tired, I just enlarge the font.  I like the fact that new authors can self-publish and get their books out there easier with the onset of ebooks.  And, there is an ereader for everyone.  We don't all have to use a Kindle or a Nook.  I do own each of these, but I also own an iPad that allows me to access books in both of these formats.  

What are your thoughts?  Do you prefer traditional books or do you prefer ebooks?  

Ebooks

So, how many of you are reading more now because you have an e-reading device of some sort (e.g. Nook, Kindle, iPad, etc.)?  I know my reading has improved.  My first e-reading device was a Kindle from our school (I am a special education teacher & we bought them for our students because of the text to speech feature).  I then bought my own device - first edition Nook.  It was nice, but the electronic ink messed up.  I then invested and bought myself the Nook Color.  I absolutely love the thing.  It was a little pricey - I bought it when the first came out - but well worth the investment.  My youngest daughter has a smaller Kindle (before all the other versions).  She reads more now with it than she did just reading a regular book.  


Now, I have access to an iPad from school.  With this iPad, I have access to all kinds of ereader apps - Nook, Kindle, Kobo, iBooks, etc.  There are so many ereader apps, could be really hard to choose.  I hop around and read from various ones, but I am still very loyal to my Nook app.  


Since I primarily read on an ereader, I thought it would be fun to jump into the 2012 Ebook Challenge (yeah, I know, another one!).  The 2012 EBook Challenge is just how it sounds - reading ebooks.  You can read any genre, any book you want.  


There are seven levels to this challenge, so there is something for everyone:

1. Floppy Disk - 5 ebooks
2. CD - 10 ebooks
3. DVD - 25 ebooks
4. Memory Stick - 50 ebooks
5. Hard Drive - 75 ebooks
6. Server - 100 ebooks
7. Human Brain - 150 ebooks

I am going midway and shooting for Memory Stick - 50 ebooks.  I actually already have 2 down for this year, so I'm at least started.  I figure most of the books I read this year will be in electronic format.  The only ones that will not be are those that are not available that way.  

Find out more about this challenge:   2012 Ebook Challenge.