Do you read ebooks?

[MalibuPam]

I'm curious where you think e-books are going.

Do you read them? If so, how--PDA, computer, other device? Do you think they are the wave of the future, or no replacement for the real thing? I'm wondering if they aren't just like the old answering machine--full of potential, but tremendously resisted (anyone over 40 remembers the hang-ups "I won't talk to a machine!!") What do you think?

(And just an aside, hundreds of classics in the public domain are available free--the U of Virginia has a virtual library of 1800 free downloads, of works pre-1900ish, and you can even buy e-textbooks now too)

[John]

I stare at a computer screen all day, the last thing I want to do when I read is look at another one.

I prefer plain old, tree-killing books.

[haejin]

I have lots of ebooks. I have copies of my favorite books in ebook format. I usually read them on my Pocket PC, but it's been on the fritz lately, so I use my computer to read them. I use Microsoft Reader, and it's pretty good (no scrolling down).

I think ebooks are great (you can carry them around in your handheld, etc) but they're not a replacement for the real thing, at least not now.

I agree with John, the glare from a computer screen kills, so why continue killing your eyes when reading?

[SnowflakeGirl]

Since childhood, I have been an avowed bibliophile. I love reading, but more than that I also just love the tactile pleasure of holding a book, the feel of the pages whispering against my fingers as I turn them, the physical weight of a piece of literature in my hands. That's why I have amassed a fairly large collection of books, because I love them not only as pieces of literature, but as objects in and of themselves.

So, in short, I'm not a fan of ebooks myself. I am online a lot, and don't mind reading some things on screen, but it just doesn't give me the same pleasure as good old fashioned, palpable book.

[bookaddict]

Since childhood, I have been an avowed bibliophile. I love reading, but more than that I also just love the tactile pleasure of holding a book, the feel of the pages whispering against my fingers as I turn them, the physical weight of a piece of literature in my hands. That's why I have amassed a fairly large collection of books, because I love them not only as pieces of literature, but as objects in and of themselves.

So, in short, I'm not a fan of ebooks myself. I am online a lot, and don't mind reading some things on screen, but it just doesn't give me the same pleasure as good old fashioned, palpable book.

I actually have never read an e-book. I just can't imagine trying to sit at my computer trying to read a a book. I have listened to books on tape while I'm cleaning or was at the gym. I read while I cook, on my breaks at work and pretty much anytime and anywhere I can hold a book and look at the words. It's a treat to sit and read for 3-4 hours at a time. Looking at a screen would burn my eyes out.

[lalol]

You never really get the 'feeling' that you read a book without holding a solid copy

[Texicana]

Agreed, I'm an avid bookworm, and I just cannot get into e-books, or audiobooks, for that matter.

[greenie]

I've never read an e-book or even listened to a book on tape.

I actually don't borrow many books because I like owning them myself. Just something about holding the book and sitting down to read is what I enjoy.

[MalibuPam]

Well, I just bought my first ebook. I'd actually ordered a hard copy from Amazon like 2 weeks ago, but they keep pushing back the date to ship. At this point it looks like mid February before I'd see it. So, I cancelled that and ordered the MS Reader version. Instead of waiting a month and paying $11.98 (including shipping), I downloaded it this morning for $5.99. So far I'm not impressed with the look of the page, but the availability is sure nice.

[Delia]

What are ebooks?