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disrepdog
11-03-2009, 11:06 PM
http://www.ebookweek.com/

What do we reckon? Fan of ebooks or hate them? Will paper books go the way of vinyl? (and then slowly make a come back?)

I've never read an ebook so not very qualified to comment, but I have test read a manuscript for a friend before he submitted it and reading on the pc or laptop just isn't the same.

Or could they encourage more people to read?
edash
11-03-2009, 11:18 PM
I generally don't read more than a couple of pages on a computer/laptop screen, so tend to print out short stories and the like. I'm considering getting one of these eBook reader things from Sony, Bookeen and the like but would probably use it to read all the free stuff that's readily available all over the web, rather than purchasing actual ebooks.

I reckon paper books will still be around for quite some time. The operating system needed to read them has been around for thousands of years, and will likely be around in thousands more.
boberick2
12-03-2009, 12:14 AM
hate them

They don't have the smell!

THE SMELL!
Adamus
12-03-2009, 10:51 AM
I'm a fan of ebooks and ebook readers. I don't think they'll ever replace physical books, nor should they. But I believe ebooks are a welcome addition, giving me more options in reading material on long trips. It's tough to carry around 10 books in a backpack, but 100 ebooks on one reader uses only a sliver of its storage capacity.

With current advancements on epaper and screens, ebooks will soon be almost as easy to read as normal books. Yet I agree that an ebook reader can never replace the physical sensation of a real book. It's just more convenient in certain circumstances.
Champagne Socialist
12-03-2009, 11:54 AM
I have an equal loving for both.
Having had so many ebooks for so long now, I actually think I prefer dead tree, but ebooks are very convenient.
Conscious Bob
12-03-2009, 11:54 AM
I think ereading will become more popular but I'm not convinced there's a market for single function ebooks in the long term.
Deep Black
12-03-2009, 12:37 PM
Never tried a reader.

I'm thinking when they are good, they will be more like reading a real book, just without the actual pages. Nothing like reading off a comuter screen

In which case I think I'd like it
RedKing
13-03-2009, 12:59 PM
I'd like a plain and simple ebook reader, the size of a paperback, but as thin as possible. No clutter on the device, use a touch screen for page turning or any other interaction.
rac
13-03-2009, 02:48 PM
They don't have the smell!

THE SMELL!

What he said.
RedKing
15-03-2009, 10:41 AM
http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2009/20090309.jpg
Chiaroscuro
15-03-2009, 11:06 AM
:D

I've not tried an eBook yet. I must admit the idea of reading off a screen for long periods of time doesn't appeal at all, but the convenience aspect which has already been mentioned certainly does.
edash
15-03-2009, 02:11 PM
The advantage the dedicated readers have is the screen isn't lit so it's not like reading from a computer or mobile phone screen.
Chiaroscuro
16-03-2009, 08:32 PM
Ahh, I see. I had imagined it would be much like reading from a PC and making your eyes tired.
Conscious Bob
28-07-2011, 11:14 AM
I think ereading will become more popular but I'm not convinced there's a market for single function ebooks in the long term.

I dug this thread up because Amazon have just announced that the Kindle is the biggest selling item they've got...

I don't think I'll become a technology consultant any time soon.