Should you be utilizing an e-reader?
Business Technology | April 12, 2011
E-readers have become very popular in recent years. Those who use them swear by them for their convenience and portability. Everybody doesn’t share their enthusiasm, however. There are a number of things to consider before you decide whether or not an e-reader meets your needs.
What are the choices?
E-readers are essentially devices that display e-books, although some have additional capabilities, such as Internet connectivity. The most popular choices are the Amazon Kindle, the Sony Reader and Barnes & Noble’s Nook.
Tablet owners often use their tablets to read e-books as well. Most tablets, however, do much more than just display e-books, so that is not their primary purpose.
Pros
- E-readers are extremely portable, which is great for any person who likes to read while on vacation or a business trip
- Another travel perk – if you are in a foreign country, you may still download an e-book in the language you choose, instead of looking for an accommodating bookstore.
- Books are often more affordable than you will find in normal bookstores.
- Privacy – you almost certainly don’t want everyone to know if you’re reading a self-help book. If you’re using an e-reader, they won’t be able to tell.
- All of your books can be found in one place.
Cons
- Depending on the style of e-reader or tablet, you may not be able to read in direct sunlight because of screen glare.
- Cost – while you might pay less for books than you normally would, e-readers usually cost more than $140.
- If you’re accustomed to shopping in used bookstores, these books will cost much more than you’re used to spending.
- Lending books isn’t always an option.
- All of your books are in one location – if you lose your e-reader, you’re losing all of your books if you do not buy a replacement.
As with any technology, the choice between an e-reader and a book depends on personal preference. While some people enjoy being able to showcase their books on a bookshelf and share them with the world, others prefer the portable convenience that comes with an e-reader.
For more comparisons of e-readers and traditional books, take a look at this article.
E-readers have become very popular in recent years. Those who use them swear by them for their convenience and portability. Everybody doesn’t share their enthusiasm, however. There are a number of things to consider before you decide whether or not an e-reader meets your needs.
What are the choices?
E-readers are essentially devices that display e-books, although some have additional capabilities, such as Internet connectivity. The most popular choices are the Amazon Kindle, the Sony Reader and Barnes & Noble’s Nook.
Tablet owners often use their tablets to read e-books as well. Most tablets, however, do much more than just display e-books, so that is not their primary purpose.
Pros
- E-readers are extremely portable, which is great for any person who likes to read while on vacation or a business trip
- Another travel perk – if you are in a foreign country, you may still download an e-book in the language you choose, instead of looking for an accommodating bookstore.
- Books are often more affordable than you will find in normal bookstores.
- Privacy – you almost certainly don’t want everyone to know if you’re reading a self-help book. If you’re using an e-reader, they won’t be able to tell.
- All of your books can be found in one place.
Cons
- Depending on the style of e-reader or tablet, you may not be able to read in direct sunlight because of screen glare.
- Cost – while you might pay less for books than you normally would, e-readers usually cost more than $140.
- If you’re accustomed to shopping in used bookstores, these books will cost much more than you’re used to spending.
- Lending books isn’t always an option.
- All of your books are in one location – if you lose your e-reader, you’re losing all of your books if you do not buy a replacement.
As with any technology, the choice between an e-reader and a book depends on personal preference. While some people enjoy being able to showcase their books on a bookshelf and share them with the world, others prefer the portable convenience that comes with an e-reader.
For more comparisons of e-readers and traditional books, take a look at this article.