Compare paper book and e-book

The variety and functionality of electronic devices has led to the gradual replacement of traditional paper books. Experts predict a gradual «dying» of the printing business. Is it true? To answer this question, it is worth understanding the features of both products and understanding which is better: an e-book or a paper one? Our experts have figured it out.

Aesthetics and benefits of paper books

With the advent of electronic reading devices, paper ones gradually began to go into oblivion, because it is much easier to download several dozen works on one device and enjoy a literary work anywhere. But a paper book, after all, is something more than just a source of information. This is something bewitching. Most users recognize that ordinary paper books have a charm, an aesthetic that allows them to enjoy the reading process.

Experts say that information gleaned from a paper book is absorbed much better than from an electronic one. It’s all about the peculiarities of human perception: the brain receives a lot of new information every day and uses various “anchors” to fix the necessary information.

When it comes to a paper book, tangible factors act as such “anchors”: cover, page rustle, marginal notes, etc. An electronic device, in fact, is just a faceless set of characters. The time spent reading the electronic version is nothing compared to the pleasure of owning a book made of paper.

Convenience and functionality of e-books

The electronic format at one time became almost a sensation, which did not have the best effect on book printing, since many consumers immediately preferred the first option. Yes, you can’t argue with the practicality and comfort of using e-books. You can easily take it with you on a business trip or just read an interesting work on the way to work.

In addition, it is important to be able to read several books at once in parallel (art books, for advanced training, expanding knowledge about the world, etc.): it is enough to download the electronic version of the book to the purchased device in any convenient format and enjoy reading in any weather, anywhere and in any time. After all, there is no connection to the presence of lighting, etc.

The e-book is distinguished by its compact size, light weight and the presence of additional options that help improve reading comfort (for example, special fonts, screen backlight, etc.).

Comparative characteristics

Unfortunately, electronic devices, after all, are gradually replacing classical printing. Our experts compared the two products on a number of key criteria to see if e-books are truly superior to paper books.

Availability

E-books are definitely more accessible and practical. Connoisseurs of quality reading know firsthand about the considerable cost of paper books, because the price of individual copies can reach several thousand rubles. But an electronic device makes it possible to read many works for free: just download them from the Internet. In addition, its price is not so great. And with regular reading (when compared with the price of paper options), buying a device will pay off in a couple of months.

Accessibility of perception of information also cannot be discounted. Many models of electronic devices make it possible not only to read, but to listen to books, playing them in audio mode, which is very convenient in case your hands are busy, for example, with cooking, but you want to enjoy pleasant reading, or in the process of working or studying, you need to quickly familiarize yourself with additional material.

ON A NOTE. When choosing an e-book, you need to pay attention to two points: the discharge rate of the device (an important factor for those who read a lot) and supported formats (some users are unpleasantly surprised after the purchase to find out that the device does not recognize certain formats).

Safety

The impact of a book on vision is an important point, since the pleasure of reading is incomparable with the deterioration of health. In terms of security, both paper and electronic versions are identical. Digitized text is displayed on a dim LCD screen, often equipped with an anti-reflective effect, thereby reducing eye strain during reading.

ON A NOTE. When buying an electronic device, it is important to pay attention to the type of its display: unlike the LED variety, the E-Ink screen does not adversely affect the eyes. And when choosing a book, it is worth considering the peculiarities of its smell, since it causes sneezing or allergies in some people (it is important to immediately pay attention to this while holding the printed product in your hands).

Environmental friendliness

Since wood is known to be used in the manufacture of printed materials, many are switching to an electronic alternative in an attempt to protect natural resources. On the other hand, plastic is used in the manufacture of digitized products, which does not have the best effect on the environmental situation in the world, because the number of plastic products produced in general annually reaches colossal proportions.

Ease of use

If we talk about practicality, then, of course, the digitized options simply have no equal. Especially when it comes to a long business trip or a trip: you don’t have to stock up on several books, weighing down your things and bothering yourself with the need to hold an often difficult product in your hands.

But e-books are more practical:

1. Compact — unlike printed versions, they are light in weight and dimensions, and the need for recharging is easily solved by purchasing a portable battery.

2. Variable — when choosing the right product, you can choose the option to your taste: not only the size, but also the design, color, etc. And by adding a stylish case to the purchase, you can give the product an exquisite look that is not inferior to the cover of a printed publication.

3. Ergonomic — no need to spend time constantly turning pages — light touches of the screen with your finger are enough.

4. Independent of daylight — an indispensable option for trips where there is no way to provide lighting (for example, on a train or on vacation in the forest). If the backlight is not provided in the device, the problem can be easily solved using a PocketBook flashlight.

Individual factors

We are talking about those moments that do not play a role for the majority, but are very important for some. It may be the comfort of using a particular product. For example, some consumers enjoy reading, rustling “live” pages and smelling paper, and nothing can replace this. Others prefer the practicality of an electronic device, and someone does not like it for an unpleasant feature: if a file is accidentally deleted (especially if it is an important one), it can no longer be restored.