Quote:
Originally Posted by barutanseijin
You can't just look at the device; e-readers aren't much good without servers somewhere serving up content 24/7, without wires, power plants of various sorts, probably a computer in your home to run Calibre, a router, etc. etc. That's a lot of toxic waste that someone will have to deal with, not to mention a lot of energy to keep that infrastructure running. If the infrastructure goes, the e-reader on is just a lump of toxic crap.
A paper book is more of a standalone device. A book can be produced in various ways, from mass print runs on sophisticated machinery to copying by hand on papyrus. If you have to, you can deliver a paper book by bicycle, by wheelbarrow, horseback or by foot. Once produced, a book runs on a combination of solar & human power.
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For paper books you seem to be forgetting Servers/Home computer for buying the book online, Heat/Lighting/Constuction/Maintenace of B&M stores/libraries, warehousing, transportation, power for the tree felling equipment.
You can't try and include all the infrastructure for eReading and then ignore everything for paper.
If the infrastructure goes the eReader still has all the books on it you just can't get more (Same as with paper books).