I came across this on reddit:
http://www.reddit.com/r/Fantasy/comm..._way_to_buy_a/
Apperently, best way to buy a book if we want the author to profit is ebooks. Admittedly, writers earn more with hardcovers, buy they are a bit pricy. Therefore three ebooks we buy at the price of one hardcover sends more their way.
It seems ebooks are win-win for everyone involved indeed. Cheaper prices for us, more profit for the author, easier to read and carry.