Quote:
Originally Posted by 49Kat
I've been finding that sometimes the cost of paper books, even brand new, ends up actually being less than the ebook version. And in some cases I am able to buy the paper book for substantially less than the ebook if I am willing to purchased used and/or through a marketplace seller.
So I balance between the ease and convenience of having books I want to read on a compact electronic device, vs having more physical 'stuff' in my life.
Is anyone else finding themselves purchasing paper books again? I went for a couple of years at least of not buying any at all, and recently I've bought a dozen in the past 3 months. Not only that, but some of them are paper versions of ebooks I have because for some reason, when I am reading books whose subject matter I am studying, I prefer the paper version. Re one author whose ebooks cost as much if not more than paper versions, I have decided to purchase the paper versions, in as good condition as I can get.
I still think it's highly unreasonable for ebooks to cost as much or more than the paper versions, but so far that seems to be the way things are trending.
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My order of priority
1. Free library borrow, paper or digital (at least 1/3 of my book reading)
2. Whichever is cheaper, the used hardcover/paperback or the kindle version. (split about evenly for me)
The paper version can also be resold, but this can be a hassle unless the price is high enough.
However, ebooks have many advantages over paper books, especially for technical manuals
1. Ability to search ebooks...and an entire digital library in seconds
2. Highlight, insert notes....both much better in ebooks.
3. Cloud storage of ebooks vs bookshelves for paper books. If you live in a city and therefore move around a lot, moving paper books is the biggest pain about moving.
4. ebooks are more convenient....try switching back and forth between the paper versions of War & Peace and Game of Thrones on your bus commute.
5. Looking up unfamiliar words is much easier with ebooks
6. Much quicker to acquire an ebook...no waiting or driving.
On balance, consumers should be willing to purchase ebooks for a higher price than paper books in many cases.