I agree with the general consensus here, E-readers are not the same as books. Books often have pictures which aren't in e-books and have a certain "sensual" value to them. They can also increase in value which e-books don't. You can't get the visual satisfaction from a e-book like from a "real" book, for example, an atlas with maps or reference materials with drawings.
On the other hand, you can't beat the convenience and portability of an e-reader! Mine goes everywhere with me and it's so cool to be able to download today's news stories or pick up where I left off last night in my thriller book, any time, anywhere.
So my vote is that both can co-exist and compliment each other quite nicely in my world. I just wish that e-readers were a more affordable for the masses. It takes a big chunk of change to buy one, yet like computers, I am sure they will eventually come down in price so everyone can have one. How great for a student to be able to have their textbooks on a reader! I think it will happen.
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