Will Paper books fade away?

[Stringer]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

Not yet, but we will get solar panels on the roof. I agree with Steve, the footprint of an electronical device is much smaller than paper. If I look at myself, since I bought my first ebook reader, I've bought about 70% less paper books. And I'm now using my second device (actually my third, but my second is in use by my husband, so it's being recycled )

Seriously speaking, the electricity is a true problem when people read online magazines with their desktop computers. Those rarely use energy saving modes even if they would have such things and constantly drain a lot current while somebody is reading. What I have read from magazines about the subject, it is estimated that with the power consumption the online reading is pretty much as environment unfriendly as paper magazines. This obviously doesn't apply to low consumption devices like laptops or real e-Readers, but still.

[Moejoe]

Originally Posted by Stringer

Seriously speaking, the electricity is a true problem when people read online magazines with their desktop computers. Those rarely use energy saving modes even if they would have such things and constantly drain a lot current while somebody is reading. What I have read from magazines about the subject, it is estimated that with the power consumption the online reading is pretty much as environment unfriendly as paper magazines. This obviously doesn't apply to low consumption devices like laptops or real e-Readers, but still.

I'd hope that the e-ink technology advances to such a point (and yes I'm not sure how it would yet) that it replaces the screens we have now.

[Sweetpea]

Originally Posted by Stringer

Seriously speaking, the electricity is a true problem when people read online magazines with their desktop computers. Those rarely use energy saving modes even if they would have such things and constantly drain a lot current while somebody is reading. What I have read from magazines about the subject, it is estimated that with the power consumption the online reading is pretty much as environment unfriendly as paper magazines. This obviously doesn't apply to low consumption devices like laptops or real e-Readers, but still.

I wouldn't call a PC or laptop a real replacement for paper books. They can be handy to have but not to read (in bed, bath, train, bus, toilet, wherever you want to read, in short). If there weren't dedicated ebook readers, I doubt the thought about disappearing pbooks would even crop up.

[stevejay]

In some cases it's not a matter of "replacing" someone's paper books, but they'll wind up reading things they would not have in the past, especially those public domain classics. They will live on stronger than ever, and rediscovered by new generations.

In a sense eBook readers have revitalized classic literature, it is only the paper which may vanish. Of course if there is some terrible disaster and we all lose power to our various devices, we would look nostalgically to the paper. In modern times much of our education is inextricably linked to access to electricity and technology.

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

I wouldn't call a PC or laptop a real replacement for paper books. They can be handy to have but not to read (in bed, bath, train, bus, toilet, wherever you want to read, in short). If there weren't dedicated ebook readers, I doubt the thought about disappearing pbooks would even crop up.

The subject came up long before dedicated readers showed up. Don't forget, in many places in the world (especially Asia) people are already used to regular reading on PDAs and cellphones, and don't need dedicated readers. (I still count myself in that number, being perfectly happy with my PDA.) They are plenty handy to use wherever you want to read, and are already crowding out printed books in many areas. They also use much less power.

PCs and laptops may not be ideal for portable reading, but they are not the only devices around.

[iterati]

Originally Posted by stevejay

In some cases it's not a matter of "replacing" someone's paper books, but they'll wind up reading things they would not have in the past, especially those public domain classics. They will live on stronger than ever, and rediscovered by new generations.

In a sense eBook readers have revitalized classic literature, it is only the paper which may vanish. Of course if there is some terrible disaster and we all lose power to our various devices, we would look nostalgically to the paper. In modern times much of our education is inextricably linked to access to electricity and technology.

Good point that shows how expensive the paper is comparing to electrons. Most’ll hesitate to print classic books in paper, but thanks to technology we now are able to preserve and propagate them.

[dmaul1114]

Originally Posted by Sweetpea

I sincerely doubt that. Though the use of paper books will dwindle, I don't think it will disappear completely. But, I think the paper used for note-taking will.

I think you'll see people using paper less and less and generations go on, but I don't think you'll ever see it where you can't go to the store and buy paper to write on if you so desire.

[Neil]

Some very interesting thoughts here and, I suppose, we'll just have to see what the future holds for Society. But, as for me, there will always be a spot for books in my life.

I bought a Kindle for two main reasons: Cost of the books is low and I am seriously running out of room for books what with every shelf taken and most walls having shelves. I have had the Kindle 2 for a couple weeks now and have come up with a game plan.

If a book has some sort of production value that I like, I'll buy the book. If, for example, it has very nice artwork, or is oversized, or the cover is spectacular, or that type of thing. Or, if the book is a special edition, a limited edition or is set apart from the regular edition. Or, if I feel the book has a collectible value and will appreciate with years.

A "run of the mill" book that would cost $20 to $30 or more that I can get as a Kindle 2 file for around $10, those are the books I'll head for the Kibdle Storefront to buy.

But the Kindle has many other reasons then just reading books to love. In Barnes and Noble today I was using the browser on my iPhone to look up books that looked good and have sample chapters sent to my Kindle to read tonite. I've been downloading various rss feeds and magazines and newspapers for free with Calibre. It's just, well, a nice gadget and fun to own.

It and its brethren will supplement printed books. But, at least for me, it will not replace them!

By the way, this is my first post here so HI EVERYONE! LOL

[kevindorsey]

Paper books will not fade away any time soon.

[nascarrunner71]

I hope not. Not everyone can afford an e-reader. Kids (and adults) should be able to go to the library and gets books for free if they want them. I recognize my Kindle is a luxury.

[iterati]

Originally Posted by nascarrunner71

I hope not. Not everyone can afford an e-reader. Kids (and adults) should be able to go to the library and gets books for free if they want them. I recognize my Kindle is a luxury.

Library is the internet. As long as it isn't monitoring and censoring by governments or corporations we are good.

[Phogg]

Originally Posted by iterati

Library is the internet. As long as it isn't monitoring and censoring by governments or corporations we are good.

Correct.

[Steven Lyle Jordan]

The Hanvon device demo'd in this MR thread ably demonstrates the fact that we don't need to keep paper around just to write or take notes on.

[cassle]

I don't think it'll fade away soon, as some book lovers still get some "love" by reading the printed one. But, if there's a law in the future to limit paper usage, I think it possible that e-book will control the market. But still, paper books will remain forever. It's very different if you reading a printed one and the digital version of it. Maybe we need to sacrifice something to read the printed one (like, its price for the example). But its worth the efforts!

[EowynCarter]

Well, not anytime soon.

Right now, saying the word E-reader gets a reaction from people.
Paper books can do stuff the reader can't (like shuffling though pages, the slow refresh on E-ink prevent this).
Reader are still quite expansive. The occasional reder will not buy such a device because of that, so he won't buy E-book at all. Though he might use his pda / cell phone / whatever to read. But, i would have never considered doing some serious reading on this kind of things (hurts eyes)

the other thing that need doing, make sure our books will last through time. Get a common format, screw the DRM.