Paperback or E-Reader? Join the great debate to win £100 of books or e-books

[RachelMumsnet]

Are paper books old news? These days there are more e-readers and literary apps than you can shake a USB stick at. We want to know if you've eschewed paper for digital, or if you reckon a well-thumbed paperback beats technology hands down. Join the discussion to let us know which medium you prefer and why, and you'll be entered into a draw to win £100 bundle of books OR £100 e-book bestsellers courtesy of Bloomsbury.

Paperbacks..I love the physicality of having something to hold out in front of me. Too many things are becoming 'virtual' or up held way in the 'cloud.' We are in danger of not having any tangible gems of importance to be able to go back to and rely on. I often find an old book in the house I re-read - with an e-book I wouldn't even think about revisiting as it wouldn't be there to catch my eye.

I like E-books because it's easier to carry them around (in your laptop, USB stick or Tablet). But I would still prefer reading a paperback book over e-books! Because old is gold. Call me old fashioned but some traditions are good, like the paperback book tradition. You don't get the same feeling when reading an e-book as compared to reading a paperback book. When you carry a paperback book around you don't have to worry about battery power dying or getting stolen or damaged as you would have to if you carry around an ipad/tablet/laptop/etc. Also, a paperback book feels like a friend! (Books are friends)

Jux - I think it may depend on the book. When I posted that I was reading an Agatha Christie and the Reading Progress menu gave the options of Location, Page, time left in chapter and time left in book.

Now I'm reading a different book (another Christie) and the Page in Book option isn't there...

It's interesting. I used to feel the same way about paperbacks as a lot of people here. I now feel the same about my Kindle. I still feel myself sinking into the book, I still find it comforting and relaxing, I still find it a sensory pleasure and I love the fact that the cover I bought as a quick fix is still on it (despite this being my third kindle - I passed the others down to my DSs) so it is slightly battered and like an old friend.

Actual proper books with paper and everything - I find much better. Yes, yes more clutter but I kind of like a library!

I love my cover too - it's a River Song diary one that DD gave me, with a slightly weathered look, makes my Kindle look like a much-loved book.

Paperbooks. I use a computer at work, check out the internet on my tablet or watch TV. It's just nice to do something which doesn't involve looking at a screen!

Definitely paperbacks - doesn't feel like a book otherwise.

Another reason I love my Kindle is because as a child, if you had told me I could have nearly any book in my hand immediately I would have thought you were talking about some kind of futuristic, science fiction version of utopia.

I remember constantly running out of books to read - the library would only allow 4 at a time and I was allowed to buy one in Woolworths on a Friday but it wasn't enough.
I carry my Kindle with me and love sneaking in a quick few pages when I have a spare moment.
My sister treated me to a gorgeous case from here which is becoming nicely battered.

I must admit I dabble in both. I love the ease and convenience of a tablet, but there's no substitute for the feel and smell of a paper book

I love paper books - I just don't like the idea of reading on an electronic device!

I never have try on e-reader yet! I like paperbacks. There is nothing better than the smell of a new book, also the feeling of a physical book is comfort to my hands. Great benefit of e-reader is you can download the book you need immediatly whereas you cannot do with the book, had to go out to shop.

I really love a paper book as there is nothing like the thrill of turning a page to find out what happened next (or the smell of a bookshop), but when my husband is on shifts I use my ebook as then I can keep the light off when I'm reading so I don't keep him awake

I read paperbacks - Ill read anything so am usually quite happy on holidays with the books other people leave behind at the hotel - I wouldnt mind a kindle but the constant remembering to recharge must be a pain - I wouldnt do it overnight as I often fall asleep readind

I have an e-reader, but mainly use it for work stuff and proofreading. Although I have a few books as ebooks only, I just don't find it as satisfying a reading experience, and it's harder to browse through or find one specific place etc.

I much prefer paperbacks. You just can't beat the feel of a "real" book in your hands. You can see how you're progressing by simply looking at where your bookmark is. You can't beat the feel and smell of a book.

Paper books! I love the artwork, the feel and for a part of my day to be screenless for a change. I always felt like a home needs books! That said, Kindle or Ebooks are convenient and I find I read more and more Ebooks now as they are so cheap and it is far more likely I have my iPad on me than remember to pick up a book!

Paperbacks because I love the feel! Although I prefer hardback to paperback...

Paperback for me.. I love to read in the bath & I would be so worried about dropping a E- reader. I love the feel of a book & bending back the cover... I'm sad!

Nothing better than a real book on those winter nights by the fire!

Paperbacks in the main for me, I read in the bath, and dropping an ebook isn't a great idea!
I don't like ebook a anyway, there's never enough words on the page, I read quite fast and often knit at the same time, I have to keep stopping to swipe the page.

I wouldn't be without my kindle - think of all the trees we are saving by not using paper...

Paperback for me. Love to see my books on the shelf.

Only have the paper books. Can't beat hours browsing in a book shop and having a good sniff.

I love books, I love the smell (best smell ever!!) and feel of a book in my hands, however from a practical point of view my kindle wins hands down, I prefer physical books, however, I tend to read more on my kindle (it's 170ish books I don't need to store)