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

500 replies

RachelMumsnet · 20/04/2015 15:06

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.

OP posts:
CrispyFern · 26/04/2015 20:05

Oh but I like how you can pass on a book!

el2606 · 26/04/2015 20:06

They both have benefits, but I think that paperbacks are my favourite

cathyov · 26/04/2015 20:15

ebook for me - thought I would never prefer it but makes reading so easy with change of lighting, print size and any book anytime.

claza93 · 26/04/2015 20:54

I love the idea of having a physical book in your hand but I can see how E-readers are becoming more practical. Having said that I love having shelves filled with lots of great books!

superkittycat · 26/04/2015 21:33

I just really prefer to have a physical book to hold when I'm reading & I like to be able to see how far I am through it, you can see the progression more easily with a paperback than an e-book!

flamingtoaster · 26/04/2015 21:45

I've got a Kindle and can see all it's advantages. However, I still really love real books - the feel, the smell, the fact I don't have to worry about a book the way I worry about the Kindle on the beach!

pigsinmud · 26/04/2015 21:47

I like both. I love my paperwhite for holidays, trains, reading outside, but I still go to the library and browse. If I had to choose one...it would be my kindle.

baconbap · 26/04/2015 21:56

I like real books mostly, especially for reading in the bath, but e-books are great for when I'm on holiday

compy99 · 26/04/2015 22:00

I still love the old-fashioned book, I love holding a book and physically turning the pages, I have always had a love of books and like a book to look unread and in pristine condition even if I have read it several times. I have a Kindle with about 50 titles downloaded on it, but I haven't yet used it!

wizzler · 26/04/2015 22:01

Books..
I can see the benefit of a kindle, but I love having a book in my hand.
Also ( and I know this is a bit odd).. I organise my books according to author.. I place Thomas Hardy next to Flora Thompson and Mary Webb because I think they would get on well... I cant bear to think of them being all jumbled up in a kindle.. I dont think Flora would get on with Janet Evanovich at all !

katieskatie82 · 26/04/2015 22:12

paper back for me! Cant beat the smell of a new book! xx

lottiegirl · 26/04/2015 22:56

Books are better. There is nothing like the feel of a good book in your hands. Kindles and such are too artificial for me - although I get the argument about the weight if you are travelling.

Princessxo · 26/04/2015 23:06

It actually depends with me. I love a great paperback book, I love the act of turning the pages, and although it might sound weird, I also like the smell. I think in terms of bed reading, paperbacks are better, but in terms of convenience, ebooks win.

adorabelle13 · 26/04/2015 23:50

I prefer ebooks because as a mum they are so much easier to transport around with all of the other paraphernalia I have to transport.

avery64 · 27/04/2015 00:13

Horses for courses! I have had a lifelong passion for books and reading. Nothing beats the feel and smell of a new real book and I have my own library of them. However, now retired and on a tight budget I love my Kindle and all the free books I can read on it, particularly the classics.
Another advantage of ebooks is they are so much easier to read in bed than a paper book.

tubbyj · 27/04/2015 00:27

Books much more of an event to read

Tonkatol · 27/04/2015 01:29

The majority of reading I do nowadays is on my e-reader, rather than physical books. I find it easier to hold my e-reader in bed when reading and, when going on holiday, one small device contains more than enough reading to keep me occupied for the whole holiday. In addition, I tend to download books that are free - I can read them exactly when I want and there is no charge if I don't get round to reading them for a while. Also, my e-reader gives me the opportunity to try lots of different authors at no expense - if I start a book and don't like it, I can just delete it and move on to the next book.

jamielmdjs · 27/04/2015 02:01

normally it's paperback and the traditional book. but with travel and holidays - the eBook is so much more convenient so has a very valid place in my assortment these days

deanhead1 · 27/04/2015 07:18

Paperbacks - nothing beats a new book. love the smell and just like a physical book rather than an ebook

goose1964 · 27/04/2015 07:56

I like both - I tend to read physical books at home & use my kindle when out & about

wef1984 · 27/04/2015 09:13

I use both but much prefer to hold a book and turn the pages

Babanew · 27/04/2015 10:13

I love picking up a paper back and getting stuck in, I think compuers make it hard to read, although it is better for the environment, but getting books is very cheap and for kids it opens a world of imagination, nothing beats sharing a book with your child!

hannahlw85 · 27/04/2015 11:53

I've never tried e-books, don't have a kindle, so for me its paper books. I'm stuck at home with health issues so it's not like I'm travelling anywhere so paper books do me just fine for now

castleton · 27/04/2015 11:54

I love paperbacks because I like holding books in my hands as I read them

whizzybop · 27/04/2015 12:39

I love books, the smell of old books in particular. 90% of my books are paper as I prefer the feel of them. I can also loan them to others. I have around 3,000 of them now so I've bought a kindle to save space!!

It's great for vacations as I don't have the physical weight of the books, but for home life it's paperbacks everytime :D