Editor's note: With their convenience and affordable prices, electronic books are increasingly popular especially among youngsters. Will e-books replace paper books? Which is better, e-book or paper book? Forum readers share their opinions.
TedM (UK)
I have an ebook that is as near to printed pages as possible, with brightness and typeset controls. I am able to keep many hundreds of books in its memory. This is very convenient for traveling and storage. I have been using it for two years with no damage to eyesight, headaches etc.
However, having this ebook frees up money to buy a paper version, often a hardback copy, of my favorite and most valued books. Nothing will replace the feel, ownership and physical enjoyment of a real printed book that you can easily flick back and forward through the pages. They become heirlooms too. I have my grandfathers copy of Rudyard Kipling's poetry that he carried with him all through the first world war. I have a copy of Alice in Wonderland that was my mother's. An ebook cannot possibly replace the value of this. Use both kinds as appropriate.