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EReaders - Technology versus Tradition
TRADITION OR TECHNOLOGY
By Loretta Livingstone
As a reader, I like traditional books! However.........I don't like getting rid of my old books. This creates the problem of where to put them. I have now filled 5 bookcases! So what to do? I like to re-read my old books, which is why I rarely give/throw them away. Though I do lend them out. my friend says I'm better than the library. BUT, I don't have a huge Country Mansion with unlimited library shelves, so I have had to adapt!
Are you a bookworm?
I love my books - how about you? (You don't have to be a member of Squidoo to cote or comment, visitors are also most welcome)
Do you have many books
What do you like best?
Do you have a preference?
What type of books do you prefer?
A selection of eReaders
There are so many eReaders out there to choose from. This is just a small selection. I really like my iPad as I can also read Kindle and Kobo books in addition to iBooks. Many people would say they prefer their Kindles though. It's a very personal thing. You need to do research to find out which one is best suited to your needs. Study before you buy. I've tried four different types, the most recent being my iPad. I'm happiest with that at the moment.
If you happened to choose an iPad you would be able to download my books from Apple too! Now there's an option you can't refuse, haha! That isn't the only reason why I prefer my iPad though - honestly!
I really like my iPad 2. I've tried tablets before but this is far better. Jumps a little bit, but so does my computer.
ADAPT OR DROWN
Embracing Technology
Help! My bookcases are full!
I want to keep buying books, but I don't want to take up any more space so, unless I want to drown under a sea of books, I have had no option but to go down the ebook route. Yes, I could go to the library, but I don't keep very well, and I can't get there and back carrying books. Also, I have a sneaky feeling that I would have read any books of interest to me within the first 10 months! Besides, I can now take unlimited books on holiday with me, wherever I go, with no bulky bags, or weight restrictions. It's got to be a winner!
Library versus ownership?
It's good to support our libraries, but sometimes you just have to own that book!
Do you prefer to use libraries, or buy your own?
Embracing the Change
I have made the decision that I need to buy any future books as ebooks. I bought myself an iPad last year, which had an extra benefit, as I could then republish the books I have written myself as ebooks, thus widening my audience. BONUS! I had bought a couple of different ereaders before, but found the iPad met all my internet needs in one handy package.
IPads can be used to read most types of books - IBooks, Kobo, Kindle etc
So, what about eBooks/lBooks then?
Would you consider buying eBooks or iBooks?
Important Holiday Info
If you take your eReader on holiday - DON'T FORGET YOUR CHARGER,
Holidays
What would you rather take on holiday?
Reading in the Bath
OOOPS!
DROP A BOOK IN THE BATH - YOU LOST A BOOK
DROP AN EREADER IN THE BATH - YOU LOST THE WHOLE LIBRARY
SPLASH!
Why I charge less for eBooks and iBooks than traditional ones
The books I write are available in traditional format, iBooks or eBooks, as I have finally cracked the technology. You can buy them more cheaply as eBooks and iBooks. I lowered the price for them as it costs me less to sell them in that format and I don't need to hold stock. I wanted to pass the saving on. Added to that, you save on the postage, so I think it's a great way to purchase books.
Technology Conquered
I'm delighted to announce that I have finally conquered the technology required to make my books available on Amazon. Rhythms of Life is available in both Kindle and traditional format, and Jumping in the Puddles of Life is available for Kindle Fire and other Kindle apps. From only $2.50 (1.57) why not treat yourself? Both books are also available from my website (links for sales outside the UK). You can read excerpts from both books by clicking on the links.
So, what do you think now?
eBooks or Traditional
A Big Plus
You can get some eBooks for FREE!
The Best Thing
One brilliant extra with ebooks is that they often cost less than the traditional versions, and there's no postage charge. Sometimes they are even free! So you can buy MORE of them.
Copyright
This work, including photographs, is covered by copyright and can not be reprinted
in any matter (physical or digital) without prior consent.
I love to read your comments
- Author
@favored: Yes, price is definitely a factor to take into consideration. Mine are approx $4 cheaper as ebooks than paperbacks. But space is a huge consideration for me too. :) (btw an ebook can be read on an iPad or an ereader, but I think an iBook might only be able to be read on an iPad)
What's the difference between an ebook & ibook? I guess you can tell I still like a real book in my hands, but who knows ... maybe I'll branch out especially since the price is so much better.
- Author
@anonymous: I wonder which decision you made. I think, once you have taken the first step, you will come to enjoy the flexibility offered by eReaders.
- Author
@miaponzo: :)
I used to read more.. now I read for school.. but I love books!!!
- Author
@mojoCNYartist: I don't think most authors could afford to do that, but a lot of us sell ebooks much more cheaply than the paperback or hardback version. We don't have to hold stock of eBooks so there is less outlay, which is why I always sell my iBooks at a considerably cheaper price than the traditional editions.
I am an avid reader, and I used to say I would never read an ebook....but we now have a kindle fire, and I've changed my mind on it. I still read paper books, but ebooks are not all that bad, and honestly they should let you have a digital copy when you buy a paper book.
- Author
@anonymous: Imagine how many books you could take with you in such a small space. But choose wisely, make sure it has all the features you want first. Ones without internet access can be a pain as you have to get one that you can download from your computer on. I bought one of the earlier models and it drove me mad in the end. Kobo send books to and ypdates automatically both your eReader and your computer, which is useful if your eReader breaks. And if you have an Apple mac, your iPad can transfer books wirelessly, I think. Make sure you do your research so you get exactly what you want.
As an avid reader I always have problems when I go on holiday - this year I am toying with the idea of getting an e-reader but am finding it difficult to make the change.
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