E-readers vs Books | Technology vs Tradition

Since the beginning of time, human beings have looked for and invented various ways of being informed and entertained, as well as managing to keep information safe. Due to this, books were created, opening a door not only to important information but also to fantasy worlds and unimaginable things. Its importance is such that they are now used daily across the globe to help us grow intellectually and, furthermore, to help increase creativity and imagination.

Having said that, and taking into account that we live in a technological world, a lot of the things that we know have advanced tremendously, and books are not far behind, so they already have a technological alternative: e-books and e-readers. These maintain the original function of the books, although to this is added the convenience of being able to take them anywhere, in addition to constantly updating what is read and being able to connect with other people and their preferences.

Due to this advance, today we bring the E-readers vs. Books battle, to see who wins, technology or tradition.

What is an e-book?

To know the differences between these alternatives, you first have to know them. An e-book is, in essence, a digital format file specially created and programmed to be read and interpreted by various electronic devices, including computers, smartphones, and tablets. They are the technological “equivalent” of a book.

With that being said, are an ordinary book and an e-book exactly the same? Technically no. Although it is a file that could be confused with the digital version of a book (as PDF files are), an e-book is a compressed file that contains several different types of files, which together form a general file, adding to the fact that they have completely different creation processes since the e-books are made using computer programs.

On top of that, some e-books look a bit more like web pages than books as such, because they have various options, such as term search, dictionary lookup, translations, and much more.

What is an e-reader?

On the other hand, there are e-readers, which are basically one of the many devices on which e-books can be used and read. They are like a mini portable library, where you can download and buy various digital files. You can try reading ebooks on them like the Twelfth Night book summary.

They have a small shape and a lightweight, being similar to a mini tablet, so they can be taken almost anywhere, in addition to the fact that, since they are specially made for reading, they have E Ink (electronic ink) and anti-glare screens that resemble paper. Also, due to their function and the screen they have, they usually have a more than decent battery life, since they are configured to last as long as possible and, thus, not interfere with reading.

They have various configurations, such as being able to change the size and font of the letters, being used with special pens, and even having page change movements that are similar to physical books.

Advantages and Disadvantages Of Each Technology

E-book

Advantages

• They are cheaper since there is no ink or paper involved.
• Upon purchase, they are instantly available.
• They have various functions to use when reading.
• By not using paper, they are more sustainable in relation to the environment.

Disadvantages

• Internet connection is a must to buy them.
• They may have a high ease of hacking.
• Being technology, it could be corrupted or get downloaded incorrectly.
• Some files can be a little bit confusing.

E-reader

Advantages

• They are usually small in size and low in weight.
• You can buy e-books from the comfort of your home.
• They are specially made for reading, reducing eye discomfort.
• They can be customized according to the user’s tastes.

Disadvantages

• Its cost can be a bit high.
• They bring with them a large number of features.
• They require at least, minimal knowledge of technology.
• Being an electronic device, it could get easily damaged.

E-readers vs Books – Which One Causes More Eye Strain?

A great deal of controversy has been created in relation to the differences between e-readers and physical books, due to the fact that people think that, being a screen, e-readers can damage eyesight. However, the technology that these devices have (the E Ink and anti-glare screen) is precisely made to avoid that, so there should be no difference between paper support and one with a screen with said screen technology.

It remains more of a matter of preferences.

E-readers vs Books – Which One Is More Environment-friendly?

When talking about which of the two options is more environment-friendly, the most important point must be highlighted: e-readers are technology, created in industries that, although they may have a bad reputation for polluting the environment, are increasingly further improved to reduce environmental damage.

On the other hand, and in relation to physical books, these do not always use recyclable paper in their creation, therefore, although some printers use eco-friendly materials, the reality is that their mass printing could play a role against the environment in general. It all depends on the company that produces them.

Recent Advancements in E-readers

1. Blue light mode

The “blue light mode” is a function that some smart devices have, especially smartphones and e-readers, which is based on a filter that is used to protect the users’ vision. This filter is used to soften the negative effects caused by exposure to blue light from the screens of electronic devices, thus avoiding visual fatigue and allowing the device to be used safely for a longer time.

2. Outdoor mode

Although these devices are created to be used in the comfort of the home, they can also be used in outdoor scenarios, all thanks to the technology of their screen. They come with anti-glare screens that, instead of reflecting the sunlight, “absorb” it, thus avoiding annoying reflections and allowing them to be used at any time of the day and anywhere.

3. Ambient sensor for auto-light adjustment

Taking care of the vision of the users is of the utmost importance, so having an ambient sensor for auto-light adjustment is a must. This changes the screen light automatically, depending on where the person is; If it is a dark place, the screen will light up more, while, on the contrary, when it is in a very bright place, the light on the screen will automatically reduce.

4. Paper mode

E-readers are always associated with books, and it is precise because of this that the developers managed to create an effect that turns the device’s screen into the closest thing to the real pages of a physical book. This creates a bond between them, in addition to creating a nostalgic effect on some users.

What Are The Best e-readers On The Market?

Due to the popularity they have gained, several large companies have already launched their own e-readers on the market. However, fans have their favorites, and these are some of them:

Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (2021, 11th Generation)

Yes, clearly the design is a fundamental factor in this type of device, however, what makes it so loved by users is the possibility of getting new e-books directly from Amazon. On top of that, it is very fluid to use, as well as features such as a waterproof certification, and huge memory storage.

Kobo Libra 2

This is a well-known name in the world of e-readers, as it comes with special features that set it apart from other devices: physical buttons to turn the pages of e-books, and Bluetooth support. It simply performs at the highest quality.

Barnes & Noble Nook Glowlight 4e

The strongest point of this e-reader is the large number of e-books that it brings with it that can be purchased, in addition to the fact that these have very low prices compared to the competition.

What did you think of these E-readers vs. Books battle? Do you think we should adapt to technology, or keep the traditional method? Let us know in the comments.