After reading this thread, I have to agree with Skybird as well. Some of the best books I have are ones from eons ago, mandatory reading in grade school and college. Occasionally I like to grab an old classic and reread it. For me anyway, rereading classics like Moby Dick or War and Peace, gives one a new perspective on what it's all about when you read it again 35 years later.

I was able to walk over to the bookshelf, grab a classic, and read it. I can't see a Kindle working well after sitting on the shelf for 30 years. The hardback books I have now, will still be useful in another 30 years from now.

Along with almost everyone here , I also fall into the 'real paper' school.

There actually seems to be little benefit, other than storage (and thus transport) capacity, to the e-book. They also appear to be considerably more expensive, although that may change.

A quick check on the W.H. Smith website gives the e-book version of the latest Dan Brown 'masterpiece' at £13.49. Amazon are selling the hardback in the UK at £6.49. That hard copy novel could then be handed to other family members and friends to read, including those who have not invested £250 on a very breakable and loseable device to read it, then sold secondhand afterwards.

An e-book reader would certainly be useful for items such as software manuals, but as someone has already said, wouldn't a cheap laptop or netbook be better value and more useful?

if you have a PSP, you could try 'Bookr'. I never used to fancy the idea of ebooks but since getting that I've changed my mind. As much as I like a good solid paper book, Bookr is just so convenient, I've got the whole Hornblower series in my pocket!

A thread to remember :DL
I guess I'll wait until after Xmas, read some more reviews in the meantime and just hope that prices will have dropped by then.
Looking at all the scepticism here, I think I can see a bit clearer why readers haven't really met with a lot of success. I still think it's a neat idea, but maybe the execution at the moment is stilla bit half-baked, and of course I don't want books to be abolished - I just think it's a useful and sensible addition to what we already have.


In any case, thanks for all your replies, guys :ping: