E-books vs Print books
An E-book, short for electronic book, is a book that has been converted to an electronic format consisting of text and images mimicking the layout of a printed book.
| Pros | Cons |
| • E-books are environmentally friendly. • E-books are portable, thus proficient for travelling. • E-books are convenient and handy when night-reading. • E-books are available worldwide. | • Increased screen time. • E-books generate less money than printed hardcopies. • It is strenuous to form a connection with an e-book. • E-books can cause eyestrain. |
Print books are traditional and tangible books, constructed of printed pages that are bound through hardcover or softcover i.e. paperback.
| Pros | Cons |
| • Print books are more comfortable to read causing less strain on the eyes. • Print books are more appealing and tangible, therefore better for aesthetics and a sensory experience • Author book signings are still limited to printed books. • Printed books do not require electricity to function like e-books. | • Printed books take up plenty of room in storage. • Print books are expensive due to the prolonged production process. • Print books have a negative environmental impact due to the bulk of paper that can lead to deforestation. • Printed books are fragile, they can deteriorate with use. |
Both print books, as well as e-books offer a unique lure to the aesthetic. Print books offer the reader a nostalgic traditional reading experience, with zero subscription cost and a guaranteed resale value whereas e-books are cost-effective in the long-term and have less storage requirements. In the end, it depends on the reader’s personal preferences.
