Ebooks vs Physical Books

Posted on August 28, 2013 by dailyplanit — 1 Comment

Adventures with my Google Nexus Tablet, Part Deux

I’ve resisted Ebooks for quite awhile. With my experience in libraries, I can’t help but feel that Ebooks are a bit of a threat to libraries. However, as I’ve explored the capababilities of my Google Nexus Tablet, I was curious to give them a try. I must admit I can see the appeal. Ebooks definitely have an edge when it comes to convenience and portability. The downside has been the difficulty of locating Ebooks that are free or inexpensive.

	Physical books	Ebooks
Pros	Price (Free if available @library)	Convenience-instant access
Location-where to read	Can read in the bathtub	Portability, Can read in bed w/o disturbing anyone
Bookmarks	Can use cool bookmarks	Automatically keeps place.
Search features	Can be easier to flip pages to look for something	Can use search feature to find text, can look up definitions of words
Cons	Inconvenient to pick up/return to library	Price* (newer titles usually must pay for)
	Late fines possible	No worries
Pro or Con?	If not from library, can keep them, Take up physical space	Probably won’t keep, Don’t take up physical space
Conversation starter	People can see what you’re reading in public	People can’t see what you’re reading in public

As I explore this new territory, I conclude that both formats have their place, and the best bet is to have one of each going at all times.

(Yes, trust me, I know it’s possible to drop a physical book while reading in the bathtub. However, it’s a risk I’m simply not willing to take with a $200 gadget.)

I discovered you can spend a lot of time looking for free Ebooks. You can go to this site and that site and browse for hours, leaving very little time for reading! Mostly what I found were classics I’ve already read or don’t have a burning desire to, and authors who are not well known. I want the best reading experience possible, with books that really interest me for the least price, without spending tons of time looking for what I want.

GOAL: Enhance the quality of my reading experience for the least amount of money. Or: read more good books for less.

Goodreads.com

Joining Goodreads was a great first step to enhance the quality of my reading experience. After entering some books I have read and enjoyed, I explored similar ones (scroll to the bottom to see them) to add some to my “to read” list. When I hear about new books coming out that interest me, I check the reviews on Goodreads and if they are good, add the titles to my list. No more wasting time on books that may be free, but don’t match my interests.

For when I don’t have access to Goodreads via Wi-Fi, I have a “to read” list in Google Drive. I’ve learned on the tablet to press and hold on an unopened note title to make it available offline. With these lists, I’ll to keep on hand one physical book and one ebook at a time.

Where to begin to find the book you are looking for?

What format do I want?
Physical:
Am I willing to wait? Books at libraries may be checked out or have a waiting list, especially popular titles in high demand. If you aren’t willing to wait, you’ll likely have to pay for it.

Yes: check your local library to see if it is available free.

If you’re not willing to wait or it’s not available at the library, check addall.com to compare prices at different sources.

Ebook:

I use the Kindle app, so begin by checking the Kindle Store at Amazon.com, adding “free ebook” to the search. (If using a Nook, search for Nook Books at Barnes and Noble.)

If not available @Kindle (or the store for your device), check your local library. Is it available now? *

Sadly, the Inkmesh site no longer works. Might try Freebook Sifter.

Note: Amazon (daily and monthly) and Barnes and Nobles (on Friday) offer special deals on Ebooks.

Are there better ways to search for Ebooks? I’d love to hear any advice on other quick and easy ways to find free or affordable Ebooks.

*Libraries do provide free access to some Ebooks, within limits. Publishers haven’t always been the most cooperative in working with libraries, so the book you want may not be offered, or immediately available. The interface to search your library for Ebooks also may not be the easiest to use. But for motivated users, it’s an option worth looking at.