Asklemmy

I prefer digital books because of the following points:

• There is a book price control in Germany, meaning that you can't get new physical books cheaper. This does not apply to digital books.
• They take less physical space.
• I can read them everywhere with either my Smartphone that I already have with me at all times or my tablet. I do not have to plan to read a book when I'm on the go.
• I can quickly search for something in a reference book if I have it in digital form. This is not possible with physical books.

Only downside:

• I need to have a device when I want to read a digital book. And this needs to be charged. But this is rarely a problem.

Non fiction: Physical all the way Fiction: Whilst I like physical books I rarely make myself time to read them so I mostly consume them in audiobook format.

I've never really got on well with ebooks, I had a cheap kindle about 8 years ago and I think I maybe read about 3 or 4 books on it - in fact I think it was Hugh Howey's Silo series and nothing else.

I prefer either physical or audiobooks. I seem to have a hard time concentrating and reading books digitally.

For the books I love and want to read over and over, physical. For the books I want to read once and maybe reference from time to time, digital all the way. My e-reader makes digital books a breeze to read, and I'm actually at the point where it's 5GB of storage isn't enough for my library.

I haven't investigated, but I'd give digital books a shake if I could find a solution that doesn't put control of my library in the hands of Amazon or similar, phone home for analytics, etc. I don't object to the idea in principal. But until I feel safe doing it, I'm still reading physical books.

For entertainment, eBooks. Makes reading in bed so much more comfortable.

For non fiction, audio books. I listen to that stuff on the road while I am receptive.

For non fiction that I need to reference here and there, paper books.

I know traditionally the dream fantasy of book readers has been to own an expansive physical library, with shelf after shelf full of book spines, but I just could never get into it. I'm a data hoarder, not an object hoarder! All my books are digital, mandatory in plaintext DRM-free format, sorted and backed up. I find joy in the knowledge that everything I have ever read is instantly grep'able, ageless, and can fit in my pocket (on a thumbdrive) wherever I go.

I do prefer to read on e-ink as well, because the device is lighter than any book, guaranteed to fit in my pocket, can hold multiple books, and gives me control over font size. The only downside is when the battery gets old it needs more frequent recharging. A paper book will not refuse to work for lack of power!

For reading, digital. I can have access to a functionally unlimited number of books. They also tend to be less expensive. That makes a difference for media like manga where it racks up pretty quickly. And I can make adjustments to the text and lighting that help with readability.

I still like having some books around as decoration. They bring a room together nicely.

I go about 50/50 these days.

Browsing a bookstore will always beat out a website. Favorite books or authors will always get a physical purchase. Used books are cheap and awesome. And sometimes lengthy books are easier for me to get through if they're physical.

But I love the convenience of my Kindle. I have a ton of books and can add to that collection any time I want. I can adjust text size, font, etc. Dictionary lookup. Syncs progress with the phone app so I can literally pick up and read anywhere.

I prefer real paper books. Unfortunately, they can't be pirated, they cost hundreds of dollars per book, my desk cannot accommodate by binder, computer, and also a textbook. If a textbook is under $60 I'll get it regardless if I can/have the e book, but that's because it's not from a big company and I'm not paying for some CEOs seventh yacht, instead it's supporting the person/people who wrote it.

Physical. Support your local library!

Pretty sure this is asking about entertainment literature like novels. I have no real opinion, as I very rarely read those.

Now, technical books like school textbooks and reference texts, physical. Absolutely no contest. I loathe clunkily scrolling around on two separate axes to negotiate pages where the content is nonlinear, broken up by interspersed photos, figures, and tables.

Digital for entertaining books, paper for technical stuff. But most of the time can't afford one, so just digital.

I prefer an e-reader and digital books. I pirate them for my kindle.

• No space and weight so you can take them anywhere
• Piracy
• Can download far faster than ordering or going to the bookstore
• Can find niche or foreign books my local bookstores don't have
• Built-in dictionary and translation is just moah
• Adjustable text size or font
• Easy on the eyes, can read in the dark
• Can pick up where you left off super easily, no need to worry about bookmarks

I was not an avid reader prior to the Kindle purchase. I used to read comic books almost exclusively haha. Nowadays my reading habits include more book reading as well. The Kindle was honestly one of the best purchases I've ever made.

Digital! But only in a kindle paperwhite. Or perhaps any other e-ink screen, but not LEDs.

• I can read lying down on my side without having to roll over or hold the book weird
• If I drop it in the tub it doesn’t matter
• I can change the font of whatever I read to OpenDyslexic, which helps me read faster and with far less eye strain
• I can read in the dark
• I can highlight portions and take notes without permanently marking up a book
• I can long-press any word to see its definition. Same for translations of vocab I don’t know when I’m reading in Spanish
• I can get a new book in seconds
• I get to finally have an aspect of the third millennium technology that I actually kind of enjoy

Digital on the Kindle Paperwhite, but only because it's easier and I don't accumulate a physical book if I buy it (if the library doesn't have it). I like book books but don't like owning many books.

Comics/graphic novels I like on paper. No other format compares.

Can't do audiobooks, I read faster than I talk or listen so the pace bothers me.

I prefer digital with no drm but if that is not possible I will get a physical book.

Digital without a doubt.

• More convenient to travel with it
• Awesome how the e-ink looks just like paper and draws little energy
• Your entire library can take much less space
• Save the trees
• If it gets damaged, only your device will be destroyed, but your library (hopefully) remains (if you make backups)
• Instant access to basically any book (no need to wait for delivery or in-person shopping)

To me, my Kobo was one of the best investments I've ever made. Before buying it, I didn't really read many books

I prefered physical books for the texture of the pages and the smell of the paper. And my eyes become quickly tired on a screen.
However, I probably read more on screen, btw text messages, social media and articles... I also read comics : super shorts onse, or webtoon that are beautifully designed for a digital reading experience, unlike many digital novel.

And OP, you forget about audiobooks.

If it's fanfiction/non-comics, then digital all the way. But if it's comics or manga, then having a physical copy is always super nice.

ebooks. I read better with a back light, I have found, and generally read with light text on a dark background, both of which my tablet makes really easy

For all the logical reasons - space, portability, seachability yada yada - ebooks win all the time.

However, if I am reading in comfort at home and have the option I will still go for a paperback every time. Paperback, mind. Not a hardback, which have never appealed to me.

Digital works really well for me. My phone can carry an effectively infinite number of books. I can try before I buy with Google Play. I can grab library books with Libby.

For my kids, reading on paper is perfect. Nice big text. They can put their finger on the page. When reading long books, they see their progress as they work their way through.

Physical. My ideal invention would look like a blank book. Pages would feel like paper. Insert a 'disc' and text downloads onto the pages. Now it looks and reads like a physical book. Perfect for camping/travel. After you finish the story, you can change the text to a new novel. Of course, you could have pictures and other illustrations. Probably wouldn't be a giant seller, but I'd want one.

Physical because it's easier to focus.

Absolutely digital.