The Pros and Cons of E-readers

But if you’re comfortable with downsizing a little bit, you’ve probably already given some thought to taking your library online and switching to an e-reader.

Here we’ll look into whether switching from physical books to digital lit is worth your while and uncover the pros and cons of e-readers.
 

Pros of E-readers

Many book lovers are understandably attached to how their favourite books look and feel, and that’s completely understandable! Some nights, there’s simply nothing more enjoyable than curling up with a paperback in a comfy corner of your home. However, there are plenty of benefits to switching to an e-reader instead.

E-readers save space

If you’re running out of room in your home, or your bag, then investing in an e-reader might be the way to go. You can free up some space on your shelves or the nooks and crannies of your room and keep all of your books in a single e-reader instead. E-readers themselves are small, easy to store and take with you on the go. So if saving space and making room is on your agenda, buying an e-reader is a sure plus.
 

E-readers are cheaper

As much as we love books, they can be quite expensive in the long run, especially if you’re a quick reader and like to have a constant supply of books. Typically, a paperback will cost you £10, while a hardback can set you back double that. On the other hand, if you get yourself an e-reader, you can expect to pay around £7.99 for a monthly subscription service like Kindle Unlimited, which definitely makes it worth weighing up the price tags!

E-readers are portable

We know paperbacks and hardbacks are pretty easy to have on the go, but they can also be extremely bulky to carry around, especially if you’re fond of immersive epics or simply must pick up your favourite author’s latest work in hardback form. But why not be kind to your back and shoulders and carry around an e-reader instead, which will be much smaller and lighter, and easier to bring with you as a result.
 

Cons of E-readers

As much as e-readers have their benefits, there’s probably a good reason why people haven’t left their libraries behind en masse. Here are a few reasons that we’ve come across…

What do you do with a broken e-reader

When it comes to physical books, the pages or cover might get ripped or the spine can get a little bit cracked, but if you take good care of your books, they aren’t likely to see too much damage. On the other hand, just like the majority of electronics, there’s always a risk that e-readers could break in all sorts of ways.

If the screen cracks, you’ll have to check the warranty of your purchase to see whether you can claim a free replacement or a repair. If you don’t have a warranty, or it has expired, you may have to fork out more cash than you’d hope to get it repaired. Meanwhile, if your e-reader is broken beyond repair, you’ll need to recycle it or sell it for parts on sites like eBay.

E-readers can be risky to your eyesight

Before buying an e-reader, it’s best to know the ins and outs when it comes to how it could impact your eyesight. We’ve all heard about how damaging it can be to sit too close to the TV, as well as the impact on your eyes of reading in dimly lit areas. However, an e-reader can pose these exact same issues, especially if you prefer to read off of a bright screen in the dark. Much like doing this with your mobile phone, this could cause serious eye strain and visual fatigue.
 

You may have to buy your library all over again

If you’re hoping to transfer your entire physical book collection over to your e-reader, you might be looking at a pretty expensive effort. Spending money on the same content is as inconvenient as it is pricey, especially if some of your favourites are long out of print, so you might only want to consider an e-reader for new additions to your reading collection.

While e-readers are a great purchase for some, they certainly aren’t for everyone. It’s definitely worth weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of e-readers before you choose to commit one way or the other, especially if you’re an avid book collector!

On the other hand, if you have spare space for others to organise and store their books, rent out storage space for the local community.