Would You Trade Your Books for Digital Versions?

Your favorite classics can be read on Kindle. Brave new world? Not exactly. Technology would democratize learning opportunities, but it couldn't banish romantic notions about hardbound books. Think of "Club Dumas", where cynical bibliophiles find salvation in "The Three Musketeers". Alexandre Dumas may not have thought of it (while penning the draft of the novel), as he illustrated how a chivalrous man could have a wonderful life. Arturo Pérez-Reverte, the author of "Club Dumas", shared that sentiment with his "Captain Alatriste" series of novels. Readers might be confused with a mysterious woman named Irene Adler, though. It should be an intriguing thought.

A student won't think long and hard about a book and its digital version, the e-book. Convenience should settle the score, which should be one more reason to buy an electronic gadget. Think of the app that will turn a coursework into a walk in a park (and it has nothing to do with the essay writing app). An app that can help students understand complex statements. Another app that will prompt Math students to study their lessons after the lecture. And one more app to solve a budget problem.

You're looking at your pile of books on one corner of your room, which you haven't arranged in your book shelf last year. (You have many excuses, which you rather describe as part of the learning curve.) You haven't opened it yet, Could it be the weight of it? Maybe. You prefer to lie down (and read something), a ritual that will put to sleep in a short time. Social media is a hard habit to break, so you rather have a gadget on your hand (or risk separation anxiety). You try to look at the pros and cons.

Book or E-book: Pros and Cons

Here are the pros of choosing e-books:

Cost. You may sympathize with some novelists, who struggle to make ends meet when they rely solely on authorship. However, a paperback would cost $15 or more. Beneficiaries of a scholarship will think twice before buying a book. You might be one of those lucky students (whose parents support your education), but fifteen dollars is lots of money. You have easy access to the Internet, so it won't be a problem to look for an electronic version of novels. If it has something to do with your reading list, then you'll settle it within an hour or two.

Convenience. You can bring along your laptop to your lecture, which allows you to peek at those e-books on certain times. You won't have a problem taking down notes (or you can use another app to keep tabs on those memorable quotes). If you settle with an iPad, then you don't have to worry much. There won't be a strain on your part. (Some students might experience arm or back problem whenever they carry more than they can handle.)

E-books will solve minor issues. You're not a book lover. Right? You won't feel any trepidation with the e-book, as you can "jump ship" anytime you lose the (momentary) urge to finish a chapter (or the story for that matter). If you have a habit of reading the final chapter, then you can do it with the e-book version. (And it won't be a big deal.) If you're a visually-impaired student, then you can modify the fonts (in able to make those words clear enough). It also applies to dyslexic individuals.

Here are the cons:

You'll likely encounter a problem during Reading Week. There is no such thing as a used e-book, so expect to visit the library if you want to find other books that are unavailable on the Internet. You might not have a problem in looking for a copy of popular classics, but it should be another case with the lesser-known titles of well-known novelists. Time will be another issue here.

You'll lose your concentration sooner or later. You can't resist social media.

Your suffer from eye strain. Either you turn away from the computer screen or blink your eyes frequently.

Here are the pros of reading a book:

The romantic notions will outweigh the upside (of switching to e-book). A good cover will fire up your imagination. If you really like the story, then you'll be engaged in it after a few chapters. Some copies will have sentimental value. All of the reasons may not impress the practical students, but they forgot the aesthetics behind it. A book should be enjoyed, even admired for the ideas. You rather keep it.

You can read a book in the bathroom. Not that many people rather sit in a bathtub for hours (and read a chapter or two), but they ignore the hazard at times.

You can lend a book. There aren't other useful means (to own a book) unless it's the first edition in good condition.

Here are the cons:

You don't have the urge to carry a book to your lectures. It's heavy to bring it along, and you might have other lectures (or appointments) that should prevent you to go back to your room earlier than you plan to do.

It will be a downer if the pages of the book have folds, if not torn or stained after a careless moment. The cost will make you think twice. If you loaned it from the library, then you may have more problems that you don't need at the moment.

It may not be sensible to buy books. It's the economy, which should enable you to deal with your spending habits.

Book or E-book?

If you'll factor the coursework into the equation, then the book will be worth your time and money in the long run. You may use some titles as references for a semester or more. Moreover, you won't need an e-book during the examination. (Your professor will provide you a copy of a poem or prose. You only need to read it again and again before you compose your exam essay.)

On the other hand, you'll settle with the e-book when you want to read (and nothing else). If you're on the road, then your iPad is easier to hold.