The Advantages of EBooks
EBooks are a far more convenient reading method than conventional books, particularly when using a portable reading device that uses electronic ink. They take up no space, have no pages to tear, can be searched for specific words or phrases, frequently cost less and do not decay. Publishers are releasing far more eBooks than in the past as this method of reading becomes more popular through a variety of online outlets.
Other People Are Reading
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Free EBooks
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One advantage of the eBook format is the widespread availability of free books with expired copyrights or that are openly licensed via Creative Commons. The complete works of authors like Mark Twain, William Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Arthur Conan Doyle and Jane Austen are freely available for download online (see Resources section).
Saving Space
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Shifting to using eBooks instead of regular books can save massive amounts of space, which is at a premium for apartment dwellers in particular. Replacing old physical books with electronic versions allows you to throw out old bookcases and simplifies moving. You can have a book free household while still enjoying the ability to go through your own books.
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Search and Annotate
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Many people like to mark up their regular books to help them remember key passages or to record their thoughts as they read. Modern eBooks allow you to do the same thing, electronically underlining and recording notes. Most eBook readers have this functionality built in. You may also search the complete text of the book for specific words and phrases just like you would a web page or word processing document.
Instant Purchase
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EBooks can be downloaded instantly, with no need to go to the store or wait for a book to arrive in the mail. The files that contain eBooks are very small as well, meaning that they take very little time to download. EBook readers like the Amazon Kindle can download books directly to the unit without requiring an external internet connection.
Lower Prices
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Most eBooks sell for $10 or less, considerably lower than the retail price from most retailers. Textbooks are for sale as eBooks from many publishers at half price or lower. Even brand new bestsellers are available as eBooks at lower prices. EBook retailers don't need to manage inventory, so even relatively unpopular books that may only have limited availability from booksellers are often available from eBook stores for relatively little money.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit EricaJoy: Flickr.com
