E-Reader vs. Book: A Blog Update

October 18, 2011 | Posted by Emily McCann

A while back I wrote a blog post highlighting my affinity for tangible books vs reading on an e-reader. I was quite surprised at the general reaction and the clear division between these two camps. I figured it was time I actually put it to the test and sample an e-reader instead of swearing them off without even trying. So the perfect opportunity presented itself when my book club choose Tina Fey's "Bossypants" which is currently only available in hardcover. At the same time, Craig and I were getting on a plane to fly to Phoenix and the thought of lugging a big hardcover book in my carry-on just wasn't appealing (it should be noted here that I'm not a light packer). We don't have an official 'e-reader' at home, but we do have an iPad so I decided to use the iBooks app and downloaded "Bossypants". The first (and as you'll learn, only) thing I liked about this purchase was that it was significantly cheaper than buying the real thing. $12.99 vs. over $25.00 new in stores. I could have purchased the real book online (most likely used) for the same price or cheaper, but i would have been waiting by the mailbox for it to show up. I guess there is something to be said about immediate gratification.

I started the book on the plane. That was fine, except the flight attendant made me put it away for takeoff and landing. They don't ask you to do that with paper. That night I tried to read my book in bed. It was awkward and I was uncomfortable. I read on my side and the size of the iPad was frustrating to work with. Holding it up felt heavy and tilting it to the side made my eyes cross.

The next day I wanted to sit by the pool and read. Well hello sunshine - I couldn't see a damn thing! The iPad turned into a mirror in the daylight and the glare was so bad I couldn't read at all. I know most of you e-reader supporters are going to say the first problem was using an iPad. I realize there are non-glare options out there, but after this experience, you'll have a hard time convincing me to bother trying.

At certain points throughout the book, I wanted to see how far I had to go (mostly because I wanted the misery to end). I could see the number of pages it said I had left, but it's just not the same as holding a book in your hand and feeling the physical number pages. To me, that's just part of the reading expeirence.

All in all, my opinion remains the same. I am PRO-BOOK and will remain that way. The one positive thing I can report is that this is probably the fastest I've ever read a book in my life. I took that iPad everywhere with me so I could get the experience overwith and move onto my next book.

As for "Bossypants" - I give it 2 thumbs up. The honesty and practicality of Tina Fey's writing is something everyone (specifically women) should read.

I'm off to Barnes & Noble.