Out with the OLD, in with the NEW!

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According to Dictionary.com, a book is, "a written or printed work of fiction or nonfiction, usually on sheets of paper fastened or bound together within covers". Traditionally, stories and literature have been told on "sheets of paper", but with new advances in technology, this definition of a book has become a bit outdated. Electronic books have changed the way we read our favorite novels and have become extremely convenient for students and for die hard novel fans. Devices, such as a Kindle, have made novels easily accessible by having a large storage capacity and with its innovative ways of allowing readers to go back and forth through their favorite novels. With this new and unique way of reading and without the pain of having to physically carry multiple books at one time, what reader wouldn't be happy?

WHICH IS BETTER??

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Is the reading experience better on paper or a digital screen? Will ebooks eventually take over traditional paper publications? The debate between traditional handheld books and electronic books has been held between book lovers everywhere for several years now but the question of "which is better" has always been unclear. It really depends on the reader and what their preferences are because even though people tend to be more attracted to new technology, some readers have a hard time letting go of tradition. According to webpronew.com, "people are creatures of habit, and change doesn't always come easy". In order to determine which option creates the best reading experience and is more beneficial, we must look at the pros and cons.

The Battle: Paper vs. Technology

PROS for Paper:

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• You OWN the book so you can cut out pages, write in it, display it on your pretty little shelf, throw it, cuddle with it...

          well, you get the idea.

• There's no need for a charger! This means you do not have to worry about technical problems interrupting your reading and having to find the nearest outlet in order to continue your book.
• You can easily pass down books to others and share the same amazing reading experience you had!
• It is easier to have more focus on a single book because there aren't other books or devices that may distract you. This makes it easier to finish reading an entire book rather than reading different books at one time and not finishing a single one. 
• You get the nice feeling of owning a book. Its difficult for most book lovers to move from paper to technology because of the reading experience they receive from a handheld book. The smell, feel, and weight of a book makes their reading experience more enjoyable. 

PROS for Technology:

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• It is MUCH easier to look for specific chapters or flip through pages. On a tablet, the simple gesture of swiping your finger on the screen will get you from page to page. The fear of getting paper cuts or windy weather flipping pages back and forth will no longer exist! 
• Typically, a book can weigh anywhere from 12 ounces to 5 pounds, depending on the amount of pages the book holds. According to amazon.com, a kindle or tablet only weighs approximately 7.5 to 7.8 ounces. Let's pretend you are a crazy book lover that loves to travel with a variety of books. Would you rather carry ten books that weigh about a pound each or would you rather carry a tablet that holds all ten books and weighs a little less than a pound? 
• Ebooks are private! Rather than being revealed with a pretty little cover that has a title and picture, an Ebook is hidden in an Ereader. With Ebooks, readers can enjoy their favorite books without caring what strangers may think of their choice in books. 
• An e-reader offers awesome gadgets, other than books. With a tablet, you have gadgets such as a clock, a dictionary, and whenever you need a reading break, you may have access to the internet.
• You can read Ebooks in the dark! :D

So which creates a better reading experience? Ultimately, there will never be a correct answer to this question because each reader has their own idealistic way of reading :)