Benefits of using an ebook reader 

Technology may have infiltrated almost every aspect of day to day life, but there’s no denying that the allure of paper books is still well and truly alive. After all, there’s nothing quite as enchanting as a well-stocked library, are we right? But, what if technology and paperbacks could exist side by side?

Cue the arrival of eBook readers.

Yes, we’re the first to admit that when these wafer thin handheld devices first arrived on the scene, we were sceptical to say the least. Replacing the tangibility of a good old fashioned paper novel with something akin to a smartphone? We definitely weren’t sold. Not to mention the fact that ‘judging a book by its cover’ seemed next to impossible, and the idea of turning pages at the touch of a button just felt plain wrong.

But it turns out, the benefits of using an eBook reader more than compensate for the fact that fact that there’s not a leaf of paper in sight. Here are some of our favourite perks that will have you on the eReader bandwagon in a heartbeat.

Eco-friendly

Sure, books aren’t exactly a threat to the world’s rainforests, but we do love the fact that eReaders are eco-friendly by design. They last for years on end, and completely eliminate the need for even a single sheet or paper. When it comes to scoring street cred with Mother Nature, eReaders definitely come up trumps in the environmental department.

Adjustable text size

Most libraries and bookstores feature a large print section, though the choice is far from extensive. With an eReader device, you can adjust the size of text in a matter of seconds. Books can even be read horizontally, which allows for even bigger print. This means that whether you’re short sighted, long sighted or something in between, you can customise your eReader experience to fit your unique needs. Now that’s something not even the most efficient of librarians can pull off.

A travel friendly solution

Whether you’re committed to packing light or simply want access to any title at your fingertips, eReaders are every globe trotter’s best friend. So, rather than sipping away on a poolside margarita and wishing you’d bought the latest Stephen King novel at the airport, you can simply hit up your favourite eBook store and download any title in just minutes. Not to mention the fact that today, travel bibles like Lonely Planet now publish eBook versions of popular titles. This means you can swap your bulky guidebook for an ultra-slim device that carries not only your trusty L.P but also your own personal library of leisure material. Cheers to that!

Across the board savings

As you’re only paying for the creative copy itself, eBooks are significantly cheaper than their paper counterparts. It can be a little hard to wrap your head around at first, and you’re definitely forgiven for feeling a little reluctant to hand over cash for what could be labelled as a glorified PDF document. But think of it as an iTunes transaction and the concept suddenly makes a lot more sense. The savings on offer are one of the best eBook benefits out there, especially for book worms who plough through title upon title.

A free library

As well as tapping into savings on popular titles, eBook retailers like the Amazon Kindle Store also feature a kaleidoscope of free titles. There are literally hundreds of free books to read online across a host of categories, including well-known titles and timeless classics. Think The Great Gatsby, Origin of Species, War & Peace and more. Yes, some of the free eBook downloads on offer are total fluff. But if you take the time to explore free eBook libraries you’re guaranteed to find yourself a treasure trove of literary gems.

Search on demand

Forget folding corners and peppering books with sticky notes. With an eReader device, you can save passages, make notes and search entire texts on demand. If you enjoy a more in-depth reading experience or simply want to reference non-fiction material like digital travel guides or university text books at the touch of a button, eBooks will categorically change the way you interact with books.

Interactive audio, photo and video

eBook readers have come a long way since the original Kindle first launched back in 2011. Today, next-generation versions are sexy, sophisticated and seriously smart, with a myriad of impressive features. From interactive audio capabilities and Wi-Fi connectivity to photo and video functions, they definitely blur the line between text and technology. You can choose to read books online, or download documents and save them to your own personal library.

Titles at your fingertips

Once you’ve signed up with an eBook retailer or downloading platform, you can start downloading titles faster than you can say ‘Girl on the Train.’ Simply link up your device to your online account, enter your credit card details if necessary and start downloading everything from Rankin to Rowling, at your fingertips. When it comes to nurturing a love for reading, eBook readers make it all too easy. No more sitting on library waitlists, waiting weeks for bookstores to process orders or running out of reading material while you’re on holidays.

Sharing the love

One of the greatest joys of paper books is the fact that you can loan them to friends, pass them down to family members or simply bequeath them to total strangers at a book exchange. But with the right intel, eBooks are just as shareable. Using email, USB or an existing Amazon account, entire libraries can be shared with fellow book lovers in a matter of minutes.

Remember, like any download it pays to be savvy when searching for eBooks online. Stick to trusted sites the Amazon Kindle Store, and don’t dish out your credit card details like there’s no tomorrow. For the most part online eBooks are safe, but keep your standards high in order to avoid downloading malicious material.

Still not convinced? Until we tried an eBook reader for ourselves, neither were we. So, while we could harp on all day about how eBook readers will transform your relationship with everything from travel guides to thriller novels, the only real way to understand what all the fuss is about is to try one out for yourself. Trust us, you won’t regret it.