Amazon's Kindle, Barnes and Noble's Nook, and don't forget ... Sony's eReader. These electronic books (aka e-books) are all the rage among tech-savvy readers and fast-paced professionals. Despite this, it's still common to see the more classic businessperson sipping coffee while turning the page of his or her new first edition hardback. These "retrospective consumers" would vouch for traditional books while the "renaissance consumer" would argue the opposing viewpoint.

 

Let us look at this fun topic from two other hidden yet highly useful perspectives, the pragmatic and ergonomic points. From a technologic standpoint, the electronic book beats ink and paper simply because it is one screen, as opposed to many pages. In addition, production companies can construct e-books from 100 percent eco-friendly products. However, regular books can be made of 100 percent recycled paper with water or soy-based inks for the text. The environmental and technological points can be either equivalent or very biased.

 

Pragmatically, electronic books are easier to use since no flipping and bending pages is necessary compared to real pages. Despite the upfront cost, electronic books are cheaper to buy instead of dropping $25 for a hardcover copy of the excellent "Weekends at Bellevue." Digital libraries, such as Project Gutenberg, offer low price or free electronic books.

 

Ergonomically, electronic books are better for the neck. Many retailers offer e-book accessories for consumers to utilize while reading, such as mini e-book stands, plush yet tough protectors, and "simple" warranty plans. These mini stands can allow readers to go hands-free and just let themselves and their e-book sit comfortably. Many makers also use, or claim to use, environmentally friendly products such as PVC-free plastics and non-chlorinated packaging products.

 

E-book technology does need slight adjustment and standardization in order to please consumers better, though, which will come with time and brainpower. Book formats must be semi-standardized as soon as possible to eliminate compatibility issues. Serious issues such as battery life, data security and overall product life should improve before this tech movement can enter the fast lane.

 

For now, contingent that companies continue to improve e-books financially, pragmatically, ergonomically and environmentally, electronic books will be all good and no bad. To console the retrospectives, ink and paper shall continue to exist in the event of electricity issues, education and time capsules.