Technology is constantly changing our day to day lives in novel and exciting ways. This generation of teenagers probably cannot even begin to comprehend a home without at least one computer. They might not have even seen a VHS or an audio cassette tape. Instead of going on a trip to the video store to rent a movie to watch, they can simply choose to download it or stream it on their computer.
Now, even the activity of reading books has undergone a high-tech and digital revolution. Is it possible that in a couple of years the excitement of flipping a brand new book and smelling the scent of the pages will be a thing of the past? Will large bookstores filled with shelves of books of various types simply vanish? It is unlikely that the ascent of ebooks will have such extreme consequences, but it will probably continue to increase in popularity because of the amazing convenience provided.
Basically, an ebook is a digital version of a book that can be read either online or through a particular ebook reading device that one can use to download and read ebooks. Much like any new technology, there are upsides and downsides to ebooks. For the advantages, the price of purchasing an ebook is usually in the $10 range, even for a brand new bestselling title. This is considerably less than purchasing the same book as a hard-cover edition at the bookstore. Though not every single book comes in the ebook format, most popular titles tend to be available, with many more being added every day.
Furthermore, the ebook reading devices available to buy are often slender, easy to carry, and lightweight. They can readily be placed into a carry-on bag for air travel or into a handbag or briefcase to read on the commute to work. A busy father can carry one in his pocket in order to read while his baby naps in their stroller.
For kids, who have become increasingly reliant on technology, the advantages of the ebook are obvious. Many children are accustomed to utilizing a game console or a music player device. That is just one more technological device that they can put together with the rest of their collection. The one of the benefits of reading is that it provides an educational alternative to video games. There is always something for everyone.
Of course, there are also downsides to ebooks. The introduction of new technology typically results in the phasing out of the old. Audio tapes gave way to CDs, video tapes gave way to DVDs, and in the same way, ebooks could replace conventional printed books. It is no wonder. Ebooks are considered to be more environmentally friendly as they do not require the use of any paper to produce, and they are also less expensive for the consumer in the long run.
It will be up to the present generation of book readers to inculcate their love for printed books in their children and grandchildren. That said, ebooks will be here to stay for the foreseeable future as a revolutionary new way of reading for the modern age.
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