• Physical books vs. ebooks?

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    When comparing physical books and ebooks, there are several considerations and personal preferences that come into play according to various experts:

    1. Retention and Distraction: from the prefers physical books as he finds devices distracting and has difficulty retaining information read on screens. Research indicates that people tend not to read deeply on screens but rather scan, which affects how much they remember 1.

    2. Accessibility and Cost: discusses ebook pricing in the context of publishing contracts on . He emphasizes that ebooks should ideally be priced lower than physical books considering they do not involve printing costs and cannot be resold or shared 2.

    3. Efficiency and Reference Use: also from mentions that though he uses both, he prefers physical books for easier readability, efficient note-taking, and quick referencing which are critical for his work 3.

    4. Technology and Eye Comfort: Newport also discusses the technology behind Kindle devices, which use e-ink to mimic a physical page, thus being easier on the eyes compared to standard screens 3.

    5. Market Trends and Physical Appeal: on the notes that while ebook sales grew rapidly initially, they have plateaued and even declined as the appeal of physical books, enhanced by high production values, continues to endure. People find physical books to offer a more immersive and distinctive reading experience 4.

    Each format has its own advantages, and the choice between ebooks and physical books often depends on individual needs and circumstances related to convenience, cost, reading habits, and personal preference in experiencing the text.

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