TECH TIP
EMBRACE THE E-BOOK
EMBRACE THE E-BOOK
Go to the library. Many libraries have tablets of different kinds. Ask a librarian to download a book in a variety of formats for you, so you can try different tablets out before choosing one to buy.
Try the different media available. E-books give you access to the pages of the text, as well as video, audio, and web content.
PROS OF E-BOOKS
- Digital reading devices are portable and can hold thousands of books.
- E-books save trees, can be bought without shipping costs, and have a low carbon footprint.
- E-readers let you buy books online from anywhere with Web access, and you can start reading within minutes.
- You can type, highlight, and copy and paste sections. You can also undo highlighting or revise notes.
- You can print out pages by hooking the device up to your printer or connecting to a printer on WiFi.
- You can access many e-books for free from the public library—even rare books.
- Some e-books come with bonus audio, video, or animation features.
- Many digital reading devices accept audio books and can read to you aloud.
- The backlit screen means that you can read with the light off, without disturbing anyone.
- You can adjust the size of the text.
- Some e-readers have a built-in dictionary. Others link to reference websites like Google or Wikipedia when a WiFi or 4G connection is available.
- E-books are searchable and even sharable.
CONS OF E-BOOKS
- Digital reading devices are expensive, breakable, and desirable to thieves.
- Looking at a screen can cause some eye fatigue.
- If you have only limited or temporary access to e-books for your college courses, your access will expire after the academic term.
GOOD TO KNOW
Some electronic readers are no-frills, basic models designed to replicate the experience of reading a paper book. Others offer browsers, video, music, and thousands of free and for-purchase apps. Most are Web-enabled, so you can use them for other purposes like listening to music or audio books, checking e-mail, creating presentations, and writing papers. This increased functionality might be distracting, but it can also make you more productive. Remember, though: if you have no Internet or WiFi connection, you may not be able to access your e-book.
EXTRA STYLE POINTS
Price your textbooks in both the print and digital formats. Factoring in the cost of the e-reader, which format is cheaper?