Everyone seems to have an e-reader. The only adult I know who doesn’t have one is that resident techno-tard over here, Mr. Howler. So how popular are e-readers and with whom?
Kids don’t seem all that interested in them. Schools don’t allow them here in the county (Leave 
your electronics at home) and often the books kids are forced to read aren’t available on Kindle, Nook or Ipad. There is also the idea of a specific publisher for student books. God forbid that anyone reading The Crucible isn’t reading the ‘designated copy.’ Being on the same page takes on a new dimension in schools. Little kids love e-readers but most people aren’t going to go out and get a 6 year old their own ipad as an e-reader.
That leaves adults. Who really likes the e-reader and whose habits has it changed? Who really likes holding a real book and turning its pages so much that they will not use an e-reader? I have heard several people flat out refuse to go with an e-reader just because they love touching a real book and turning its pages. Someone even told me they would miss the smell.
Commuters and travelers seem to love e-books more. E-readers fit right in a purse, briefcase or backpack and weigh far less than most books. You can even take more than one book along for the ride without weighing yourself down. The convenience of unlimited books in something weighing less than a pound is just nirvana for a week at the beach or someone who is trying to pack light.
What are some advantages of e-books that you just can’t get from a real book? E-books have adjustable print size. This attribute is critical to someone like me who gets tired eyes and who has presbyopia. The longer the day gets, the larger the print is needed. Many folks also love the instant gratification part of e-reading. For someone like me, I get too much accumulated that hasn’t been read. I used to do that with real books also though.
