My Thoughts On The Kindle: Digital vs Physical

I didn’t fully appreciate books and reading until late in my 20s, as a kid I always thought when teachers made us read books for assignments, why not just watch the film?

As time has passed I wish I could go back in time and throw a book at the younger me’s face.

I wish I had read more.

Physical vs Digital

There is something that just really can not beat a physical book, from the way it feels to have that more authentic way of reading.

Although the digital experience in many ways may be more convenient, easier, and even in some cases be called a better customer experience. Finding an independent bookshop in a village you have never been to before and getting lost amongst the books is an experience that simply can not be matched online.

Is it a case of Physical being better than digital or vice versa? I think not, each provides their own unique experiences and alongside each other can provide us as customers with more choices and the best possible reading experience.

Enter Amazons Kindle

A little overview 6 years ago I decided to get myself a Kindle paperwhite, as after one holiday of traveling with only 2 books it was not the easiest thing to travel with and the kindle was the perfect alternative.

Fast forward to today I have passed on my still strong Kindle and decided to upgrade to the latest paperwhite.

I have been using the paperwhite over the last couple of months now, and not only is it an improvement over my previous model, with welcomed additions from USB-C charging, to a better screen, but it is also becoming one of my favorite ways to read.

Is the time of physical books over?

No, I don’t think so in the slightest.

Although I have been reading more and more using both my Kindle and iPad, I still enjoy reading physical books, everything from the feel to the buying experience, although different, is still one I enjoy. Not just because it is better or worse, but having the options of how to read and buy books, provides us, the customers with the best experience.

Want to slow down, explore a new town, and stumble across a beautiful bookshop? Just want to get a book instantly and straight reading right away? Having the option between either physical or digital books gives all of us more choices and for me at least has helped me to read more.

Closing thoughts

Although I will always prefer reading physical books, I do not think it’s a case of Physical beats digital or if one is better than the other. I think they both have their place in our lives and any way that can make reading more accessible and easy is a win for us all.

What is your stance around digital and physical books, do you have a preference? Do you find you read more physical books, or do you lean more towards reading digital via a kindle, tablet, or other devices?