You use books and computers in your schools, various workplaces and in your homes. Do you think computer will outdo the books in the future? E-books are now available online and internet course are also offer, like online classes. Which method would you prefer as method of learning, computer or books?
[question posted by neelianoscet]
responses and comments:
Hmm, I think this would be inevitable. There would be a time in the future that the rise of technology will overcome the most conventional of things. Its only a matter of time, either that happens first or another "Ice Age" or something like that will happen again since that too is inevitable in the evolution of things. Though at this time, there are still those few people or book lovers like me who prefer the smell, feel, and sight of a book in print rather than just reading things through a terminal monitor that feels very technical. Books just give that sense of being personal and private. Every turn of the page, every letter, every though and every plotline is precious, at least to me that is.happy Its like immersing oneself in one's own world and traveling to places as well as time and not even move from the room. Internet courses and e-books can bring in the convenience that most machines and technology can bring but nothing beats the human personal touch.happy [bjcyrix]
Many books may not be used again in the future, if all the required information has been available on the internet. [hsofyan]
Internet is fast moving and i think many homes in the future will have cheaper internet connection and will have access to all kinds of files, including books in millions, written by past authors and of the present writers. [neelianoscet]
I don't think computers will replace book in future becauase having a book physically having in hand and reading it is different from having a document online and reading it. The feeling is different in both the cases. I prefer to have a book physically and read it. I have started reading a 120 pages book online 6 months ago, but I have never finished it yet. [daliaj]
Sad to say but the future is really headed that way. Modern technology and advance communication equipment open this changes due to fast changes in technology. Computer will outdo the books in the future. Mostly those who are against in replacing books are those who belong to older generations and inept and very hesitant learner in computer and have eye problems. very sentimental and a conservative at heart. really like to store books but it will be antique in the future.. [neelianoscet]
I have the feeling that it's headed in that direction. We can do all kinds of things from our computers these days: watch TV, watch movies, make telephone calls, get weather updates and set our clocks by the clock in our computers. Any kind of information we may want can be found on the internet. We can earn college degrees online, do our banking, shopping, create mailing labels and print out postage. In some cases, we can do our grocery shopping and make doctor's appointments online. There really isn't much we can't do from our computers these days and I wouldn't say that e-books won't surpass hard copies one of these days. I have to admit that it will be a sad day if e-books become the only way we can read books because no more real books are being printed. I like holding books in my hands. I find that reading from paper is easier and more comfortable than reading from a computer screen. But, it does look like it's headed in that direction. One day, I fully expect the majority of "desk jobs" to be able to be accomplished from home because entire businesses are run over the internet. I've already had a few full-time jobs working from home, over the internet and I see many more companies heading in that direction because it saves them the overhead of paying for a building. I fully expect that, some time in the future, we will no longer have to leave our homes at all. In that respect, the internet is robbing us of physically interacting with others but it is also bringing us close to people we would not normally have ever met. Sorry that I got off the topic, but I believe that e-books are just the beginning. [mentalward]
That is really the good things about internet all things which we could not possible do and imagine in the past are all possible. Their is truly a lot of discovery and endless possibilities is overwhelming. i could not really wait as it would me move closer to the future. all could be in touch of one hand and presto!1all things which is just an imagination will be real. because of the fast technology changes almost every months and gadget which are quite expensive today become more cheaper and half of the price the first day it was launched in the past. i myself are very much in admiration of modern communication and i bet sad to say the books will be a rare things in the future. But, as of present will have to enjoy the books which we could have at the moment while it still in existence. For in the future it will be part of history and like an antique thing. Books is good for the moment but will all have to say goodbye to it in the future. Books could not be stock for a long time, the pages tend to break and is eaten by termites while e-books may be stored in a million duplicate copy in lightweight usb drives and even computer fails their is still strong hard disk drives that is not corruptible as may be invented. Books really will be a thing of the past...While, we still have time just enjoy reading as many changes to education system is very fast and the preferences of many people especially those belonging in the new generations is really into modern technology more convenient and flexible..happy [neelianoscet]
For me personally, I would much prefer to read a book with paper pages than a words from a screen. Not matter how clear the screen is, I find that my eyes get tired very quickly where they don't with a book. I think there are a lot of people like me, which would mean that computers would not take over from the printed page on paper. happy - Derek [derek_a]
Different people have different opinions. Whatever you choice, of better medium, go on as long as you feel comfortable on using books. However, whether we like it or not. The future is headed on the latest technology, and books will be replace by e-books. In future books will be a rare things...happy [neelianoscet]
hi, well as for now, computers are quiet far away from completely replacing the books, though i believe in the future there will come special book sized flash memory based digital books that will contain information, it will not be like a computer, rather more like a memory drive containing information, it will only reproduce the information that is fed into it(there are more chances that the books will be replaced coz that will save more trees) and not have a processor that can run programs.... but speaking about online classes, they can never replace the real classroom methods, the original classroom classes are more interactive and the lecturer is able to get a feedback and it is definitely much much more efficient than online classes or video lectures... i prefer books and classes now [voldrox]
For the moment books will still be use but the tendency to reduce books in numbers will start as many could carry a books copies store in lightweight usb drives. Books could not be stored for a longer times, pages tend to break and eaten by termites if not properly taken care of. it is really bulky to carry all your books when you transfer home, a very tedious tasks. Of, course even their e-books and online classes. real interaction in a classroom is still unmatched. Their is real joy in exchanging ideas with a live teacher and fellow students than in computer. it could be boring when you always facing it. Maybe, a mix of the two is still prefer by many people and whatever method they prepare, as long as it helps in learning is still a good precursor for storing knowledge. Finally, nothing beat the human mind... [neelianoscet]
I prefer books to read. I hate the idea of books being on the computer. I love hand holding books. Otherwise if I wanted to learn something quick I check it up on the internet. Other than that, I prefer books. [DanielleA]
Hello again, This technology was actually featured in a movie called "body Of Lies"...at least I think it was that movie lol Thing is though...if you were to use it...and say if you were going to speak into the little microphone and say ( and just for example ) "I had two pieces of chocolate" When you say "TWO" will it come up on the computer screen as "TWO" or "TO"..I mean how can if be programed to type exactly what we mean. Hope you know what I mean LOL. [DanielleA]
Hello neelianoscet this is checkmail and its an amazing idea of outdoing books with computers.But myself need some books as continuous staring at computer screen makes me wierd, and also gets some eye problems.According to me its really good idea as to reduce the paper demand, indirectly environment will be safe.But due to low income can all peoples afford to get an pc per student.Its really think not possible. [checkmail]
Maybe, not all could afford it, but in the future books will be a things of the past..computer will be cheap and internet connection too..i am positive all homes will have access to internet as the fast changing technology..all will have a grasp of it..and all toward the new thinking welcome changes.. [neelianoscet]
it also did I think. I'm learning programming and I read lots of books and tutorials in the internet or with e-books. But there always will be books everyone should read. classical literature for example. [bulzika]
But, no need to fear that we gonna lose all past books as they will have e-books copies and i think all things are toward modernization. Books will be a part of the changes..for the moment will have to enjoy real book while they are still in existence as i believe in the future books will be a rare thing of the past.. [neelianoscet]
I can download books on Internet, but I can't read them on PC, it's other thing read the book in paper. It's dificult to explain. [luanpotter]
for the moment it will be a little weird for some people reading books on computer but the future is really headed toward modern changes and books is includes in this idea of making the world complete information accessible through internet. [neelianoscet]
I believe that computers will definitely outdo books and it can happen in the near future. I have friends that are working on their degrees online and their schools already stopped sending textbooks and switched to strictly e-books. I think that it is inevitable that computers will outdo books. [abenitez]
their is really advantages of using e-books and doing online classes. You could set your schedules of classes and the same time could attend to your work and enjoy your family presence which are impossible to do doing classes at a classroom. It is more convenient for busy people who have no time to read, or buy books. While, e-books are a press away from your mouse if you have computer and much better with internet connection on your side. Possibilities are endless.. [neelianoscet]
i dont think so.books are always in the printing form and u can refer them when ever u want without the use of electricity.i prefer books.It is the cheapest and best way to get knowledge.i know with internet u can get lot of information in less time but if by some reason power is not there then there is no use of having tons of information somewhere.once a book is printed thousands can refer it and use it for generations without any help of power.so i dont think computers are ever going to change the place of books. [kalaga]
Different opinions really are different for every people who prefer using books rather than computer. The reasons are they have eyesight problem, not getting used in reading books in computer, and is more tied with anything in the past. E-books will be a things of the future and books will still be used but will be minimize and will be a rare things in the future. [neelianoscet]
Maybe...hope not. I still prefer to read a book on paper but I started to read digital comics even tho I hated it at first. But it's easy to get some books online that you would have really hard time getting in real life. And there will be probably some thin paper-like devices just for reading books and you will have thousands books loaded in it so when you go somewhere you wouldn't need to carry a lot of books and there would be option to go online and download latest newspapers and stuff...but I'd still prefer the real think [Bionicman]
they are already in existence maybe like a projector and you could read a books in a wall or it hundred of your books will be saved and contain a light weigh usb drives or in an external hard drives and you could carry it anywhere. If you have internet connection with peer to peer sharing you could have free e-books for free not in a real books where you have to spend money. it is also not a waste, unlike books when you do not need, you store to be rotten and throw away when pages break esily not like having all multi-tasking research could be done in computer. For the moment, e-books is not yet world wide accepted as people are still adjusting on it usage. But, in the future will have no choice but to do reading in computers.. [neelianoscet]
I love my computer, and I'm an internet addict, but when it comes to learning something, or just plain reading for enjoyment, I'd rather have actual books any day. [nonersays]
Some really prefer books it is a matter of mix and match whatever medium of learning you prefer then go on. But, with much changes, even books will be revamp in the future... [neelianoscet]
I think maybe far in the future that computer will eventually replace all kinds of books that we read now. But I wouldn't want to spend all of my time online because then my eyes would start to hurt so I prefer to read the old paper books. [chunijole]
That really depend on your medium of learning and what you think are more comfortable and the best things which could improve your knowledge. Both are precursor of learning and have their own good points to consider, but in the future books will be a rare thing of the past.. [neelianoscet]
I actually prefer learning with a computer, because it's much faster. But I guess it depends on the situation. I like using books and textbooks sometimes, too. But computers can bring you so much information, and you can access all of that information from the comfort of your own home. It's harder to search for the information you're looking for in a library and stuff. So yeah, I guess I would prefer computers. [oXAquaXo]
Computers will be the in things in the future and as of present things are starting as you notice the presence of e-books and online classes which is hard to imagine in the past but now is in fact a part and parcel of reality. Books willbe a rare thing of the past. Books in the past will not be entirely develop but will be more improve with a books contain in usb drives or external hard drives, a student could carry many books in all packaging than carrying all the books in class which could be a tedious tasks will no longer be needed... [neelianoscet]
I don't think so. Books are very important thing also. Though there are technologies ahead but books are very important too. because it's handy to carry and we can keep it for references. Computers are there but we can only use them if there is current but what if there's no current. Books shouldn't be faceout. [chraiz05]
Its is handy but we could not carry all our books in one, unlike e-books which could be save in USB drives is more practical and very convenient now days. You could read your books in any computer. It is lightweight and you could move faster unlike carrying a lot of books which bear weights. That is the reality without electricity no e-books but as the world is gearing toward the future. Sad to say book will be one to be changes..books will be a rare things in the future.. [neelianoscet]
I still like reading books when I am learning something espically. I also still enjoy reading a regular book. I have triend reading ebooks in the past. It just doesn't seem the same to me as reading a book. [Shaun72]
You just start to catch up as in the future everything about books will no longer be in hard bound books but it will be lightweight and you could carry your books even in hundred of collection. The possibilities are endless..Books will be a rare things in the future.. [neelianoscet]
One day the world will be totally dependent on computers and no longer need to use books as reading materials. I can foresee that the future generations are all computer savvy and usage of computer will be a necessity in their everyday lives. Even now you can see the impact of computers that has replaced many human labor. We can now gain our degrees through online learning and this has proven that computer outdo the books in the near future. [zandi458]
Real books will be a rare things in the future. E-books and online classes are starting to conquer books in the real worlds. It is very fast and we would not be shock to know as the e-books are now the method of of learning for many people because it is more convenient,and very flexible. You could download e-books even for free without buying the real books which you just discard when it is no longer in demand. aside, from that books cannot be store for a longer periods. They get rotten and even eat by termites if not properly taken care of..learning using e-books readable through computer is an excellent alternatives to books... [neelianoscet]
Hi Neelianoscet I think they would not but publishers would go for print on demand instead of printing books. It minimize the costs and money spent on prints and makes it easer for readers to view their books anywhere any time. Also, you can print the parts you like at any time. [Shery32]
They are more practical and people opt in to buy online e-books rather then the hard and soft bound books. It could be stored in lightweight USB drives and with an external hard drives. The good things for e-books even peer to peer could share e-books for free without spending a dime. It is really in line with the fast changing technology, and changes would affect every things as of today. And, books is not an exception... [neelianoscet]
I think that computers will replace books one day in the future. [kellys3ps]
Changes are starting now and as i observe e-books and online classes will be on demand as of busy people will have a chance to do all things in multi-tasking. Having work at the same time attending study online is very practical and you could even work and attend to family needs at the same time.. [neelianoscet]
In my views of this. I don't think if computer dominate books in the future and it became unnecessary. Book is convenient if you want to find out something that is really miss out. Computer is also good for research but it will affect our eyes in spending much our time in front of the computer... that is my opinion my friend. Hope that is acceptable to you [aerous]
its primarily a family own store just a meager sources of income...and do part time online like this..lollol [neelianoscet]
the computers have become indespensible..!! more so, i dont think so that they would replace books but certainly add to books..!! they impart great knowledge...animations explain u many things which are otherwise difficult to imagine without computers..!! they wil add to knowledge from books...!!! also they wil make life easy as its difficult to carry 3kg of one medicine book from place to place..!!! lol.. [drdivu]
Computers will the in things of today generation and even in the future. Some books may be phase out but their will still be copies but it will be a rare things in the future..things are starting to change..books is not an exception to this newest technology breakthrough..everyone will benefits..it is just a matter of time and all will be adjust to it, having to finis classes online and having books online is now a reality which is just an imagination in the past.. [neelianoscet]
I prefer books. I usually read at night before going to sleep, I can't imagine having a computer in bed with me--not comfortable. Kindle books don't interest me at all, I would use one of them for daytime reading, for learning. I don't enjoy reading on the computer, if there is something I'm interested in I will print it and read it later. Often I will bookmark something I want to read but I seldom get back to it. I suppose that the monitor screen is too bright, too hard on my eyes to read a lot. And, I like the feel of a book in my hands. [tcup345]
Ok. saving is good for the future, it will serve as your sources of living when you are not capable of working anymore.. [neelianoscet]
I think both would be good to keep on using so I would perfer both [imgrandma12]
They are perfect combination if books are out of sight, then grab a computer and read e-books. Then, if computer is not around, grab your books and enjoy reading. Whatever method you prefer, as long as you absorb well what you are reading still good.. [neelianoscet]
i think computers will outdo books on some subject and that is good. but their are some subjects that you need a book for and should be only taught in a classroom. it is hard to get help when you are only using a computer for school you email the instructor but it takes awhile to get an answer to your question because they have lots of email to answer. to me math is a class that has to be taught in a classroom because you can get the help you need and if you do not understand it the instructor can explain more in person. trying to explain math online and for the student to understand is hard. so, i would say it depends on what class i am taking as to whether i would use the online class or the books at the college. [happy6162]
The only back down in computers when their is no current in other areas it will not be prefer by people in a remote village. But, in most cities where every homes have internet connection and internet shop. having hundred of e-books could be save in a lightweight USB to be carry around unlike real books which have weight. E-books are now starting to be used in some classes even not in online classes. Instructors are starting to get the ideas and convenient of using it e-books. Books are good if lightweight but pages easily torn and break apart for a long time storage. You could not really depend on it for forever learning, unlike e-books you could get it even for free without buying the real books... [neelianoscet]
Ha ha - I must laugh when I imagine myself or someone else reading an e-book lying in bed. I love to read for a while before going to sleep and it is so easy to take a book in your hand and read and put it away when you feel sleepy..yawn..a laptop would be a very clumsy companion in bed..lol There are some light weight electronic books like Amazon Kindle, but they don´t work everywhere. I think that the ordinary books will survive the computers. No need to have batteries or electricity. No need to start and close like a computer. Just shut the book and take it in your hand whenever and where you want. [buenavida]
Different people have a lot of options to consider and having both have an advantages. It is is really up for us to used it properly where both are important source of learning. Computers are very practical and learning through it such as acquiring e-books could be even free from peer to peer groups you could save a lot unless buying a real books. Books are in demand mostly to people without computer and those living in a remote village..Also it is like by people who have eyesight problem and mostly adopted by older people who are not proficient with the used of new technology... [neelianoscet]
I have about 250 e-books from various public domain sources. Unlike real books, I can get the computer to enlarge the print to where I can read it without glasses. SO, in THAT way, PC's are superior to books. Plus we save trees reading e-books. [General_Spacey]
Also, we could saves money instead of spending buying real books we could even download it for free using peer to peer sharing. I love tree and I would trade books to computers..happy [neelianoscet]
Computers may replace books for a while an certain target. however, I dot think that computers will outdo books as there are people without computers. There are people who dislike reading ebooks and prefer the hard feel of the physical pages. I used to prefer online books but now I prefer hardcopy as I can bring part of it along with me. It's lighter compared to bring out a computer. [whyaskq]
Their is more lighter than books carrying hundred of books in a USB drives. Books and computer are both good source of learning. Each one add to the beauty of this world. Without the others, some people are not really opt to lose the other..Preferences really differ to liking and to the experiences of each people.. [neelianoscet]
I like the idea of learning from computers. You have everything you need right there on the computer.You can have the book and videos if you need them.This seems like a great way to learn. Have a blessed day. [jezzmay]
Everything is bundled in one package. You could enjoy learning at the comfort of your homes and even elderly could attend online classes without missing their everyday activities such as keeping working and stay with your loved ones. You do not need to stay away from your family and you could do multi tasking and learning is accessible anywhere where their is computers.. [neelianoscet]
There's a possibility of change...books are so expensive. I think magazines will be the first to fail though. They too are expensive and unless they can be linked to other media, I fear their days are numbered. You never know though. Cinemas were not doing too well for a while due to television and recording capabilities. They have made a huge comeback though. Time will tell. [MsTickle]
All things can be download in a computer and that is includes, from free books, movies and other files without spending real money in buying the real things, like books..Having internet connections, almost all transactions relies in computers and it is fast unlike the manual things..I could say their is endless possibilities for a lot of changes to occurs..and books is not an exception.. [neelianoscet]
As of my opinion, I don't think so. Books will still exist. I think authors still want to have their books to be publish and print rather than to save it online. AS I observed some of the people still patronize books, they even line up in one book launch like the Harry Potter books and even Twilight books. I see that people prefer to have their own hardbound copy so that they can carry it wherever they go. Eventhough ebooks are available online they still wants the book,Me I prefer to read ebooks on the net and I also want my own copy. But I used to buy books on booksale. That is why I have my own copy when it is not famous already. [grecychunny26]
The only advantage of having to read e-books , you could print or keep only the pages you would like to keep while discarding other pages which are of less importance. having real books is a sentimental point of view is like possessing a important valuable things which you would like to be beside you even in bed. Both are importance in propagating learning and educating people. But, e-books will eventually suffice over computers in the future..happy [neelianoscet]
I can see computers out doing books in the future, which is very sad. My husband is currently going back to school and he's taking all his course online. This is very helpful for him since he's in the military and has 2 jobs, both with the military. Most of his books are sent to him, and then there are the online books. It's easier to work with the books in front of him than the ones that are on the internet. I rather have my books in front of me. This goes also with novels, I like to keep the books I have read, so I can pass them down to my kids. With E-books, I don't know much about them, so I don't know if I'm able to keep them on my computer, or even able to print out the pages. I guess I'm old fashioned when it comes to things like that. [chertsy]
Books will be a rare things in the future. With fast changing technology, I could really feel that it will change as the preferences of the future generation have some effect on it..books in an entirely is not an exception..even authors who publish their books opt in in selling their copies online,,such as Stephen King where horror novels could be available for purchase..one need not to go to actual bookstores to buy. you could even print your favorite chapter unlike a real books where you have no choice but to keep a copy of pages even if you do not like it.. [neelianoscet]
I don't think so, because there will be no authors selling books and there will be no books marketed if books will be outdated by computers. In schools, teachers prefer kids to buy such books with certain authors so that this curriculum is the one they will follow. Yes, there are thousands andthousands of e-books online which is also helpful, but we still use books hand in hand to educate us. It will never be phased out and it will continue to go on as time goes by. Its also a great feeling when you as a writer would someday be able to publish your own books in the market. So books means also business, and that will never go out in the market. Happy Mylotting. [strawberrychocodahi]
Their will be books but it will be minimize. As more people will be open to the ideas and practical reasons of reading e-books online and attending online classes in a short manner of time. As I observe many known authors are no longer contented in publishing their actual books in hardbound and also taking their chances of publishing their books online. One could purchase books online without going to books and some e-books could be yours for free without paying a dime through peer to peer sharing..That applies to being thrifty but to the publisher a lesser profits to make.. [neelianoscet]
While I still prefer reading books I believe computer technology (internet) really has great effect on expansion of knowledge. Many of the things I need to know I just searched them on the net and presto! I have the answer. Libraries are slowly being converted to high-tech library where every book is link to a computer. Some libraries even offer browsing their books while enjoying the comfort of home. I do believe that time will come where paper books will become obsolete and it will be a virtual book. On the other hand, this is a good news to save trees right? [anneshirley]
Searching on the internet is very fast than searching in real books. I myself is tired of carrying lot of books when going to schools especially if the school have no locker. Internet vast of information is superficial to encyclopedia and a lot of information which usually contain in a books could be access right in your home or work as long as there is internet connection. Much better if you have wifi or wireless connection with wifi signals it really cut your internet connection cost..yeah, saving real trees is good for the children to see rather than the virtual trees..happy [neelianoscet]
I prefer using books as a method of learning.It is easy for me to turn pages in the book.But it is not easy for me to search a page from an ebook.I sometimes learn from the internet when i don't have books in the last moment.I made my own notes from the internet and then went and wrote my exams and passed.The internet has a vast range of books and therefore has a lot of advantage.happyhappy [vicky30]
Many people are not really adopted the ideas of reading books through internet. They think internet could only used for research and other activities and not for long reading. The advantage of having e-books you do not need to buy it ans sometimes you could get it from peer to peer sharing..happy [neelianoscet]
I prefer computer. Its a lot more high-tech. I do not think books will ever leave [walterdsouzajr]
Yeah books and computer will still be present in the future. me myself like it to see both in the future. They have a different purposes one could be hold and carry while the other is contain on the internet. but, one things is for sure..they are both helps in learning...happy [neelianoscet]
I don't thikn so. I still prefer to read with a good, old fashioned book. [abbypringles]
Whatever things we do in life, all have its own limit and too excessive or being too indulging is bad as its have effects on the user. Too much exposure too in computer without using protective eye wear and too much radiation emitted by the monitor is also bad to health. Everything we do should also be moderately balanced.. [neelianoscet]
No possible. I believe many people enjoy the smell of a new book (or an old book?).It is comfortable to sit on sofa under the tree to read and enjoying the interesting world of the book. It is boring to read articles especially books via computer. Actually, sometimes I print the contents down to read. [fly001]
some people rely on books for learning and some people prefer computer as you could do all things like videos downloading, photos downloading, files copying, printing, playing games, e-banking and reading e-books..books is prefer by people who get used to it and by older people who are not familiar with the use of computer..happy [neelianoscet]
Hey, Yea I think that computers could actually replace the books totally. But on the other hand, it is good to have encyclopedias and all the other published material, since some of the stuff found on the Internet aren't reliable sources. Make sure you have a good day, Happy Lotting!! [EliteUser]
hi, elite user, Yeah, that is true something too good too be true are no need to be discarded. And, somehow people grow with books as part of their childhood up to adulthood somehow gives a sentimental values on books would never be irreplaceable and would only be modified but not totally banish. Have a nice day!happy [neelianoscet]
I am not about to have a computer and all of its gadgets come between me and my books. There are still some things that should not be put online, and books are one of them (even audio books drive me nuts). Books don't lose power when the lights go out,and you don't lose any important files and such when and if the electricity goes bye-bye. I hate the thought of reading E-books...it's just not going to happen, I'm sorry. Books do not belong on a computer.angry [coolcoder]
yup, that is true as not every times one could rely on computer, both gave their own usefulness bases on the perception and experiences of the user. happy [neelianoscet]
I don't think computers are going to outdo books in the near future, but it could possibly happen. I, for one, would prefer reading an article in print than straight from a computer monitor. I like the idea of e-books, less clutter, less materials to keep in shelves and boxes. But it just doesn't feel good reading a whole book in front of a computer. It's more expensive than reading it in print, unless you're a real speed reader and are very comfortable reading it on screen then you wouldn't have to worry about paying high electricity bills. And if you could take the strain on your eyes, why not. Also, you could read the printed material anywhere, anytime under most any conditions. They both have their pros and cons but I guess prints won't disappear anytime soon just yet. [forptc]