Though e-readers can replace carrying around thousands of pages of conventional books, some people still prefer physical books for having something physical to hold. Photo by: Matthew Libersky

By Jake Lenburg

As people use technology more and more, book publishing companies are trying to catch up with the digital age by producing e-readers (also known as e-book readers). Some people at Plymouth High School are already doing so. For many people, having a Kindle or a Nook (both popular e-book readers) is like having your own personal library in your pocket. Also, these devices often allow the user to read newspapers and magazines.

Being a relatively new invention, people are more used to reading regular books than e-readers. Library clerk Mr. Nathan Mayer said that he prefers regular books. “E-readers are the cool, hip thing, but good old books on paper are how I roll.”

As many people convert to e-readers, they are often becoming more tech-savvy. “I prefer reading an e-reader because it is faster to find what you are looking for, ” sophomore Austin Rose said. Sophomore Clay Corsbie said that he prefers e-readers because they are easier to read and see, because some have integrated lighting for the screen. On the contrary, Mr. Mayer said that he prefers carrying around and holding physical books.

With the numerous conveniences of e-readers, it is easy to see them making physical books obsolete. Mr. Mayer believes that “people are just always going to want real books.”

However, some students see the world going down the other route. “Regular books aren’t going to be used in the future when everything that pertains to learning goes electronic,” Rose said.

With new the MacBooks coming next year, students will have less weight in their backpacks because of online books. “With everyone having their own MacBook it will work out,” Mr. Mayer said.