Thinking of moving beyond printed books? Let’s explore your options.
Ebooks
While the dictionary spelling is e-book, the commonly accepted usage is ebook.
The good news? Ebooks are relatively straightforward to access, and an ebook can be read easily on your computer, tablet or smartphone.
Begin by downloading an app that allows you to purchase or borrow ebooks from your preferred platform. Websites selling or offering ebooks generally have a recommended app.
Another option is investing in an ereader, designed for reading ebooks. The best ebook reader depends on your budget, and needs.
Just double-check to make sure the ereader you choose is compatible with book files from your preferred online store or source.
Ebooks are designed to be simple to use. If you have a question, there are heaps of blogs and online discussions that offer answers.
Most apps or websites walk you through the process.
Borrowing, buying and sharing ebooks
Libraries in Australia have a great range of ebook options. Speak to your local library about borrowing.
In terms of purchased ebooks, stipulations exist around lending. Some sites/apps allow you to nominate a few people to share ebooks with. Others don’t allow further distribution.
If you are a big reader, popular websites have monthly up-front fees that let you download a certain number of books, in a particular window.
This way, instead of paying for individual purchases, you pay a membership fee that offers access to a range of books.
Pros and cons of ebooks
For some, swiping through pages on a device is a pro; others view lack of physicality as a con. Having a book on your smartphone is handy, though.
Ebooks have helpful features, including note making. You can personalise font, text size and screen brightness, and click on words to view definitions.
For those on a budget, ebooks are great. The digital copy is often cheaper than a print copy, and download is immediate; no waiting for delivery.
For long books, an ereader is lighter than carrying around a paper tome.
The ebook opens handily each time at the last point you read.
Possible reduced lending and borrowing capacity between friends is the most commonly discussed con.
Audiobooks
Nowadays, you can listen to a book instead of having to visually read the words.
Audiobooks are digital audio files, usually available to download and listen to via an app, a bit like a song file.
Audiobooks are available on a lot of devices: it may be possible to listen through your smart TV or watch.
Some people download both an ebook and audiobook, switching from reading to listening when hands are no longer free.
If in a public space, it’s best to listen via headphones. You can speed up or slow down the narration to suit, and rewind and fast forward.
Certain audiobook formats will stay at the point you stopped listening, until you press play again.
Borrowing, buying and sharing audiobooks
Audiobooks are also available through your public library, and a number of websites offer free audiobook experiences. You may have to create an account or sign in.
The ABC, for example, offers great audiobooks via their free ABC Listen app.
Subscription plans through apps or websites give you access to a wide range of publications.
Whether or not you can borrow or share an audiobook depends on the platform or app. Some let you share with family.
If in the same subscription program, often it is possible to forward a friend the best audiobooks ever.
Pros and cons of audiobooks
If you have issues with your eyesight or are tired of reading, audiobooks are a great alternative.
The biggest pro? No need to hold a physical book, ereader or electronic device, meaning easy listening while driving or gardening.
In some cases, an epic book in audiobook form takes longer to listen to in its entirety, than traditionally reading the book. Whether this is a pro or con, depends on you.
A definite con is crossing paths with a terrible narrator. Luckily, you usually have a chance to listen to a sample before committing.
For many, the best audiobook ever is one narrated by a beloved icon.
Yes, there are David Attenborough audiobooks out there.
Do you enjoy ebooks or audiobooks? What has been your experience? Let us know in the comments.
Also read: How screen reading apps can change your digital world
