Amazon introduced the Kindle in 2007 to worldwide acclaim. The product’s premise was solid and the “E ink” display seemed almost magical. Early adopters rushed to buy one. Millions have been sold since then and today e-books outsell paperbacks at the online retailer.
Should you buy a Kindle as a gift for an avid reader? There are quite a few pluses and minuses to switching to from paper to electronic books. Some points might not matter for you while others will be a big deal.
Let’s start with the advantages:
Save on Cost
On Amazon, E-books are almost always cheaper than their new paperback editions, sometimes significantly so. A voracious reader could easily save hundreds of dollars over a year. Most readers are lifetime readers, so those savings could easily become a very large sum of money.
However, keep in mind that your avid reader might not be buying many new books. If they’re buying random books at used book stores, (or even using the library), it might not save them much money.
Easy readability
Some people prefer Kindles over regular books because of their readability. Not only is the “E ink” display very easy on the eyes, but users can enlarge the font and adjust the line spacing and margin. This makes them much easier to read for many with declining eyesight. Some people’s vision declines as they age so this feature is fantastic.
Save on Physical Space
Most books are small and portable. However, as personal libraries grow, they can take up a lot of room. Those with small apartments might not be able to eventually accommodate them. Having a Kindle means everything is stored on just one tiny device. The bookshelf that is barely touched can go.
More Convenient
No more waiting for books to come in the mail! Now with just a couple of clicks, you can download that Hemingway novel onto your Kindle. In our instant gratification society, this will bring joy to many.
Also, your entire library is available at your fingertips. If you want to read an old classic, there’s no need to search your basement or attic.
Dictionary
With a Kindle, you can instantaneously lookup any word in the dictionary. This improves your comprehension of the text and builds vocabulary. You can use your phone instead to do this, but this is an added convenience.
Support from Public Libraries
Many public libraries are supporting the Kindle and have e-books available to borrow.
Environmental Benefits
The savings for our planet are very clear when it comes to electronic books. It’s a total win. No more trees cut down, no more paper processing or book printing, and savings on transportation costs. When it comes to the environment, every little bit helps, and the switch to electronic books helps fight the good fight.
Lightweight
Some paperback books are light (particularly short and medium novels) but some big hardcover books are heavy. A Kindle is great for carrying around.
Durable
A book can get soiled, wet, or damaged. Put it in a backpack on the subway and it’s going to get crushed. The Kindle is not only durable, but the newest Paperwhite is even waterproof.
With all those benefits, you might think a Kindle would be a slam-dunk choice for a gift. However, there are quite a few serious drawbacks.
Not Good for Graphics
It’s not great for books with a lot of graphical content. If you have a lot of pictures, graphs and tables you’re probably just better off buying the paperback. For example, I have a friend that loves to read textbooks as a hobby. He always buys the hardcover version (and unfortunately has to lug them around.)
Love of Paper
Some people love the smell and feel of paper. There’s definitely an emotional attachment to a book. They’re almost sacred for some people. Others feel like they’re like trophies and proudly display them on a bookshelf as conquests. An electronic device will never be able to replace the real thing for them.
Risk of Losing/Theft
Expensive device to lose. If you lose a $1 used book, it’s no big deal. It’s another to lose a brand new Kindle. Some models retail for over $100. Also, no one is going to try to steal a book but if you’re not careful a thief would gladly snatch a kindle.
Should you buy a kindle as a gift for an avid reader? There are plenty of compelling reasons to make the switch. However, some people simply prefer the paper version. It comes down to personal preference.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.