The concept of ebook , also mentioned as e-book , refers to the English expression electronic book : that is, electronic book . A book is a literary, scientific or other work that is constituted as a volume. Electronic , for its part, refers to the action of electrons when they are subjected to the influence of an electronic or magnetic field.
The idea of an ebook, in this framework, refers to the text that is presented in a digital format and is analogous to the printed book. Sometimes the notion also allows us to mention the device that is used to read and store this type of books.
While a printed book is developed on paper, the ebook houses its content in bits . The reader, therefore, does not have to turn pages to advance in reading, but rather the material is viewed from a screen .
Although it depends on its format, an ebook can be read on any device that has a screen: a computer , a tablet , a cell phone or mobile phone , etc. In any case, there are devices designed specifically for reading ebooks, such as the Amazon Kindle and the Sony Reader .
In the comparison between an ebook and a printed book, advantages and disadvantages of both elements can be mentioned. An ebook does not take up physical space, avoids cutting down trees since it does not use paper, is easy to transport and allows the inclusion of multimedia links.
In addition to these advantages, we cannot fail to highlight others such as the following:
-Hundreds of books can be included on the same device.
-The price of an electronic book is cheaper than a paper one.
-There are no out-of-stock editions of the ebook versions, they will always be available.
-There are models that are specially designed for people who have visual deficiencies.
-The purchase and receipt of an electronic book is practically immediate.
-Many ebook models have lighting so that they can be read even in the dark or in low-light conditions without affecting your eyesight.
In return, it facilitates the illegal copying and distribution of works and requires electrical energy to read them.
In the same way, we cannot ignore that it is also established that the ebook has other disadvantages, among which the following stand out:
-Its acquisition requires a higher financial outlay than buying a book.
-It depends on a battery, so if it runs out, the ebook will turn off and cannot be used until it is charged again or connected to the electrical current.
-It requires having a minimum technological knowledge to be able to use it and get the most out of it.
-There are old books that have not yet been digitized and, therefore, cannot be read in the ebook.
-Those who see it as a disadvantage consider that when any ebook becomes waste it will become a device that will generate harmful emissions for the environment.