My perspective on this might differ from others. I have a deep appreciation for hardcover paper books. They have a weight, a distinctive smell, and there's something inherently charming about the process of flipping through pages, especially as you near the end of a book.
E-ink readers like the Kindle offer a practical alternative. These devices can store hundreds of thousands of books in a compact form. Features like the Paperwhite's backlight allow reading in complete darkness (though not recommended) without the harsh impact of blue light screens. Plus you can enjoy your favorite stories while your partner sleeps undisturbed next to you.
I occasionally read PDFs with specifications or instructions on screens, mainly when I need to work directly with the text, like searching or copying quotes for research or study.
I don't use audiobooks. As a child, I listened to fairy tales on vinyl, but not anymore. My main issue is speed. The average audiobook progresses at about 150 words per minute, whereas I read around 750 words per minute, depending on the language. This makes reading five times faster, which is crucial for studying. Even with fiction, where there's no rush, I read at least twice as fast, allowing me to savor every word at my own pace. Additionally, voice acting imposes someone else's imagination, akin to watching a movie. I prefer to let my own imagination engage directly with the author's text. For those who advocate for audiobooks during multitasking, such as driving or jogging, I prefer to be fully immersed in the activity or in my surroundings. Whether it's the sounds of nature or my own thoughts, there isn't a scenario where an audiobook fits into my life.
