I agree wholeheartedly. Ebooks will one day replace hard copy books. It is inevitable, unavoidable, and undeniable. Just like the vinyl record industry, sure you can still find vinyl records today, and a small group of people still listen to them and have record players, but they are the minority. With that said, there will still be die-hard fans of traditional books that refuse to cross over. As for me I love books, I read all the time. At one time I owned a personal library of over 2,000 books and magazines most of which I had read completely, more than once. Back in the day before ebooks, my main complaint as an author, speaker, business consultant was, when I am away from my home office I do not have at my disposal the vast arsenal of information I had accumulated in my library. As ebooks started to become more popular I instantly became a fan. Since I use my books for reference many times, it is not uncommon for me to use a book to the point of wearing it out, ebooks are a welcome breath of fresh air. The pages never crack, tear, fade or fall out. Upon moving to Southeast Asia I quickly learned a new reason to be an ebook fan. Termites absolutely love books. Myself a book lover, although I have never eaten a book. You can imagine my total shock and horror to discover half of my new 150 book mini library was infested with termites in less than 30 days. I made this horrific discovery one day when I reached over from my desk to grab one of my most used and favorite books by Peter Drucker, opened it only to discover tunnels, mazes, and a family of termites living in it. I have right now on my hard drive over 15,000 ebooks that cover every topic I am interested in, from web design to astrology, mathematics, novels, interior design, children's stories, recipe books, biographies, the list goes on and on. No matter where I am in the world, I have my library at my finger tips.

Mary - i am not sure i agree with your two reasons that ebooks are better. You say ebooks are more convenient to carry around? in your back pocket on a bicycle? climbing in the mountains? I have had wonderful opportunities to share books whilst travelling around the world - I meet someone, we swap books and their only memory is of the fine new literature they have introduced me to - ebooks can't do that because of the rules of purchase. And what about the batteries and power that is needed for ebooks - if you are in the wilderness a book is great to read and when you are finished you can use it to wipe your ***. try that with a kindle!! As far as how long a book can be preserved, throw it against a wall, or off a balcony or even drop it in the bath - it might be damaged but you can still enjoy it - not an ebook Finally, the comment I aways hear is that people say you can carry hundreds and thousands of books with you anywhere - well frankly i can only read a few at a time so for me - i will stick to . . . . just a book :))

I like to read a traditional book , not an e-book.I never enjoy reading them :(((

As for me I can't change paper book on e-book, never! Because when I read the book I communicate with it, with its personages, heroes; I like to breathe the smell of the book, to blow away the dust and flipping the old yellow pages....every book has own spirit......e-book will never replace traditional book for me!:)))))))))))))) Yes, they are more convenient, but they don't have "soul"...

I totally agree with you!!! I have a Kindle 3 and it's really useful but I don't think it can replace the traditional books. I enjoy the joy of flipping books.