And another thing ...

[Cymraes]

Not only are e-books no less expensive, if not more so, than hard copies but the Kindle versions of the same downloadable books appear to be cheaper than the e-pub versions.

Die, dastardly device, die so that I can replace you with a Kindle .... (just not when I'm in the middle of a good read though please!).

[Drumzman]

Hi Cymraes,

Only thing that is worth considering is that joining a local library allows you to borrow eBooks for free (where they offer the service) - result!:smileygrin:

From what I can gather (certainly in the case of my public library) you can only do this with ereaders that use e-Pub format.  Could be worth giving it a whirl, I read most of my eBooks this way now!

Happy reading!

[carpetmojo]

That's fine if your local Library authority has ebooks, but most require residential or workplace qualification.

But their are excellent libraries around the world that allow foreigners to join, among them Singapore, and the Philadelphia Library (who charge an annual fee for outside the States, $35 at present, just went up 'cos it was so popular. Both have extensive digital collections, ebooks, audio, and other resources. Singapore use Copia Overdrive, a free d/load.

Details of these can be found on "MobileRead Forums" , and a contributor has also compiled a list, updated every 2 months or so, of UK libraries that have digital resources, and how you can join - or not. The Forum is very useful to sign up to anyway, it has been going a long while, and is specifically for ereaders.

Hope that is of help.

[Cymraes]

Thanks both. Despite having a new, award-winning central library building, offering free internet access among other things, my local authority doesn't seem to offer e-book loans.

I'm sure you get the general gist of my moan tho' - why should e-books be more expensive than the physical things when they don't incur printing or distribution costs, and other overheads; and why are e-books for Kindles cheaper? Must be something to do with the giant online shop that's behind them ...

[Drumzman]

Shame about your local library, it's a good service where it's available, but completely understand your point.  A question for publishers and retailers I guess - I heard some interesting statistics on the news recently about the growth of eBook sales (here and in the US) and while there's a way to go to catch up with traditional sales it looks like momentum is gathering - enough to make sellers of eBooks really start to sit up and take notice when it comes to pricing I wonder.....:smileyconfused: