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E-books
Can the humble book really be improved upon?
May.30
PRO
Some say printed words have been responsible for the Renaissance, religious reformations and revolutions. Now, books, pamphlets and newspapers are experiencing a revolution of their own – the electronic revolution.
Mini libraries on the go
Every year, electronic books are capturing more and more of the printed page market – and for some good reasons. The first and most obvious is the huge capacity that an e-book reader has. With this hand-held gadget – no bigger than an ordinary hardcover book – you can carry around bookshelves worth of books under your arm!
What’s to read?
In addition to thousands of classic titles, the amount of new, instantly available digital material is impressive and growing. For example, 100 of the 112 titles on the current New York Times bestseller list are available in e-book editions – at less than their hardcover prices. And now, e-book readers are being coupled with wireless technology to provide access to an even greater selection, including daily newspapers and weekly magazines.
No strain
Aging eyes will appreciate the e-book reader’s enlargeable font size and special e-ink, an invention that makes e-book text clear and easy on the eyes.
Don’t resist the revolution! E-books are here to stay!
Word Bank:
Renaissance(n.) 文艺复兴
The Renaissance was a period of renewed interest in art, science and literature.
pamphlet(n.) 小册子
After Joan got off the plane, she got a pamphlet which explains the local bus routes.
gadget(n.) (精巧的)小器具
Julie always buys the latest kitchen gadgets to help make the job of cooking easier.
strain(n.) 吃力，使劲
Be careful! Lifting those heavy boxes can put too much strain on your back muscles.
CON
A short history lesson
A few decades ago, everyone praised the digitized sound quality of the CD. It was hailed as a technological triumph! Later, people began to feel that perhaps the sound was too clean, too cold and too sterile. How many listeners and musicians have since longed for the warmth and feeling of analog sound? I predict a similar thing will happen with e-books. After the hype dies down, we’ll start to realize what we’ve lost. The feel, the smell, the indescribable joy and comfort of a real book - all are perfectly designed and functional, no owner’s manual or batteries needed. Yes, ditching the book and curing up with an electrical apparatus will surely leave us feeling cold.
An expensive device
Why carry around another expensive device that you can easily lose? If you lose a paperback, you’re only out about $8.00 instead of several hundred.
The subtle advantages of paper
In the bookshop, in your favorite easy chair, or by your child’s bed, books - many with colorful images - invite us to browse and relax. Digitized books, in contrast, incite us to consume, to stay busy and to stay moving. E-books may find a following, but they will never match or replace the perfection that is the book.
Now what’s your viewpoint?
Word Bank:
hail(v.) 为……喝彩
Tom Roberts’ new film is being hailedas a success by the critics.
sterile(adj.) 了无新意的
Our office looks very sterilebecause our boss doesn’t allow plants or pictures on our desks.
ditch(v.) 抛弃；摆脱
Because of the huge snowstorm, everyone had to ditch their holiday travel plans.
incite(v.) 引发；激起
The new movie about the environment incitedfeelings of anger.
v. 消耗，花费，挥霍
