Numismatic books is a side hobby of mine, and I'm not sure I would even want to read a book online, or on a computer at all. I am curious if you guys feel the same way, or if you prefer a PDF. It seems with a PDF file your restricted to a computer, and for most that means a computer desk. I guess ebook readers, might change things up a bit in the coming years... Maybe I'll do another poll in a few years.
Interesting poll, as I am weighing buying a copy of the Dalton & Hamer Conder token reference before it's entirely sold out (+/- $150) or a new expanded PDF version for $46. I love real books, but may purchase both so I can have the PDF available at work. I voted for the paper book, but I'm comfortable with both.
Prefer real paper. But hey, I'm a classic bathroom reader. Never touched a kindle. Have read things in PDF but I have a nice wide screen to do it on. Still prefer the old real paper though on the book shelf.
I have a number of references (not just numismatic) in electronic form that I do, in fact, read and use. Such reference material, contrary to popular belief, has not been constrained to the use of a desktop computer or laptop for years now. I use an old iPaq rz1710 Pocket PC when I'm "out and about". I can put any number of notes, and carry a number of references on an SDHD card, including CDNs and scans of Red/Blue book pages. It is easily turned on and off. With instant on, I push a button and I'm right back to the page I left off on. Electronic (pdf) format is a very portable way of "taking your books with you". However, I still prefer to have and read the majority of my reference materials in paper form. For one, it is much easier on the eyes. When conducting research, it is much easier to spread out a number of books than to be switching virtual desktops on the PC to see the data all at once, or to compare quotes, or similarities in thought. Paper format allow a wider spreading of material and a faster scanning with the eyes. I have found it much harder to speed read an LCD screen than paper and ink. If I had to make the choice of exclusively one or the other, I would pick paper any day!
ive got to say for all the time i spend playing games/checking stuff on my pc its refreshing to look at a book once in a while.
I really like having access to resources without having to open my laptop , but if I was only allowed to purchase 1 format ( PDF or Hardcover ) , I would pick PDF because it is much easier to print out all the pages in a PDF than it is to scan in a Hardcover book. Believe me , I have spent many many hours scanning paper sheetmusic into the computer and it is tedious.
Can we vote for both? What I like about a coin catalog as a PDF is, I can easily use that on a computer (desktop, netbook), even on a phone (mine has a fairly big screen, still a bit small for PDF but it works). Of course, when I have the printed catalog right next to me, I use that as it is (or feels) faster. When it comes to other books, such as background material, I definitely prefer the printed version. A book that I buy is mine, I can read it wherever I want to. With a digital version, I would have to worry about whether some third party decides that it is not suitable for me, or decides to remotely delete it. And yes, do ask again in a few years. Christian
I recently bought a 2010 Krause which came with a cd. I almost didn't even put it in the computer, but I'm glad I did. I use it exclusively, and with the ability to search and the clickable country index, it's faster and easier than using the book. I even copied the PDF to the hard drive for faster access. Plus it doesn't tie up the cd drive. That being said, if I had only one choice I would take the book. It's not going to crash any time in the near future and be lost forever. It'll disintegrate eventually, but not while I'm alive.
There's so much more information available and constantly being updated and easier to access on online without even buying or ordering a reference book that electronic or digital sources seem the only way to go. Numismatic books do take up a lot of space in ones home or shop/office. Older books have lower quality reproductions and most paper books are outdated prior to reaching the store shelves, plus information such as values is almost pointless to put in printed books because of the way the market moves online-- so much more quickly than the pre-digital era. I'm more than ready for digital formats, online sources, discs (even this seems outmoded) and especially PDFs. I recently got a free ANA membership and immediately set up the e-Numismatist going without the offered printed copy. It's a great thing, every bit as full of information and easily readable as the magazine. It's easy to download and take with your or share in email. If you have trouble with eyesight you can zoom in and read in large print, print out a copy of a page only if you need it for something. I also subscribe to Coin World online and read their digital magazine. I only wish more of the Coin and Currency pubs would have full digital versions and allow downloads of the entire content in PDF form. I know most are concerned with copyright issues and controlling reproduction of their content but that is being shortsighted on the publishers behalf. There is also a certain environmental responsibility that many of us in this age have accepted by going to digital formats. Given that the hobby of coin collecting has a huge environmental impact from the metals mined and refined and the entire process of production and distribution of coins, special issues created and shipped in unique packaging for collectors, all the plastics of TPGs entering the world, transactions from auctions leading to transporting things we buy door-to-door to us and packed in physical materials that end up in the bin... there's just so much about coins alone that can be super bad for the environment that opting for digital format books, publications and such is the least we ought to consider doing to save a little on production costs as well as ecological impact.
Actually, you don't have to be restricted to a desk for PDF forms of the hardcopy reference guides what with the netbooks that are smaller than laptops, in most instances, and can be taken anywhere.
I really prefer paper books. Electronic books are much better for research because of things like advanced search and cut/paste but they'll never replace a good paper book for a comfortable late evening reading session.
I voted for paper. I am a hard copy newspaper reader (weekends only), Coin World paper reader, and read many things on line, too. I have even copied many articles onto my word processor and listed many thing on my ebooks folder. I read a book or mag almost every night; it helps in falling to sleep. I've always had a book or magazine while relaxing on the beach or in the mountains, camping. I know my next computer will be a laptop, so I can see my vote may change in the years to come. It's easy enough to carry volumes of info on a USB memory device, so I know I'll be doing that when I go portable. Bruce
I voted for paper, primarily because the books I use most are not available in a PDF format, or on-line. Many times I am looking at something on line and need to consult a reference. With more computing power I could have multiple windows open on multiple displays, but I'm not there yet.
