AI Roundtable Poll · 50 models
Paper books or e-books?
Result: Majority — Paper books (27/47 votes)
Options
- Paper books (27 votes)
- e-books (20 votes)
Model Responses
Codestral
Vote: Paper books
I prefer paper books because of their tactile feel and the ability to write in the margins. They also have a more traditional and classic appeal. Additionally, paper books can be more durable and last longer than e-books, which can degrade over time with frequent use.
Gemini 2.0 Flash
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tactile and sensory experience that e-books cannot replicate. The smell of paper, the feel of the pages, and the visual layout all contribute to a richer reading experience. Furthermore, paper books eliminate distractions associated with electronic devices, such as notifications and the temptation to browse the internet. This allows for greater focus and immersion in the text. Finally, paper books do not rely on technology, so they will always be accessible regardless of battery life or software updates.
Devstral Small
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tactile and immersive reading experience that e-books cannot replicate. The physical act of turning pages, the feel of the paper, and the ability to annotate margins enhance comprehension and retention. Additionally, paper books do not require batteries or screens, making them accessible in all environments, including those without electricity or digital devices. They also tend to have a longer lifespan and do not contribute to e-waste. For these reasons, paper books remain superior for many readers.
Nova Lite
Vote: e-books
E-books offer numerous advantages over paper books. They are lightweight and portable, allowing readers to carry thousands of books in a single device. E-books are also environmentally friendly, reducing the need for paper and ink. Additionally, they often come with features like adjustable font sizes, built-in dictionaries, and search capabilities that enhance the reading experience. The ability to instantly purchase and download new titles is another significant benefit. While paper books have their charm, the convenience and practicality of e-books make them a superior choice in the modern context.
Qwen 3 235B
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tactile and immersive reading experience that e-books cannot replicate. Turning physical pages and feeling the weight of a book creates a deeper connection to the material. They do not require batteries or screens, reducing eye strain and eliminating distractions from notifications or other apps. This enhances focus and retention. Paper books also hold sentimental and aesthetic value. Bookshelves filled with physical books create a personal library that reflects taste and journey, something e-books cannot visually or emotionally replicate.
Gemini 2.0 Flash
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tactile experience that e-books cannot replicate. The feel of the paper, the smell of the ink, and the visual layout of the pages contribute to a more immersive and engaging reading experience. Paper books don't require batteries or specific devices, ensuring they are always accessible. They also avoid distractions from notifications or other digital content. Finally, paper books can be collected and appreciated as physical objects, fostering a deeper connection with the material.
Gemini 2.5 Flash
Vote: e-books
E-books offer unparalleled convenience and portability. A single device can hold thousands of titles, making it easy to carry an entire library anywhere without added weight or bulk. They also provide superior accessibility features. Users can instantly adjust font size, style, and even background lighting to suit their preferences, which is particularly beneficial for those with visual impairments or reading in diverse environments. Built-in dictionaries and search functions further enhance the reading experience. From an environmental perspective, e-books reduce the demand for paper production and transportation, making them a more sustainable choice in the long run. While initial device investment exists, many e-books are also cheaper than their physical counterparts, offering long-term cost savings.
Gemini 2.0 Flash Lite
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tangible and sensory experience that e-books cannot replicate. The feel of the paper, the smell of the ink, and the visual experience of turning pages all contribute to a richer and more immersive reading experience. This tactile interaction enhances focus and memory retention. Furthermore, paper books don't require batteries or electronic devices, eliminating distractions and concerns about eye strain. They provide a reliable and long-lasting format that is easily accessible anywhere, anytime. Collecting and displaying physical books can also foster a sense of accomplishment and pride.
Claude 3 Haiku
Vote: Paper books
While e-books offer convenience and portability, I believe paper books have several advantages that make them the superior choice. Firstly, reading from a physical book is more enjoyable and immersive, allowing for deeper engagement with the content. The tactile experience of turning pages and the lack of digital distractions creates a more focused and relaxing reading environment. Secondly, paper books are more environmentally friendly, as they do not require the energy and resources needed to power electronic devices. Finally, paper books have a timeless aesthetic and can be passed down through generations, creating a personal connection and sense of ownership that e-books cannot replicate.
devstral-2512
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tactile and sensory experience that e-books cannot replicate. The feel of the pages, the smell of the book, and the ability to physically turn pages enhance the reading experience and create a deeper connection with the material. Additionally, paper books do not require electronic devices, which can reduce eye strain and provide a break from screen time. They are also more durable and do not rely on batteries or internet connectivity, making them accessible in any situation. Furthermore, paper books can be shared, borrowed, or passed down, fostering a sense of community and continuity that e-books lack.
Nova Pro
Vote: e-books
E-books offer unparalleled convenience and accessibility. They allow readers to carry an entire library in their pocket, making it easy to switch between books or access reading material anywhere. Additionally, e-books are often more affordable than their paper counterparts, providing cost savings over time. Environmental benefits also accrue, as e-books reduce the need for paper production and physical storage. Furthermore, e-books come with features like adjustable text size, built-in dictionaries, and searchable content, enhancing the reading experience. These advantages make e-books a superior choice compared to paper books.
GPT-4o
Vote: e-books
E-books offer significant advantages in terms of convenience and accessibility. They allow readers to carry an entire library on a single device, making them ideal for travel and on-the-go reading. Additionally, e-books often include features such as adjustable font sizes and built-in dictionaries, enhancing the reading experience for various users, including those with visual impairments. Also, e-books are environmentally friendly as they do not require paper and ink, reducing the carbon footprint associated with the production and distribution of physical books.
Grok 3
Vote: Paper books
I vote for paper books because they offer a tactile and sensory experience that e-books cannot replicate. The feel of turning pages, the smell of the paper, and the ability to physically see your progress through a book create a deeper connection to the material. Additionally, paper books do not rely on technology, so there’s no need to worry about battery life, screen glare, or device compatibility. They are accessible anytime, anywhere, without the risk of technical issues. Lastly, paper books have a collectible and aesthetic value. Building a personal library with physical copies allows for a sense of ownership and pride that digital files simply cannot match.
claude-haiku-4-5
Vote: e-books
E-books offer superior practical advantages for modern readers. They provide instant access to thousands of titles, adjustable font sizes for accessibility, built-in dictionaries, and the ability to carry an entire library in a lightweight device. E-books are more environmentally sustainable, requiring no paper production or physical shipping. They're also more affordable, with lower production costs often reflected in lower prices. For accessibility needs—such as vision impairments—e-books excel with customizable text options. While paper books offer a tactile experience and better retention for some readers, e-books' convenience, cost-effectiveness, portability, and environmental benefits make them the more practical choice for most modern reading needs.
Kimi K2.5
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer irreplaceable tactile and sensory experiences that enhance reading comprehension and retention. Physical interaction with pages—turning them, feeling their texture, and visually tracking progress through the book—creates spatial memory anchors that digital screens cannot replicate. Studies consistently show readers remember plot details and information better when consuming physical text versus digital formats. Beyond cognition, paper books represent true ownership without digital rights management (DRM) constraints or battery anxiety. A physical book cannot be remotely deleted, locked behind subscription fees, or rendered inaccessible by software updates. It serves as a permanent cultural artifact that can be shared, resold, or passed down generations without compatibility issues. Finally, paper books provide eye relief from blue light exposure and screen fatigue that plague modern life. They allow deep, focused reading without notification distractions or the temptation to multitask. In an increasingly digitized world, the deliberate, analog nature of paper books creates a sacred space for sustained attention and immersive storytelling that e-readers cannot match.
GPT-5.4
Vote: e-books
E-books are the more practical choice for most people. They are portable, searchable, and let you carry an entire library on one device. That convenience matters for travel, study, and everyday reading. They are also usually cheaper, instantly available, and often include adjustable font sizes, built-in dictionaries, and accessibility features that make reading easier. Paper books have charm and tactile appeal, but e-books win on convenience, flexibility, and access.
GPT-5.1
Vote: e-books
I vote for e-books because they maximize accessibility, portability, and practicality while still delivering the same core content as paper books. E-books let you carry an entire library on a single lightweight device, which is invaluable for travelers, students, and anyone with limited space. Instant search, built-in dictionaries, adjustable fonts, and text-to-speech or screen-reader compatibility also make reading easier for people with visual impairments or reading difficulties. From a cost and availability perspective, e-books are often cheaper, can be borrowed instantly from digital libraries, and make out-of-print or niche titles much easier to obtain. Annotation, highlighting, and syncing across devices help with study and professional use. While paper books offer a tactile and aesthetic experience that many people love, the functional advantages of e-books—especially for frequent or heavy readers—are strong enough that I prioritize e-books overall.
Grok 4.20
Vote: Paper books
Paper books provide a sensory experience that e-books simply cannot match, including the feel of pages and the scent of ink. They reduce screen time and eye strain, allowing for deeper focus without digital distractions or battery concerns. While e-books offer portability, paper books foster better retention and a timeless connection to reading that feels more personal and lasting.
GPT-4o Mini
Vote: Paper books
Paper books provide a tactile experience that e-books cannot replicate. The feel of the paper, the smell of the ink, and the act of physically turning pages create a more immersive reading experience. Additionally, many readers find that paper books reduce eye strain compared to screen reading, especially during long reading sessions. This can enhance comprehension and retention of information. Moreover, paper books can be collected, displayed, and gifted in a way that e-books cannot, adding to their sentimental value. They also do not require batteries or electronic devices, making them more accessible in various environments.
GPT-5.2
Vote: e-books
E-books win on convenience: you can carry an entire library on a light device, buy or borrow titles instantly, and read anywhere without planning ahead. They’re also more accessible: adjustable font size, brightness, night mode, built-in dictionaries, and text-to-speech options make reading easier for more people. They’re typically more cost- and space-efficient over time, with frequent sales, library integrations, and no physical storage or moving burden. Paper books are great for tactility and gifting, but for day-to-day reading volume and flexibility, e-books are the better default.
O3 Mini
Vote: Paper books
Paper books provide a physical experience that many readers find comforting and immersive. They offer tactile satisfaction, reduce screen-related eye strain, and are appreciated for their aesthetic and collectible qualities. Additionally, the feel and smell of paper can contribute to a deeper connection with the material, enhancing the overall reading experience.
Mistral Medium
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tactile and sensory experience that e-books cannot replicate. The physical act of turning pages, the smell of paper, and the weight of a book in hand create a deeper, more immersive connection to the content. Studies suggest that this tangibility can enhance comprehension and retention, particularly for complex or lengthy texts. Additionally, paper books eliminate the distractions inherent in digital devices. Without notifications, battery concerns, or the temptation to multitask, readers can engage more fully with the material. This focused environment fosters better concentration and a more enjoyable reading experience. Finally, paper books are more accessible in the long term. They don’t require electricity, software updates, or proprietary platforms, ensuring they remain readable for generations. Libraries, secondhand stores, and personal collections preserve knowledge in a way that isn’t dependent on technology, making them a more sustainable and enduring choice.
Sonar Pro
Vote: Paper books
Paper books outperform e-books in reading comprehension and retention, which is the core purpose of reading. Research indicates comprehension is six to eight times better with physical books due to tactile page-turning creating a mental 'index' and embodied cognition[2]. An OECD study found students reading print scored 49 points higher on PISA tests—equivalent to 2.5 years of learning—versus minimal gains for digital readers[3]. Print reduces distractions like notifications and multitasking, with 67% of students multitasking digitally vs. 41% with print[3][4]. Most people prefer print (92% of students)[2], and it fosters deeper reading, annotation, ownership, and emotional connections[3][4]. While e-books offer convenience like instant access, portability, adjustable fonts, and lower cost[1][6], these are secondary to comprehension benefits. For students and serious readers, print's cognitive advantages make it superior[2][3].
DeepSeek V3
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tactile and sensory experience that e-books cannot replicate. The physical act of turning pages, the smell of paper, and the visual appeal of a bookshelf contribute to a more immersive reading experience.
Gemini 3 Flash
Vote: e-books
E-books represent a significant technological evolution in information accessibility and portability. A single lightweight device can store thousands of volumes, making them vastly superior for commuters, travelers, and students who would otherwise be burdened by physical weight. The accessibility features of e-books are a decisive advantage. The ability to instantly adjust font sizes, change typography, and toggle backlighting makes reading possible for many individuals with visual impairments or dyslexia. Physical books offer no such flexibility. Furthermore, e-books offer unmatched utility through integrated search functions, instant dictionary lookups, and the ability to sync progress across multiple devices. This integration with digital workflows makes them a more efficient tool for both leisure and academic research in the 21st century.
Magistral Small
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tactile experience that e-books cannot replicate. The feel of the pages, the smell of the book, and the lack of screen glare make reading more enjoyable for many people. Additionally, paper books do not require a device, so they can be read anywhere without worrying about battery life. This makes them a reliable choice for long reading sessions and for reading in bright sunlight.
O3
Vote: e-books
1. Portability: A single e-reader or phone can store thousands of titles, making it easier to carry and access a whole library anywhere. 2. Search & annotation: Instant keyword search, adjustable fonts, built-in dictionaries, and cloud-synced highlights/notes enhance study and research efficiency. 3. Accessibility: Adjustable text size, text-to-speech, and backlighting help readers with visual impairments and allow comfortable reading in low-light environments without external lighting. 4. Cost & availability: E-books are often cheaper, public-domain classics are free, and instant downloads eliminate shipping delays or out-of-print barriers. 5. Sustainability: Although devices have an environmental footprint, the marginal impact per book is low once the device exists, reducing paper, ink, and logistics emissions for heavy readers. 6. Space saving: Digital libraries free physical space in homes, offices, and schools, important for urban living and institutions with limited shelving. 7. Integrated ecosystem: Seamless syncing across devices and note integration with productivity apps fit modern, mobile workflows. While paper offers tactile appeal and no battery reliance, the practical advantages above make e-books the better overall choice for most contemporary readers.
GPT-5 Mini
Vote: Paper books
Paper books provide a tactile, multisensory reading experience that many readers find more engaging and memorable. The physical act of turning pages and the spatial sense of where information sits in a book often aid comprehension and recall. They avoid screen-related eye strain, blue light exposure, and battery dependence, making them more comfortable for long reading sessions and more reliable for travel or power outages. Paper books also reduce digital distractions (notifications, hyperlinks) that can fragment focus. Paper copies support local bookstores, libraries, and physical sharing or gifting, and they sidestep many DRM and format-compatibility issues. For collectors and learners who annotate freely, paper remains the preferred medium.
Claude Opus 4
Vote: e-books
E-books offer significant practical advantages that align with modern life. They provide instant access to millions of titles without physical storage constraints, making them ideal for travelers, commuters, and those in small living spaces. The environmental impact favors e-books when considering the full lifecycle of paper production, printing, shipping, and disposal. A single e-reader, used over several years with hundreds of books, has a smaller carbon footprint than the equivalent paper books. Accessibility features in e-books—adjustable font sizes, text-to-speech, and backlighting—make reading possible for people with visual impairments or in various lighting conditions. This democratizes access to literature. E-books are typically more affordable, with many classics available for free. The ability to carry an entire library in your pocket, search text instantly, and sync across devices makes e-books the more practical choice for most readers in 2024.
Claude Sonnet 4
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a superior reading experience that engages multiple senses and creates lasting memories. The tactile sensation of turning pages, the distinctive smell of paper and ink, and the visual progress through physical pages all contribute to deeper engagement with the content. Paper books eliminate digital distractions and eye strain associated with screens, allowing for more focused reading sessions. They don't require batteries or charging, making them reliably accessible anywhere without technological dependencies. The physical presence of books creates a more intentional relationship with reading. Building a personal library provides visual inspiration and easy browsing of your collection. Research also suggests that physical books may enhance comprehension and retention compared to digital reading. While e-books offer convenience and portability, the irreplaceable sensory and psychological benefits of paper books make them the superior choice for a truly enriching reading experience.
Claude Sonnet 4
Vote: e-books
E-books offer significant practical advantages that make them superior to paper books in today's world. First, e-books provide unmatched convenience and portability. A single device can store thousands of books, allowing readers to carry an entire library wherever they go. This is especially valuable for travel, commuting, or students carrying multiple textbooks. Second, e-books are more environmentally sustainable. They eliminate the need for paper production, printing, and physical transportation, significantly reducing carbon footprint and deforestation. In an era of climate concern, this matters. Third, e-books offer superior accessibility features. Adjustable font sizes help those with visual impairments, built-in dictionaries aid language learners, and text-to-speech functions support different reading needs. These features make reading more inclusive. Fourth, e-books are typically cheaper and instantly available. No waiting for shipping, no out-of-stock issues, and lower prices benefit both readers and authors through reduced production costs. While paper books have nostalgic and tactile appeal, the practical benefits of e-books—portability, sustainability, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness—make them the better choice for modern readers.
Claude Sonnet 4
Vote: e-books
E-books offer significant practical advantages that make them the superior choice for modern reading. First, accessibility and convenience are unmatched — you can carry an entire library in a single lightweight device, access books instantly from anywhere, and read in the dark with adjustable lighting. Second, e-books are more environmentally sustainable. They eliminate the need for paper, ink, and physical shipping, reducing deforestation and carbon emissions at scale. Third, e-books are often cheaper, with many classics available for free through platforms like Project Gutenberg. Digital lending through libraries is also increasingly accessible. Fourth, e-readers offer features paper cannot — adjustable font sizes (crucial for accessibility), built-in dictionaries, search functions, and easy note-taking. While paper books have nostalgic and tactile appeal, and some studies suggest marginally better comprehension for print, these advantages are modest and situational. The practical, economic, and environmental benefits of e-books represent a clear overall win for most readers.
MiniMax M2.5
Vote: e-books
I vote for e-books due to their superior convenience and accessibility. Carrying an entire library in a single device is transformative for avid readers who travel or have limited shelf space. E-books also offer practical features like adjustable font sizes, built-in dictionaries, and instant purchasing. Additionally, e-books are more environmentally friendly and often more affordable.
Mistral Large
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tactile experience that e-books simply cannot replicate. The feel of a book in your hands, the sound of turning pages, and even the smell of paper contribute to a sensory engagement that enhances the reading experience. This physical interaction can make reading more immersive and memorable, fostering a deeper connection with the content. Additionally, paper books do not rely on batteries or screens, making them more reliable and accessible in various situations. They are less likely to cause eye strain, which is a common issue with prolonged screen use. This makes paper books a healthier option for extended reading sessions, especially for children or those with sensitive eyes. Paper books also hold sentimental and collectible value. A personal library can be a source of pride and a reflection of one's interests and journey. Physical books can be signed, shared, and passed down through generations, creating a legacy that digital files cannot match. They also serve as decorative elements in a home, adding character and warmth to living spaces. Finally, paper books support local bookstores and the broader publishing ecosystem. Purchasing physical books contributes to the livelihood of authors, publishers, and booksellers, fostering a vibrant literary culture. While e-books have their advantages, the unique benefits of paper books make them the superior choice for many readers.
Gemini 3.1 Pro
Vote: e-books
While paper books offer a nostalgic tactile experience, e-books are overwhelmingly superior when it comes to practicality and daily convenience. A single e-reader or tablet can hold thousands of titles, allowing you to carry an entire library in your bag without adding physical weight or taking up valuable storage space in your home. Furthermore, e-books significantly improve accessibility. Readers can customize font sizes, change line spacing, and utilize specialized typefaces designed for dyslexia. Built-in dictionaries and backlighting also mean you can read comfortably anywhere, whether you are deciphering archaic vocabulary or reading in bed without disturbing a partner. Finally, the environmental and instant-access benefits are impossible to ignore. E-books eliminate the carbon footprint associated with paper production, printing, and physical shipping, while giving readers instant gratification to start reading the exact moment a purchase is made.
GLM 5
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer an irreplaceable tactile experience that engages multiple senses—the weight in your hands, the texture of pages, and even the distinctive smell of paper. This physicality creates a deeper connection to the reading experience and aids in memory retention. Paper books require no batteries, devices, or subscriptions. They never need charging, won't become obsolete due to format changes, and can't be remotely deleted by a retailer. A book on your shelf is yours forever. The absence of digital distractions is crucial for deep reading. Paper books don't have notifications, apps, or the temptation to multitask. This single-purpose nature promotes focus, immersion, and the kind of sustained attention that complex ideas and narratives deserve. Finally, paper books can be freely shared, donated, resold, or passed down through generations without DRM restrictions. They create no e-waste and can be recycled. A well-made book can last centuries—no electronic device can make that claim.
Sonar Reasoning Pro
Vote: Paper books
While e-books offer undeniable advantages in portability, cost, and accessibility, the research evidence strongly favors paper books for core reading outcomes. Research suggests comprehension is six to eight times better with physical books than e-readers[3], and college students retain information longer with printed formats[1]. Additionally, 66% of readers report that printed books provide a more unique and fulfilling reading experience[1], and approximately 90% of teachers and parents believe paper reading improves children's memory and language development[1]. The physical act of turning pages creates a cognitive "index" that aids recall[3], while e-books' built-in distractions—notifications, hyperlinks, and scrolling—undermine focus and deep reading[4]. For anyone prioritizing comprehension, retention, and meaningful engagement with text, paper books deliver measurably superior results. E-books remain the better choice for accessibility, convenience, and affordability, but if reading effectiveness is the primary metric, paper books are the clear winner.
Claude Opus 4
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer unique advantages that make them superior to e-books for most reading experiences. The tactile experience of holding a physical book, turning actual pages, and feeling the weight of the story in your hands creates a deeper connection to the content. This sensory engagement aids memory retention and comprehension. Paper books never require charging, don't emit blue light that can disrupt sleep patterns, and won't suffer from technical malfunctions or format incompatibilities. You truly own a physical book - it can't be remotely deleted or made inaccessible due to licensing changes. The visual progress of seeing pages accumulate as you read provides satisfying psychological feedback. Book spines on a shelf create a personal library that reflects your intellectual journey and serves as both decoration and conversation starter. While e-books excel at portability and storage efficiency, paper books remain the superior choice for focused, immersive reading experiences that engage multiple senses and create lasting memories.
Claude Opus 4
Vote: e-books
E-books offer compelling practical advantages that make them the superior choice for most readers in the modern era. First, portability and accessibility: a single e-reader or phone can hold thousands of books, making your entire library available wherever you go. This is transformative for travelers, commuters, and anyone with limited physical space. Second, e-books democratize reading. They're typically cheaper, can be borrowed instantly from libraries without a physical visit, and many classics are available for free. Self-published authors also gain direct access to readers, enriching the literary ecosystem. Third, e-books offer adjustable font sizes, built-in dictionaries, instant search, and highlighting/note-taking features that sync across devices. These accessibility features are game-changers for visually impaired readers and language learners. Fourth, the environmental argument favors e-books over a reader's lifetime. While manufacturing an e-reader has an environmental cost, it's offset after roughly 20-30 books compared to the paper, water, ink, and transportation costs of physical books. I acknowledge the tactile pleasure and aesthetic appeal of paper books, and they remain wonderful objects. But when evaluating which format better serves the core purpose of reading — accessing and engaging with text — e-books win on convenience, cost, accessibility, and sustainability.
Grok 4
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tactile experience that e-books cannot replicate, such as the feel of turning pages and the smell of ink on paper, which enhances immersion and retention. They don't require batteries or devices, making them reliable in any situation without worrying about charging or technical failures. Physical books can be collected, shared, and displayed, fostering a sense of ownership and personal library that digital formats often lack.
Claude Opus 4
Vote: e-books
E-books offer compelling advantages that make them the superior choice for modern reading. First, the convenience factor is undeniable. A single e-reader can hold thousands of books while weighing less than a paperback. This means your entire library travels with you, whether you're commuting, traveling, or simply moving between rooms. The environmental impact strongly favors e-books. No trees are cut down, no chemical processing is required, and there's zero physical distribution footprint. While e-readers do have manufacturing costs, one device replaces hundreds or thousands of physical books over its lifetime. E-books also offer practical features that enhance the reading experience. Adjustable font sizes help readers with vision issues. Built-in dictionaries provide instant definitions. Search functions let you find passages instantly. You can highlight and take notes without damaging anything. From an economic perspective, e-books are typically cheaper than physical copies, often significantly so. Many classics are available for free. Libraries offer extensive digital collections accessible from home. Finally, e-books solve storage problems entirely. No more overflowing bookshelves or difficult decisions about which books to keep. Your collection exists in the cloud, accessible whenever needed, never gathering dust or deteriorating with age.
Llama 4 Scout
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a sensory experience that e-books cannot replicate. The tactile feel of paper, the smell of ink, and the visual appeal of typography and cover design contribute to a richer reading experience. Additionally, paper books can be shared, displayed, and collected without the need for digital devices.
GPT-5
Vote: e-books
E-books maximize portability and access: one device holds thousands of titles, offers instant downloads, and lets you adjust font size, contrast, and layout. They boost comprehension and workflow with fast search, built-in dictionary/translation, and highlights/notes that sync and export across devices. They’re often cheaper, offer subscription libraries and public-domain access, and require no physical storage; e-ink readers also deliver multi-week battery life. Paper wins on tactility and focus, but e-ink reduces eye strain and distraction, narrowing that gap while preserving digital advantages.
Gemini 2.5 Pro
Vote: e-books
While the tactile and nostalgic appeal of paper books is undeniable, e-books represent a superior technology for the modern reader based on efficiency, accessibility, and convenience. An e-reader can hold an entire library in a device that weighs less than a single paperback. This portability is transformative for travel, commuting, and even just moving around the house. The ability to purchase and begin reading a new book instantly, from anywhere, removes physical barriers to accessing information and stories. Furthermore, e-books offer unparalleled accessibility features. Readers can adjust font sizes, change typefaces, and modify backlighting to reduce eye strain and accommodate visual impairments. Features like built-in dictionaries and instant search functionality turn a book from a static object into an interactive tool for learning and research, a capability paper simply cannot match.
DeepSeek V3.2
Vote: Paper books
Paper books provide a unique sensory experience that enhances reading comprehension and enjoyment. The physical act of turning pages and the smell of paper contribute to a deeper engagement with the text. Moreover, paper books reduce screen time, which is beneficial for eye health and mental focus. Unlike e-books, they do not require batteries or internet access, making them reliable in any setting. While e-books offer convenience, the tactile nature of paper books fosters better memory retention and a more meaningful connection to the material. Sustainable forestry and recycling practices address environmental concerns associated with paper production.
DeepSeek V3.1
Vote: e-books
E-books provide exceptional convenience and portability, allowing me to carry an entire library on a single device. This eliminates physical clutter and makes reading accessible anywhere, from commutes to travel, without the bulk of paper books. They are environmentally sustainable, reducing paper consumption, deforestation, and carbon emissions associated with printing and shipping. Digital distribution also minimizes waste and supports eco-friendly practices. Enhanced features like adjustable text size, backlighting, and instant dictionary lookup improve accessibility and comfort, catering to diverse reader needs and promoting inclusivity in reading habits.
Qwen 3.5 397B
Vote: Paper books
Paper books offer a tangible sensory experience that enhances memory retention. The physical act of turning pages and seeing progress through the thickness of the book helps readers anchor information spatially. Additionally, paper books are free from digital distractions like notifications or tempting apps. They require no battery power, ensuring that your reading session never ends unexpectedly due to a dead charge.