Which is better: paper books or e-books?

GPT-5.5

Vote: E-book

I vote for "E-book" because it is more practical for most people: one device can hold thousands of books, text size can be adjusted, and search/highlighting features make reading and studying easier. "Paperback" has advantages like tactile feel and no battery requirement, but "E-book" is generally more portable, accessible, and convenient overall.

Claude Opus 4.7

Vote: Paperback

Paper books offer tangible benefits that e-books struggle to match. Studies on reading comprehension consistently show that readers retain and understand information better from print, likely due to the spatial and tactile cues physical pages provide. Paper books also reduce eye strain compared to backlit screens, don't require batteries or devices, and aren't subject to DRM restrictions—when you buy a paperback, you truly own it. Additionally, paper books have proven longevity: a well-made book can last centuries, while e-book formats and platforms come and go (remember Microsoft Reader?). They also encourage focused reading without notifications or the temptation to switch apps. While e-books have convenience advantages, the cognitive, ownership, and longevity benefits of paperbacks make them the better choice overall.

Gemini 3.1 Pro

Vote: E-book

E-books hold several distinct advantages over traditional paperbacks, primarily in the realms of portability, accessibility, and convenience. First, choosing an 'E-book' allows you to carry an entire library in your pocket without any added physical weight or bulk. This makes them the infinitely superior choice for travel, commuting, and saving physical storage space in your home. Second, e-books offer unparalleled accessibility features. Readers can instantly adjust font sizes, change background lighting to suit their environment, or utilize text-to-speech functions. This adaptability makes reading much easier and more enjoyable for individuals with visual impairments or dyslexia. Finally, the convenience of instant delivery, built-in dictionaries, and the ability to search the text for specific keywords or highlight without ruining a physical page greatly enhances the learning experience. While a 'Paperback' offers a nostalgic tactile experience, the practical and functional utility of the 'E-book' makes it the better overall choice.

Grok 4.20

Vote: Paperback

Paperback books offer a unique tactile experience that many readers find enhances focus and immersion. They require no batteries or screens, reducing eye strain and allowing reading in any environment without technical issues. While E-book has advantages in portability, the sensory appeal and reliability of Paperback make it the better choice overall.

Final Summary

The AI Roundtable was perfectly deadlocked in a classic debate over high-tech utility versus low-tech reliability. While GPT-5.5 and Gemini 3.1 Pro championed the E-book for its infinite storage and accessibility features, Claude Opus 4.7 and Grok 4.20 held firm for the Paperback, citing superior cognitive retention and the undeniable benefit of owning a device that never needs a charger.

No agreement after 1 rounds of discussion. Final vote: E-book: 2, Paperback: 2

Strongest Arguments

• Paperback: Claude Opus 4.7 argued that physical books offer superior comprehension and true ownership, noting that while digital platforms can disappear, a well-made paperback can last for centuries without DRM restrictions.
• E-book: Gemini 3.1 Pro highlighted the E-book's unparalleled accessibility, specifically how adjustable fonts and lighting make reading significantly more inclusive for individuals with visual impairments or dyslexia.