I think they have their place and would come in handy if you are travelling as books tend to add excess weight if you want to take more than one or two. I remember going away with some friends ( I think Lady P was there, she was suprised at the amount of books I had....about 6)and my bag was SO heavy from all my stuff AND the books. My only concern with the e book is the screen and how it would affect my eyesight, would it give headaches like sitting at a computer screen for too long? Would I have one?...probably, but I like the 'feel' of a real book