Pros and Cons of the Main Modes

Hardback Books

Pros:

Durable (Has a very long shelf life, and can withstand long term use)
Tactile (The feel of actually holding a book, and being able to flip from page to another freely)
Tradition (A mode that has been in use for hundreds of years)
Sentimental Value (A person can become attached to particular book)
Monetary Value (The value of the hardback can increase in time)

Cons:

Expensive (One of the most expensive modes to experience a book)
Bulky (Takes up space, requires space and weight considerations for storage)*
*Can be inconvenient for transportation, and mass storage requires consideration of space and weight load requirements.

Paperback Books

Pros:

Inexpensive (One of the lest expensive modes to experience a book)

Tactile (The feel of actually holding a book, and being able to flip from page to another freely)

Tradition (A mode that has been in use for many years)

Sentimental Value (A person can become attached to a particular book)

Easily Available (Available at local library or books store)

Cons:

Bulky (Takes up space, requires space and weight considerations for storage)

Flimsy (Can be easily damaged, especial the binding and cover)

Digital Books

Pros:

Inexpensive (Individual digital books usually cost less than paperback books)

Portable (Very easy to carry around)

Easily Distributed (Digital books are distributed over the internet, making it easy to purchase and begin reading a new book within a minute)

Cons:

Fragile (The e-reader can be easily damaged)

Expensive (The e-reader itself can easily cost over $100)

Short Shelf Life (The e-reader's shelf life depends on the battier's shelf life and compatibility with current operating systems)

Intangible (Loss of the tactile feel of holding a book)

Audio Books

Pros:

Multitask (Very easy to listen and focus on other tasks at the same time)

Portable (Very easy to carry around)

Easily Distributed (Audio books are distributed over the internet, making it easy to purchase and begin reading a new book within a minute)

Cons:

Fragile (The hardware can be easily damaged)

Expensive (An individual audio book can cost more than a hard back and the hardware can easily cost over $100; furthermore, one of the most expensive modes to experience a book)

Short Shelf Life (The hardware's shelf life depends on the battier's shelf life and compatibility with current operating systems)

Intangible (Loss of the tactile feel of holding a book)