---
title: "Speed Cited as the Top Reason for Getting an E-Book"
description: "Among readers of both printed books and e-books, the top reason cited for choosing a digital book is the ability to get it quickly. More than eight-in-ten (83%) people expressed this view."
date: "2012-04-09"
authors:
  - name: "Russell Heimlich"
    job_title: "Former web developer"
    link: "https://www.pewresearch.org/staff/russell-heimlich/"
url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2012/04/09/speed-cited-as-the-top-reason-for-getting-an-e-book/"
---

# Speed Cited as the Top Reason for Getting an E-Book

Among readers of both printed books and e-books, 83% said that the digital format has an advantage because of the quickness by which they can be acquired. Those most likely to choose e-books for this reason are between 18 and 50, live in households earning more than $50,000 and look to websites for book recommendations.

The second most-cited reason for preferring e-books was the ability to read on the move. Nearly three-quarters (73%) of readers of both formats shared the view that e-books were better for reading while traveling or commuting.

Readers voiced support for printed books over e-books when being read to a child (cited by 81%). Printed books were also seen by respondents as being easier to share with other people. [Read More](http://www.libraries.pewresearch.org/pewresearch-org/internet/2012/04/04/part-5-where-and-how-readers-get-their-books/?src=prc-number)