So, I hate pdfs. Any advice on hating them less?

[schneeland]

To the contrary, I found that with the right device, I now prefer reading RPG-related books digitally. Admittedly part of that is also because I use the notes app to create a list of things I want to mention in reviews about these books later, but there's also definitely some enjoyment. I works a lot better with books of somewhat smaller formats (B5 works best, A5 is also okay) - A4/letter-size books, particularly those with fine print, are rather painful to read.
You may (rightfully) argue that an iPad Pro (10.5") is the most overprized way to read digital books (and comics), but it really was a game changer for my RPG reading habits. So if money is not your primary concern, I can really recommend this.

That being said:

• I still prefer using physical books at the table for actual game sessions
• Sometimes I still buy books because they are simply beautiful

 

[Count_Zero]

The problem I've had with PDFs is finding the right reader for a tablet - one that lets me browse my PDF library while also allowing me to work with a PDFs table of contents so I can more easily skim through information (like going from the map of a dungeon to the write-up of a particular room). I've used readers that will handle one or the other, but not both.

 

[Fanaelialae]

I also prefer having a physical book to a PDF. I simply don't find the search function to be typically as useful for cross referencing as having a few fingers stuck between the pages of a book.

I'll usually get both print and PDF if it's available. Otherwise I'll simply peruse the PDF, but I rarely read them cover to cover. If I do find it worth reading, the best solution I've found is to print it out, hole punch it, and stick it in a good binder. It isn't as good as an actual book, but it is passable, with the added advantage of being able to reorganize and pull out pages if need be.

With regard to the cost of printing, get yourself a laser printer. They're not terribly expensive nowadays, and you can get thousands of pages from a $50 or so cartridge. The downside being, no color, but you could always print out any pictures you like on a color printer, if you're of a mind to.

 

[Blue]

I love PDFs for reference, but I dislike them a lot for reading. When I read an ebook, I control the font, the background/forground colors, the size, the spacing - everything to make it comfortable. On a PDF the layout person did all that, likely for letter sized (or A4) paper - which is just wrong. I can't read multi-column comfortably on my tablet, and I don't want to sit reading on my lap/desktop monitor.

For reference they are great. Pelgrane Press gives you the 13th Age ones when you by hardcover, and being able to cut-n-paste stat blocks when prepping is wonderful. Lots good there.

But not for ingesting in the first place. I wish they were in an ebook format so I could have control over them.

 

[Rob Kuntz]

Join the Borg and do the Matrix.

 

[Xenonnonex]

This latest thread was prompted by this post-

RPG Sales of 2019

Cyberpunk classic sale for about 10 day it says 60% off Cyberpunk 2020 titles from R. Talsorian and Atlas Games.

www.enworld.org

That humblebundle is a GREAT DEAL! Really. I mean, that's some good OSR product. I'd like me some of that!

But here's the problem. I hate .pdfs. This isn't the type of pure and lovely hate I have for things that truly deserve it (Paladins, Rapiers, Bards, Gnomes, Dex-builds, People that refuse to acknowledge the John Wick trilogy as the greatest cinematic masterpiece of all time). Instead, it's more of a, "Why isn't this a book?"

So, quick note. I use electronic documents all the time. Seriously, it's almost like it's my job, or something. So it's not an aversion to reading on a screen.

And I get that it can be useful- searching for a particular piece of text is oh-so-easy with an electronic document.

And I'm constantly on a phone, or tablet, or computer reading websites or reading things, so it's not an instinctive Luddite reaction.

Instead, it's something particular to books, and by extension, I think, to RPG books. I just don't seem to enjoy long periods of reading a single thing on a screen. It's not the same as curling up with a book.

Nor is it the same when you have to bring a tablet (or what have you) to the gaming table.

But man, that's a great bundle of stuff!

So I'm throwing this out there for discussion and tips- has anyone else overcome this antipathy of pdfs? Any particular tips or tricks that you used? A particular tablet? Playing Lionel Ritchie in the background?*

Inquiring minds want to know.


*This may, in fact, be the root of the aversion. Hmmm...

Have you also tried hating books?

 

[aramis erak]

My best tip for enjoying reading PDFs is to get a big tablet. A full size ipad is good, but an e-reader brand works best like a kobo or kindle. Also, amp up your contrast if you can - I find that helps especially when reading lots of black text on white screens.

Good luck!

Seconded. If possible, one of the 12" tablets.

 

[Umbran]

Seconded. If possible, one of the 12" tablets.

So, let us be clear - we are talking about pieces of hardware that generally run at $500 and up.

Unless you also have a lot of other stuff you are planning to do with that hardware, I wouldn't call this an economically sound solution to the problem.

 

[darjr]

My back man! My poor back. It’s been worth it for that alone. But I do play games on it and watch YouTube. In fact I’ve barely tuned on the tv since I got it.

 

[BookBarbarian]

I like the big tablets for running interactive character sheets too.

But I don't have much use for them beyond that. Currently anyway.