Book

In this age of iPods, PS3's, blogs and HDTV, let us not forget the simple pleasures of the printed word. A book is highly portable, fantastic value (especially if you get it from a charity shop or a library) and wonderfully lo-tech. With a book, you will never have to ring an automated help-line or send it back to the manufacturers to get it repaired. You won't have to sign a contract or be badgered into buying an extended warranty which you will never use. And a book will never disturb your fellow passengers on a train (unless, perhaps, it is a talking book (or you happen to be sharing a carriage with someone who is inordinately disturbed by books)). A book has no battery-life, does not have to be recharged, and is not likely to attract malicious viruses (unless you take it to the centre of a bird-flu epidemic) or spam (unless you read it near the Tesco's meat counter). It has no software compatibility issues. It probably won't electrocute you if you spill a cup of coffee on it or stick a screwdriver in it (although either of the above may render some or all of it unreadable). It does not become obsolete after six months. A book is a friend for life or can be passed down from generation to generation. It can be easily recycled and leaves a very small carbon footprint. It can inspire, entertain and educate. And it will never - never - go bing-digga-ding-digga-bing-ding-ding-bong-ding...

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[ Above piece also features on The Art of Tea ]