To read an ebook, you need a computer, or a special ebook reader costing several hundred dollars. Some mobile phones can also display ebooks. To read a paper book, you just need the book.
The ability to read an ebook is dependent on the charge life of the battery powering your reading device. The paper book uses no power.
You can bring your entire library of ebooks with you on a laptop computer or an ebook reader, an advantage to students, business people or laywers who need ready access to reference works--or if you just can't make up your mind on what you want to read.
An ebook on a computer can cause eye strain because of the light-emitting display. New ebook readers have light-reflective displays, also making it easier to read in bright daylight, and almost as easy on the eyes as a paper book.
An ebook can be enhanced with interactive and multimedia capabilities, such as links, video and rollover notes, but so far these features can only be viewed on a computer. Early generation ebook readers have been primarily static black and white displays.