Are E-books edging out traditional paper and ink?

The idea of a trip to the record store seems like a blast from the past now that iPods are here.

But could a visit to a book store soon be the same? Popular digital gadgets have become the go-to tools for modern reading.

This Christmas, Amazon reports E-books outsold real books.

Still, at least one Winnipeg bookseller isn't concerned.

"People stare at their computers, they stare at their Blackberries, they stare at their cell phones all day. People still like to hold a book in their hand and to read it and to actually feel it," says Kelly Hughes, owner of Aqua Books.

A local author agrees, she's publishing her first book this spring. Right now, it's only on computer.

"It's not real until you have the book in your hand. I'm not sure it would be the same if it were just published as an E-book format," says Ariel Gordon.

Still, analysts say digital books are the way of the future and bookstores will have to adapt or face closure like McNally Robinson.

The modern reader is concerned about convenience and storing hundreds of titles in one device is just that. E-books are also cheaper.

"I think you're going to see a growing population, especially younger consumers, who are growing up doing everything. They're going to move away from the traditional book towards more of an electronic version," says business analyst Rob Warren

And is it really so hard to believe?

E-mail has become more popular than the traditional letter, newspapers have gone online and we download music for our iPods.

Even Winnipeg libraries are going digital with E-book rentals last year up 100%.

"It goes out gang busters. People like that they can download something from the comfort of their home. They don't have to get dressed, they can do it in their pajamas," says Collections Librarian, Barbara Bourrier -Lacroix.

Will digital books replace pen and paper?

Lucky for nostalgic readers, that chapter hasn’t been written yet.