Which is smarter? Buying the kindle edition of a book or a cheaper paperback copy?

I would go with the cheaper paperback copy. Saves money and still just as good.

Hi Allen, physical and digital books will coexist for many years to come. Digital ones offer convenience while traveling and for storage purposes. However, formatting issues and misprints often tarnish ebooks. Choosing the device I'd definitely recommend Nook over Kindle - it's designed to be as close as posible to the physical book experience as if you walk in with the Nook to Barnes & Noble store, you’re allowed to read ANY available eBook for free while in the store via free provided in the store Wi-Fi just like you'd be browsing the shelves. With Nook you can checkout eBooks from public libraries - just need to get Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) software (free from Adobe site). E-Ink Nook Simple Touch from Barnes & Noble at $99 (without ads) has twice the battery life of Kindle ($139 without ads), faster page turns than Kindle, and microSD card slot to expand capacity that neither Kindle has. Consumer Reports, CNET, PCWORLD, etc. pro reviews declared Nook Simple Touch the best ereader on the market.

Whatever makes you happy. Honesly, I would choose paper back because it's cheaper and I don't like reading from kindles. The kindle edition might be useful if you want to read your book while waiting in line, sitting in the passenger seat of a car, or generally when you're not at home.

Cheap paperback copy. You can drop it on the pavement, even get it wet and it's still readable. When the power goes out, all you need is a candle and a match to read it.

E-readers are great for carrying around a bunch of books at once and reading on the go. But I'll always treasure my extensive library of paper and ink books.

I'm hoping for the day when you buy a new book, it comes with a digital copy.

I would go with the paperback copy. Using a Kindle is just not the same.