Contrast and luminance . The printed page is easy to read because it has a large reflective display with high contrast. The number of pixels on a printed page is far greater than on any computer monitor, which results both in lower eyestrain and higher data density. For example, a newspaper column inch would be impossible to duplicate on most computer screens without making it either much larger or much harder to read. Weight and portability .
Books weigh several ounces compared to most laptops, which generally weigh eight or more pounds.
Hit your friend over the head with a book. Now ask him to hit you over the head with his laptop. Or try spilling a cup of coffee onto each. There is little question that the book is far more rugged. Read a book, close it, leave it on a shelf.