I don't even consider paperbacks to be real books. I prefer hardbacks by an extremely wide margin. They just have a sense of... substance that paperbacks simply don't posess.

The art, type of cover, cost, and book all come into play when I'm buying a book. I don't really have a preference, since I'm all about visuals when it comes to books. While paperbacks are cheaper and easier to carry around, I'd probably go for a hardcover if the cover looks nice and I really want the book. I generally stay away from oversized hardcovers, as they're way too bulky and I can't really throw them into my bag for reading outside of the house. Book jackets also tend to bother me, especially since I can't read with those on the book. I hate putting my jacket somewhere and having someone smash it.

There's this one type of hardcover that I'm crazy about. When you tap your nails on the cover, it makes a nice hollow sound. It also has a nice matte finish to it. The only problem is that scratches show up on those.

I was recently obsessing over this wonderful Macbeth paperback, which features a gorgeous cover. It looks much better in real life and features a very nice finish.
http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/893...27946oo.th.jpg

I prefer hardcover cos it looks much nicer :P and it's more hardy... i like my books to look as new as it was when i bought it even after my reading it.... but then again, hardcover does cost quite a bit more and most books are easier to get in paperback format.

I find the experience of reading hardcover books to be enjoyable as I don't have to hold them open in order to read after I get through the first few pages. Also, the brighter paper used in hardcovers makes it easier to read since I prefer not to wear my glasses when I read for extended periods of time. However, I am a thrifty person, so I would rather wait and purchase a paperback copy unless the book is available in hardcover at a nearby used bookstore.

It doesn't matter to me. I like books--period. I have a mix of both paperback and hardcover books. Some paperbacks I have read so many times, they are falling apart. And, I mean literally. I have a couple that are in two sections.....

But, I think one reason some people shy away from hardcover books--other than prices--is they are a reminder of school....

Hardcover if I really like it. Paperback if I like it enough to buy it but not enough to spring 20$ more for the hardcover.

I'm a fan of paperbacks. Hardcover just reminds me of textbooks, which I have too many of (and more to come). Paperback is much more portable as well, and bent covers don't bother me.

I personally prefer hardcover editions, but since they are so expensive, if it isn't a book/series that I really love, or really enjoy the look of the dustjackets, I'll buy paperbacks. Harry Potter, Wheel of Time, and A Series of Unfortunate Events (I think these are only in hardcover) are some of the books I have hardcovers for.

Hardcover. I really, really love my books :). If possible I always try to get them in hardback, because I want them to last quite awhile. I read my books more than once.