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We all know that GW is oft maligned (I won't say of late, because archived threads from this site and many others indicate people will complain regardless of the action taken, that isn't to say those complaints aren't in many cases justified, simply that they're nothing new) and as such, I think it is important to celebrate when they do something right.

As such, I feel it should be stated that their direction with the eBook version of Codex: Eldar is a big step forward in terms of how they handle the digital versions of their book.

To give you some perspective:

Codex: Eldar hardcover, $83 AUS

Codex: Eldar iPad digital, $59.99 AUS

Codex: Eldar, eBook, $39.99 AUS

The differences between the two digital editions are simply that the iPad version is "interactive" (zoomable/rotating pictures, hyperlinks to armoury/bestiary sections etc etc) and the eBook version is not. It should be said that you can still read the eBook version on an iPad, or an iPhone, or (as far as I know) Android devices.

Essentially, for the player who just wants the rules without the trimmings, the eBook version is the best way to go.*

Of course, I could be missing something, like the eBook version is missing key parts like the army list or whatnot, but I doubt it. I see it as a decent opportunity to give GW some positive feedback (as a change of pace) so that they know they made a decent choice this time.

What say you?

*Assuming that you wish to acquire a legitimate copy, as well you should.

The eBook has the wording for a unit's special rules listed with each unit. It makes Stealth, Hit and Run, etc. easier to use.
The search and bookmark options are handy, but not when you know roughly where to turn to anyway.
Flicking through the eBook takes far longer to do, but the slider lets you get to a page number quickly.

What I wanted it for was to look in the codex when out and about, so I have a copy on my phone. The hardback is for gaming with.

For play, all I've ever really needed is a quick reference sheet + army list. You could pretty easily write something up in excel/word, print it out, laminate it and use that as your play reference for 90% of issues. Then use the e-book for the 5%, perhaps with a cut down version of the file that only has the army list + wargear + bestiary entries with special rules in them. That's personally my plan with it.

I thought the iPad version was the same cost of the hard cover version. Maybe it's different in Australia, but I thought here in Canada, US and rest of the world, they are the same cost.

Is the iPad versions cheaper now than the hard books?

They were originally, then they abruptly went up to roughly equal, then (due to poor reviews on the store) they went back down again, so customer feedback can affect their pricing.

I'm glad GW went and did normal ebook versions, and actually discounted them heavily due to only being basically PDFs.

It shows how much even trusted rumour guys can get it wrong - everyong was saying 'suck it up, they're going iBooks only'.

Now it's up to the community to show they meant it when they said they'd buy epub versions.