Actually, this is a huge misconception. PDF files are quite small when you consider what they are capable of displaying. yes a simple TEXT ONLY HTML file is smaller than a TEXT ONLY HTML (or other) file. However, manuals generally have quite a few pictures and/or illustrations, and for all intensive purposes ARE a digital representation of the paper manual. Most PDF files are fully searchable (the ones done right that is) and are quite small compared to almost any other medium incorporating text AND graphics. With that said, I think a PDF manual is ABSOLUTELY NO substitute for a REAL help file. I can't stand it when companies provide a PDF of the manual but not a help file (HTML, standard Windows, or otherwise.) That is completely infuriating. If I want to look at the manual, I'll whip out the manual and use the Index. When I want help, I want a HELP FILE.