Depending on the price and format and the reliability of the source, I'd be willing to try the e-book. You can have a free Kindle app on your computer, tablet and or phone, and the color pictures would be there in whatever size your screen can show. If it's a pattern that doesn't rely on templates, that wouldn't be an issue.
I have several patterns that are in pdf format, and the templates print out perfectly. That's essentially the same as an ebook, just one pattern at a time and pdf instead of mapi or whatever. I don't think there's a way to print from a reader app, such as Kindle, but perhaps I'm missing some information. There are lots of free patterns available from some of the fabric manufacturers websites, such as Andover, so you could try one out without the investment.
https://www.andoverfabrics.com/FreeQuiltPatterns.php
I first got my Kindle about 6 years ago when I was having cataract problems, which have since been corrected. Being able to control the size of the font is a huge advantage for anyone with visual impairments. Another plus is being able to read without turning on a light, but that's probably irrelevant to quilt books, except if you just like to browse late at night without waking the DH.
Another point is that there are some out of print books that are available online as e-books that might be hard to find any other way. Google Books had Barbara Brackman's
Clues in the Calico, from 1989. It was a very convenient and quick way for me to get that book when I wanted it. It's available to me online any time, and I am pretty sure Google will be around for awhile.