iPAd or Kindle???

[mickeysmate65]

Like many others I've been on the fence about purchasing an e-reader. I've narrowed it down to the kindle and ipad. I've read through the recent posts about e-reader and it seems the kindle is pretty popular. Can anyone tell me what the major differences would be between them?
Thanks!

 

[uk_wildcat]

If you just want an e-reader, then I would go with a Kindle due to price. If you want something that can download games, apps, surf the web, show videos and listen to music on, then definitely get an iPad. My dh and I both have one and we love it. My mom has both an iPad and a Kindle and she still uses her Kindle for reading because she likes the screen better, but uses the iPad for everything else.
The iPad has a Kindle app you can download if you do want to use it for reading.

 

[mickeysmate65]

Thanks UK_Wildcat. You've listed the reasons i can't decide which one to get. I have a 13" MacBook Pro that I really love. Considering the ipad since it is lighter to travel with and fulfills several functions. Then again, the kindle is probably more compact. What to do?!

 

[uk_wildcat]

I would personally get the iPad if you are already a Mac user - we are a Mac family as well. My dh got his because he travels for work frequently. It has replaced his iPod and he even got rid of his MacBook. He can watch movies on a larger screen on the plane and not have to get his laptop out. He has also downloaded an app that allows him to take notes with a stylus that he can use in work meetings. We did not get the 3G versions because we didn't really think we would need that since we both have cell phones.

 

[brergnat]

Can you read for long periods of time on a backlit display (ipad) without having eye trouble? I can't. I get migraines if I spend too much time reading on the computer or on my ipod touch. I am getting a Kindle. MUCH easier on the eyes, and MUCH MUCH lighter and portable than the ipad. Those ipads are HEAVY.

If you already have a Mac book, I think the ipad would be overkill.

Get an ipod touch and a kindle. Best of both worlds.

 

[mickeysmate65]

If I do get the iPad I won't get the 3G. I have the Droid 2 so even if I would need it briefly it isn't that much for one month. My only concern is the size & wt.

 

[mickeysmate65]

Can you read for long periods of time on a backlit display (ipad) without having eye trouble? I can't. I get migraines if I spend too much time reading on the computer or on my ipod touch. I am getting a Kindle. MUCH easier on the eyes, and MUCH MUCH lighter and portable than the ipad. Those ipads are HEAVY.

If you already have a Mac book, I think the ipad would be overkill.

Get an ipod touch and a kindle. Best of both worlds.

Backlight would be a problem for me. Thank for answering about the weight difference. Always takes me forever to make these kinds of decisions & I waiver back and forth until then! I see there are several versions of the Kindle. I'll need to take that into account as well.

 

[maggiew]

I'm hesitating on a decision too. I want to get an eReader for travel. DH & I went to Disney last month, and as I was packing I realized I had several books, my iTouch for brief internet connections (Facebook and Farmville and check email), Microsoft Zune because all my movies were on there and DH's laptop. Then I thought to myself, if I get an eReader, that is just adding another electronic (although taking away the books from my list above). But if I got an iPad, I could eliminate everything else!!

My hesitation is cost, mainly. Plus size. My iTouch really does everything I need, but its really too small to read much on it.

Maggie

 

[RitaE]

Well as has been said, they really are not the same thing at all. The iPAD is a multi-function device which can down eReader Apps. Nearly every retail store (Amazon, Barnes, Kobo etc etc) has an App for the iPAD now so you'd be able to purchase books from several places.

The Kindle is a dedicated reading device.

So the main differences are

1. Number of functions
2. Cost
and
3. Screen. Backlit LCD vs eInk
If you plan on spending much time outside in the sun reading, it is difficult on an iPAD. But if you plan on reading in bed at night with the lights off, the Kindle will need a booklight.

 

[mickeysmate65]

Thank you all for responding- the info you are providiing is actually quite helpful. For me, it will really come down to the backlight & whether or not I want the extra functionality in the iPad.

 

[luvthemouse71]

I have both..I think it depends how avid a reader you are. I read a lot and backlighting hurts my eyes. That's why I have a Kindle. I use my iPad for web surfing, games, movies.

 

[HeatherC]

I use the kindle and nook apps on my iPad. Best of three worlds.

 

[dfchelbay]

I would hold off on buying the current version of the Ipad. Rumor is that the next one coming out will come with USB. Yet another money grab for Apple. They hook you with the first version, knowing you'll want the next version cause it has that one little IMPORTANT thing that the first one didn't...now they've sold two to you, instead of one first generation all consuming one.

 

[smkiya]

I would hold off on buying the current version of the Ipad. Rumor is that the next one coming out will come with USB. Yet another money grab for Apple. They hook you with the first version, knowing you'll want the next version cause it has that one little IMPORTANT thing that the first one didn't...now they've sold two to you, instead of one first generation all consuming one.

Clever...