iPad or Kindle?

[MM32830]

Hi All,


I know some of you have both the iPad and Kindle any would like your opinion.

I am planning on buying an eReader for DW this Christmas and would like to know if you had a choice of only one device, would you choose the iPad or Kindle as an eReader?

All I'm looking for is a device that you can use to read books and periodicals. I understand that the iPad will have a lot more function than the Kindle but that would be secondary.

Also, if you would buy a Kindle, would you get the smaller or larger Kindle? I like the thought of a larger screen (same size as the iPad if I am not mistaken) but wonder if that is too large.

Thanks for your input. It's much appreciated.



_____________________
Armand

 

[OKW Lover]

Since all you want to do is read books, then the Kindle would be the choice. No real reason to spend the extra money on an iPad just for reading books.

 

[Bell30012]

iPad... I read books using iBooks, Nook and Kindle. I love having all three on one device plus the other wonderful features.

 

[MM32830]

Since all you want to do is read books, then the Kindle would be the choice. No real reason to spend the extra money on an iPad just for reading books.

You are right about not spending extra money on an iPad if not necessary but I was thinking more about whether the text is easier to read on an iPad vs the Kindle.

I've heard many say that the eInk on the Kindle is superior to the iPad but I'd like to hear from those that have both to determine if this is true.




________________
Armand

 

[DisneyKevin]

I'm one of those that have both and if I just wanted to read books and newspapers, I would choose the Kindle.

The books and newspapers I read are not in color, so e-ink technology is perfect for that.

When the Kindle DX (the larger Kindle) first came out, I immediately ordered one. I kept it two days and sent it back. It was too large and cumbersome to hold comfortable while reading. With that being said...I would suggest that you take into account the position in which you read. If you sit in the classic position with a book in your lap and have a reading lamp, the DX might be fine. I tend to read in bed quite frequently and found that holding the DX to be uncomfortable. It's also difficult to hold with one hand.

The same issue exist with the iPad. A great deal will depend on the position in which you read. The ipad is heavier than the Kindle.

Also...take into account if you want to read outside. It's wonderful with the Kindle and less so with the ipad.

On the other hand...if I just had to choose one device that would do everything....I'd choose the ipad. You can use it as an ereader...and whats great is that you can purchase books from just about any vendor. All of the major players have an app which allows you to read.

In my research (and in my opinion) Amazon has the biggest and best selection of books at the best prices. I also find the Amazon book store to be the easiest to navigate. I actively dislike the iBooks store and find it fairly useless.

I realize that I've jumped all over...but I guess my best advice would be to figure out where and in what position you read most often.

I would also suggest visiting a Best Buy and playing with both devices and see which feels better.

Just one more word of advice......if you decide to buy a Kindle, buy it directly from Amazon. Amazon is famous for their customer service and for their support of the Kindle. If you buy a Kindle in from a retail source, Amazon will make you use the retailer's customer service and support.

 

[DisneyKevin]

You are right about not spending extra money on an iPad if not necessary but I was thinking more about whether the text is easier to read on an iPad vs the Kindle.

I've heard many say that the eInk on the Kindle is superior to the iPad but I'd like to hear from those that have both to determine if this is true.

E-ink mimics paper very well. It's very easy on the eyes and the font size is adjustable. E-ink is opaque making it impossible to ever be back lit. You will need an outside light source to read in low light level situations.

Ipads are basically high resolution computer screens. The font size and brightness level are both adjustable. Many people feel that reading on a back lit screen causes eye strain.

I find I can read on my Kindle longer than I can read on my ipad without feeling fatigued.

I also find that I dont read as long on my ipad because it notifies me that I have email. I check the boards. I play scrabble. I watch youtube. There are many, many distractions.

Something else to consider....magazines are more expensive on ipad.

I have a yearly subscription to Vanity Fair. I pay $20 a year for 12 issues.

Each ipad issue of Vanity Fair is $4.99.

 

[DrMomof3]

I'll just agree with Kevin!
I also have both devices. For *just* reading I prefer the Kindle. It's lighter weight, smaller, and easier to read. For a do-it-all device I love my iPad. On a day to day basis I carry my iPad because it provides access to the internet (we have a very restrictive internet policy at work). When I have a choice, I read on my Kindle. One nice thing about the Kindle is that I can sync any book I'm reading to both device (meaning that if I've bee reading on the Kindle and open the same book on the iPad, it'll automatically sync to "furthest page read.").

Amanda

 

[Bell30012]

My DD8 loves to read books. Using voiceover she can have the iPad say words she doesn't know. I also love to listen to audio books. Great for driving. The iPad can do this.

 

[sshaw10060]

I second what Kevin said. I have a Kindle for reading and the iPad for checking e-mail and surfing the net. The are both excellent at what they do.

 

[sayhello]

I'm going to agree with Kevin also. I don't have a Kindle, I have a Sony eReader, which has the same eInk technology as the Kindle. I find the iPad way too hard to read on. I virtually never read on my iPad. Fabulous for pictures & videos & other stuff like that, but not so great for text. The backlighting just bothers me.

The eInk is really easy to read, much less glare-y, and just better for reading. And, as Kevin mentioned, the Kindle would be easier to hold. I also really like that my eReader fits in my purse, and I can always have it with me. It truly is my constant companion. The iPad has to be carried separately. If you're really just looking for a reading device, I'd say go with the Kindle over the iPad.

Sayhello

 

[chaoscent]

I have a kindle and trying to justify to myself that I need an I-pad. This thread is helping. Thanks, P

 

[757hokie]

Awesome feedback everyone! I'm also thinking of getting one for DW.

IYO, is it worth the extra $50 for 3G capability? I would guess that my wife would download books & magazines at home using wi-fi. How often have you been out & about with your Kindle and wished you were at a hotspot???

 

[DisneyKevin]

Awesome feedback everyone! I'm also thinking of getting one for DW.

IYO, is it worth the extra $50 for 3G capability? I would guess that my wife would download books & magazines at home using wi-fi. How often have you been out & about with your Kindle and wished you were at a hotspot???

My Kindle only has 3G. It's not wifi capable.

That being said, I'm not enough of an impulse shopper that I couldnt wait to get to an appropriate spot to download.

In fact....I dont think I've ever purchased a book from anywhere other than home. I usually browse the Amazon book store from my home computer and purchase from there. In addition.....I always have enough stuff loaded onto my Kindle that I'm never in the position of lacking something to read.

This was a long way to go to get to the answer.....if you have wifi at home, I'm of the opinion that it should be enough.

 

[EDuke98080]

Thank you for all your comments. This thread has been very helpful as my Mom wants an ereader for Christmas. Does anyone know the difference between a Nook and a Kindle and which one is better?

 

[757hokie]

My Kindle only has 3G. It's not wifi capable.

That being said, I'm not enough of an impulse shopper that I couldnt wait to get to an appropriate spot to download.

In fact....I dont think I've ever purchased a book from anywhere other than home. I usually browse the Amazon book store from my home computer and purchase from there. In addition.....I always have enough stuff loaded onto my Kindle that I'm never in the position of lacking something to read.

This was a long way to go to get to the answer.....if you have wifi at home, I'm of the opinion that it should be enough.

Thanks Kevin, that's pretty much what I was thinking. See you in 2 weeks!

 

[sayhello]

Thank you for all your comments. This thread has been very helpful as my Mom wants an ereader for Christmas. Does anyone know the difference between a Nook and a Kindle and which one is better?

Well, I can tell you some of the differences, but "better" or not is pretty subjective, depending on what you want and how your Mom plans to use the eReader.

Kindle is linked to Amazon.com. You're meant to buy your books through Amazon's book store. Nook is Barnes & Noble. You're meant to buy books through B&N's book store. If you have a Nook, and go into a brick & mortar B&N, you can preview pretty much any book available while you're in there.

There are 2 Nooks. One is eInk, like the Kindle, and has a color touch-screen across the bottom of it that you use to navigate through your library and through options & settings. The brand-new Nook is a full-color, touch-screen LCD eReader, so the technology is actually the same as the iPad's back-lit computer screen. I found it cool, since you can adjust the font and the contrast pretty dramatically, but I only looked at it for a little bit, and don't know if it's any easier to read on long-term than the iPad is (which is a pain). The Nook is a lot heavier than the Kindle, though.

The Kindles are all eInk (no back-light, great contrast, easy to read). You navigate through your library and options/settings using buttons.

Both the Kindle and the Nook have versions that are WiFi only or 3G.

Here's an article that discusses the differences between the Kindle, Nook & iPad as an eReader device.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20009738-1.html

Sayhello

 

[EDuke98080]

Well, I can tell you some of the differences, but "better" or not is pretty subjective, depending on what you want and how your Mom plans to use the eReader.

Kindle is linked to Amazon.com. You're meant to buy your books through Amazon's book store. Nook is Barnes & Noble. You're meant to buy books through B&N's book store. If you have a Nook, and go into a brick & mortar B&N, you can preview pretty much any book available while you're in there.

There are 2 Nooks. One is eInk, like the Kindle, and has a color touch-screen across the bottom of it that you use to navigate through your library and through options & settings. The brand-new Nook is a full-color, touch-screen LCD eReader, so the technology is actually the same as the iPad's back-lit computer screen. I found it cool, since you can adjust the font and the contrast pretty dramatically, but I only looked at it for a little bit, and don't know if it's any easier to read on long-term than the iPad is (which is a pain). The Nook is a lot heavier than the Kindle, though.

The Kindles are all eInk (no back-light, great contrast, easy to read). You navigate through your library and options/settings using buttons.

Both the Kindle and the Nook have versions that are WiFi only or 3G.

Here's an article that discusses the differences between the Kindle, Nook & iPad as an eReader device.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20009738-1.html

Sayhello

Thanks so much! I can't wait to check out that link.

 

[jharrowell]

I know I'm a little late to the party but I thought I'd comment on the iPad vs Kindle\e-reader debate.

If you absolutely are only going to read books and don't need color then a classic ebook reader that uses e-ink technology is a no-brainer. I'd go for the Kindle in a blink.

However if you think there is any chance that either color might be needed or that it could me used for more than reading then an iPad hands down.

For instance. I'm a writer (I won't say author till I get someone to pay me money for it ) and I use my pad for that with an Apple mini bluetooth keyboard. I watch moves on it, I play games, I read books and comics, I view pictures, I grab my emails, organise my calendar, and browse the net.

In fact, I'm writing his on my Pad now!

So, there's my two cents. Probably a bit late, but hey, just like christmas it's the thought that counts.

 

[MM32830]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my initial question about whether to get an iPad or a Kindle.

I couldn't decide so I bought both!

I bought a Kindle for DW for Christmas and I bought an iPad for me (for Christmas, of course). I was going to wait until iPad2 came out next year but the Apple store had the current iPad on sale Friday morning. I've never seen the iPad on sale before, let alone on sale by Apple! Accessories were on sale, too. I got the Apple case for it as well as the camera connection kit (great way to get photos from SD card to the iPad).

So, come Christmas day we'll compare the Kindle to the iPad and DW will get whatever she wants. I may end up waiting for iPad2 after all!

Again, thanks for all the input!




__________________
Armand

 

[sayhello]

Thanks to everyone who replied to my initial question about whether to get an iPad or a Kindle.

I couldn't decide so I bought both!

I bought a Kindle for DW for Christmas and I bought an iPad for me (for Christmas, of course). I was going to wait until iPad2 came out next year but the Apple store had the current iPad on sale Friday morning. I've never seen the iPad on sale before, let alone on sale by Apple! Accessories were on sale, too. I got the Apple case for it as well as the camera connection kit (great way to get photos from SD card to the iPad).

So, come Christmas day we'll compare the Kindle to the iPad and DW will get whatever she wants. I may end up waiting for iPad2 after all!

Again, thanks for all the input!
_________________
Armand

Congrats! I have to tell you, the camera connector is great! It works really well. You get 2 connectors; one for an SD card and one for USB to the camera. It *SAVED* my vacation, when, on the LAST night of my 11-night cruise, the memory card on my camera gave up the ghost! But, fortunately, I'd been using the connector to download all my photos to my iPad! So I had them all but 2 days' worth. Worth EVERY PENNY and then some. I've also heard, although I haven't confirmed it yet, that you can use the USB one to plug in other USB devices, such as a keyboard.

Enjoy!

Sayhello