Using iPad as e-Reader ala Kindle / Nook?

[PlutoPony]

What's been your experience using an iPad as an e-Reader? Do the Kindle and Nook applications work well on that device? And does it get tiresome holding the iPad up for reading? Looking at buying the iPad Air while Target has their deal. Would be replacing a Nook which is closer in size to the iPad Mini but would prefer to upgrade to the larger Air for other capabilities.

TiA!

 

[StitchesGr8Fan]

I read Kindle books on my iPad mini. The Kindle app works fine. I don notice that my eyes tore more quickly using my iPad instead of my Kindle with the e-ink. As for the arm tiredness, I can't comment on that.

 

[PlutoPony]

I read Kindle books on my iPad mini. The Kindle app works fine. I don notice that my eyes tore more quickly using my iPad instead of my Kindle with the e-ink. As for the arm tiredness, I can't comment on that.

Good point on the e-ink. Hadn't thought of that. Thanks!

 

[WeLuvTink!]

Love the ability to read Kindle or Nook books on my ipad2. It is heavier than an ereader
but not too bad.

 

[mrsabbott]

I have both the nook and kindle apps on my iPad. I also use iBooks. The apps all work fine. I haven't noticed any eye tiredness, although some iPads have a special screen now that is supposed to prevent that. I forget what it is called, but mine doesn't have it. I have a full size iPad and I don't have issues with my arm getting tired holding it. The iPad air is even lighter so I think that will be fine.

I love my iPad and am glad I got the full size! I have the Netflix app and watch TV shows on mine sometimes! Came in handy when we were at the ER for hours with all the kids! Thank goodness for free wifi! LOL! I like having the larger screen!

 

[jedijill]

I have a first generation Nook and now I read on my Ipad. Love having everything in one place. It can get a bit heavy (I have the big Ipad with retina display) but its not bad.

Jill in CO

 

[dawnhaze]

I used to read on my iPad and iPad Mini a lot, but after about 2 years of it, I got sick of the screen glare and the stress on my wrists from the weight, and bought a Kindle Paperwhite. Best decision I could have made, IMO - I read a lot more now because it's a significantly more pleasant experience.

These days all I read on my iPads are comics.

 

[msmama]

I would say reading on an Ipad Air is "fine" but if you truly only want something for reading, get something with e-ink (nook or kindle paperwhite which I highly recommend).

The apps are fine (I use both ibooks and the kindle app) - assuming everything is connected to wi-fi the Kindle app on the ipad connects to my kindle and knows the "furthest read" point of the book so I don't have to remember.

If you're reading outside (or near a window) glare could be a problem with the ipad. I rarely hold the it up to read, I usually have it resting on something (where I do hold up my kindle).

I think the Ipad has lots of other great qualities so I'm certainly not say not to get one, but if you're truly looking for a reader, there are better!

 

[MomForFrozenAddicts]

I have both Kindle and iPad mini. I found Kindle is easier on the eyes, but iPad is more convenient. I honestly have not touch my Kindle much since I got the mini last xmas. It's much easier to carry one device than two. Also, I like to surf the web, read my msg/emails while reading. However, if you are looking for an ebook, Kindle is the one.

 

[HM]

I do have the Kindle app on my iPad mini, but I rarely read with it. The fact that it's lighted helps in low light situations. The app works well. But, mostly I just read on my Kindle.

 

[abmitch01]

I have an old Nook with paperwhite and prefer that for reading but it got buggy and wouldn't do library books anymore. So I got an iPad mini that does great with library books. However the screen does tire my eyes and doesn't work in the sun so I'm bringing both on my Disney trip. I did buy the newest Nook and my librarian and I tried to get library books on it and even with the IT guy's help it was a clunky mess. I returned it. The iPad and library books are easy.

 

[PlutoPony]

I have both Kindle and iPad mini. I found Kindle is easier on the eyes, but iPad is more convenient. I honestly have not touch my Kindle much since I got the mini last xmas. It's much easier to carry one device than two. Also, I like to surf the web, read my msg/emails while reading. However, if you are looking for an ebook, Kindle is the one.

Essentially I'd like one device to use for the internet, email, and as an e-reader. Is the iPad Air that device or do I need to get a different e-reader and a new laptop like a MacBook Air? Am replacing a Nook, would like a bigger screen for reading and better screen resolution. Also use a hand me down MacBook Pro for internet, but it's on its' last legs. So trying to go from 2 devices down to 1 if possible. Have a good desktop for computing or extensive Word/Excel documents.

The iPad Mini doesn't seem much bigger than my Nook so not sure that's a viable option.

 

[Trek Girl]

I have both the nook and kindle apps on my iPad. I also use iBooks. The apps all work fine. I haven't noticed any eye tiredness, although some iPads have a special screen now that is supposed to prevent that. I forget what it is called, but mine doesn't have it. I have a full size iPad and I don't have issues with my arm getting tired holding it. The iPad air is even lighter so I think that will be fine.

I love my iPad and am glad I got the full size! I have the Netflix app and watch TV shows on mine sometimes! Came in handy when we were at the ER for hours with all the kids! Thank goodness for free wifi! LOL! I like having the larger screen!

I think you may be referring to retina display.

 

[abmitch01]

I would think reading on a full size iPad would get heavy

 

[HM]

Essentially I'd like one device to use for the internet, email, and as an e-reader. Is the iPad Air that device or do I need to get a different e-reader and a new laptop like a MacBook Air? Am replacing a Nook, would like a bigger screen for reading and better screen resolution. Also use a hand me down MacBook Pro for internet, but it's on its' last legs. So trying to go from 2 devices down to 1 if possible. Have a good desktop for computing or extensive Word/Excel documents.

The iPad Mini doesn't seem much bigger than my Nook so not sure that's a viable option.

I traded my original iPad in for a Mini iPad. It's small, but does all the things you want. I do spend time enlarging the screen images for easier reading (internet). For the Kindle app, the page sizes are fine.

 

[PlutoPony]

I would think reading on a full size iPad would get heavy

That's my concern as well. But looking at specs, my Nook and an iPad Air are very similar weights. Big difference in outer dimensions though.

 

[jrmasm]

I have a Kindle and an Ipad. I use both everyday. If my Kindle breaks, I will replace it as it is so much more comfortable for reading.

 

[fingertips]

I suggest an iPad, in my opinon. I've never used an actual nook/kindle, but I think you can do a lot more with an iPad. And hey, isn't it on sale? Take advantage

 

[ateam79828592]

I have had an iPad, kindle, and iPad Mini (original & retina).

I did not like reading on the iPad...it was too heavy / big for comfy reading while lying down.

I like reading on my iPad mini just fine. I would say if you do a lot of reading, you'll probably like the Kindle Paperwhite a lot.

Personally I would do an iPad Mini Retina + Kindle Paperwhite. I like the size of the mini (others like full size iPad better...so try them out!)...and your Kindle iPad Mini app will sync your place with your Kindle Paperwhite. So I would probably use both for reading.

 

[PlutoPony]

Those of you recommending a Kindle Paperwhite.... why that model rather than the Fire HD or HDX?