We did it.....

[Merry Mousketeer]

Hi Kevin,

This is really interesting. Carol has been considering getting me a Kindle for an upcoming holiday because we are running out of room for books - I hate parting with them. Then the iPad came out and I've been wondering if that would be better than the Kindle because it has more options. I've been waiting to find someone who has both.

So, if you could only purchase one, which one would it be? The iPad or the Kindle?

Regarding weight - how does the iPad compare to the Niel Gabler biography of Walt Disney. I am reading it and find it very heavy to read in bed.

My other hesitation to buying the current version of the iPad is that it doesn't have a camera built in so you can Skype. I'm assuming this feature will be added in a future model.

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Michael

 

[lttlmc3]

1000%. Kim is awesome....but I already knew that.

She's my original BFF / stalker.

And I thought I was your origional stalker. Oh, well, good to see it was Kim who got there first!

 

[astrodrummergirl]

Congrats guys!

I got to play with one last weekend, and we'd had one in the store I work at for a couple of weeks (seems someone imported it and then changed their minds). Since the iPad only came out here on friday, it was cool to play with it before it really hit the UK, but I did really see it as a giant iPod Touch and not much more. For now I happy with my iPhone and numerous iPods, but I've never really been an Apple person.

 

[dgthree]

He mentioned the recent issue Amazon was having with book publishers and their concern over pricing. He then said that even though much of that has settled down, less publishers are going to offer Kindle versions of their books because they feel Amazon sells them for a lot less money than they should be charging. Do you think this could really become a problem in the future?

Interesting concern - it's been on my mind lately, too. I'm a fan of Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire series, and have purchased all 9 of the older books through Fictionwise, and read them using the eReader on my iPod Touch. The tenth book in the series came out last month, and when I went to Fictionwise to purchase it, it wasn't available, and none of the older books were there, either. Not a big shock - FW is usually slower to get ebooks than Amazon. So... I went to Amazon. The book is available in every format *but* for Kindle. Finally, I went to Barnes & Noble, and it's available for B&N eReader or the Nook. So B&N is the only place to buy the book, and I can't imagine this is the only book this is happening with. I don't know if this is a delayed release like some of the film companies are doing with Redbox & Netflix, or if it won't ever be available. But it again makes me wonder if there is a perfect ebook reader. I can see the problem with daylight interference on the Touch or iPad, which then becomes a different issue.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Hi Kevin,

This is really interesting. Carol has been considering getting me a Kindle for an upcoming holiday because we are running out of room for books - I hate parting with them. Then the iPad came out and I've been wondering if that would be better than the Kindle because it has more options. I've been waiting to find someone who has both.

So, if you could only purchase one, which one would it be? The iPad or the Kindle?

Regarding weight - how does the iPad compare to the Niel Gabler biography of Walt Disney. I am reading it and find it very heavy to read in bed.

My other hesitation to buying the current version of the iPad is that it doesn't have a camera built in so you can Skype. I'm assuming this feature will be added in a future model.

Thank you for sharing your experiences.

Michael

Hi Michael,

I was ambivalent about the iPad when it was first released. I still dont think it's for everyone.

That being said...after experiencing Pete's ipad and getting to fool around with them in various stores, I see where it might be the perfect device for me.

I work via the internet and email. I write occasional articles to be published on the internet. I research information on the internet. All of the negatives others have found (inability to print, no multitasking etc) are not negatives for me. I can actually see where this could replace MY laptop....not everyone's....but mine. I think to see it as a laptop replacement is wrong (unless, like I've described, it fits your needs really well) so I think looking for things like a camera to Skype might be more than can be expected at this point.


As for the weight difference....the ipad is not comfortable to hold while reading unless you sit in a chair with the iPad propped on something. It has great resolution, clear crisp script, several settings to make reading easier......it's just a bit clumsy and difficult to find a comfortable way to hold it. I have ordered an Oberon cover for it and that may make it easier to hold....heavier but easier. It already weighs a pound and a half. We'll see.

As for which to buy if you are only buying one.....that's a tough call.

If you are looking for a dedicated ereader...the Kindle wins hands down, but you still need an outside light source. There is no back lighting of any kind. Also, the Kindle international model is currently $259.00...weighs 10.2 ounces...holds 1500 books and there is no cost associated with downloading books in the USA...all you need is available cell service. There is no charge for using the cell service. It's included in the price of the book.. I love my Kindle. It does what it's meant to do exceptionally well.

If you looking at the iPad, you are talking about a minimum of $499 up to $829 depending on amount of memory. If you are looking to use it everywhere, you will need to buy 3G service on a monthly basis. It's $14.95 for 250 mg and $29.95 for unlimited 3G service. This above and beyond the cost of the original device.

As I've said previously, I've only had the iPad a short time...but I can tell you that when I sit down to read with my Kindle, I read until I want to stop or I fall asleep. When I sit down with the iPad...I read for a short time and then check the boards. I play Scrabble. I go back to reading. You get the idea. This could be because it's so new and you have to play with all of the toys at once....but there are other distractions at your finger tips.

I think I would tell you to sit and make a list of what your needs are and go from there.

I read something somewhere which I think is very true.

A Kindle is designed as a device on which to read books.

The iPad is designed to do many things but, you can read books.

I hope this helps. I know my solution was to buy both.

 

[Mish19]

If you are looking for a dedicated ereader...the Kindle wins hands down, but you still need an outside light source. There is no back lighting of any kind. Also, the Kindle international model is currently $259.00...weighs 10.2 ounces...holds 1500 books and there is no cost associated with downloading books in the USA...all you need is available cell service. There is no charge for using the cell service. It's included in the price of the book.. I love my Kindle. It does what it's meant to do exceptionally well.

Hi Kevin,
I'm very close to buying either the Nook or Kindle (probably the Kindle), but I keep hearing about needing cell service. I have Verizon and I'm pretty sure that is not one of the selected cell services. Isn't the Kindle wifi/3G enabled? Why do I need the cell service, is it for downloading books away from your computer? Do I just need to be near an ATT or Sprint cell tower and not actually have those services?

 

[DisneyKevin]

Interesting concern - it's been on my mind lately, too. I'm a fan of Charlaine Harris' Southern Vampire series, and have purchased all 9 of the older books through Fictionwise, and read them using the eReader on my iPod Touch. The tenth book in the series came out last month, and when I went to Fictionwise to purchase it, it wasn't available, and none of the older books were there, either. Not a big shock - FW is usually slower to get ebooks than Amazon. So... I went to Amazon. The book is available in every format *but* for Kindle. Finally, I went to Barnes & Noble, and it's available for B&N eReader or the Nook. So B&N is the only place to buy the book, and I can't imagine this is the only book this is happening with. I don't know if this is a delayed release like some of the film companies are doing with Redbox & Netflix, or if it won't ever be available. But it again makes me wonder if there is a perfect ebook reader. I can see the problem with daylight interference on the Touch or iPad, which then becomes a different issue.

There is currently an issue with publishers and book pricing. Ereaders are still in their infancy and there is a great deal of "sorting out" to be done. Remember when digital music first became available and people were pirating stuff left and right and music publishers were freaking out? That's whats going on right now in the publishing world. There is a paradigm shift and they're not really happy changing whats been in place for a very long time.

There is also a question of the value of books. When you pay $25 for a new book, are buying the physical object or are buying the author's work? What part of the $25 is the paper, printing, binding, shipping and distribution of the physical book? Should that cost be included in the cost of a digital or e-book? How much should the author get of the physical book and how much of the ebook? Why is the same book $25 in a bookstore and $12.99 at BJ's and $9.99 at Amazon. Should an ebook ever be more than a physical book? Should ebooks be priced lower from the very beginning. If they are $9.99 on day of release and the physical book is $25...is the publisher losing money? What about the fact that many, many people can read a physical book. It's much harder (near impossible) to loan an ebook. Should that figure into the price. What happens to your ebooks when you die? You can sell or donate a physical book but, you cant do either with an ebook.

I'm sure we could come up with 100's more questions and they are all valid.

Ebooks are too new to have all these questions answered immediately.

Publishing is changing and publishers are fighting the change. It will be very interesting to see how it all plays out.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Hi Kevin,
I'm very close to buying either the Nook or Kindle (probably the Kindle), but I keep hearing about needing cell service. I have Verizon and I'm pretty sure that is not one of the selected cell services. Isn't the Kindle wifi/3G enabled? Why do I need the cell service, is it for downloading books away from your computer? Do I just need to be near an ATT or Sprint cell tower and now actually have those services?

You do not need cell service. It comes with the Kindle. It's built in.

Currently, the Kindle being sold uses Sprint I beleieve (dont hold me to this).

You do not even need cell service really. It's just easier. You can download the book from Amazon and move it to your Kindle with a USB cord.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Ipads are useless in sun light.

Kindles are great outdoors.

Keep this in mind if you like to read by the beach, pool, back yard, little league game, soccer practice.......you get the idea.

 

[mommyceratops]

1000%. Kim is awesome....but I already knew that.

She's my original BFF / stalker.

If you are going to have a stalker an honest one is good to have

However you have given AJ the bug and he is telling me he is going to order one. How long until I can take it away??

 

[disneysteve]

Remember when digital music first became available and people were pirating stuff left and right and music publishers were freaking out? That's whats going on right now in the publishing world.

Is it as easy to pirate e-books as it is to pirate music? How are the book files stored? Can you easily share them or burn them to a disc and give a copy to someone else?

When I buy a physical book, I can resell it or give it to another person, just like with a physical CD. With music, I can also make a copy and give that to someone (regardless of whether or not it is legal to do so, it can be done). What about with the electronic books?

 

[robertgp124]

There is supposed to be a newer version of the Kindle coming out in August, and a price drop is rumored.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/197560/thinner_kindle_coming_soon.html

We own a Kindle 2 and the office has an iPad. I really think that for eBooks the Kindle (or app if you prefer) is hard to beat. Amazon's website and wealth of reviews mean that it is the first place that I stop when I am looking for an eBook or a book generally.

I've not used the iPad as extensively, but I will say this - it renders beautifully. I agree with everything Kevin has said about it. I also use twitter (way too much) and the twitter apps for the ipad are simply beautiful. It baffles me that there is not a facebook app that is as nice as the ipod touch/iphone one (it only scales up to the ipad's resolution).

Also, the ipad has Plants vs. Zombies. That game is worth the price of admission.

 

[DisneyKevin]

Is it as easy to pirate e-books as it is to pirate music? How are the book files stored? Can you easily share them or burn them to a disc and give a copy to someone else?

When I buy a physical book, I can resell it or give it to another person, just like with a physical CD. With music, I can also make a copy and give that to someone (regardless of whether or not it is legal to do so, it can be done). What about with the electronic books?

There are pirated books out there, but I have no idea how it's done or if it's easy to do.

If sharing, selling or donating a physical book is of importance to you...and to some, it is...then ebooks are probably not for you. In order to share your Kindle ebook with someone....they must have a device on which to read the ebook and they must be on your account. With John's recent acquisition of an iPad, I put John on my Amazon account. He has access to all of the books I have purchased...so in effect, I am loaning him my books. He also has access to my credit card information and can order via my Amazon account. Most publishers allow you to share books with 5 devices besides the original device. Some limit it to 5 devices. While this works well with John....I wouldnt feel comfortable sharing my credit card info with other people....so I wouldnt be able to share ebooks with them.

 

[DisneyKevin]

There is supposed to be a newer version of the Kindle coming out in August, and a price drop is rumored.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/197560/thinner_kindle_coming_soon.html

We own a Kindle 2 and the office has an iPad. I really think that for eBooks the Kindle (or app if you prefer) is hard to beat. Amazon's website and wealth of reviews mean that it is the first place that I stop when I am looking for an eBook or a book generally.

I've not used the iPad as extensively, but I will say this - it renders beautifully. I agree with everything Kevin has said about it. I also use twitter (way too much) and the twitter apps for the ipad are simply beautiful. It baffles me that there is not a facebook app that is as nice as the ipod touch/iphone one (it only scales up to the ipad's resolution).

Also, the ipad has Plants vs. Zombies. That game is worth the price of admission.

Thinner than 1/3 of an inch?

I'm not sure that's a huge selling point. Sharper text. Faster response time. Lower price. These are all selling points.

I'm not sure thinner is important.

Weird.

Thanks for the article.

 

[disneysteve]

I really don't see myself getting an iPad. They are neat, for sure, but I don't see where it would fit in my computing world. We have a desktop. We have a laptop. DD has a netbook. I've got an iPhone. DW will have one shortly and DD has an iPod touch. Just don't see where the iPad would fill any unmet need.

 

[DisneyKevin]

I really don't see myself getting an iPad. They are neat, for sure, but I don't see where it would fit in my computing world. We have a desktop. We have a laptop. DD has a netbook. I've got an iPhone. DW will have one shortly and DD has an iPod touch. Just don't see where the iPad would fill any unmet need.

I said these same words....and now we have two.

 

[gkrykewy]

I have a 32gb wifi iPad. Paying twice for 3G service on two devices seemed a bit absurd to me. I just tether the 3G connection from my phone to my iPad when I need it.

I notice that if you quote and reply to a long post, there's no way to scroll inside the text window. At any rate, I've loved my iPad since the day it arrived.

I haven't read the whole thread, so this may have been answered, but there is a way: scroll with two fingers within the text box.

 

[disneysteve]

I have a 32gb wifi iPad. Paying twice for 3G service on two devices seemed a bit absurd to me. I just tether the 3G connection from my phone to my iPad when I need it.

Great idea. I was just reading about tethering from the iPhone. Does AT&T charge any extra for doing this? I was wondering if DD could tether her netbook to my iPhone when we are traveling.

 

[OKW Lover]

Great idea. I was just reading about tethering from the iPhone. Does AT&T charge any extra for doing this? I was wondering if DD could tether her netbook to my iPhone when we are traveling.

Unfortunately AT&T doesn't currently provide for tethering on the iPhone.

 

[gkrykewy]

Great idea. I was just reading about tethering from the iPhone. Does AT&T charge any extra for doing this? I was wondering if DD could tether her netbook to my iPhone when we are traveling.

You have to "jailbreak" your phone. It's super easy, google "spirit jailbreak", and can painlessly be undone. Once jail broken, just DL an app called MyWi. There are probably others.