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I'm trying to decide on getting an e-reader or a tablet, but I'm a bit deer-in-the-headlights with all of the options and so-forth.
This is where the internet comes in handy.
What sort of device do you have? What do/don't you like about it? What do you use it for most? Favorite feature? Anything that'd be helpful in making a choice in devices?
Anything anyone has to offer is greatly appreciated. ^^
My wife and I both have an iPad 3 and she also has a Kindle Touch that I've played with a lot. She ends up reading on her Kindle most of the time and I read on my iPad. It mostly comes down to personal preference if money is no object, but here are the high-level pros/cons of those two devices based on my experience.
Kindle Touch
- Reasonably priced ($80-180 depending on which version you get, touch screen or not, wifi or not)
- Slightly more expensive outside of the US as you don't get the ad-supported option
- E-ink screen, matte finish - very readable but sometimes has a little ghosting
- No backlight
- Easy to read in sunlight
- Very light (lighter than a paperback book)
- Small form-factor, fits nicely in a large pocket, purse or whatnot
- Whispernet access so you can download books on the fly
- Wifi and 3G models available (optional)
- Insanely long battery life (particularly if you have wifi disabled)
- "Send to Kindle" option from PCs or via email
iPad 3
- Significantly more expensive ($600-850)
- Full-fledged tablet - can install other apps, faster processor, music, video, etc.
- Retina display (high-def), backlight
- Can be harder to read in the sun (glare), but a good cover can usually help with this
- Heavier and larger formfactor (10" screen)
- More options for obtaining books (iBooks, Amazon, download, etc.)
- Wifi by default, 3G is an option
- Reasonably good battery life (can get 7-8 hours straight at 50% brightness)
Basically it comes down to how you'll be using it.. if you're strictly looking for an e-reader, I think the Kindle is awesome. If you want a multi-function device that's really full-featured, a tablet may suit your purposes better.
Reading on each is more of a preference thing; I don't mind reading on an iPad and I like the backlight for night reading, and the ability to (in the ebook apps) switch to inverse colours at night (white on black). On the other hand, I'm considering getting a Kindle too, because it saves me lugging the iPad around if I'm just going to read, or if I'm afraid of it being stolen/damaged. The Kindle is pretty rugged and light and easier to conceal. :)
My wife is 8 months pregnant and she doesn't really have the energy/strength to hold the iPad for lengthy reading sessions, so the Kindle is really nice for that. Especially if you're just using one hand (e.g. while holding a baby) -- the iPad is almost out of the question there.
There's also the option of going for a tablet/e-reader combo like the Kindle Fire (only available in the US as far as I know) or the Nook Colour, which are also smaller (7" screens). I haven't really played with either of those, but since I already own a tablet, they're not really that interesting for me.
Hope this helps!
Cheers,
-nick
An iPad is way more than an eReader, and I find for 99% of what I used to need a laptop/computer for, I can use my iPad. If I were to just focus on the eReading aspects of both devices though, I would say that while I read The Economist on the iPad every week, for lengthy reading sessions, and more importantly any reading I want to do outside, the Kindle is the way to go. iPad is too heavy and too prone to glare to use outside/for long periods.
Hope this helps.
R