Wired's Comparison of iPad and Kindle2 as eReaders

[disney_mommy]

"As a Kindle aficionado I was curious to see how the iPad stacked up to Amazon's device as an e-reader. The answer: Pretty well. Newspapers, of course, are a natural, and the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Reuters and USA Today are all taking a step toward Minority Report–style living newspapers, where a touch expands a story or starts up video. (That's much better than Kindle's clunky newspaper navigation.) Using the familiar conventions of the iTunes store, the iBooks store made it easy to buy a virtual book, though many best-sellers cost more on Apple's store than Amazon's.

Apple has added some welcome innovations to the reading process, like a scroll bar that makes it easier to zip through chapters. Pages turn really fast. And the backlit screen makes the pages themselves clearer. But I'm not sure whether the backlighting is a plus — I found it easier to read with the brightness turned halfway down. After a bunch of long novels I'll figure out whether or not backlighting in "ludic reading" situations (intense, lengthy sessions) really does strain the eyes more than the Kindle's screen does, as some have claimed."

http://www.wired.com/reviews/product...tories+2%29%29

I don't know about anyone else, but I have not yet been convinced to give up my K2.

[rhadin]

I haven't been convinced to give up either my Sony 505 or pbooks for an iPad. But then I don't own an iPod, an iPhone, or an iMac -- or anything Apple -- for that matter. Apple's hype has yet to sway my purchase desires.

[pboss]

The ipad fails for one single stupid reason alone: you cannot hold it comfortable in one hand.

[JSWolf]

The iPad does not compare to the K2. It compares to the KDX.

Can the KDX be held in one hand easily?

[dmaul1114]

Originally Posted by pboss

The ipad fails for one single stupid reason alone: you cannot hold it comfortable in one hand.

That didn't bother me at all in playing around with my girlfriend's iPad yesterday.

But of course I read my Kindle with holding it with two hands most of the time, and same for physical books.

I really liked the reading experience on the iPad. Bigger screen, can adjust the brightness to a level I like vs. needing to be near a light or hassle with my clip on book light I use with my Kindle in dim rooms etc.

I'm not sold on buying an iPad yet as I want to see what other tablets come out in the next 6 months or so as it has some non-reading related draw backs I'd like to see improved on.

But I could see a tablet becoming my main e-reading device and maybe selling my Kindle. I seldom read for more than 60 minutes, so I don't really need e-ink like the avid readers do. I just love the convenience of e-books.

[TallMomof2]

You can't easily read outside on the iPad. What is this mania with reflective screens that don't work well with glare? If Apple had figured out how to make a color reading device that is as easily used outside as in then that would be magical.

The DX is significantly lighter than the iPad but I wouldn't want to hold either for long one-handed.

[dmaul1114]

That's very true. Moot for me as I never sit outside and read, but yeah the iPad is not a good outdoor device. I'm pretty much not outdoors unless I'm going somewhere or doing something like hiking. The iPad is ok in the shade (or on a covered porch/balcony) etc. from the little I used it though.

[lene1949]

The kindle is a dedicated reader... If all you want to do is read - get a kindle...

I do love my ipod touch, but I don't use it too much for reading... I mostly use it for the music and its applications... I suppose I would use an Ipad the same way... I find the ipod touch quite easy to read on, even when switching directly from the kindle to the Ipod..

I think I want an Ipad...

[sianon]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

The iPad does not compare to the K2. It compares to the KDX.

Can the KDX be held in one hand easily?

Yep, I frequently hold the DX in one hand and don't find it too heavy. I would prefer the page change buttons on the left hand side as I prefer to hold the device in my left hand. I also take the deivce on public transport and read even on those odd occasions where I cannot get a seat and have to stand with one hand holding a safety strap (I choose to travel to work early rather than endure packed trains). I dont expect that the Ipad will be any different when I get it.

[pbennett]

Here's one users first impressions (who also has a Kindle):
http://www.pvponline.com/2010/04/05/...ons/#more-5518

So.... cool device. Kindle replacement? No way. Supplement? Sure.

Another thing to keep in mind - the IPad has a glossy screen (so you'll be looking at your face and whatever else is behind you while you read) and will be pretty much *completely* unreadable in bright sunlight. The iPad also looks to be *very* fragile:
http://www.pcworld.com/article/19338...ess_tests.html
PC World found that the screen was permanently damaged with just 3 drops on carpet!

[angelad]

Originally Posted by sianon

Yep, I frequently hold the DX in one hand and don't find it too heavy. I would prefer the page change buttons on the left hand side as I prefer to hold the device in my left hand. I also take the deivce on public transport and read even on those odd occasions where I cannot get a seat and have to stand with one hand holding a safety strap (I choose to travel to work early rather than endure packed trains). I dont expect that the Ipad will be any different when I get it.

Agree. No problem at all with holding my unit in one had, easily.

[dmaul1114]

Originally Posted by pbennett

Another thing to keep in mind - the IPad has a glossy screen (so you'll be looking at your face and whatever else is behind you while you read) and will be pretty much *completely* unreadable in bright sunlight.

I've had no problems with reflections. Glare is an issue of course in sun or really bright lighting, but I don't read in either condition.

The iPad also looks to be *very* fragile:

It's not any more fragile than a Kindle DX with its 9.7" glass screen. All these devices are pretty fragile and need to be kept in cases, care taken to not drop them etc.

[whitearrow]

For me it's just too heavy to replace my K2 as a reader. I hope to get some kind of slate device this year, be it iPad or something else, but I can't see it becoming my primary reading device.

[NavyDad6]

For me the single most important factor is battery life. I doubt that I could charge an Ipad and still be reading on it a week later without plugging into an outlet. I am in the Navy and travel alot and some of that travel is in areas that do not afford a source of power.

If they could ever advance a technology, it would have to be battery life for illuminated, constantly connected devices. Imagine not worrying about plugging in your smartphone for over a week.

[dmaul1114]

Yeah, the iPads battery life is great for what it is. But we've gotten 10-11 hours out of it, so it wouldn't fit your needs like an e-ink device.

I don't need it as I'm always around power and have no problems plugging it in every night or two rather than every week or two like my Kindle. But e-ink is far superior on that front for people who have to spend long stretches away from power or just hate having to charge more frequently for whatever reason.