iPad Versus Kindle: Which E-Reader Is Right For You?

Website design By BotEap.comThe last two years have been an interesting time for book readers. We’ve seen quite a few electronic reading devices released by companies like Amazon, Sony, and Barnes and Noble. Now that the iPad has been released, another major player has entered the e-reader market.

Website design By BotEap.comUltimately, choosing an eReader is a matter of personal preference. All devices have pros and cons. This article will look at some of the differences between the Amzon Kindle and the Apple iPad.

Website design By BotEap.com1. Full color vs. black and white

Website design By BotEap.comWhile the Kindle uses a black and white e-ink screen, the iPad uses a full color computer screen. The e-ink screen is more pleasing to the eye. However, the iPad screen is certainly much more attractive. It will also be possible for authors to include extras in their books that would never be possible with a Kindle. You might expect exclusive interviews with the authors or a full-color interactive map of Middle-earth when you read The Lord of the Rings.

Website design By BotEap.com2. Battery life

Website design By BotEap.comOne thing that has contributed to the favorable reviews of the iPad is its long battery life. You can use the device for up to ten hours at a time. While this is pretty good, the Kindle’s battery life is even better. The Kindle can maintain a battery charge for up to 2 weeks as long as the wireless connection is not turned on. Ten hours is likely enough to charge your battery as long as you can charge it every night, but if you often take long vacations off the grid, the Kindle may be the best option.

Website design By BotEap.comE-Book Selection: Count Amount

Website design By BotEap.comThis has always been perhaps the most important factor in an eReader. If you don’t have access to the book you want to read, what good is having an eReader? This has also been the main reason why Kindle has always been number one. After all, Amazon is the number one bookseller in the world, so it’s only natural that they have the largest selection of Kindle books. However, the selection of books on the iPad is practically guaranteed to outperform that of the Kindle. The reason is that in 2009 Amazon developed a Kindle application for Apple. This application allows users to access the Kindle Store and download books directly to their iPod Touch, iPhone or iPad. IPad users will not only have access to the Kindle store, but they will also have access to Apple’s new iBookstore. If an iPad user cannot find the book they are looking for in the iBookstore, they can simply search for it in the Kindle store. Kindle users will not have this luxury.

Website design By BotEap.comE-book prices: deals and thefts

Website design By BotEap.comFor almost the same reason as above, iPad users can always get the best book price. While Kindle users will be forced to pay Amazon’s price for the book, iPad users will be able to compare prices between the two stores. The App Store also allows free downloads, an option that is not available in the Amazon store.

Website design By BotEap.comWeight: carry your e-books

Website design By BotEap.comThe Kindle easily wins this one. One thing that many iPad users have noticed is that the device is heavier than they expected. While much of this can be attributed to the quality of the device, the fact is that your arms and hands can get tired of holding 1.5 pounds in front of you for a long period of time. The Kindle weighs less than half the weight of the iPad and is much more comparable in weight to a standard-size paperback.

Website design By BotEap.comConclusion: choosing the best eReader

Website design By BotEap.comAlthough there are advantages and disadvantages to each device, each user must prioritize their needs to decide which device is best for them. Overall, the iPad is probably a better value for most readers. Battery life isn’t a big deal, and price and book selection is a big factor for the heavy reader. Also, while the Kindle is a dedicated book reader, the iPad is a multimedia device for full entertainment where users can watch videos, run applications, and surf the Internet.