Trying to decide whether to purchase an ipad or kindle. I not only want it for surfing but to read books also. Is the ipad any good for ebooks like the kindle is?
Kindle or Ipad 2
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They're two very different beasts.
The web is awful on a Kindle, as you'd expect (B&W and an e-ink screen) but that's also the reason that books are so much nicer to read on a Kindle.
If books are a small part of what you'd like to view, the iPad (or another table) would be better.
The web is awful on a Kindle, as you'd expect (B&W and an e-ink screen) but that's also the reason that books are so much nicer to read on a Kindle.
If books are a small part of what you'd like to view, the iPad (or another table) would be better.
Would an ipad be ok if say you were reading around a half hour? is the screen on it good for text.
I do want something I'm able to do other things on also but would it be capable of someone being able to read for a while on it or would it give you istrain
Thank for your reply.
I do want something I'm able to do other things on also but would it be capable of someone being able to read for a while on it or would it give you istrain
Thank for your reply.
Originally Posted by rosey-789:
“Would an ipad be ok if say you were reading around a half hour? is the screen on it good for text.
I do want something I'm able to do other things on also but would it be capable of someone being able to read for a while on it
Thank for your reply.”
“Would an ipad be ok if say you were reading around a half hour? is the screen on it good for text.
I do want something I'm able to do other things on also but would it be capable of someone being able to read for a while on it
Thank for your reply.”
I read an entire book in one sitting on my iPad 2 not that long ago (the latest "Jack Reacher" book I think it was).
It's not as good as the Kindle for books (which is awesome, admittedly), but it's still pretty good.
... And it's a hell of a lot better than the Kindle for surfing, plus of course can do many things the Kindle can't.
"two very different beasts" as jonmorris said.
It may not be a viable option, but I bought a 3G Kindle and have since got an (Android) tablet. Have you considered buying both?
Maybe not straight away, but if you use the Kindle app on the iPad then you can easily pick up reading existing books (and new ones) on the Kindle later on - with everything synced automatically (you get back to the last page read on another device, which might even be your PC/Mac or smartphone).
The two devices are really too different for you to make a decision if you want the web and a nice way to read books. A backlit screen is an issue for reading for a long time (the same problem I am sure Kindle Fire users will encounter).
Maybe not straight away, but if you use the Kindle app on the iPad then you can easily pick up reading existing books (and new ones) on the Kindle later on - with everything synced automatically (you get back to the last page read on another device, which might even be your PC/Mac or smartphone).
The two devices are really too different for you to make a decision if you want the web and a nice way to read books. A backlit screen is an issue for reading for a long time (the same problem I am sure Kindle Fire users will encounter).
Was jusst looking at the kindle fire so no doubt that may not be as easy on the eyes. Think I may just go for the ipad as I do want it for other things not just for reading
I use my iPad with the kindle app all the time, and I find it great. The backlit screen I find a bonus as I can lie in bed at night and read my books with ease. You can adjust the screen brightness right down low when doing this, so it doesn't glare. You also have all the other functions when reading books of a kindle.
I was looking at a kindle before getting the iPad, and I'm so glad I did buy the iPad as its so much more functional than a kindle is, and find I can hardly put it down these days
As said they are two very different beasts, if all you are going to do to is read books, then save money and buy a kindle. If you want more than that i.e watch movies, browse the internet, listen to music, play games etc etc then look at the iPad you won't regret it
I was looking at a kindle before getting the iPad, and I'm so glad I did buy the iPad as its so much more functional than a kindle is, and find I can hardly put it down these days
As said they are two very different beasts, if all you are going to do to is read books, then save money and buy a kindle. If you want more than that i.e watch movies, browse the internet, listen to music, play games etc etc then look at the iPad you won't regret it
Originally Posted by rosey-789:
“Thank you. Still can't decide”
“Thank you. Still can't decide
”
Buy an iPad for your other uses, and a Kindle as an eBook - simples!
The cost of a Kindle (£89.95) is insignificant compared with an iPad.
Originally Posted by rosey-789:
“Trying to decide whether to purchase an ipad or kindle. I not only want it for surfing but to read books also. Is the ipad any good for ebooks like the kindle is?”
“Trying to decide whether to purchase an ipad or kindle. I not only want it for surfing but to read books also. Is the ipad any good for ebooks like the kindle is?”
Hi
If you can afford an iPad, I strongly recommend you to get an iPad2 , because it's more convenient in multiple ways.
Also I am not sure if you mean the Kindle or Kindle Fire. If you wish to surf and read then you may need to get a Kindle Fire.
Though browsing is good with Kindle Fire's Silk browser, you should always seek a WiFi connection or hot spot since it does not have a 3G option. Also it's not just Android OS that you are using but Android highly customized for Amazon. If you have a fan of the Amazon eco-system you will love the device, else the iPad stays good.
I've recently bought an iPad 2 and in the 3 weeks I've had it have read 2 books (quite decent sized ones) I would totally recommend it. Can't comment on the kindle as I've never used one though but no probs reading on the iPad.
The household has both iPad and new Kindle.
The iPad was bought as an easy way to get onto the net - look things up - run diaries - shopping lists - sync with phones - music and iplayer etc etc.
Because 2 iPads could not be afforded a Kindle was bought purely to read books. And as an ereader it does what it does well.
BUT
There are squabbles over the iPad because it does e-reading well too and it is the preferred device.
Not least accessing the dictionary, viewing notes, searching the store is easier because of the touch screen.
Using the five way controller is a bit of a pain. I may have felt differently of I'd bought the version with the keypad BUT I can hardly wait to get a second iPad and the Kindle would probably be retired at that point.
The iPad was bought as an easy way to get onto the net - look things up - run diaries - shopping lists - sync with phones - music and iplayer etc etc.
Because 2 iPads could not be afforded a Kindle was bought purely to read books. And as an ereader it does what it does well.
BUT
There are squabbles over the iPad because it does e-reading well too and it is the preferred device.
Not least accessing the dictionary, viewing notes, searching the store is easier because of the touch screen.
Using the five way controller is a bit of a pain. I may have felt differently of I'd bought the version with the keypad BUT I can hardly wait to get a second iPad and the Kindle would probably be retired at that point.
While you can use the iPad to read books it isn't really good for the following reasons
- While your eyes may get used to it (or if you use a computer a lot already be used to it) the backlight does cause eye strain
- Most people do a lot of their reading at night, often right before bed. Backlit devices shouldn't be used at night as it inhibits the production of melotone which is needed to sleep. E-ink using a lamp or a reading light is better as it not shining directly into the eyes
- its actually a little big and heavy to be ideal for reading for long periods. Not as bad as a hardback book but.
The iPad is a great device and I wouldn't get rid of mine, it's just not anything more than a passable e-reader.
Ideally you want both
- While your eyes may get used to it (or if you use a computer a lot already be used to it) the backlight does cause eye strain
- Most people do a lot of their reading at night, often right before bed. Backlit devices shouldn't be used at night as it inhibits the production of melotone which is needed to sleep. E-ink using a lamp or a reading light is better as it not shining directly into the eyes
- its actually a little big and heavy to be ideal for reading for long periods. Not as bad as a hardback book but.
The iPad is a great device and I wouldn't get rid of mine, it's just not anything more than a passable e-reader.
Ideally you want both
Yes, I definitely think both is the ideal solution.
And given the Kindle software is clever enough to let you pick up on any other device logged in to your account, there isn't even an issue with having a book on the iPad and not on the Kindle, or vice versa.
And given the Kindle software is clever enough to let you pick up on any other device logged in to your account, there isn't even an issue with having a book on the iPad and not on the Kindle, or vice versa.
i just bought a kindle for reading on the train (beats the evening standard every night!) and it feels a lot less cumbersome than the ipad looks for other users -
lots of kindle readers on my train
but, and it's a big BUT, it depends on wether you want mainly for reading or browsing - the Kindle is undoubtably the better option BUT only if for reading
lots of kindle readers on my train
but, and it's a big BUT, it depends on wether you want mainly for reading or browsing - the Kindle is undoubtably the better option BUT only if for reading
Originally Posted by jonmorris:
“One thing I forgot to add with the Kindle is - incredible battery life. As in a month or so!”
“One thing I forgot to add with the Kindle is - incredible battery life. As in a month or so!”
I have both a Kindle and an iPad. Ironically though I have flattened the Kindle battery on numerous occasions such that I couldn't use it. I have never once in nearly two years ever flattened the battery on my iPad. The difference is that because the Kindle is so good I never think to charge it. Also, it's not helped by a very poor battery indicator that's not at all obvious.
To answer the OP, I tend to use the iPad in preference to the Kindle for e-reading. However the very nice thing about Kindle books is that they can be read simultaneously on multiple devices via Whispersync (keeps your current page in sync across all devices). I often make use of that and for example might pick up a book I am currently reading via my iPhone if I'm stood in a queue or something. I bought the 3G Kindle for this very reason, not so that I could download books on the go - I am quite happy to download books when I am at wifi as it is an infrequent event, but to be able to sync anywhere is brilliant.
The only time I use the Kindle is either outside in bright light, or when portability is an issue.
This is like asking if you should get a fridge or a washing machine just because they're both white and go in the kitchen. The fact that the iPad and the Kindle are both rectangular devices with screens doesn't mean they have anything in common. I'm SO tired of seeing tablets marketed as "ebook readers". The feature that defines something as an e-book reader is having an e-ink display. If it has an LCD, it's NOT an e-book reader (as in: a device designed and optimised for reading e-books on), PERIOD. It's a tablet. The fact that you can leave a glass of wine on top of an iPad doesn't make it a coaster, right? Well then, being able to read books on a tablet doesn't make it an e-book reader either.
Originally Posted by Goddo:
“ If it has an LCD, it's NOT an e-book reader (as in: a device designed and optimised for reading e-books on), PERIOD. It's a tablet. The fact that you can leave a glass of wine on top of an iPad doesn't make it a coaster, right? Well then, being able to read books on a tablet doesn't make it an e-book reader either.”
“ If it has an LCD, it's NOT an e-book reader (as in: a device designed and optimised for reading e-books on), PERIOD. It's a tablet. The fact that you can leave a glass of wine on top of an iPad doesn't make it a coaster, right? Well then, being able to read books on a tablet doesn't make it an e-book reader either.”
I think you're being rather semantic there. For me, something I read e-books on is an e-book reader. As it happens I have a Kindle and an iPad but 90% of my reading is on the iPad. I wouldn't agree that the Kindle is optimised for e-reading. It is definitely better outdoors in bright light, but for me that is the only occasion when it's better, and accounts for less than 10% of my reading. IMO the back light makes the iPad a better reader than the Kindle.
Well, the whole reason that e-ink was developed is because backlit screens strain your eyes, that's a fact. And if you're a devoted reader, the advantages of e-ink over an LCD are obvious. Your saying that the back light makes the iPad a better reader tells me that you are not exactly a bookworm... If you read a few pages of a book every once in a while, you're not going to notice the difference, but try reading for a couple of hours or more _every_ day and see what your eyes think of that. Browsing the Internet on a backlit screen, even for a few hours, is not such a big problem, since normally your eyes are jumping from one place to another, skimming, and they're not fixed on a single thing for long periods of time. But a book is a whole different experience.
I note that there is an update for the iPad
Low light reading setting. Interestingly this is white text on a black background.
Takes me right back to my early career days. The BBC did various measurements for VU meters etc on broadcast equipment.
Look at any BBC mixing desk and the info and meters are white on black - easier to read for long periods of time, apparently
Low light reading setting. Interestingly this is white text on a black background.
Takes me right back to my early career days. The BBC did various measurements for VU meters etc on broadcast equipment.
Look at any BBC mixing desk and the info and meters are white on black - easier to read for long periods of time, apparently
Originally Posted by Goddo:
“Well, the whole reason that e-ink was developed is because backlit screens strain your eyes, that's a fact. And if you're a devoted reader, the advantages of e-ink over an LCD are obvious. Your saying that the back light makes the iPad a better reader tells me that you are not exactly a bookworm... If you read a few pages of a book every once in a while, you're not going to notice the difference, but try reading for a couple of hours or more _every_ day and see what your eyes think of that. Browsing the Internet on a backlit screen, even for a few hours, is not such a big problem, since normally your eyes are jumping from one place to another, skimming, and they're not fixed on a single thing for long periods of time. But a book is a whole different experience.”
“Well, the whole reason that e-ink was developed is because backlit screens strain your eyes, that's a fact. And if you're a devoted reader, the advantages of e-ink over an LCD are obvious. Your saying that the back light makes the iPad a better reader tells me that you are not exactly a bookworm... If you read a few pages of a book every once in a while, you're not going to notice the difference, but try reading for a couple of hours or more _every_ day and see what your eyes think of that. Browsing the Internet on a backlit screen, even for a few hours, is not such a big problem, since normally your eyes are jumping from one place to another, skimming, and they're not fixed on a single thing for long periods of time. But a book is a whole different experience.”
Agreed, it's not unusual for me to read for say 4 hours and on an LCD this would be awful, by contrast my Sony Reader is at least as good as a real book.
I might spend 10 hours a day or more working at my computer using an LCD but that is a completely different experience to getting stuck into a novel. (I actually use green on black for my text editing using a console type editor because that is far more restful on my eyes with an LCD).
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