Presenting a feature-for-feature Kindle vs iPad review, which gadget will likely win hands down? No doubt about it, the Apple iPad, with its recent much talked about launch, is the “in” thing at present. Hardcore Apple patrons can barely wait to get their hands on one as the WiFi versions are likely to ship in late March, while the 3G units are arriving in April. When that time comes, we will expect to see long lines in front of every Apple store as what transpired with the release of the iPhone.
But how does the entry of the iPad affect the current crop of ebook reading devices such as the Kindle, Nook, and Sony Reader? The ereader has slowly become a common consumer device, with the Kindle getting the bigger share of the market. Seeing the promise of such a device however, many such ebook readers have also been released of late, with most of them sporting practically the same attributes as that of the Kindle. Now with the entry of tablet PCs like the iPad which can also ably perform as an ebook reader, the gadget demand may shift to multi-functional devices. Can the iPad really make a significant dent on the ebook reader industry? Let’s take a look at the significant elements.
First off, the negatives. The iPad will only be associated with Apple?s own ebook store. While getting an iPad is a smart move for those who are still considering buying an ebook reading gadget, if you already own plenty of digital books, you won?t be able to dump them in the iPad. Actual ebook prices are still for confirmation, but there’s word that buying iBooks in the Apple ebook store is going to run you around $12.99 and $14.99. These rates can be a little pricey if you have to start from scratch. Plus, Amazon’s ebooks are still retailing at $9.99 apiece.
Notwithstanding, purchasing an iPad has its own set of benefits, being a device that can perform a lot of functions. You can use this big iPhone clone, sans the “phone”, to stream high-def movies, catch your favorite TV shows, do online browsing, and play games on a 9.7 inch IPS touch screen. Sticking with Apple standards, the clarity and color is amazing, and it comes with your choice of 16-GB, 32-GB or 64-GB internal memory. With such storage capacity, the Library can hold tons of books, which are cleverly displayed on a “book shelf” design. With an easy tap, you may choose your ebook, and read it on the high-resolution, LED back-lit screen. Depending on your memory and connectivity preferences, prices start out at $499 and end at $829. It does run special apps developed specially for the iPad, and you’ll have access to most of the 140,000 other apps at the App Store.
On the other hand, the Kindle is a device intended for the user’s most relaxing and easy reading experience in mind. Unlike the LCD monitor of the iPad, the Kindle, like the current batch of ebook readers, is equipped with e-ink display, which many say, is still best for reading for longer periods of time. The Kindle’s battery can last up to two weeks without recharging, so it could also make the perfect traveling companion. The 6-inch model is priced at $259, while the 9.7-inch Kindle DX costs $489.
So which gadget gets our nod in this Kindle vs iPad matchup? Certainly for the gadget geek, the iPad will go perfectly alongside his MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and its smaller counterpart in looks, the iPhone. Jobs and his staff have come up with yet another brilliant product for the dedicated Apple user. But for the bookworm just looking to read in the most conjucive “environment” and don?t require all of the other fancy features, the Kindle remains to be your best option on the market today.
Portable ebook readers continue to rise in popularity as more reading enthusiasts discover the benefits of using one. But how will multi-function gadgets like the iPad fit into the picture? Visit us to read our detailed Amazon Kindle vs Apple iPad reviewand to know more about the most popular ebook readers today.