Kindle Vs iPad: Will the iPad’s Novelty Put the Lights Out of the Kindle?
Presenting a side-by-side Kindle vs iPad review, which device will likely prevail? Without a doubt, the Apple iPad, with its recent much hyped about launch, is the “in” thing at present. Hardcore Apple patrons can scarcely wait to get their hands on one as the WiFi models 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 just like what transpired with the sale of the iPhone.
But how does the entry of the iPad affect the current crop of ebook readers such as the Kindle, Nook, and Sony Reader? The ereader has slowly become a common consumer device, with the Kindle getting the lion’s share of the market. Seeing the potential of such a device however, many such ebook readers have also been released of late, with most of them having practically the same features 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 need may swing to multi-functional devices. So, is the iPad poised to take over the ereader market? Let’s take a look at the significant factors.
Let’s start with the cons of the Apple device. The iPad will only be associated with Apple’s own ebook store. While this makes sense for those who are still thinking of buying an ebook reading gadget, if you already own a ton of ebooks, you won’t be able to access these in the iPad. Actual ebook costs are still to be confirmed, but there’s word that purchasing iBooks in the Apple ebook store is going to cost you around 12.99 dollars and 14.99 dollars. These rates can be slightly steep if you have to start from scratch. Plus, Amazon’s ebooks are still retailing at 9.99 dollars apiece.
Notwithstanding, purchasing an iPad has its own set of advantages, as it’s a device that can perform a lot of functions. You will be able to use this big iPhone clone, sans the “phone”, to stream high-def movies, watch your favorite TV shows, browse the web, and have fun with games on a 9.7 inch IPS touch screen. Sticking with Apple standards, the resolution and color is superb, and the package includes your choice of 16-GB, 32-GB or 64-GB internal memory. With such storage capability, the Library will hold a lot of books, which are cleverly displayed on a “book shelf” design. With one simple tap, you may choose your ebook, and read it on the high-resolution, LED back-lit screen. Depending on your storage and connectivity preferences, prices start out at 499 dollars and end at 829 dollars. It does run special apps created 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 Amazon Kindle is a device intended for the user’s most relaxing and easy reading experience in mind. Unlike the LCD screen of the iPad, the Kindle, like the present batch of ebook readers, utilizes 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 dollars, while the 9.7-inch Kindle DX costs 489 dollars.
So which gadget gets our thumbs up in this Kindle vs iPad matchup? Certainly for the gadget geek, the iPad will fit perfectly alongside his MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and its smaller counterpart in looks, the iPhone. Jobs and his staff have created yet another brilliant product for the hardcore Apple user. But for the booklover just looking to read in the most conjucive “environment” and have little need for all of the other fancy features, the Kindle ebook reader is still your best option on the market today.