Resolved Books reading: iPad vs. Paper – Experiences?

[hemon]

Hi,

I just want know if someone tried – or do it – to read entire books or articles (for the university) with the iPad and which differences you noticed with paper-books. Have you had problems with comprehension? Do you think, the paper is better for the understanding? What do you prefer?

Thanks.

 

[ardchoille50]

I use the Kindle app on my iPad Air 2 and I prefer it over paper books. It's easier to define a word, or make notes, and I can carry numerous books with me without the need of a backpack/bag. The only drawback is reading on the iPad in direct sunlight, for that I have a Kindle Paperwhite.

 

[imlovinit]

For articles I rather use an ipad but for most text books and general enjoyment reading I rather like having a good old paper version. Just to get away from the constant of electronics.

 

[Saturn1217]

I never print out things unless someone else (my boss) forces me to. I do it all on my iPad Air and this is the primary reason why I am still really happy with this tablet 1+ years later. I am a Research Scientist/former grad student to give you some context.

I really like the iPad for reading research articles and textbooks. For me personally when I'm reading technical material I need to annotate it to help the info stick. This is not as easy on the iPad as with pen and paper. BUT the benefits of being able to keep my annotated articles/textbooks all in one place (as opposed to losing them in a stack of paper) makes up for that. The key is finding the right apps which can be a little tricky.

I also use my iPad to mark up drafts of papers etc that I write. It is ~80-90% as good as paper and wonderful because you don't have to feel guilty printing that 5th draft of that 30+ page manuscript. Also I don't always have access to a printer and then the ability to work on my drafts using my iPad comes in very handy.

 

[Bananas Ananas]

I use my iPad mini to read a lot of books and comprehension wise I do not think there's a difference when compared to a paper copy. However, as an experience, I think reading from an actual physical book is still more pleasant, but carrying around an iPad is much easier.

 

[TJ61]

Beyond reading comprehension, a good reader app can make a big difference for your overall experience when it comes to maintaining your "library" (on device, in the cloud, or both), and annotating.

 

[lizardofwoz]

I now regularly use an iPad for reading. There are several advantages...

The text size can be adjusted to suit your eyesight.

The Books application remembers the page you were on when last reading.

Many books can be stored in very little space, and

eBooks are FAR less expensive than paper.

Comprehension is unaffected and appears to be no different to reading from paper.

 

[Shanghaichica]

I don't like using LCD displays for reading as they tire my eyes out after a short period of time. I do all my reading on an e-ink kindle device and have done so since 2010. I haven't read a paper book since then.

I do like to use my iPad for reading comics though.

 

[laudern]

Books are too heavy.....

 

[AppleTech22]

Bought my iPad to use in college as something to transport notes and articles with, and planned on reading all of my personal books on it as well. Turns out that I hate reading for long periods on it, just not the same feeling. Going to sell my iPad Air and purchase and original one for the academic side, then using thrift books for the personal side.

 

[Fzang]

I used to read a lot on my iPad, but now I read all my scientific papers on my rMBP. It's a lot easier to manage a LOT of paper on my computer, and incorporate them in my work as I go along.

 

[Mack812]

I use the Kindle app for reading books on my iPad, and I find it a lot more convenient than reading the printed edition. First, you can easily take notes without having to worry about losing track of handwritten notes. Second you can store plenty of books on your iPad, which is valuable if you don't have a lot space for storing printed books. Finally, you can easily read ebooks either in bed, on the couch, or on the go.