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E-ink vs iBook verdictany e-ink users?
- Thread starter Yr Blues
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ah, it's not like no one has ever read a book on an LCD screen before. why do you think the iPad will be different than when using an e-reader app on other glossy LCD screens? e-ink is totally different and some folks swear by it, especially in bright light. for dim lighting, LCD wins.
ijen0311
macrumors 65816
I looked at more than one iPad outside the store, and the verdict is, I just can't read it outside. It's more bearable without my sunglasses on, but who wants to do that? (I'm in Florida.) My eyes did get more tired after reading a book on the iPad. I did notice, however, that books on the Kindle app strained my eyes more than the iBooks app books. 😕
For reading, I prefer e-ink. I do wish my Kindle was full screen like the iPad and didn't have that dinky little keyboard at the bottom. But, for me, the iPad is much, much more than an e-Reader anyway.
For reading, I prefer e-ink. I do wish my Kindle was full screen like the iPad and didn't have that dinky little keyboard at the bottom. But, for me, the iPad is much, much more than an e-Reader anyway.
qpid360
macrumors 6502a
I have the Barnes & Noble Nook as well as the iPad. I haven't used the iPad extensively yet to read books but from my usage, it's an enjoyable experience. It's faster and smoother. However, it's bulkier and the glare can get annoying. I'm not sure if eye strain will be an issue for long sessions. I will be selling my Nook (and Sony Reader) because I don't want to keep multiple devices that can do the same thing. Besides, B&N will be releasing an iPad app so I can just transfer my ebooks over.
Honestly though, e-ink is still my choice for a more natural reading experience.
Honestly though, e-ink is still my choice for a more natural reading experience.
I read on my MacBook all the time. But when I read a +hundred page novel on it, my eyes wanted to murder me. I haven't used a Kindle, but I do want an e-reader of some kind. So, I'm asking for thoughts from experienced users.
sparkomatic
macrumors 6502a
Just put my Kindle up for sale. I was gonna keep it and switch back and forth between it and the iPad but...really...I'm not gonna do that. The iPad has so much more. From now on, I'm going to always reach for it instead.
No sense keeping the kindle around!
No sense keeping the kindle around!
ijen0311
macrumors 65816
If you have the cash, I'd go for both devices.
I'm also a woman and have room to throw multiple devices in a purse! 😀
iPad nearly useless outdoors...
That high-reflectivity glass makes for very frustrating reading outside.. I spent some time with MiWi & the iPad at the park yesterday, and unless you're in the well covered shade, the reflections are maddening. From what I've heard the kindle doesn't have this issue, and although I usually avoid the outdoors, my wife is a bigtime reader, and likes the outdoors, so she's going to try to take advantage of some of you guys selling your kindles on eBay.. 🙂
Cory
That high-reflectivity glass makes for very frustrating reading outside.. I spent some time with MiWi & the iPad at the park yesterday, and unless you're in the well covered shade, the reflections are maddening. From what I've heard the kindle doesn't have this issue, and although I usually avoid the outdoors, my wife is a bigtime reader, and likes the outdoors, so she's going to try to take advantage of some of you guys selling your kindles on eBay.. 🙂
Cory
gwynne
macrumors 68000
My Sony e-reader PRS700 was still what I reached for when I went to bed last night. I have what I assume are unusual levels of eyestrain (I think I may be going through the phase where I start to need reading glasses, just not there yet). Neither reader is comfortable when my eyes hurt, but the e-ink was a little easier.
Also, the iPad is too bulky for my usual reading position in bed.
It's fine for 'couch' reading but I *have* to read before I go to sleep, and in bed it looks like it'll be the Sony.
This should not be interpreted as a 'hater' post. I already had a feeling I would be sticking with my e-ink for this.
Also, the iPad is too bulky for my usual reading position in bed.
It's fine for 'couch' reading but I *have* to read before I go to sleep, and in bed it looks like it'll be the Sony.
This should not be interpreted as a 'hater' post. I already had a feeling I would be sticking with my e-ink for this.
Indoors - don't have a preference other than if I already have the iPad with me/on/using, I'd use it.
Outdoors - hands down the Kindle2. Not even close.
Outdoors - hands down the Kindle2. Not even close.
jclardy
macrumors 601
The difference is that you don't hold a laptop 10 inches from your face. I have a kindle and now an iPad but I will be selling my kindle. I'm going to be doing a few comparisons before I sell but I need to spend some more time on my iPad first. The experience of iPad is much much better, but I will save my full impressions for a blog post.
distance isn't the issue, my friend. the differences between e-ink and LCD are well known to most anyone who hasn't been living under a rock. eink looks better in bright light, while LCD gets the nod in dim/no light. not sure why u are going off on a tangent about distance from eyes to screen, as that's not relevant whatsoever.
macmyworld
macrumors 6502
Indoors iPad for me. Read half a book last night and prefer how alive the iPad is. I also like the backlight, I can read in dimmer light. (I own a Kindle also)
Outdoors the iPad will not work very well, but I rarely read outdoors.
Note to Amazon, get real page numbers, it is refreshing that the iPad does that.
Outdoors the iPad will not work very well, but I rarely read outdoors.
Note to Amazon, get real page numbers, it is refreshing that the iPad does that.
blairh
macrumors 604
OP, if you plan on reading outside at all or on a train/subway/bus with light coming in off windows and reflecting off the iPad screen, you will regret getting an iPad. The glare is unbearable with direct sunlight.
If however you plan on reading indoors, and you really want the other features of the iPad, then get it. However I also read the following on CNET.....
"During our short time with the device, we found the iPad's highly reflective glass screen to be problematic--we were always shifting angles to avoid seeing the reflection of overhead lights. (The iPhone may have the same issue, but it seems less problematic on its smaller screen.) Like many things, this is going to be a personal preference--but we'd give the Kindle (and other E-ink readers) the nod for brightly lit environments, while the iPad wins for darker ones. Meanwhile, if color is a necessity, the iPad wins hands-down."
I have a Nook. I absolutely love it. Keep in mind holding a Nook/Kindle is like holding a paperback while the iPad is more like a hardcover book. The e-ink screen combined with the size of the device makes the Nook my perfect reading device. But like I said, if you really want the other features of the iPad, then you've got a decision to make. I also have no need for color, I just read novels, etc.
If however you plan on reading indoors, and you really want the other features of the iPad, then get it. However I also read the following on CNET.....
"During our short time with the device, we found the iPad's highly reflective glass screen to be problematic--we were always shifting angles to avoid seeing the reflection of overhead lights. (The iPhone may have the same issue, but it seems less problematic on its smaller screen.) Like many things, this is going to be a personal preference--but we'd give the Kindle (and other E-ink readers) the nod for brightly lit environments, while the iPad wins for darker ones. Meanwhile, if color is a necessity, the iPad wins hands-down."
I have a Nook. I absolutely love it. Keep in mind holding a Nook/Kindle is like holding a paperback while the iPad is more like a hardcover book. The e-ink screen combined with the size of the device makes the Nook my perfect reading device. But like I said, if you really want the other features of the iPad, then you've got a decision to make. I also have no need for color, I just read novels, etc.
Page numbers make no sense with iBooks since they disappears at non-default font sizes anyway. The Kindle method makes a lot more sense. I, for one, will not be giving up my Kindle despite now owning an iPad. E-ink is way better for reading on.
sparkomatic
macrumors 6502a
It's been great so far. I'm using the Kindle app to finish a couple of books I bought on Amazon. I have access to all my books that I've bought through that app.
Also bought a couple through iBooks but haven't started on them yet.