All iPads iPad Air as a reader?

[darabo]

One thing to consider in regards to the Kindle vs the iPad and such is the ebooks themselves.

IIRC Kindles only accept ebooks in Amazon's ebook file format: .mobi

Whereas the iPad not only accepts .mobi (via the Kindle app) but also .epub (via iBooks), which is the most popular ebook format as well as other ebook file formats such as for graphic novels, comics and etc.

Plus with the iPad ironically enough you can just directly download the ebook in your browser and just import it directly to the app, no syncing required, whereas I think the Kindle is more strict in this regard.

So yea, there's this to think about as well...

 

[rui no onna]

IIRC Kindles only accept ebooks in Amazon's ebook file format: .mobi

Whereas the iPad not only accepts .mobi (via the Kindle app) but also .epub (via iBooks), which is the most popular ebook format as well as other ebook file formats such as for graphic novels, comics and etc.

Aside from comics, it's quite simple to convert between mobi/epub. If you've purchased books with DRM from iBooks though, Apple is your only option.

 

[Night Spring]

Why are people persisting in discussing Kindle vs iPad when the OP has emphatically stated he's not interested in the Kindle?

OP, if your goal is to have one device to carry, then the key is what else do you do on an iPad other than reading ebooks. If reading ebooks is all you do, and your goal is to get the lightest iPad, of course the retina mini is the best choice. If, however, you do other things, like editing documents, I'd recommend the Air.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

I've never owned any iPad yet. Maybe one day I will get one. I have an iPhone 4S. Even so I still say the best option for reading is still the "old fashioned" physical book. Looking at a screen of any kind for long periods is not good on the eyes. A physical book with proper lighting around is still the best bet. You also don't get distracted having all the other apps at your fingertips.

 

[Night Spring]

I've never owned any iPad yet. Maybe one day I will get one. I have an iPhone 4S. Even so I still say the best option for reading is still the "old fashioned" physical book. Looking at a screen of any kind for long periods is not good on the eyes. A physical book with proper lighting around is still the best bet. You also don't get distracted having all the other apps at your fingertips.

True enough, but how many physical books can you carry at once? With ebooks, you can carry hundreds, or even thousands of books on a device lighter than a large paperback book (in the case of iPad mini or Kindle).

 

[bigpoppamac31]

True enough, but how many physical books can you carry at once? With ebooks, you can carry hundreds, or even thousands of books on a device lighter than a large paperback book (in the case of iPad mini or Kindle).

True but can a person read more then one book at once? No. People can be reading through a few books at the same time but you can only be looking at one at a time.

 

[Night Spring]

True but can a person read more then one book at once? No. People can be reading through a few books at the same time but you can only be looking at one at a time.

If you are going on a trip, you can bring enough books to last you the entire trip, without adding to luggage weight. And then there are books you want around for reference, and old favorites you like to revisit every once in a while. There's a value to having your entire library always with you, even if when you actually read, you of course read one book at a time.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

If you are going on a trip, you can bring enough books to last you the entire trip, without adding to luggage weight. And then there are books you want around for reference, and old favorites you like to revisit every once in a while. There's a value to having your entire library always with you, even if when you actually read, you of course read one book at a time.

In any event I don't want to have a huge debate about it. Guess I'm just old fashioned that's all.

 

[darabo]

Aside from comics, it's quite simple to convert between mobi/epub. If you've purchased books with DRM from iBooks though, Apple is your only option.

True, however I've never bought an ebook from iBooks to be honest since there are other sites where one can buy ebooks in epub format for either cheaper, without DRM or both.

The good thing about iBooks is that unlike most other Apple apps you can directly download the ebook via Safari (it doesn't work on Chrome on iOS for some reason), email, Dropbox it or whatever and you can directly import it to your iBooks app.

Same with the Kindle app actually and a few others.

Also I don't know about you but I've converted mobi ebooks to epub and vice versa and I don't know about you but usually the spacing and formatting of the text is usually messed up in the process.

True but can a person read more then one book at once? No. People can be reading through a few books at the same time but you can only be looking at one at a time.

This is true for the most part but everyone's case is different. For myself I had to go overseas for a year to various countries due to my employment with a non-profit. I only brought my iPad in terms of electronics since I literally was only allowed to only carry a small backpack with me. Since I didn't have access to a computer or the Internet for most of the time I synced most of my books, graphic novels and etc. onto my iPad so it was all in one device. Plus whenever I (rarely) did get access to the Internet I'd just download more ebooks either directly from the Internet as mentioned above or from Dropbox/Box.

 

[jekjones1558]

Why are people persisting in discussing Kindle vs iPad when the OP has emphatically stated he's not interested in the Kindle?

OP, if your goal is to have one device to carry, then the key is what else do you do on an iPad other than reading ebooks. If reading ebooks is all you do, and your goal is to get the lightest iPad, of course the retina mini is the best choice. If, however, you do other things, like editing documents, I'd recommend the Air.

THANK YOU for honoring my question!! I use my iPad almost exclusively for apps, web, email and iBooks. I use my MacBook Pro for "real" computing. When I travel, however, I only bring my iPad. Since my travel is not for business, my iPad is just fine. Because it is an iPad 3 it has retina, so the readability is fine for me, even if not as good as a Paperwhite. It also is pretty heavy. I had hoped that Air would have touch ID but at least it is considerably lighter than my 3. I just can't decide whether the extra weight of the Air over the retina Mini is worth it. The extra real estate is nice for web. Not an earth shattering decision but I really do value the opinions on this board, especially when they are on topic. #

 

[Night Spring]

Also I don't know about you but I've converted mobi ebooks to epub and vice versa and I don't know about you but usually the spacing and formatting of the text is usually messed up in the process.

What conversion program did you use? I use Calibre, and I usually get good results converting from mobi to ePub. (I don't convert things to mobi because the goal is to get books into iBooks -- I don't own a Kimdle and hardly ever use the Kindle app.) I tweaked the conversion settings to format things the way I like, and it's turned out beautifully every time. Unless the Kindle book is in topaz format, which always ends up badly. And PDF files are simply impossible to invert into any other format!

 

[darabo]

What conversion program did you use? I use Calibre, and I usually get good results converting from mobi to ePub. (I don't convert things to mobi because the goal is to get books into iBooks -- I don't own a Kimdle and hardly ever use the Kindle app.) I tweaked the conversion settings to format things the way I like, and it's turned out beautifully every time. Unless the Kindle book is in topaz format, which always ends up badly. And PDF files are simply impossible to invert into any other format!

I've used Calibre and numerous other programs and websites.

What were your settings for Calibre? Now I'm curious...

Also with the Kindle app (and Kindle in general) you can send ebooks and such to your Kindle email address and it's automatically synced to your Kindle app and Kindle device. It's pretty cool and handy if you are away from your iPad or something.

 

[Night Spring]

THANK YOU for honoring my question!! I use my iPad almost exclusively for apps, web, email and iBooks. I use my MacBook Pro for "real" computing. When I travel, however, I only bring my iPad. Since my travel is not for business, my iPad is just fine. Because it is an iPad 3 it has retina, so the readability is fine for me, even if not as good as a Paperwhite. It also is pretty heavy. I had hoped that Air would have touch ID but at least it is considerably lighter than my 3. I just can't decide whether the extra weight of the Air over the retina Mini is worth it. The extra real estate is nice for web. Not an earth shattering decision but I really do value the opinions on this board, especially when they are on topic. #

Well, I also seem to have gotten drawn into the off-topic discussion, so sorry about that. In hindsight I guess this thread was doomed the moment you mentioned the Kindle.

My gut instinct is that you will be happier with the Air, as you say you enjoy the extra real estate on the bigger screen. I currently have both a mini and an iPad 3, and while the lightness of the mini is great for throwing it into a bag to carry around, every time I take it out and use it, I find myself wishing for the bigger screen. I know the Air is heavier than the mini, but I'm hoping the reduction of weight makes it much easier to carry than the 3. I guess we'll find out come November 1!

 

[rui no onna]

I use my iPad almost exclusively for apps, web, email and iBooks. I use my MacBook Pro for "real" computing. When I travel, however, I only bring my iPad. Since my travel is not for business, my iPad is just fine. Because it is an iPad 3 it has retina, so the readability is fine for me, even if not as good as a Paperwhite. It also is pretty heavy. I had hoped that Air would have touch ID but at least it is considerably lighter than my 3. I just can't decide whether the extra weight of the Air over the retina Mini is worth it. The extra real estate is nice for web. Not an earth shattering decision but I really do value the opinions on this board, especially when they are on topic. #

Alas, the only way you'd really know for sure is if you play with both devices yourself. It would have been nice if both had the same release date so you can at least compare in store. As I mentioned, for me personally, 469g still isn't light enough for single-handed reading. From previous experience with devices of similar weight, the iPad Air will likely give me wrist fatigue after just 10-15 minutes of use. It might be different for you.

 

[Night Spring]

I've used Calibre and numerous other programs and websites.

What were your settings for Calibre? Now I'm curious...

Also with the Kindle app (and Kindle in general) you can send ebooks and such to your Kindle email address and it's automatically synced to your Kindle app and Kindle device. It's pretty cool and handy if you are away from your iPad or something.

It's been a while since I fiddled with Calibre settings, but there is a setting somewhere for controlling word wrap, override any original font, set the line spacing, and I like having an empty line between paragraphs.

And yes, I'm aware of the email function for the Kindle, but not relevant to me because I don't own a Kindle, and I always have at least my iPhone with me.

 

[jekjones1558]

Well, I also seem to have gotten drawn into the off-topic discussion, so sorry about that. In hindsight I guess this thread was doomed the moment you mentioned the Kindle.

My gut instinct is that you will be happier with the Air, as you say you enjoy the extra real estate on the bigger screen. I currently have both a mini and an iPad 3, and while the lightness of the mini is great for throwing it into a bag to carry around, every time I take it out and use it, I find myself wishing for the bigger screen. I know the Air is heavier than the mini, but I'm hoping the reduction of weight makes it much easier to carry than the 3. I guess we'll find out come November 1!

Thanks for your input!

----------

Alas, the only way you'd really know for sure is if you play with both devices yourself. It would have been nice if both had the same release date so you can at least compare in store. As I mentioned, for me personally, 469g still isn't light enough for single-handed reading. From previous experience with devices of similar weight, the iPad Air will likely give me wrist fatigue after just 10-15 minutes of use. It might be different for you.

Thanks for your thoughts.

----------

The way you hold either one can have more impact on wrist/arm fatigue than the actual weight. The mini is small enough that I can hold it in portrait mode with one hand (thumb on one side and fingers on the other). But that puts my wrist at an awkward angle. With a folio cover on it, though, I can hold it by the folded up cover on one side for much longer.

I currently hold my iPad 3 in portrait on one side by the case and it is doable, especially reading in bed. I will probably get a cover or case because I am hopelessly clumsy.

----------

One thing to consider in regards to the Kindle vs the iPad and such is the ebooks themselves.

IIRC Kindles only accept ebooks in Amazon's ebook file format: .mobi

Whereas the iPad not only accepts .mobi (via the Kindle app) but also .epub (via iBooks), which is the most popular ebook format as well as other ebook file formats such as for graphic novels, comics and etc.

Plus with the iPad ironically enough you can just directly download the ebook in your browser and just import it directly to the app, no syncing required, whereas I think the Kindle is more strict in this regard.

So yea, there's this to think about as well...

Interesting. I am into easy.

 

[darabo]

Interesting. I am into easy.

I am also a frequent traveler as well and based on my experience an iPad makes traveling much, much easier.

As mentioned earlier in this thread one of my travels involved going overseas for a year in places where Internet and computer access were limited at best. With the iPad I had stored all of my books, graphic novels, and even used it as a note taker and such when I needed it.

Plus whenever I did have access to the Internet I'd just directly download an ebook via Safari to iBooks or the Kindle app, unlike with the Kindle reader itself you need to plug it into a computer to sync it. Plus you can email ebooks and other documents to your Kindle email address and it's automatically synced into your Kindle app (and device as well).

In my honest opinion it's much better to have an all in one device than two devices. You can read, browse the Internet, Skype/FaceTime/Hangout/Vonage (which you can use to call anyone in the USA and Canada for free ) people, impress other travelers, locals and foreigners with your fancy iPad (joking joking, but it's true...), the possibilities are much more than a Kindle, which is only a reader.

 

[caesarp]

I've never owned any iPad yet. Maybe one day I will get one. I have an iPhone 4S. Even so I still say the best option for reading is still the "old fashioned" physical book. Looking at a screen of any kind for long periods is not good on the eyes. A physical book with proper lighting around is still the best bet. You also don't get distracted having all the other apps at your fingertips.

It's wonderful having the ability to look up words with a tap or two while reading or search for a name to find out who that character is if you forgot. There are some great advantages to e readers over physical books. Not to mention speed and ease of purchase and the ability to carry around an entire library.

I still buy physical books if I think the book is " important" or has fancy artwork or maps etc. sometimes I have bought both the physical book and e version. But most of my reading is now on the ipad.

 

[jekjones1558]

I am also a frequent traveler as well and based on my experience an iPad makes traveling much, much easier.

As mentioned earlier in this thread one of my travels involved going overseas for a year in places where Internet and computer access were limited at best. With the iPad I had stored all of my books, graphic novels, and even used it as a note taker and such when I needed it.

Plus whenever I did have access to the Internet I'd just directly download an ebook via Safari to iBooks or the Kindle app, unlike with the Kindle reader itself you need to plug it into a computer to sync it. Plus you can email ebooks and other documents to your Kindle email address and it's automatically synced into your Kindle app (and device as well).

In my honest opinion it's much better to have an all in one device than two devices. You can read, browse the Internet, Skype/FaceTime/Hangout/Vonage (which you can use to call anyone in the USA and Canada for free ) people, impress other travelers, locals and foreigners with your fancy iPad (joking joking, but it's true...), the possibilities are much more than a Kindle, which is only a reader.

I also love traveling with an iPad. I am old enough to remember the days of carrying books, iPod, cell phone, laptop, camera, camcorder and GPS. I am still amazed that all of this stuff can be on one device. I may have to wait until both the Air and retina Mini are available to handle in an Apple Store so I can see whether I can live with a smaller screen. I don't currently own a Mini so I don't really have a frame of reference or experience.

 

[darabo]

I also love traveling with an iPad. I am old enough to remember the days of carrying books, iPod, cell phone, laptop, camera, camcorder and GPS. I am still amazed that all of this stuff can be on one device. I may have to wait until both the Air and retina Mini are available to handle in an Apple Store so I can see whether I can live with a smaller screen. I don't currently own a Mini so I don't really have a frame of reference or experience.

Yea, I remember those days as well....although now I only carry around my iPad, phone and camera (I'm also a photographer, especially while traveling).

In regards to the Mini I remember while working in Nepal I met this traveler who just bought an iPad Mini (it was just released). Of course everyone was envious and wanted to take a look at it. About an hour after meeting her the Mini fell off the table and hit the floor, only to have the screen get shattered...

Of course this is just one story of an unusual circumstance but don't forget that while traveling anything can happen!

Also for productivity, typing, watching videos and etc. the full size iPad is definitely the way to go. But if you're not sure just go to a store and test out the current iPad Mini on display, since the Retina model will be the same size and around the same weight you'll know what to expect.

 

[jekjones1558]

But if you're not sure just go to a store and test out the current iPad Mini on display, since the Retina model will be the same size and around the same weight you'll know what to expect.

Duh. Now why didn't I think of doing that? I don't need to wait for the new Mini, just the Air, to compare weights and screen size. Thanks!

 

[darabo]

Duh. Now why didn't I think of doing that? I don't need to wait for the new Mini, just the Air, to compare weights and screen size. Thanks!

No worries. If it makes you feel any better I realized this yesterday when I saw the iPad Mini in a hands-on display and I had the same reaction. Haha.

 

[rui no onna]

No worries. If it makes you feel any better I realized this yesterday when I saw the iPad Mini in a hands-on display and I had the same reaction. Haha.

Comparing the weight is easy. It's the effect of the retina display on the mini that you really need to get a feel for. When I switched from a Nook Color (7" 169ppi) to a Nexus 7 2012 (7" 216 ppi), I found myself not needing to zoom in on stuff all the time. I realized it's not really bigger screen real estate that I needed. It's just the increased resolution. I expect for me, the 7.9" mini 2 will work just as well as bigger iPads while being 30-50% lighter.

 

[bigpoppamac31]

It's wonderful having the ability to look up words with a tap or two while reading or search for a name to find out who that character is if you forgot. There are some great advantages to e readers over physical books. Not to mention speed and ease of purchase and the ability to carry around an entire library.

I still buy physical books if I think the book is " important" or has fancy artwork or maps etc. sometimes I have bought both the physical book and e version. But most of my reading is now on the ipad.

Well in any event to each their own. It will still be a really long time before all books are put in digital form.

 

[MVallee]

I had a Kindle for a few years and loved it but I found I slowly started using it less and less once I got an iPad. The iPad was with me more and having to bring an extra device for reading was annoying.

When the Kindle Paperwhite was released I decided to put a book on my iPad and try it before buying a new Kindle. I stare at LCD screens on my iPhone, iPad and MacBook all day so why should reading a book be different? I love reading on my iPad now and sold my Kindle. It's so much more convenient and since I have the books on my iPhone too and they sync with iCloud I can easily pick up where I left off with my phone if I find myself stuck somewhere like a doctors office or in line at the bank.

I usually turn on sepia and turn the brightness down low and have no issues. I don't read outdoors really so for that I can see the Kindle being superior but for my needs the iPad wins.