I think it depends on the individual reader. My wife bought me a Kindle for Christmas, I am an occasional reader, I think the Kindle may be overkill for me, I don't take it outdoors to read I occasionally read the newspaper and a couple magazines on it and a book here and there. To me the iPad will satisfy my occasional reading with or without e-ink and also let me check my email, surf the web etc....if I want to from the comfort of my chair without having to squint to look at my iphone. Now for me we have an iMac, 2 Macbooks, I always use the iMac when at home, my wife always uses her aluminum macbook, my black macbook C2D hardly gets touched by me except when I go on a trip and even then its for email and web surfing etc....something that this iPad will accomplish. I'm leaning toward selling my Kindle and Black Macbook and picking one of these up.
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It's no eBook reader
- Thread starter TheSeagull
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Liquavista has some electronic ink displays that can also operate with a backlight, but they are not the color ones.
I use the Kindle app on my Touch, for books. I will love the iPad and the bigger screen and the ability to see a complete newspaper page.
I think that paper news will continue to fail and that is fine with me.
I am anxious to make the move to e-magazines too.
Thanks for the comparisons with Kindle. I don't own one, but I do own several mac computers. The iPad is an ipod, which is great.
I think that paper news will continue to fail and that is fine with me.
I am anxious to make the move to e-magazines too.
Thanks for the comparisons with Kindle. I don't own one, but I do own several mac computers. The iPad is an ipod, which is great.
I looked it up, and check this out. This thread has some more great information. It's not actually eInk at all--it's something called electrowetting, and apparently you can do it with multicolor backlights and video-capable refresh rates.
Too bad the tablet didn't whip out this kind of action.
maflynn
macrumors Broadwell
I didn't read the thread because I started my own thread asking what's up with e-ink. The mods merged my question with this thread even though its a bit debatable whether this should be in here, since I was only asking what e-ink is and why its "better" then a traditional lcd panel.
DaBrain
macrumors 65816
I don't get this e-ink verses LCD Displays. I own a kindle and I do a fair amount of book reading on it. However, I do a helluva a lot on computer displays all day long and frankly I do not see one bit of difference from using e-ink or lcd's regarding eye strain.
I think if most would be honest, they would admit that they probably spend a lot more time on a computer then they do reading on a e-link device.
Now IM going to hold off on this iPad and probably just get a new MBPro 13 inch.
IM not either pro nor con regarding the displays as I stated I use both, but my eyes get strained just as much on my kindle as they do on a computer and that's the truth. In fact I wish my kindle background screen was really white like they show on Amazon.
To me it's more grey and I really need to be under a lot of light for me to easily read my kindle. And that really does strain my eyes much more then the type of display.
Just my 2 cents--)))
Chupa Chupa
macrumors G5
I am buying an iPad because it offer's books, and more important, magazines, and newspapers that look and feel like the printed counterpart.
1) Too early to dismiss the iPad screen just because it's not e-ink. If you are going to be fair minded then you have to wait until the iPad ships before criticizing the screen.
2) I can't imagine too many people are reading War & Peace for 10 hours straight. 10 hours is fine for almost any trip, except maybe S. Pacific, even then you usually sleep half the time.
3) We don't know the true book pricing, but, personally, I'd gladly pay $12 for an iPad book w/ video extras, color diagrams, etc, and was ePub format rather than $10 for a completely locked up AZW formatted book w/ no embedded extras.
I think the iPad does put pressure on the Kindle/Nook, and I can only think that right now Bezos is working on the next Kindle that will allow users to d/l video and music from Amazon as well as books.
Kindle Killer? Nope...
Yes - the iPad will be very pretty and will have animated page flips and a more "robust" experience for reading books. Especially for the academic world. Being in color and having a touch interface will be great for books will illustrations, charts, etc..
However - those that think the iPad is going to kill the Kindle are mistaken. Perhaps the DX will go away. But the standard Kindle? No. At least not for several SEVERAL years. Here are some reasons off the top of my head
1) Amazon's customer base is HUGE. They have great prices, inventory for ebooks, a head start on the market. They also have CHANGED their profit model to better compensate publishers.
2) The Kindle, for what it is, might be a bit pricey at 249, but those that really just want an ereader are more likely to pay that than 499 or up. Yes - the iPad can do a lot more. But for many people (see #2) - there's no need for it to do more.
3) e-ink - no matter how you slice it, is better on the eyes for reading text. There's little to no argument here. Downside is you need light to read it in the dark. But the upside is - you don't have to worry about glare and sunlight washing out your screen like an LED screen.
4) Amazon WILL be updating the Kindle hardware and software. Given that a few companies are already promoting color e-ink, the Kindle will no doubt evolve to a full blown color e-ink reader. Will it play videos, have touch screens, etc - doubt it.
5) Battery life. Say what you want - but yes, when someone travels or whatever - being able to read for a couple of weeks without recharging is important. 10 hour battery life s GREAT for a video device. But if the same device allowed you to watch videos for 2 weeks, you'd call that a major asset. Those saying that 10 hours is plenty for an ereader can't have the argument go both ways. The fact is - Kindlem because it's ONLY an ereader excels in battery life.
6) Total cost of ownership. Apple has already stated that they leave book prices to the publishers. Great for them. But for the reader? Also - 3G access is free with the Kindle. Users don't have to pay 14.99 a month to download a book when away from a hotspot. And I think that Amazon will most likely (if only to compete with Nook let alone the iPad) add wifi to their device. For those looking for an e-reader (only) - it's not very cost effective. A beautiful device perhaps, but a bit pricey.
7) Durability. Now - no one has used an iPad yet.. and I'm not saying the Kindle is made of steel. But given the posting on here about screens getting cracked, cases getting scratched, and other technical/manufacture issues - I would be surprised if the iPad was ever considered more durable. It will most likely have to be much more "babied" than a Kindle would overall.
I'm not a Kindle lover or an Apple Basher. But just wanted to throw it out there that I think anyone ringing the death knell for the Kindle is WAY premature. WAY premature.
Yes - the iPad will be very pretty and will have animated page flips and a more "robust" experience for reading books. Especially for the academic world. Being in color and having a touch interface will be great for books will illustrations, charts, etc..
However - those that think the iPad is going to kill the Kindle are mistaken. Perhaps the DX will go away. But the standard Kindle? No. At least not for several SEVERAL years. Here are some reasons off the top of my head
1) Amazon's customer base is HUGE. They have great prices, inventory for ebooks, a head start on the market. They also have CHANGED their profit model to better compensate publishers.
2) The Kindle, for what it is, might be a bit pricey at 249, but those that really just want an ereader are more likely to pay that than 499 or up. Yes - the iPad can do a lot more. But for many people (see #2) - there's no need for it to do more.
3) e-ink - no matter how you slice it, is better on the eyes for reading text. There's little to no argument here. Downside is you need light to read it in the dark. But the upside is - you don't have to worry about glare and sunlight washing out your screen like an LED screen.
4) Amazon WILL be updating the Kindle hardware and software. Given that a few companies are already promoting color e-ink, the Kindle will no doubt evolve to a full blown color e-ink reader. Will it play videos, have touch screens, etc - doubt it.
5) Battery life. Say what you want - but yes, when someone travels or whatever - being able to read for a couple of weeks without recharging is important. 10 hour battery life s GREAT for a video device. But if the same device allowed you to watch videos for 2 weeks, you'd call that a major asset. Those saying that 10 hours is plenty for an ereader can't have the argument go both ways. The fact is - Kindlem because it's ONLY an ereader excels in battery life.
6) Total cost of ownership. Apple has already stated that they leave book prices to the publishers. Great for them. But for the reader? Also - 3G access is free with the Kindle. Users don't have to pay 14.99 a month to download a book when away from a hotspot. And I think that Amazon will most likely (if only to compete with Nook let alone the iPad) add wifi to their device. For those looking for an e-reader (only) - it's not very cost effective. A beautiful device perhaps, but a bit pricey.
7) Durability. Now - no one has used an iPad yet.. and I'm not saying the Kindle is made of steel. But given the posting on here about screens getting cracked, cases getting scratched, and other technical/manufacture issues - I would be surprised if the iPad was ever considered more durable. It will most likely have to be much more "babied" than a Kindle would overall.
I'm not a Kindle lover or an Apple Basher. But just wanted to throw it out there that I think anyone ringing the death knell for the Kindle is WAY premature. WAY premature.
peterja
macrumors regular
FSF says "the iPad's unprecedented use of DRM to control all capabilities of a general purpose computer is a dangerous step backward for computing and for media distribution."
"Apple can say they will not abuse this power, but their record of App Store rejections and removals gives us no reason to trust them."
http://www.defectivebydesign.org/ipad
"Apple can say they will not abuse this power, but their record of App Store rejections and removals gives us no reason to trust them."
http://www.defectivebydesign.org/ipad
I'm not arguing that the iPad will be popular or not. I'm responding to those "pundits" who are claiming that the iPad will be a Kindle Killer. In short - it won't. There's a clear market for both devices.
And competition among (ebook) formats will only benefit the consumer.
Kindle $260 dollars
iPad $500
What are the capabilities of the iPad? about 4-5 times that of the kindle.
Kindle=Friggen dead.
iPad $500
What are the capabilities of the iPad? about 4-5 times that of the kindle.
Kindle=Friggen dead.
I have owned ALL THREE Kindle's released to date.
Sold my KINDLE DX last week.
This ABSOLUTELY is a KINDLE KILLER, as in stone dead.
Faster, color, more features, games, internet that actually WORKS, and maps, compass, the works.
And it is a screaming speed demon to boot, and CHEAPER than the best Kindle at $490.
One does not need book access everywhere, even witout a 3G package, near a wireless hotspot, load up your iPAD with books and magazines, and you are good to go.
And remember, I have OWNED all the KINDLE's and loved 'em all.
Sold my KINDLE DX last week.
This ABSOLUTELY is a KINDLE KILLER, as in stone dead.
Faster, color, more features, games, internet that actually WORKS, and maps, compass, the works.
And it is a screaming speed demon to boot, and CHEAPER than the best Kindle at $490.
One does not need book access everywhere, even witout a 3G package, near a wireless hotspot, load up your iPAD with books and magazines, and you are good to go.
And remember, I have OWNED all the KINDLE's and loved 'em all.
I'm selling my Kindle 2 and MacBook--the iWishTheyHadn'tCalledItThat will take the place of everything I currently do on those two devices. Consolidation FTW.
Mr Bigs
macrumors 6502a
I signed up just to reply to this.
1) So is Apples fan-base,the fact of the matter is Apple just has to go to the publishers and get the content they want.
2)Why settle for less when you can have more for the same price ?
3)This is totally your opinion.
4) Amazon is going to have to do some serious updating to compete with the i-Pad,I see the kindle fading away real soon and them embracing Apple.
5) How many people are far away from some kind of power to charge their phone, i-Pod or maybe even the i-Pad ?
6) i-Pad user have a choice of hardware and are not locked into a contract,you can choose to have a 3G model or not. I personally have an advantage because I own a Sprint MiFi which eliminates the need for AT&T Thank God.
7) This device should be just as durable as a Macbook and the i-Phone so thats one leg up on the plastic screen and hardware on the Kindle.
🙂
that's you. That's not the general marketplace. As I said - the Kindle is far from dead. All those features you list above are great to have. No doubt. But as I said - there's a bug audience for the Kindle who don't want all those bells and whistles. They JUST want an eReader.
B&W laser printers still sell and sell well. Even though there are far more advanced printers on the market.
B&W copiers still sell well even though there are far more advanced copiers.
Blu-Ray hasn't killed DVD. And DVDs took a LONG time to kill VHS.
But why argue or even try to have a logical discussion with those that think there can only be one device to rule them all.
1. That doesn't make the Kindle closer to death.
2. Same price? It's 249 for the kindle or 499 for the low end iPad. Not the same price.
3. No - not just MY opinion. Google.
4. Updating is inevitable. Death is not.
5. It's convenience. I don't have to plug it in each night. I can go away for the weekend or even a week and leave the charger at home. People bitch about the iPhone and how fast their batteries drain. When people use the charger or extra battery argument for the iPhone people say they don't want to have to do that - the battery should last. So people can't have it both ways. It's ok to admit that the Kindle has better battery life and that it's a great convenience. You won't get struck by lightening...
6. Kindle has no contract either. And no fees unless you're abroad.
7. Seriously? You think the iPhone is really durable? You must not ever visit other message boards on this website.
My point wasn't to laud the Kindle as a great device. My point was to illustrate that the Kindle isn't going to be killed by the iPad - and even if it were - you're looking at a very VERY long road before that happens.
Mr Bigs
macrumors 6502a
First you really can't compare prices because hardware and capabilities aren't comparable. I'm sure if you only use the i-Pad only for reading you won't need to charge it every night. I honestly do believe the i-Phone is quite durable compared to most any phone with the same characteristics. If you're abusive and hard on things then you can break anything.
haha whoops. I looked it up more (thanks wikipedia) and I got it now.
Any idea how much these kinds of displays would cost if/when they hit the market? I doubt Apple is likely to pick up on these--realistically, the best you could hope for is that some other vendor will hook it up to a touchscreen with an ARM processor and slaps android/moblin/whatever on top. And that might be at least a year away:
So far Liquavista have only announced a partnership with chip-maker Texas Instruments, who plan to use Liquavista in their ‘next-generation e-reader development platform’. There are reports that Liquavista-based devices will not be available before the first quarter of 2011, by when Pixel Qi and Qualcomm’s Mirasol may have made significant inroads into the ereading market.
Something to look out for, anyway.