iPad New iPad as e-reader

[Dr. McKay]

I have a 2nd gen 12.9 inch iPad Pro, which I originally bought with a keyboard case and the Apple pencil.
To be honest, I don't really use it anymore like I intended (which was a laptop replacement) and it's kind of heavy and cumbersome to handle when just sitting on the couch and watching some youtube or readings news articles.

I've also been readint a couple of free books on Apple books and several other online book stores (Kobo, Kindle), but like I said, the device is just too heavy to be comfortable. An e-reader is also on my radar (was looking at the Kobo Libra 2), but then I got thinking.
A Kobo would set me back almost 250 euros with a cover, a new standard iPad would around 420 euros with a cover (not the apple one), but I could probably still make around 150 euros for my iPad Pro.

The advantage of the iPad is that I have access to all e-book stores, from iBooks to Kindle, and Kobo. On the other hand, iPads (and tablets in general) aren't said to be ideal for reading books because of the backlighting. I guess an iPad mini would be more interesting size wise but that's just too expensive for my use case.
Does anyone here have any solid experience with reading on an iPad, and in particular on this new 10.2 inch iPad ?
It has an updated screen but I'm not sure how well it compares to the one in my iPad Pro...

To be clear, this is the iPad i'm talking about. 64 Gb should be plenty.

iPad 10.9-inch (10th generation)

iPad has an all-screen Liquid Retina display, the A14 Bionic chip and four color options. And it supports the Magic Keyboard Folio.

www.apple.com

 

[Rafterman]

I have an 11 Pro and a Mini 6. And the 11 Pro was perfectly fine for reading. It depends on how you read: hours at a time, or quick spurts? Prop it up, like on a lap, or hold it? If you prop it in some manner, the 11 Pro works fine. (the backlighting did not bother me). Otherwise, there was a fatigue factor. It's not something you can hold for an hour or two without "assistance".

But to be honest, I found reading on an iPhone was just as effective. Just more page turning - or if you look at pictures in books a lot.

 

[Dr. McKay]

Thanks for your reply.
I really do find my 12.9 inch iPad way too heavy to be able to read comfortably. I don't really know how the new 9th gen iPad compares to my ipad Pro
2nd gen iPad Pro weighs 677 grams, the new 10.2 iPad 487 grams. That's 190 grams lighter, doesn't seem like a lot, but it could make the difference. Also, as the 10.2 iPad is smaller, it will be less 'top heavy' to hold so less fatigue as well.

Of course, something like a Kobo Libra is a featherweight compared to any iPad...

 

[sparksd]

For years now I have used my iPads as e-readers, including my 12.9's (2021 now), usually reading some hours/day. I'm finding the new Mini 6 to be a great e-reader. I also have several generations of the Kindle, including the Paperwhite and Oasis, and except for outside in sunlight, I prefer the iPad.

 

[ScanTheNavian]

I don't know what it is about electronic devices like tablets, but I just can't read novels on them. I tried out Libra 1 for a few days and felt calmer and more focused with it. I'm returning it though for the Kobo Sage, as I want a bigger screen. One issue is the backlight which is brighter on the side with the lamps. Hopefully it's not as apparent on the Sage or that I can get used to it.

Edit: Of the iPads I'd prefer the Mini 6 as an ereader unless I'd want to read comics, PDF files or textbooks.

 

[Rafterman]

Thanks for your reply.
I really do find my 12.9 inch iPad way too heavy to be able to read comfortably. I don't really know how the new 9th gen iPad compares to my ipad Pro
2nd gen iPad Pro weighs 677 grams, the new 10.2 iPad 487 grams. That's 190 grams lighter, doesn't seem like a lot, but it could make the difference. Also, as the 10.2 iPad is smaller, it will be less 'top heavy' to hold so less fatigue as well.

Of course, something like a Kobo Libra is a featherweight compared to any iPad...

200 grams can be a lot when you have to hold it for extended periods.

 

[Dr. McKay]

I don't know what it is about electronic devices like tablets, but I just can't read novels on them. I tried out Libra 1 for a few days and felt calmer and more focused with it. I'm returning it though for the Kobo Sage, as I want a bigger screen. One issue is the backlight which is brighter on the side with the lamps. Hopefully it's not as apparent on the Sage or that I can get used to it.

Edit: Of the iPads I'd prefer the Mini 6 as an ereader unless I'd want to read comics, PDF files or textbooks.

The 8 inch displays of the Kobo Sage and Elipse look very nice but I can't see myself forking out that kind of money for just an e-reader.
Kobo Sage would cost me 340 euros with a sleep cover included, not counting a stylus. The 10.2 inch iPad is about 420 euros with a cover, and I already have the Apple pencil. It's still 80 euros more expensive, but then again, the iPad offers so much more than just reading.
The Libra 2 would be the one to go for, really. I would settle for the Libra H2O as I'm not interested in audio books and 8Gb of storage would be more than sufficient for just books, but strangely, it's still at full price, even though the new Libra 2 is out (well, it's 10 euros off, but that's full price in my eyes, 179 euros vs 189 for the Libra 2)...

 

[mainelyme]

I'll always prefer paper books, but I actually think the next best thing is a large iPhone, especially with an OLED screen. Switch to white text on a black background, turn down the brightness, and put it in a high quality leather case that feels good to hold. The biggest advantage is that it's always with you.

 

[Dr. McKay]

I'll always prefer paper books, but I actually think the next best thing is a large iPhone, especially with an OLED screen. Switch to white text on a black background, turn down the brightness, and put it in a high quality leather case that feels good to hold. The biggest advantage is that it's always with you.

I have an iPhone 8 plus and that is way, way too small to read on, for me, anyway. I never, ever use a web browser on my phone because it's utterly frustrating as it's so small...

 

[mainelyme]

I have an iPhone 8 plus and that is way, way too small to read on, for me, anyway. I never, ever use a web browser on my phone because it's utterly frustrating as it's so small...

Ah. I do have good vision (so far). It probably won't be a popular opinion here, but I would consider an Android tablet with an OLED display. Having true blacks is very nice in low light, and from my limited experience Galaxy tabs are lighter and easier to hold than their Apple counterparts.

 

[ElectronGuru]

For this I would get an iPad mini 5 off swappa. Then spend time configuring the screen. Books app has controls but you can also enable True Tone, night shift, reduce white point, even color filters!

 

[rui no onna]

The advantage of the iPad is that I have access to all e-book stores, from iBooks to Kindle, and Kobo. On the other hand, iPads (and tablets in general) aren't said to be ideal for reading books because of the backlighting. I guess an iPad mini would be more interesting size wise but that's just too expensive for my use case.
Does anyone here have any solid experience with reading on an iPad, and in particular on this new 10.2 inch iPad ?
It has an updated screen but I'm not sure how well it compares to the one in my iPad Pro...

To be clear, this is the iPad i'm talking about. 64 Gb should be plenty.

iPad 10.9-inch (10th generation)

iPad has an all-screen Liquid Retina display, the A14 Bionic chip and four color options. And it supports the Magic Keyboard Folio.

www.apple.com

No issues reading on a 10.2" iPad 7th gen here unless I have a migraine or the beginnings of one.

I use mine in 2-page/column landscape mode so kinda like having an open book. I don't carry the weight though. I usually have it propped on some pillows and I just use my index finger to support one corner and my thumb to turn pages.

 

[azpekt]

i have ipad pro 11 and kindle oasis. kindle is superior to ipad as a book reader device, due to weight, display and lack of distractions.

 

[rui no onna]

2nd gen iPad Pro weighs 677 grams, the new 10.2 iPad 487 grams. That's 190 grams lighter, doesn't seem like a lot, but it could make the difference. Also, as the 10.2 iPad is smaller, it will be less 'top heavy' to hold so less fatigue as well.

There's definitely a noticeable difference between the two. That 190g is already the weight of the Kobo Libra H2O. I much prefer the 10-11" iPads for bed/couch use. Reading in bed, the 12.9" is also far more painful if it falls on your face.

Incidentally, for single-handed use ~200g is my personal limit so even the iPad mini is too much for me particularly since there are practically no bezels to grip.

 

[Bow Commander]

I could never seem to get through a book on an ipad. I always got distracted and hopped on Safari to look things up. I love my Kindle Paperwhite for reading. I much prefer the non-glare reading surface on the Kindle as well.

 

[rui no onna]

I could never seem to get through a book on an ipad. I always got distracted and hopped on Safari to look things up. I love my Kindle Paperwhite for reading. I much prefer the non-glare reading surface on the Kindle as well.

To me, it doesn't matter if I'm on a dedicated reader or tablet/smartphone. If a book bores me then I'd still be distracted and there are tablets and/or smartphones available within easy reach in every room.

If a book or series interests me though, I could go 24-48 hours reading (just with food and bathroom breaks).

 

[BigMcGuire]

I have a 2nd gen 12.9 inch iPad Pro, which I originally bought with a keyboard case and the Apple pencil.
To be honest, I don't really use it anymore like I intended (which was a laptop replacement) and it's kind of heavy and cumbersome to handle when just sitting on the couch and watching some youtube or readings news articles.

I've also been readint a couple of free books on Apple books and several other online book stores (Kobo, Kindle), but like I said, the device is just too heavy to be comfortable. An e-reader is also on my radar (was looking at the Kobo Libra 2), but then I got thinking.
A Kobo would set me back almost 250 euros with a cover, a new standard iPad would around 420 euros with a cover (not the apple one), but I could probably still make around 150 euros for my iPad Pro.

The advantage of the iPad is that I have access to all e-book stores, from iBooks to Kindle, and Kobo. On the other hand, iPads (and tablets in general) aren't said to be ideal for reading books because of the backlighting. I guess an iPad mini would be more interesting size wise but that's just too expensive for my use case.
Does anyone here have any solid experience with reading on an iPad, and in particular on this new 10.2 inch iPad ?
It has an updated screen but I'm not sure how well it compares to the one in my iPad Pro...

To be clear, this is the iPad i'm talking about. 64 Gb should be plenty.

iPad 10.9-inch (10th generation)

iPad has an all-screen Liquid Retina display, the A14 Bionic chip and four color options. And it supports the Magic Keyboard Folio.

www.apple.com

I've been reading on iPad Pro 11s for the last couple years exclusively. I usually read 15-30 books a year. I used mini and 10.5 before. I used Kindles years and years and years ago but stopped because of lack of amount of text on screen.

I've been reading on an iPad Pro for a long time now (4-5 years) with Kindle App and Apple Books.

I use an iCarez Matte screen protector to make reading with brightness lower easier and at night I'll do white text on black background and find that extremely comfortable to read on but I don't prefer 100% black, just the grey background. I usually have brightness really low to mimic paper books as much as possible.

I don't recommend the 10.2 because reflectivity is bad, but maybe with a matte screen protector it wouldn't be so bad? Mini is OK but text is kinda small.


I moved my 150+ library from Kindle to Apple Books years ago and now use Apple Books primarily. I love Libby to Kindle for library books. I don't like the Apple Books interface so I highly recommend Kindle app on iPad if you have a choice early on - it's far superior - cuz once you go Apple Books you can't move out of it.

 

[TechRunner]

Like @rui no onna, I do my reading on a 7th Gen iPad. I read only a couple hours a day, as a rule. The one advantage for me and the 10.2" iPad is I prefer the old school, two-page "real book" reading experience you can easily achieve with the iPad in landscape mode on the Kindle app.

 

[Cashmonee]

I guess it really comes down to how often you read and what you are reading. If you are reading a lot books in the most common sense of the word, such as novels, special interest, etc, with minimal pictures, then nothing really comes close to a dedicated e-reader.

On the other hand, if you are an occasional reader who often reads picture or graph heavy text, then an iPad can do plenty well. I would not recommend one of the larger ones though unless the reading sessions were occasional and short. Any of the >10" are simply too large and heavy to provide a satisfactory experience for e-reader functions in my opinion.

For my money, if I want to read books, I will do it on a Paperwhite. They are very cheap, have a massive catalog, and do an excellent job at being an e-reader. The experience will always be significantly better.

 

[BigMcGuire]

I guess it really comes down to how often you read and what you are reading. If you are reading a lot books in the most common sense of the word, such as novels, special interest, etc, with minimal pictures, then nothing really comes close to a dedicated e-reader.

On the other hand, if you are an occasional reader who often reads picture or graph heavy text, then an iPad can do plenty well. I would not recommend one of the larger ones though unless the reading sessions were occasional and short. Any of the >10" are simply too large and heavy to provide a satisfactory experience for e-reader functions in my opinion.

For my money, if I want to read books, I will do it on a Paperwhite. They are very cheap, have a massive catalog, and do an excellent job at being an e-reader. The experience will always be significantly better.

Very good point. A lot of my reading is historical novels and there are usually a lot of graphics heavy pictures - and the iPad shines in this case.

 

[sparksd]

I guess it really comes down to how often you read and what you are reading. If you are reading a lot books in the most common sense of the word, such as novels, special interest, etc, with minimal pictures, then nothing really comes close to a dedicated e-reader.

On the other hand, if you are an occasional reader who often reads picture or graph heavy text, then an iPad can do plenty well. I would not recommend one of the larger ones though unless the reading sessions were occasional and short. Any of the >10" are simply too large and heavy to provide a satisfactory experience for e-reader functions in my opinion.

For my money, if I want to read books, I will do it on a Paperwhite. They are very cheap, have a massive catalog, and do an excellent job at being an e-reader. The experience will always be significantly better.

Really comes down to personal preference. I read a lot - 1 or 2 lengthy books per week, sometimes a full book in a day (I'm retired) - and my Kindle devices sit unused as I use either my 12.9 Pro or Mini 6 for reading.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Really comes down to personal preference. I read a lot - 1 or 2 lengthy books per week, sometimes a full book in a day (I'm retired) - and my Kindle devices sit unused as I use either my 12.9 Pro or Mini 6 for reading.

As someone who loves reading, I am very very jealous. A perfect Saturday for me is reading a book in a day or so.

Edit: Do you use your Mini 6 or 12.9 Pro more?

 

[sparksd]

As someone who loves reading, I am very very jealous. A perfect Saturday for me is reading a book in a day or so.

Edit: Do you use your Mini 6 or 12.9 Pro more?

Just got the Mini but I'm using it more at this point. New toy-ness or better experience? Not sure yet but the Mini is quite nice.

 

[Rafterman]

Just got the Mini but I'm using it more at this point. New toy-ness or better experience? Not sure yet but the Mini is quite nice.

I've found that the Pro (11 or 12.9) is for when you need it's specific capabilities. The Mini for everything else.

 

[Amplelink]

I've been reading on iPad Pro 11s for the last couple years exclusively. I usually read 15-30 books a year. I used mini and 10.5 before. I used Kindles years and years and years ago but stopped because of lack of amount of text on screen.

I've been reading on an iPad Pro for a long time now (4-5 years) with Kindle App and Apple Books.

I use an iCarez Matte screen protector to make reading with brightness lower easier and at night I'll do white text on black background and find that extremely comfortable to read on but I don't prefer 100% black, just the grey background. I usually have brightness really low to mimic paper books as much as possible.

I don't recommend the 10.2 because reflectivity is bad, but maybe with a matte screen protector it wouldn't be so bad? Mini is OK but text is kinda small.


I moved my 150+ library from Kindle to Apple Books years ago and now use Apple Books primarily. I love Libby to Kindle for library books. I don't like the Apple Books interface so I highly recommend Kindle app on iPad if you have a choice early on - it's far superior - cuz once you go Apple Books you can't move out of it.

I love reading your posts on your reading habits, lol. Inspires me to read more.

Just wanted to add that OP keeps talking about the weight of his 12.9. I read with my 11 and almost always have it propped up on something. There are stands and even couch pillows for that purpose. Works well. No need to hold up the device at all. You may find that you don’t need to buy another iPad.