Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Thinking about adding a Kindle.....

As the owner of an iPad and a Kindle 2, I can say it's a pretty good option. The battery life is amazing (in another league than even the mighty iPad battery) and it's tiny and now, cheap. Very strong solution for your needs.

The other thing to consider before buying a second iPad is that you're going to probably want the new iPad whenever that comes out (I'm thinking 12-ish months from launch) so hold off now and the Kindle will tide you over. 2 iPads would get used in my house (kids use 'em) but we're waiting for the next one. Some kids have to suffer on iPhones :)
 
I own both an ipad and a Kindle and I use the Kindle daily for reading because it's much easier on my eyes. I'll read a page here or there once in awhile on either the ipad or the iphone, but the Kindle really can't be beat for any kind of long term reading.
 
nightfly13 said:
As the owner of an iPad and a Kindle 2, I can say it's a pretty good option. The battery life is amazing (in another league than even the mighty iPad battery) and it's tiny and now, cheap. Very strong solution for your needs.

The other thing to consider before buying a second iPad is that you're going to probably want the new iPad whenever that comes out (I'm thinking 12-ish months from launch) so hold off now and the Kindle will tide you over. 2 iPads would get used in my house (kids use 'em) but we're waiting for the next one. Some kids have to suffer on iPhones :)
Click to expand...

Yeah, that's a very good point. They're even talking about a 7" iPad so the Kindle at it's current price could 'tide' me over until they are released and then I'll still have the Kindle to use on the deck or at the beach etc......

Good thinking.

And yes, the Kindle 3 does seem like a great update. Especially the price. I notice they aren't shipping until mid-September so they must be fairly popular.
 
If Apple are serious about being players in the e-books space, an Apple-branded e-ink device is inevitable ("iReader"?). We can argue this till the cows come home, but LCD screens just don't cut it in this space. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple tried to punt a cheaper 6"/7" mini-iPad as a Kindle competitor, but unless they change the screen tech, and focus on the device as an e-reader, and only an e-reader, they won't be causing Bezos many sleepless nights. He's got his focus dead right - hardcore book junkies. Apple are still trying to be everything to everyone.
 
Seamaster said:
If Apple are serious about being players in the e-books space, an Apple-branded e-ink device is inevitable ("iReader"?). We can argue this till the cows come home, but LCD screens just don't cut it in this space. I wouldn't be surprised if Apple tried to punt a cheaper 6"/7" mini-iPad as a Kindle competitor, but unless they change the screen tech, and focus on the device as an e-reader, and only an e-reader, they won't be causing Bezos many sleepless nights. He's got his focus dead right - hardcore book junkies. Apple are still trying to be everything to everyone.
Click to expand...

I've been using my iPad for Kindle content and my Kindle is gathering dust. Sure, they are areas where a Kindle wins out - bright sunlight being the obvious one, but when I want to read a book in my family room or in bed, I always grab the iPad (and having it with me on planes and trains, it's not worth also carrying a Kindle). I just think the "e-ink is superior" argument is a subjective one.
 
I love my Ipad.

But the number of books that I have read since purchasing it has definitely diminished greatly. I can read for a short time and either I get distracted to do something else on the Ipad, or my eyes get tired, but I am not really using it for reading.

My new Kindle was delivered last Friday, and I have to admit that it is definitely easier to read with the Kindle, than the Ipad. The Kindle is smaller and lighter and easier to hold, and, low and behold, much easier on my 61 year old eyes.

I had both with me on a 4 day trip, and they can definitely co-exist (especially for the $139 Kindle price). A little GoGo internet time with the Ipadon the plane; an hour of reading on the Kindle and then back to the Ipad for a movie.

I like them both. Is having both too excessive. Yes, but now I have the best of both worlds.:D
 
gostan said:
I love my Ipad.

But the number of books that I have read since purchasing it has definitely diminished greatly. I can read for a short time and either I get distracted to do something else on the Ipad, or my eyes get tired, but I am not really using it for reading.

My new Kindle was delivered last Friday, and I have to admit that it is definitely easier to read with the Kindle, than the Ipad. The Kindle is smaller and lighter and easier to hold, and, low and behold, much easier on my 61 year old eyes.

I had both with me on a 4 day trip, and they can definitely co-exist (especially for the $139 Kindle price). A little GoGo internet time with the Ipadon the plane; an hour of reading on the Kindle and then back to the Ipad for a movie.

I like them both. Is having both too excessive. Yes, but now I have the best of both worlds.:D
Click to expand...

sounds like the perfect solution for you. Plus if that vacation included a trip to the beach I'm sure the Kindle would work better for reading than the iPad.

We were camping last week and the Kindle would have been great for the daytime beach hours and the iPad for watching a movie in the tent at night.
 
i got a kindle 2 for my wife for my birthday (yes my birthday, i get others presents for my birthday, deal with it) and then she got an ipad when the first hit the shelves. because she reads a lot of other content like work, WSJ, NYT, etc the ipad works far better for her even though her most used app is the kindle app.

her kindle has since become our sons. our daughter fights with over it and they take turns either reading on their ipods or the kindle. i hate watching them read on the tiny screens though, so they may have to get a second kindle....

based on the amount the both read (they simply consume books) it will likely be he best $140 i have ever spent. even though it means more money for books down the line.

so my opinion, if you read at all, and it sounds like you do, there is plenty of room for both an ipad and a kindle in your household.
 
Great article by Andy Ihnatko in the Chicago Sun Times that talks about this very issue. He describes the strengths and weaknesses of the ebook readers.

Anyone interested in this topic should read that article.
 
E-ink... talk about being overhyped. I returned my Kindle 3 (my first e-book reader) because I found it to be inferior. In my opinion the iPad offers a far superior reading experience.
 
Choice is good.

Two minutes with the Kindle 3 was sufficient to convince me that I won't be reading books on my iPad again any time soon.
 
Ive actually thought of doing the same thing. I just recently started reading on the ipad, and while I think it is an awesome experience, I do have trouble reading it outside, and also have encountered some pretty uncomfortable eye strain when reading at night...
 
Appleoholic said:
E-ink... talk about being overhyped. I returned my Kindle 3 (my first e-book reader) because I found it to be inferior. In my opinion the iPad offers a far superior reading experience.
Click to expand...

Jeez, it hasn't even been out for five days. You could've at least given it a week lol. But whatever floats your boat. Love my Kindle 3. First device that I've used, other than the iphone/ipod touch, that I actually consider "magical". The sharpness of the text is something to behold, never seen anything like it.
 
Winni - I think you left out an "h" from your screen name! Ha ha, jokes :D sorry it didn't work out for you. Love mine.

To the OP- to me, it's not even a choice. I have too much ADD to be happy with the Kindle. ie, reading a book and come upon something interesting. Off to wiki I go via Safari. Or searching other random things that pop into my head. I almost bought a kindle, but it'd be sitting on the bookshelf with the rest of my paper books.

IMO, I would just continue to use your iPhone for reading until you can afford the iPad.
 
I just bought my gf a kindle 3 and it blows the doors off reading compared to iPad, providing you get a good lightweight book light (target has an energizer led clip on for $8). It really is so light and gentle on the eyes. As a dedicated device it is great.
 
Or Nook?

I'm looking at the Nook to supplement reading on the iPad. Have the K3 on order too so haven't fully made up my mind. An eInk reader will be much better for reading outdoors. The Nook has the advantage of being able to download library ebooks too. Can't do that yet with the K3 or iPad. Decisions...
 
I love my iPad but also love my Kindle 2 and am anxious to upgrade to a 3. Incomparable reading experience, for all the reasons others have offered. I haul them both around, happily.
 
Hendjaz said:
I'm looking at the Nook to supplement reading on the iPad. Have the K3 on order too so haven't fully made up my mind. An eInk reader will be much better for reading outdoors. The Nook has the advantage of being able to download library ebooks too. Can't do that yet with the K3 or iPad. Decisions...
Click to expand...

I'd get the K3 or wait for the next gen Nook. The new pearl screen really is that good.
 
I've read a few books on the iPad, but I order a Kindle anyway (hasn't shipped yet). I've got used to the "x pages left in this chapter" in iBooks, but I couldn't Google if the Kindle 3 has a similar feature (I know it uses locations, but still)... it might be a dealbreaker. It's a great estimate if you're about to leave/sleep etc.

Thanks.
 
redshift1 said:
Barring the collapse of civilization and loss of electrical power ereaders or their progeny will become the primary tool for reading except in third world countries like Arizona where finger-painting will dominate.
Click to expand...

I don't think there's anything more that needs to be said after this.

I love my Kindle, and I tried reading on the iPad. For me, the e-ink screen, low price, enhanced contrast, and low weight of the Kindle make it a slam dunk. I think that my $139 were well spent.
 
CalBoy said:
I don't think there's anything more that needs to be said after this.

I love my Kindle, and I tried reading on the iPad. For me, the e-ink screen, low price, enhanced contrast, and low weight of the Kindle make it a slam dunk. I think that my $139 were well spent.
Click to expand...

I agree.

My Kindle is on order and due to ship this coming week. No more reading from the Kindle app on my MBP and iPod Touch.

Although the Kindle app. for the Touch has been a life saver when having to wait for anything at all and on the can of course! :eek:

The ability to pull your current book out of your pocket and read a few pages so easily is a great thing. I'll be bringing the Kindle with me everywhere.
 
There's no comparison especially on the new kindle the contrast is fantastic and you can read anywhere. I read alot outside and forget it on the ipad the glare is too much and the device is too heavy. The kindle is what to get if you want to read.
 
Scarpad said:
There's no comparison especially on the new kindle the contrast is fantastic and you can read anywhere. I read alot outside and forget it on the ipad the glare is too much and the device is too heavy. The kindle is what to get if you want to read.
Click to expand...

Like all generalizations that's not really accurate. IF you do a lot of reading outdoors and IF you anticipate long periods without access to power then the Kindle is the optimal device. I've averaged a book a week on my iPad since I bought it at its introduction, roughly the same as on my Kindle 2 (and Kindle 1 before that). I took both along on a recent 2-week trip and never once touched the Kindle but used the iPad daily. For some people the Kindle is a necessary device (as "necessary" as any luxury item can be), for others, like me, it'll sit unused (actually handed it down to my son, so it's still used, just not by me).

Reading an iPad on a plane or in a dark setting (family room, bedroom) is a far better experience than with the Kindle. The LED lights I've tried (and I've tried several) don't illuminate evenly and trying to position the Kindle and an airplane spot light "just right" is also frustrating - the iPad wins hands down in those settings.
 
NebulaClash said:
I bought an iPad on the first day of sale, and since then I've read more than 40 novels on it. I think that gives me more experience reading on an iPad than just about anyone else in the world. So when I say it's comfortable in my hand, and when I say it's comfortable to read on its screen, trust me that I'm talking from direct experience.

I tried a Kindle as well, and to me it's only useful outdoors. Indoors it's too dim for my taste, I hate the black-and-white only screen, and I despise the e-Ink limitations. I didn't enjoy reading on a Kindle, and I cannot read enough on my iPad. Clearly each person reacts differently, and thus you must try the devices for yourself instead of just listening to other opinions.

In my book, the Kindle's advantages are far outweighed by the iPad's. I read outdoors occasionally, but I read in bed at night every single night. Which device has the advantage then? I laugh when I see the Kindle ad set on the beach. Yes, absolutely, the Kindle works better at the beach. And just how many days a year do I read on the beach? I read at home 365 days. Advantage, iPad.

That said, if you try a Kindle and find that it works for you, get one. They're cheap now, so it can be an excellent adjunct to your household gadget list. I don't like that I can't use my standard ePub books on it, but if you don't mind that, go for it.

But don't tell me that iPad is not good for reading books. I'm proving you wrong every single day. In fact, I'm selling my paperback collection because I never, ever want to read a physical book again. It's ebooks all the way for me now.
Click to expand...
You can read every book on Amazon or iBooks you haven't proven anybody wrong. The only thing you've proven is you prefer the iPad for reading,many of us feel otherwise.:rolleyes:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back