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What iPad is best to get for eReading

Nerdy Keith

Nerdy Keith

macrumors member
Original poster
Jun 5, 2012
90
4
Dublin, Ireland
I'm thinking about getting an iPad, but don't want to get the most expensive one.

I'm thinking of maybe buying an iPad (1st generation from Amazon on eBay), as I don't really need any of the new features or extra space with the iPad 2 or iPad 3.

I want a device that I can use to read eBooks that is displayed in color. At the moment I am using the Amazon Kindle 3 for eBooks. Its a good device and I love the kindle store's variety of books. I was going to get a Kindle Fire (which is color screen), but its not available outside of the US. Amazon will only deliver to US residents.

Another thing that attracts me more to the iPad is the fact that I can run the Kindle app, and use iBooks at the same time. I've priced the iPad First Gen on Amazon and eBay both sites rage from around €200 for an iPad (which is a good price).

But the only thing I'd be concerned with is if future updates of Kindle and iBooks apps will pretty soon not support the original iPad. Or perhaps the iPad firs gen will suffer the same face as the iPhone 3 and its previous models which was that all updates of these devices ceased.

Would I be best to actually get an iPad 2 instead for the sake of being able to guarantee the chances of software and app updates?
 
Reasunach said:
I'm thinking about getting an iPad, but don't want to get the most expensive one.

I'm thinking of maybe buying an iPad (1st generation from Amazon on eBay), as I don't really need any of the new features or extra space with the iPad 2 or iPad 3.

I want a device that I can use to read eBooks that is displayed in color. At the moment I am using the Amazon Kindle 3 for eBooks. Its a good device and I love the kindle store's variety of books. I was going to get a Kindle Fire (which is color screen), but its not available outside of the US. Amazon will only deliver to US residents.

Another thing that attracts me more to the iPad is the fact that I can run the Kindle app, and use iBooks at the same time. I've priced the iPad First Gen on Amazon and eBay both sites rage from around €200 for an iPad (which is a good price).

But the only thing I'd be concerned with is if future updates of Kindle and iBooks apps will pretty soon not support the original iPad. Or perhaps the iPad firs gen will suffer the same face as the iPhone 3 and its previous models which was that all updates of these devices ceased.

Would I be best to actually get an iPad 2 instead for the sake of being able to guarantee the chances of software and app updates?
Click to expand...

If I were you, I would buy a refurbished iPad2 from the Apple Store online. 16GB WiFi+3G and only $399. This seems close to the same price you quoted from other sites and with this, you at least get a warranty.
 
Reasunach said:
I'm thinking about getting an iPad, but don't want to get the most expensive one.

I'm thinking of maybe buying an iPad (1st generation from Amazon on eBay), as I don't really need any of the new features or extra space with the iPad 2 or iPad 3.

I want a device that I can use to read eBooks that is displayed in color. At the moment I am using the Amazon Kindle 3 for eBooks. Its a good device and I love the kindle store's variety of books. I was going to get a Kindle Fire (which is color screen), but its not available outside of the US. Amazon will only deliver to US residents.

Another thing that attracts me more to the iPad is the fact that I can run the Kindle app, and use iBooks at the same time. I've priced the iPad First Gen on Amazon and eBay both sites rage from around €200 for an iPad (which is a good price).

But the only thing I'd be concerned with is if future updates of Kindle and iBooks apps will pretty soon not support the original iPad. Or perhaps the iPad firs gen will suffer the same face as the iPhone 3 and its previous models which was that all updates of these devices ceased.

Would I be best to actually get an iPad 2 instead for the sake of being able to guarantee the chances of software and app updates?
Click to expand...

Kills me to say it, but, $79.00 Kindle. :apple:
 
Despite your desire for the cheaper model, I think you'll find that buying the current version will give you the best value in the long term and the best quality.

The iPad 1 is already losing OS support in the latest iOS release. Both Kindle and iBooks will be offering greater quality content moving forward, but the device doesn't have the graphics power to handle everything that will likely come down the road. (interactive content, visuals etc.) As a result, the apps may no longer work or will simply not provide all content options.

iPad 2 will be supported longer, but lacks the retina display and isn't that far off in price.

If you're using it as an ereader, the 3rd generation will give you a much higher quality display, longer OS support and in my experience better battery life during light applications like eBooks.

The rumor mill is also pretty strong about an iPad mini which will (assuming the rumors prove true) carry a lower cost, smaller size (arguably better for reading) and a pixel density in between the iPad 2 and 3. If ereading is the main focus, it may be worth a wait and see.
 
Reasunach said:
I'm thinking of maybe buying an iPad (1st generation from Amazon on eBay), as I don't really need any of the new features or extra space with the iPad 2 or iPad 3.
Click to expand...
So you've tried that iPad 3 in person and don't think that the retina display is of value for reading text or were you just looking at specs sheets to reach this conclusion?
 
takeshi74 said:
So you've tried that iPad 3 in person and don't think that the retina display is of value for reading text or were you just looking at specs sheets to reach this conclusion?
Click to expand...

I had a demonstration in the apple store today. I'm now thinking possibly android. The iPads are way too big in size. At least the android comes in 7 inch display
 
iLikeTurtles! said:
Text is so much more crisper on the 3, if u want to do a lot of reading, retina all the way
Click to expand...

This. I'd find a way to stretch to the base model of the 3. I've gone from 1 to 2 to 3 and given the amount of time I spend on my iPad (see my signature...) I can say without hesitation that reading, especially lots of reading, is a much better experience on the 3.

Vizin said:
A couple things to consider are the display and the weight. The iPad 3 (3rd gen iPad) has the retina display, which is much sharper. Text particularly looks a lot nicer on the iPad 3. This is especially helpful with books that include charts and diagrams.

Regarding the weight, the original iPad the heaviest, and the iPad 2 is the lightest. Some people don't notice the difference, but I do. The iPad 2 is the nicest to hold for a long period, in my opinion. (Though I personally think it's a worthy trade-off for the retina display.) For this reason alone, I really wouldn't recommend the original iPad. If you don't care about the retina display, get the iPad 2.

Regarding future updates, the original iPad won't be getting iOS 6 at all. If iBooks or Kindle ever drop support for iOS 5 and earlier, you'll be out of luck. (Though the old versions of the apps would probably still work for some time.) I'd be pretty surprised if Amazon did this anytime soon because it's in their interest to support as wide a range of devices as possible, but Apple has an incentive to drop support for old hardware to move people to new hardware,.
Click to expand...

Wow. What a thoughtful and well crafted post. I've not been hanging around here for a while. Glad the level of discourse has taken a turn for the better! Nicely said.

I agree with all your points, except not caring about the retina display. The issue is that you most notice it when using it for hour upon hour as I do. All dyke every day. (Yes I can also tell the difference at a glance, but I'm talking about how my eyes feel at the end of a long day, which you can't judge until you've done it).

Again, I'd save for the base model of the 3 if at all possible. Or wait until the fall to see if they do indeed release the 7-8" model.
 
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