Jim Cady asked:




The iPad/ Kindle comparison is something that consumers have been fascinated by since the iPad was released in mid-2010. The Kindle had been Amazon’s biggest seller for months. How would this new tablet laptop or computer rival the Kindle for that title of hottest gadget around?

Readability

If you’re judging each device as merely an e-book reader, then readability is crucial. Although countless of us are now employed to stare at backlit screens, a significant number are also trying to find e book readers that don’t make you feel as though you’re reading from a screen.

The Kindle does not make use of an LCD display, which means that it displays text much like actual paper. It is possible to study even in vivid sunlight, and it doesn’t produce any glare. The iPad, on the other hand, uses an LED-backlit screen which would be tough to read in strong sunlight.

If you are looking for a gadget to read books outside, the Apple iPad may not be a good choice. Having said that, loads of users are willing to put up with it for the fact that the iPad can do a good deal more than just display eBooks. Not to mention the reality that the standard iPad screen, at 9.7 inches (diagonally), is larger than the Kindle’s 6.

Price

The price of the iPad starts at $499 for its lowest capacity, 16GB, with Wi-Fi but without 3G. It goes up as much as $829 for your 64GB version that includes 3G. As such, the price is comparable to a laptop.

The Kindle, on the other hand, is a great deal cheaper than the Apple iPad. It has been around for a few years now, and the price has come down considerably. You’ll now pay just $139 for the fundamental Kindle with Wi-Fi, $189 to the added 3G, and $379 for the bigger Kindle DX.

Portability

The Apple iPad weighs 1.5 pounds (or 1.6 pounds if it includes 3G) compared for the Kindle’s half a pound. This could be the first sign that the Kindle is extra portable than the Apple iPad. Not only this, but the battery within the Apple iPad lasts for an average of 10 hours, compared to a month with the Amazon Kindle (three weeks if the Wireless is turned on)!! Kindle have some pretty impressive stats in this area.

Other Functionality

Of course, all from the above points are useful if all you want is an e book reader. On the other hand, the iPad/ Kindle comparison is a tough one particular due on the fact that the iPad isn’t supposed to be a dedicated eReader, like the Kindle. As well as that, the Kindle isn’t supposed to become a full tablet personal PC, like the Apple iPad.

In truth, the Apple iPad and Kindle are still selling in massive numbers, and both are two of the most popular gifts (and look set to stay that way for a lengthy time). When it comes towards the iPad/ Kindle debate, I believe that the Kindle has been designed for dedicated book readers. The iPad is much more a computer that has an e-reader ability.

Virginia

Barbara Mae asked:




The past couple years have been an interesting time for book readers. We have seen quite a few eReader devices released from companies like Amazon, Sony, and Barnes and Noble. Now that the iPad has been released, another major player has entered the eReader market.

Ultimately, choosing an eReader is a matter of personal preference. All devices have pros and cons. This article will take a look at some of the differences between Amzon’s Kindle and Apple’s iPad.

1. Full Color Vs. Black and White

While the Kindle utilizes an e-ink black and white display, the iPad uses a full color computer display. The e-ink display is easier on your eyes. However, the iPad display, is certainly much more attractive. It will also be possible for authors to include extras in their books that would never be possible with a Kindle. You might expect exclusive author interviews or a full-color interactive map of Middle Earth when you are reading Lord of the Rings.

2. Battery Life

One thing that has contributed to the rave reviews of the iPad is its long battery life. You can use the device for up to ten hours at a time. While this is pretty good, the Kindle’s battery life is even better. The Kindle can hold a battery charge for up to 2 weeks as long as the wireless connection isn’t turned on. Ten hours will probably be plenty of battery juice as long as you can charge it up every night, but if you often take long vacations off the grid, the Kindle may be the better choice.

eBook Selection: Quantity Counts

This has always been perhaps the most important factor in an eReader. If you don’t have access to the book you want to read, then what is the point of having an eReader? This has also been the primary reason that Kindle has always been number one. After all, Amazon is the world’s #1 bookseller, so it is natural that they would have the largest selection of books for the Kindle. However, the iPad book selection is practically guaranteed to surpass that of the Kindle. The reason is that in 2009 Amazon developed a Kindle App for Apple. This app allows users to access the Kindle Store and download books directly to their iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. iPad users will not only have access to the Kindle store, but they’ll also have access to Apple’s new iBookstore. If an iPad user can’t find the book he wants in the iBookstore, he can simply peruse over to the Kindle store to find it. Kindle users won’t have this luxury.

eBook Prices: Deals and Steals

For much the same reason as above, iPad users will always be able to get the best book price. While Kindle users will be forced to pay the price at which Amazon offers the book, iPad users will be able to compare prices between the two stores. The App Store also allows free downloads, an option not available in the Amazon store.

Weight: Lugging Around Your eBooks

The Kindle easily wins this one. One thing many iPad users have noticed is that the device is heavier than they expected. While much of this can be attributed to the quality of the device, the fact is that your arms and hands may grow weary from holding 1.5 lbs in front of you for a long period of time. The Kindle weighs less than half as much as the iPad, and it is much more comparable in weight to a standard sized paperback.

Conclusion: Choosing the Best eReader

Although there are pros and cons to each device, each user must prioritize their needs to decide which device is best for them. Overall, the iPad is probably a better value for most readers. The battery life isn’t much of an issue, and the book price and selection is a huge factor for the heavy reader. Additionally, while the Kindle is a dedicated book reader, the iPad is a multimedia device for complete entertainment where users can watch videos, run applications, and browse the full Internet.

Terri

Nelson Gately asked:




Do you want to own an Apple iPad or an Amazon Kindle DX?

You can get your hands on either gadget by qualifying as a tester. Are there requirements to be a product tester?

Companies offering product testing have program requirements that you must meet to qualify. Initial requirements are:

1. Participant must be 18 years of age
2. Participant must be a U.S. resident

If you meet the above requirements, then you can proceed and follow these steps and qualify to test an Apple iPad or an Amazon Kindle DX:

Step 1. Register for an account with the site and remember to use a valid e-mail address, your correct name and shipping address.

Step 2. Answer a few surveys.

Step 3. Complete some advertiser offers. Here, you will be asked to sign up for free trials. There are various products offered by advertisers that you can choose to try from cosmetics to pet foods to new computer games. You are not required to pay for anything unless you really like the product and want to get more than the trial offer.

After completing the steps then you qualify to receive either an Apple iPad or an Amazon Kindle DX to test. You own the product after testing it.

Which item should you choose?

This depends upon your interests really. Amazon’s e-book reader is great if you are an avid bookworm. Its black and white screen makes reading easy on the eyes indoors or outdoors. The battery life is also ideal for non-stop reading: with a single charge, you can read for days.

Apple’s tablet computer on the other hand is more than just an e-book reader. It lets you enjoy more apps and boasts Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities.

Christopher

Niall Newman asked:




The iPad is the revolutionary new touch screen tablet computer from Apple that also doubles as an e-reader, a music player, a media console – and basically, whatever else its owner wants it to do if it has the right software. Shouldn’t it be illegal to have this much fun with a piece of hardware? Fortunately for us, it’s not.

Three million units were sold in the first two and a half months after the iPad’s launch. Analysts are predicting the iPad will be the big Christmas toy for grown-ups this year, with sales of 11 million by the time 2010 is through.

Part of what makes using the iPad so exhilarating is the huge number of software applications – colloquially known as “apps” – available to help you customize your user experience. Here are our four favorites:

Evernote: Evernote is an note-taking and archiving software suite that interprets the word “note” liberally. A note can be a piece of formattable text, a web page, part of a web page, a photograph, a voice recording or even a handwritten scribble. Once captured, “notes” can be edited, tagged, archived, commented upon, and sorted into folders. Evernote supports both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, and that means the notes you take on your iPad can be easily ported to other devices. It’s freeware, so the price is right too – although if you really like it, there’s a premium version of Evernote, which gives you even more versatility.

Kindle: These days Amazon is selling more e-books than print books, and the Kindle is the reason why. The iPad Kindle app is actually more versatile than Amazon’s proprietary hardware: It displays full color photographs (unlike its Amazon counterpart) as well any font in your library on an interface that’s easy on your eyes, and grants you access to the same 450,000 Web titles that owners of the Amazon hardware platform enjoy.

Netflix: For $8.99 a month, the Netflix app allows you to stream videos and TV shows to watch on your iPad. Be warned: this app is still in the early days of its development. The relationship between the iPad’s browser interface and the Netflix movie player is not the smoothest, and occasionally the aspect ratios seem off in what you’re watching. Still, these are small annoyances that will doubtless be ironed out in the next upgrade, and in the meantime nothing beats getting to watch “Casablanca” any time you really get the craving.

Pandora Radio: Pandora, which revolutionized Internet radio with its ultra-smart music selection algorithms that utilize over 400 tonal attributes, brings that same level of innovation to the iPad. Just enter the title of a song or the name of a musician whom you particularly enjoy, and voila! Pandora responds with a playlist of tunes that are acoustically akin. It’s a great way to learn about new artists and musical genres while expanding your listening horizons. If you really like what you’re listening to, Pandora can make purchasing it a cinch by hook you up with an online music retailer

Steven

Herb Leibacher asked:




Many people are reading books on electronic devices today. It has exploded with recent ebook reading devices and cell phones that have ebook applications that make it easy to buy and read books on the go. The iPad is a recent device that has come into the ebook market. Is this something that you might considering purchasing if you want to read ebooks?

The size and feel of the device is perfect for this type of function. It’s a great ebook reader in terms of size and weight. It’s a little heavier than a hardback but it can hold thousands of books making it great for reading.

The screen is the big complaint about using an iPad as an ebook reader. The problem is that the screen reflects the lighting in the room. You have to hold is in a way that it won’t be reflecting any light that directly hits the screen. Other devices with electronic ink like the Kindle doesn’t have this problem as these screens act like paper being seen even better in direct lighting.

The battery life is good enough for an ebook reader. It will last you most of the day if you are reading on this device. You will just have to charge it each day making sure you have enough battery power for the next day.

What formats can you read books on the iPad?

The iPad has the advantage of being able to use a multitude of formats. The first is iBooks which is built into the device. This is Apple’s ebook market that you can purchase books through iTunes.

You can also use the Kindle application. Amazon has a much larger selection than anyone else. The application is free meaning that you will be able to use your iPad as a Kindle.

You can use your internet browser to read books as well. The browser can read HTML pages. There are thousands of books online in this format.

Other ebook publishers are interested in getting more readers. Many have applications coming to your iPad making it an even better device to read from.

Ellen

John C Arkinn asked:




When Amazon released the world’s first dedicated eBook reader, everybody was wide-eyed in anticipation. The Amazon Kindle allowed you to buy, collect and read as many as 1,500 books in a device that was lighter than a regular paperback. Since then, many manufacturers have come up with their own eBook readers, including Apple, who decided to give fans an all-in-one device with the Apple iPad.

With iBook, the iPad’s dedicated eBook reader, it looks like the competition for ebook supremacy is getting fiercer. Let’s see how the Kindle and Apple’s new kid on the block matches up when it comes to ebook functionality.

The Pros of the iPad as an eBook Reader

Priced at $499 (for the base model), the iPad is an all-in-one entertainment and multimedia gadget with its functionality as an eBook reader just the icing on the cake. By installing iBook, you turn your iPad into a virtual library that can hold 32 to 64 gigs of your favorite fiction. With its multi-touch functionality, the iPad allows you to “flip” through pages, much like a real book. It also has all the functions of the Kindle–from letting you bookmark and search pages to having a handy dictionary you can use on the fly. iBook also shows you how many pages are left before the chapter is over, so you can determine good stopping points if you have something else to do.

The Cons of the iPad as an eBook Reader

The pros being said, there are some features that Kindle fans will miss in the iPad. For one, some users have reported that there is considerable eyestrain while reading ebooks for long periods of time on an iPad–something they did not experience with Kindle. The iPad is also heavier than the Kindle at 1.5 pounds and books purchased from iBook are encrypted in a format that can only be read on your Apple iPad.

The Pros of the Amazon Kindle

With its E-Ink display, reflective screen and dense pixilation of its text, the Kindle is easier on the eyes than the Apple iPad. You can spend hours reading eBooks on the Kindle without straining your eyes. In addition, its battery can last for 2 weeks and it is also as light as a thick comic book, making it easier to carry around than the iPad. Has your Kindle run out of batteries right at an exciting part in your favorite book? No sweat. Simply continue reading from your computer–since you can read Kindle books on different platforms, including the iPad. The Kindle is also cheaper than the iPhone, at $259 and it has more titles (450,000 books and counting).

The Cons of the Amazon Kindle

The Kindle is just what it is–an eBook reader. It doesn’t have a speedy browser, it doesn’t have thousands of cool applications and it doesn’t have Bluetooth or WiFi. You can’t play graphically enhanced games in it, nor can you watch movies or videos on the Kindle.

Comparing the Amazon Kindle with the iPad might be a case of, well, apples and oranges. Both devices cater to totally different sets of needs. Do you want an eBook reader that does its job exceptionally well or do you want a handy tablet that can do almost everything that your laptop can do, including download eBooks? We hope that our detailed list of the pros and cons of both devices help you make your decision.

Shane

CD Mohatta asked:




iPad is the latest gizmo from the Apple stable which has got tons of free publicity. The sales of iPad is estimated in 7-8 million units for the first year. In this scenario, it will be a major impact on the computer and internet industry.

Impact on the computer hardware industry:

It is for sure that major computer manufacturers will be affected. Someone who buys an iPad will most likely skip buying a laptop or netbook. The iPad is not like a personal media player which one can own along with a laptop. The iPad is capable of doing mostly everything when compared to the netbook or laptop except for multitasking. The competitors are already shaken into action with this high profile launch. They are expected to launch similar tablets asap including Google with its Chrome OS.

Impact on the gaming industry:

The iPhone and iPod Touch are major competitors in the gaming console industry. A niche has been carved out of nowhere. People buying these devices have a selection of thousands of games in the iTunes store, most of them free. The gaming capabilities of the iPad is much higher and offers many more possibilities compared to the iPod touch. Full screen gaming will be possible. Apple has also announced a Xbox like gamecenter service. Thus Apple will become a major player in the gaming industry since every gaming company will strive to bring its popular titles on the Apple platform.

Impact on the ebook business:

With the launch of iBooks, Apple has directly come into competition with Amazon with its Kindle. Apple has planned to offer hundreds of thousands of ebooks on its iBooks store. Users who are considering to buy Amazon kindle will now compare it with the iPad. The iPad is slightly higher priced but offers hundreds of more features.

What sets the iPad apart is the access to the thousands of apps offered in the iTunes store. This is what will help iPad like hot cakes. Lets see what the future brings.

Marlene

Christopher Peter Allinson asked:




It is simply not easy for anyone, however apt he/she is with the saga of novel technology, to opt for the most fitting device between Apple iPad vs Kindle. But perhaps a quick and painstaking analysis may make the issue easier for you. It is to be noted that Kindle makes use of an e-ink black and white display while iPad brings a jam-packed color computer display into play. Though many persons consider iPad as a winner in this regard, the issue refuses to get so simple. The e-ink display is in fact easier on human eyes. But it’s also a reality that reading books for longer hours on computers is equally strenuous and this makes iPad display a better choice. What’s more, due to iPad it has become simple for authors to incorporate additions in their books unlike Kindle. Does this make your decision to go for iPad from Apple iPad vs Kindle more confident?

Nevertheless, even if iPad is proud to have a long battery life, performance of Kindle, in this respect, seems to be better. Kindle, studies assert, can maintain a battery charge for no less than 2 weeks only if the wireless connection isn’t switched on. Kindle wins this round of the contest between Apple iPad vs Kindle. What’s your decision now then?

If we judge the contest between Apple iPad vs Kindle based on prices and weight, Kindle does overwhelm iPad to a large extent. But taken as a whole, iPad is most likely a better value for most people. Why don’t you give iPad chance to prove its worth?

Janet

Josefine Haller asked:




A lot of people are heading back to school. Some are going to high school while others are getting ready for their freshman year in college or getting started on getting a Master’s degree. Without a doubt, a very hot gadget for these people will be either the Kindle or the Apple iPad, but which one will suit you better?

iPad Vs. Kindle

While both of these products are considered e-readers, they are not both the same. Actually, the iPad is consider a tablet device and according to the research firm ISuppli, the Apple iPad will command 75% of the tablet market for 2010 and is expected to keep its market superiority for the next few years. What this all means to you?

Simple, if you have not invested on a tablet device, then my advice is to go with the iPad. You get the following features:

Email
iPod
Internet browsing
Access to thousands of apps, many of which are great educational aids
Text editor
Video player
Access to 3G cellular technology (depending of which model you select)
E-book reader

When you compare those features against the Kindle, the winner is pretty obvious. However, if all you are looking for is a device to be able to purchase digital books, browse the internet and your budget is limited, then the Kindle will make a great addition to your school life without breaking the bank.

But before you buy any of these devices, make sure to find out whether you are eligible to become a tester for either the iPad or the Kindle. A lot of students have received a free unit by becoming a tester. In order to check if you qualify, you must enter your zip code and find out whether there are any testing units left in your area.

Judy

Nelson Gately asked:




One of today’s most amusing and really useful gadget is a portable e-book reader. With one handy, you can take your reading anywhere and keep up with daily news, gossips, bestselling novels, etc. It’s no wonder that a lot of people grab either an Apple iPad or a Kindle DX.

Amazon’s e-book reader and Apple’s tablet computer are among the most sought after gadgets by avid readers on the go. You will find out that these two are always compared as to which functions best. If you are to choose which one to own for free, would it be an Apple iPad or a Kindle DX?

You can take advantage of numerous offers to test and keep either one for free. These offers are made by authentic companies who are giving interested individuals to earn a high-end item without spending. These companies are backed by other businesses as sponsors. How does this work?

Product testing offers are a form of marketing that Internet companies do to earn and attract potential customers for their sponsors. The sponsors are other businesses (online, off-line, partly online and off-line) that advertise on the product testing company’s site. For an interested individual to qualify as a tester, he first needs to complete some sponsor offers. Are these offers for free?

Sponsor offers are commonly for free, people are only asked to try out some new products and services of these businesses for a period of time. Take the time to read the program’s requirement to know how long the trial period lasts and when you can cancel the offer if you don’t like the product or service. A lot of these sponsors are established businesses that you might be familiar with.

After completing the requirements, simply sit back and wait for your Apple iPad or a Kindle DX to arrive.

Jim