Jasmine Sanchez asked:




E-Books have seen a surge in popularity in just a couple of years that other items take decades to achieve. Amazon was the first company that realized the importance of EBooks and introduced Kindle. They succeeded in tapping the potential of electronic books and now sell in millions. The popularity of Kindle prompted other players in the market to come up with their own versions of EBook readers but none of them have been able to beat the competition except for Apple.

Apple iPad and Amazon Kindle have emerged as the two main competitors in the EBook market. Amazon Kindle comes with the option of having up to 1,500 EBooks uploaded onto its interface and you can read them on the go. It has E-ink display, dense pixilation, reflective screen, highlighting and bookmaking and dictionary, among other specifications. Despite all these functions, it is just an EBook reader. It does not have any other features.

Apple iPad on the other hand is a complete computer on the go. You can add up to 64 GB of books on its i-Book format and read as many titles as you want. You can use highlighting, bookmarks, focus and dense pixilation and other features on this device as well. Apart from that, you can also watch your favorite movies, connect to the internet, and make word documents and conference with your business partners. It is a computer and not just an EBook reader.

Given the usability of iPad most people have started preferring it over Amazon Kindle. There is however an edge of Kindle over iPad. Amazon is the largest book seller and it offers great discounts for Kindle books. Those who have a profound interest in reading find it more suitable to buy Kindle as they are able to read all of their favorite titles without spending much.

Cindy

John D. Emerson asked:




Amazon’s brand new Kindle 3 and Apple’s iPad are the hottest electronics devices on the market today. As for eBook eReaders, which is the best? Let’s compare Apple’s iPad vs Kindle 3 from Amazon and declare a winner here.

First we need to figure out what we are doing here. Are we comparing two all-in-one devices? No we are not. We are comparing a device that declares that it is a magical device that can do anything that almost any electronic device can do, vs an ebook reader.

The Apple iPad as an ebook reader leaves some things to be desired…as an ebook reader. On the other hand, as an electronic device, it leaves little to be desired. As soon as someone can think of another use the iPad needs, someone comes out with an application, and voila! Now it can be used for that as well.

But as an ebook reader, the iPad has one fatal flaw. It creates eye-strain because of the back lighting of the device. It is also difficult to read in extremely bright conditions, such as a sunny day outside, because of this back lighting.

The Kindle 3 on the other hand is designed for this purpose and this purpose alone. The Kindle 3 uses E-Ink technology on it’s screen. Sure, this is a dull looking gray-scale display. Sure, you have to use push buttons for the navigation keyboard (push buttons!?), but for a comfortable and convenient ebook reading experience, the Kindle 3 does well.

iPad Basic Features-

The iPad comes with a color touch screen with accelerometer built-in, and with a choice between 1,000′s of applications that basically allow it to do anything a hand-held electronic device can do. It is truly an all-in-one device.

You can check your email, surf the web, sort/edit/look at your pictures, play games, read books, look at maps, watch movies, listen to your music, etc.

Memory- The iPad comes in a variety of memory sizes starting with the 16 GB model and going up to a 64 GB memory model.

Size- 9.7 inch diagonal screen

Weight- 1.5 pounds

Built In Wi Fi- 3G available for extra cost

Price- Starting from $499.00

Kindle 3 Basic Features-

The Kindle 3 allows for reading of ebooks. The E-Ink screen is designed to reduce eye strain when reading for long periods of time.

You can read books, store and listen to music, read various file types, play puzzle games,…and read books.

Memory- The Kindle 3 allows for storage of 3,500 ebooks.

Size- 6 inch diagonal screen

Weight- 8.5 ounces

Built In Wi Fi- 3G available for extra cost.

Price- Starting at $139.00

Conclusion- Are we all getting the point here? It really comes down to what kind of device you want, right? It almost doesn’t make sense to talk about the devices in the same article…almost.

It’s arguable that someone looking for the best ebook reader available would think, “I might as well step it up and get an all-in-one device and buy the iPad”. But I don’t believe it.

I don’t think many people looking for an ebook reader are are going to decide to purchase an iPad. They are going to look for an ebook reader, because they want to enhance their reading experience, not their gaming and video watching and everything else experience. Besides, the price difference is just too large.

So we have just compared the iPad vs Kindle 3, but those who want an ebook reader aren’t going to be persuaded to purchase the iPad by comparing it to the Kindle 3.

Harry

Tracey A Edwards asked:




You might be thinking of upgrading your book reader to the iPad but are wondering what it is like and whether you should get a traditional eBook reader like the Sony Touch or Kindle instead. Well hopefully that decision will be a little easier as we look at the best and worse features of all of these devices.

Cost

Price will be a major consideration for most people, so let’s start with that. With the Apple iPad at over $600 and the ebook readers at close to $200 each, then while it might look cool, if all you want to do with your iPad is read books then it is an expensive way to go. If you are just looking for a good ebook reader then the Kindle would probably be a better choice as it is now under $200 and is backed by Amazon who has made it very easy to download books.

And of course ongoing costs are that Apple makes you pay for your data with monthly plans whereas the Kindle is free.

Screen

The screen of the iPad is bigger at 9.7 inches (as opposed to 6 inches for the Kindle and most of the Sony Touch readers) although to be fair the Kindle DX is also that large in size. However in terms of resolution, the Kindle 2 does have a higher pixel density of 167 compared to the iPad’s 132.

Because the traditional ebook readers from Sony and Amazon are meant for mainly reading books, the e-ink technology and screens help to reduce glare considerable so that they are easy on your eyes. The iPad screen doesn’t have that, and can be hard to read in certain lighting (especially outside in the sun).

But of course the iPad wasn’t specifically meant for just reading ebooks, it has many more features.

Features

There is no doubt that the iPad has more features and apps than the other readers, it’s actually just like an iPhone that way (except without the actual phone).

Its full colour and the ability to play games, watch movies and browse online makes it very much like a laptop in that respect.

Overall we believe that if you are just looking for a good ebook reader then you should stick with either the Sony Touch Reader’s or the Amazon Kindle as you can’t beat them for ease of use, book availability and price. If you want all the bells and whistles and want to look cool for your neighbours then shell out for an iPad.

Pamela

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

Mike Aurel Andrew asked:




When choosing the iPad over the Kindle or any other EBook reader one has in mind the extra functionality offered by the device as well as the attention to detail and the passion for excellence that Apple is famous, but keeping in mind the fact that thin and glossy means easy to scratch, one should search for the perfect combination between usability and protection when searching for the best iPad case.

To begin with, the perfect iPad case should take care of several issues which should be addressed by the vast majority of cases and not only the iPad, one and the first one is the shock and drop level of protection this accessory offers as this is the primary purpose of it. Hard corners and front cover are welcome and recommended but this should not stand in the way of usability and easy interaction with the device as this has been seen in a number of covers. Added to this, a firm grip and hold inside the cover should be assured with the help of special holding mechanisms which should not let the device drop or slip out.

Furthermore, the Apple iPad tablet cases should feature a soft interior which will not scratch or damage not only the display but also the back of the device. This should come hand in hand with a material that does not leave dust on the iPad for a wide range of materials are soft and protective but after a period of usage tend to dust-out on the iPad clogging the speakers or the various inout and output ports.

Moreover, there is something more to a case than just the level of protection and this is the fashion side of it. Glossy or mat, shiny orange or plain black are just some of the endless color possibilities one has when searching for a cool iPad case which nowadays can be found mostly anywhere on the market but a good thing to keep in mind is protection over fashion since the iPad could be seriously damaged if the case is not a proper one.

All in all, the search for the best iPad case is not an easy one and should concern both the aspects concerning the level of protection offered by a case and also the style and extra features the iPad case has to offer.

Roy

Lily S asked:




Apple launched the iPad Tablet Computer with great fanfare at the end of January. But should you get one?

First of all let’s look at the features of the new iPad tablet. It allows you to browse the internet using Apple’s Safari browser. It allows you to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations using Apple’s iWork 2010 Office Software (which is currently used on Macs). It has an eReader, allowing you to read books on the iPad, and Apple have launched the iBooks store which allows you to buy eBooks directly from Apple for your iPad. It allows you to watch videos, and play games. And you should be able to read newspapers on it as well – the New York Times has already developed an app to allow their newspaper to be downloaded to the iPad.

Essentially Apple have made a single all-purpose one stop tablet computer in a handy size that is portable. Whether you should buy one depends on what your own needs are.

Book readers were disappointed to learn that the iPad did not use the iInk technology that is incorporated in the Amazon Kindle and Sony Digital reader. (iInk technology is kind to the eyes and allows you to read for hours without strain). However, Apple pointed out that their device was backlit and allowed you to read in bed. If you are a book-lover who only wants an eBook reader you might want to try the Sony Digital reader or Amazon’s 6″ Kindle, both of which are cheaper than the iPad (because both only read books and don’t have the other functions of the iPad).

If you are a business person who spends a lot of time travelling, an iPad might be ideal for you. It will allow you to create documents, contact your office via the internet and read newspapers such as the Financial Times, all on the go, on a single tablet. And the size of the iPad (9.7″ screen and weighing 1.5 pounds) makes it less cumbersome to carry than a portable laptop. The iPad doesn’t have a USB port – but Apple sell dongles that attach to the iPad which do have ports and which you can use to transfer documents to and from your PC.

Gamers might also be interested in the iPad – but note that Sony are also releasing the Sony Dash, which allows you to play games, listen to music, watch video and browse the internet, and is cheaper than the iPad (because it doesn’t have the eReader functions or the office functions). However, if you are a gamer who also wants to be able to write essays, do work and surf the net, then the iPad is a better solution.

If you simply like gadgets and want a handy sized tablet computer to use while in the garden or while lying on the sofa, then the iPad is a must-have. It’s simply the most advanced tablet device on the market right now. Apple have released a software developers kit so that software houses can develop apps for the iPad. As with the iPhone, it is the apps that will make or break the device, and it is likely that the quality and breath of the apps mean that you should go ahead and buy the Apple iPad tablet.

Earl

Srayanath Srinath asked:




Three years ago, Amazon came up with the eBook reader known as kindle. It was a great success during that time. It was small and low in weight and the people just loved to carry it with them wherever they go. Three years after, in April 2010, apple came up with one of the most awaited launch and that was iPad. No one had thought that the people would start comparing the kindle and the iPad. However, they are now being compared on behalf of many factors. If you will consider them on behalf of the eBook reader then you will definitely find out that the iPad is better. On many behalf, you will find the iPad to be better but there are some of the features, which make both of the equally good.

Do you know that kindle is quite light? It is just 0.16lb and this is just the half of the iPad, which is 1.5lb in weight. Thus, it is quite easy to carry the kindle from one place to another and this fact make the Amazon kindle a favorite for many people. You can carry them in your big pocket and turn it on when you want to read any eBook. However, do you know why iPad is a better eBook reader as compared to the Amazon kindle? Well, you will definitely find out that the kindle has some complex mechanism. If you want to move from one page to another then you will have to make sure that you press some button. However, if you will look at the iPad then you will find the comfort as it is equipped with the touch screen and thus you can work very fast through various pages of the eBook.

Kindle is an eBook reader and the apple iPad is the tablet PC. You need to know that they both are just awesome but some of the facilities in the apple iPad are just mind blowing and the first thing, which you would site, is the touch screen format. You can get an access to various bookstores quite easily from both of them. If you are using the kindle then you can buy the books from Amazon and if you are using iPad then you can buy books from iTunes, iBookstore and some more stores are there as well.

As far as the rates are concerned, you will definitely find out that the kindle is cheaper as compared to the iPad. The cost of the kindle is just $379 whereas the cost of the iPad is tagged at $499. You cannot access internet and play games on the kindle whereas the iPad is fully equipped with these facilities. That is why you will find that the battery life of the kindle is quite great and more as compared to the battery life of the i Pad.

To balance the equation you should know that at $499, you will not be getting the Wi-Fi connectivity and 3G accesses with IPad and thus you can say that it is very expensive. However, you will take all the facts in your mind then you will certainly realize that both of them are equally good.

Alex

Paul Ho asked:




If you already have the Kindle DX, I know that many of you would be asking what is the difference between the two, the Kindle DX and the Apple iPad? This comparison just came out when I was considering getting a Kindle eBook reader which coincidentally was the exact time the Apple iPad hit the markets.

At first glance, I thought that the iPad was only an eBook reader because it does look like one. And when I learned the selling price of iPad that starts from $499, I began to wonder why it is that expensive for an eBook reader. Then, I began to make comparison on what to get. I would like to consider Kindle DX for the price of $489 or any eBook reader for the matter. The problem with Kindle DX is that it is too small for me.

The Kindle DX and the Apple iPad both have a 9.7″ screen. The iPad screen has a full-colored touch screen so that you could be able to watch high-definition videos while the DX is not. The Kindle DX utilizes an ink technology that will make it looks like a true paper and it is not straining for your eyes.

At one look, it seems that there is no comparison between the DX and the new Apple iPad. The Apple product could be used for different activities like for reading eBooks, e-magazines and newspaper, all in full color. You could also browse the web, listen to music, watch videos and films and have access to all of the applications on the Apple Store. The DX appears to be just a plain eBook reader. The iPad is versatile because of the different applications you could experience while the DX is only the normal eBook reader.

If you want to have a e-book reader that could answer all of your needs, there is no doubt that the Apple iPad Computer Tablet will be an excellent choice. But if you are a book lover and would like a gadget that is designed specifically for reading materials, the Amazon Kindle DX would best suit your taste. Even if I do not have the iPad yet, but I think that the Kindle DX will provide the comfort of reading a book for longer period of time because of the materials of the screen. It is handier and has a long batter life of about two weeks on one charge.

Whether it is an iPad or DX, be sure to know all the details before buying it. Be sure that it is worth the price and do not cause you any trouble. Choose the one that you think will fit your taste and needs. Overall, you will be the one who will use it, so be careful in deciding. Avoid having regrets when you already bought one of those two. Both of them have good qualities to keep you entertained and informed, so it’s up to you.

Warren

Travis Van Slooten asked:




Worldreader.org can be compared to One Laptop Per Child (OLPC), an organization that created less expensive computers that was meant for children in developing countries. Worldreader.org has the same idea; however, they want to send eBook readers to these countries instead to encourage young people to develop a love for reading.

As of now, the organization has picked the ever popular Amazon Kindle as the eReader to send out. In fact, one of the co-founders of the organization is a former vice president of product and platform development for Amazon. Nice to know, but really this is a positive way to utilize electronic readers.

Here is Worldreader.org’s working hypotheses:

eReaders will increase access to books due to lower distribution costs and immediate visibility of millions of books available online.This will result in a larger number and greater variety of books read, and increased excitement and exchange of ideas around these books.The result will be a higher value placed on reading within the classroom, family, and community.The results will be specific and measurable, and will, in the long term, increase literacy and opportunity for those involved.

Worldreader.org currently maintains partnerships with Amazon, Rassak Experience, and OrphanAid Africa. And speaking of Amazon, the Kindle was chosen because for one, it is so simple to use, and secondly, the Kindle store offers thousands of eBooks. This eBook reader also offers global wireless support. As the program evolves, the organization says that they may consider other gadgets depending on the needs of the developing communities.

Note however, that Worldreader.org doesn’t give the eReaders to the countries; they assist with subsidizing the devices, so the devices are affordable for the local governments to purchase. They do this through fundraising. A trial run started on March 15th in the village of Ayenyah, Ghana.

Worldreader.org hopes that they see results of improved reading frequency and a higher demand for books. Additionally, the organization hopes that it will create a “sustainable business ecosystem” in these communities

The organization is also working diligently to problem-solve power problems, solar cell, and satellite internet access. In some remote areas around the world, these facilities aren’t readily available. For example, in Ayenyah, Ghana, the trial school had unreliable power.

Once the students get their hands on the Kindle, they will find pre-loaded books. Worldreader.org lets the community pick the books based on their interests and needs.

As we get caught up in eBook prices wars thanks to the new agency model, competition stories between the Kindle and iPad, we sometimes really forget that eReader technology is awesome. Worldreader.org is using it to help the world change the way it reads.

Karl