Kindle Vs iPad – A New Battle Emerges
Presenting a side-by-side Kindle vs iPad review, which device will likely prevail? No doubt about it, the Apple iPad, with its recent much hyped about launch, is the “in” thing today. True-blue Apple patrons can hardly wait to get their hands on one as the WiFi versions are likely to ship in late March, while the 3G units are arriving in April. When that time comes, we will expect to see long lines in front of every Apple store as what happened with the release of the iPhone.
But what of the ebook reading devices like the Amazon Kindle and the Sony Reader? The ereader is fast becoming a mainstream consumer device, with the Kindle getting the bigger share of the market. Seeing the potential of such a device however, a lot of similar ebook readers have also been released of late, with most of them having practically the same features as that of the Kindle. Now with the entry of tablet PCs like the iPad which can also ably perform as an ebook reader, the gadget need may perhaps shift to multi-functional devices. So, is the iPad primed to take over the ereader market? Let's weigh the significant factors.
First off, the negatives. The iPad will only be associated with Apple's own ebook store. While getting an iPad is a smart move for those who are still thinking of buying an ebook reading gadget, if you already own plenty of ebooks, you won't be able to access these in the iPad. Actual ebook prices are still for confirmation, but there's talk that purchasing iBooks in the Apple ebook store is going to run you around 12.99 dollars and 14.99 dollars. These rates can be a little pricey if you have to start from scratch. Plus, Amazon's ebooks are still retailing at 9.99 dollars apiece.
Notwithstanding, purchasing an iPad has its own share of advantages, being a device that can serve a lot of functions. You will be able to use this big iPhone lookalike, sans the “phone”, to view high-def movies, watch your favorite TV shows, do online browsing, and have fun with games on a 9.7 inch IPS touch screen. Sticking with Apple standards, the clarity and color is superb, and the package includes your choice of 16-GB, 32-GB or 64-GB internal storage. With such storage capability, the Library can hold a lot of books, which are ingeniously displayed on a “book shelf” design. With an easy tap, you may choose your ebook, and read it on the high-resolution, LED back-lit display. Depending on your memory and connection preferences, prices start out at 499 dollars and end at 829 dollars. It does run special apps created specifically for the iPad, and you'll have access to most of the 140,000 other apps at the App Store.
On the other hand, the Amazon Kindle is a device designed for the user's most comfortable and convenient reading experience in mind. Unlike the LCD monitor of the iPad, the Kindle, like the present batch of ebook readers, utilizes e-ink display, which many say, is unarguably best for reading for longer periods of time. The Kindle's battery can last up to two weeks without recharging, so it could also make the perfect traveling companion. The 6-inch model is priced at 259 dollars, while the 9.7-inch Kindle DX costs 489 dollars.
So which gadget gets our nod in this Kindle vs iPad matchup? Definitely for the gadget geek, the iPad will go perfectly alongside his MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and its smaller counterpart in looks, the iPhone. Jobs and his staff have come up with yet another brilliant product for the dedicated Apple user. But for the booklover just looking to read in the most conjucive “environment” and have little need for all of the other extra features, the Kindle ebook reader is still your best option on the market today.
