Comparing the Kindle Vs iPad
Putting together a feature-for-feature Kindle vs iPad review, which device will likely win hands down? No doubt about it, the Apple iPad, with its recent much talked about launch, is the “in” thing today. True-blue Apple patrons can scarcely wait to get their hands on one as the WiFi versions are expected to ship in late March, and the 3G models are to be delivered starting April. When that time comes, we will expect to see long lines in front of every Apple store as what happened with the sale of the iPhone.
But what of the ereaders like the Amazon Kindle and the Sony Reader? The ereader has slowly become a common consumer device, with the Kindle getting the lion's share of the market. Seeing the potential of such a device however, a lot of similar ebook readers have also cropped up, 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 operate as an ebook reader, the gadget need may shift to multi-functional devices. So, is the iPad poised to take over the ereader market? Let's weigh the significant elements.
First off, the negatives. The iPad will only be connected to Apple's own ebook store. While this makes is sensible for those who are still considering buying an ebook reading gadget, if you already own a lot of digital books, you won't be able to dump them in the iPad. Actual ebook prices are still for confirmation, but there's word that purchasing iBooks in the Apple ebook store is going to cost you around 12.99 dollars and 14.99 dollars. These rates can be slightly pricey for those who have to start from scratch. Plus, Amazon's ebooks are still retailing at 9.99 dollars apiece.
Nonetheless, buying an iPad has its own set of advantages, being a device that can perform a lot of functions. You will be able to use this oversized iPhone clone, sans the “phone”, to stream high-def movies, watch your favorite TV shows, do online browsing, and have fun with games on a 9.7 inch IPS touch screen. True to Apple standards, the clarity and color is amazing, and it comes with your choice of 16-GB, 32-GB or 64-GB internal memory. With such storage capacity, the Library can hold tons of books, which are cleverly 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 screen. Depending on your storage and connection preferences, prices start out at 499 dollars and end at 829 dollars. It does have special apps developed specially for the iPad, and you'll have access to many of the 140,000 other apps at the App Store.
On the other hand, the Amazon Kindle is a device intended for the user's most comfortable and convenient reading experience in mind. Unlike the LCD monitor of the iPad, the Kindle, like the current batch of ebook readers, is equipped with e-ink display, which many say, is still 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 right 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 thumbs up in this Kindle vs iPad comparison? Definitely for the gadget geek, the iPad will fit perfectly alongside his MacBook Pro, AirPort Express, Magic Mouse and its smaller counterpart in looks, the iPhone. Jobs and his staff have created yet another brilliant product for the dedicated Apple user. But for the bookworm just looking to read in the most conjucive “environment” and don't require all of the other extra features, the Kindle ebook reader is still the best choice on the market today.