subject: Free iPad or Kindle – But Which One is the Best E-reader? [print this page] Free iPad or Kindle But Which One is the Best E-reader?
The hot new electronics gadget to have these days is an ebook reader. Why not? Everyone reads, and books can be both cumbersome and expensive. Carrying around a two pound hardback book can be tedious, especially if you're traveling and hauling it through airport security. An ebook reader can carry hundreds of books in the same space that a big hardback book takes up.
Click here to see how to test and keep a free Kindle or a free iPad
The question then becomes, "What sort of reader do I buy?" The two most popular devices on the market for reading books in electronic format are Amazon's Kindle and Apple's iPad. Both offer the ability to read books and each allows you to store dozens or hundreds of books on the device.
Aside from that similarity, the two devices differ in a number of ways:
Size. The size of the Kindle and the iPad are roughly identical, and each weighs about a pound and a half.
Screen. The Apple unit does offer a color screen, while the Amazon reader offers black and white only. Amazon's reader offers the "e-ink" screen, which is said to make reading less tiresome. The Apple has a backlit LCD screen. Which one is "best" is really a matter of personal preference. If you don't tire of looking at a computer screen, the LCD will likely be just fine for you. Those with more sensitive eyes may prefer the e-ink.
Portability. Amazon's reader allows you to read the books on other devices, such as a iPhone, Android phone or even a Windows PC. Apple offers no such option.
Wireless access. The low end models of each device have wi-fi capability. High end models of each offer G3 access, as well.
Battery life. No contest here. The Amazon unit lasts much longer on a charge than the Apple.
Other functions. The iPad is a full-fledged computer, so it clearly wins here. With this device, you can do all manner of things that you can't do on the Amazon unit, which is pretty much a dedicated reader. Of course, the ability to do more leads to both a higher price and more rapid battery depletion.
The price. The Kindle starts at $139 and runs as high as $379 for the DX model. The iPad starts at $499 and can cost as much as $829. Obviously, if you are budget conscious, then you will likely want the Kindle, as the entry level model is much cheaper than even the least expensive iPad.
Click here to see how to test and keep a free Kindle or a free iPad
So which reader is "best"? It's really a matter of your needs and budget. If all you need is a dedicated reader, you'd be hard pressed to beat the Amazon unit. It's affordable, lasts a long time on a charge and does a great job as an ebook reader. If you need more out of your device or don't want to carry both a laptop and a reader around with you, then you may be better served with Apple's all-purpose iPad.
Both work well as readers, so it ultimately boils down to how you intend to use it.
