|
Many people are asking us what are the true differences between the Apple iPad and a dedicated reading device such as the Amazon Kindle. In this article we will explain some of the differences and what you need to be aware of before you purchase any electronic book reading device.
Dedicated electronic book reading devices such as Kindle, Nook and the Sony Readers are extremely popular because of their ability for users to forget that they are holding an electronic device. These gadgets allow one to simply read as if they were holding a paper book. The screens are that good. We can vouch for the readability on these eBook readers, they are superb and cause no eye strain, which is exactly why they were created...
Kindle 2 e-Ink screen and iPhone LCD screen displaying the eBook "20,000 Leagues under the Sea" by Jules Verne. (Note: iPhone screen brightness is set to around 30% of maximum).
Now lets discuss iPad. People are getting excited about the iPad, and for good reason. In recent years, when Apple Inc. throws its weight behind something, it usually emerges with a wildly popular product and one that reaches mainstream audiences. iPad is no different, it will be extremely popular and make eBooks truly mainstream. Think of this as "eBooks 2.0". Amazon Kindle pioneered the eBook industry with its Kindle 1 device and has reportedly sold millions of the second generation device, Kindle 2. These devices have the black and white e-Ink screens and have limited functionality outside reading books and doing some basic tasks.
iPad incorporates a 9.7" IPS LCD display. IPS is a type of screen technology used to maximize angle viewing on a screen. This being said, it means that you an view the iPad screen from almost any angle. This feature will come in handy when reading your books on your lap, or laying on the couch and reading.
iPad will be awesome for using it to display:
- Interactive Magazines
- Interactive Newspapers
- Technical Reading such as reference manuals
- University Textbooks
iPad disadvantages:
- Eye strain caused by LCD display (same as a computer monitor)
- Weight of iPad (Around 1.5 pounds)
iPad will revolutionize magazines, newspapers and textbooks in the next few years, properly bringing them into the digital age. iPad will shine in the electronic media category, although this does not mean it will be great for everyone and every use. Casual readers will love this device and the capabilities that it provides. Hardcore bibliophiles may differ though because they are used to reading for long periods of time and the LCD screen on the iPad may turn them off completely. The weight of the iPad is also one of distractions, it weighs 1.5 (Wifi version)and 1.6 pounds (3G Version). This is not a lightweight device, it will have bulk and weight in your hand.
eBook reader weight comparison:
As you can see from the illustration above, the iPad is heavier than all the most popular electronic book readers on the market today. It is much more than double the weight of Kindle, and roughly equal to double the weight of Nook.
Remember it is the e-Ink display on the "eBook 1.0" devices that made them so popular, take that away and what you have is basically a nice computer screen. Are consumers ready to abandon the e-Ink screen for a multi-purpose device, even if it means a bit of eye strain? No one knows yet. There are rumors circulating that Amazon is working on a color e-Ink touchscreen Kindle 3 reading device. If this holds true consumers might not have to make that decision as a higher refresh rate e-Ink screen (and in color) will open up the device for much more than just reading.
If you are debating whether to get a dedicated reading device such as a Kindle, Nook or Sony Reader or jump onto the iPad ship you should ask yourself how often do you read and what your needs are. If you read more than an hour a day, perhaps you should look into a dedicated reading device. If you are more of a casual reader then iPad may be a good fit for you. It really just depends on the person and their individual needs.
This next year is going to be very interesting for the eBook industry as the titans Amazon and Apple fight it out for market share. Ultimately the consumer will decide which device they want for reading and we are sure interested to see which one everyone chooses. What are your predictions for the future of eBook reading?
|
