One item that is sure to appear on a lot of holiday wish lists this year is an eBook reader. Electronic reading devices have become top sellers and most major book retailers have released their own products. Barnes and Noble recently captured headlines with the introduction of the Nook. While it seems likeevery major electronics manufacturer has entered this market recently, the two dominant players are still the Apple iPad and the Amazon Kindle. While there may be something to be said for having first mover advantage, these two products have claimed their spots on best seller lists for a reason.
Which eReader is Better for Reading Books, the Kindle or the iPad?
A quick side by side comparison of the iPad vs. the Kindle should help you make the right choice. It would be possible to dedicate an entire website to providing a detailed comparison between the devices but what it really comes down to for most people is just a few key things. The first is whether or not the device will be used for anything other than reading books. For those of you who are only interested in using the device for reading, the electronic ink technology used in the Kindle combined with the ability to read outdoors without screen glare make it an attractive choice. The price is also a major draw with an entry level model available for under $150. As long as you don’t mind giving up the high resolution color screen, selecting the Kindle should be an easy choice for those of your who just plan to use the device for reading books. On the other hand, if you are looking for an all-in-one device that provides electronic reading capability along with features that allow you to surf the Internet, watch movies, play games, and download applications; the iPad will be a much better fit for you. While the iPad will leave you considerably lighter in the wallet, the extensive features it has ensure that you get what you are paying for. One other point worth mentioning is that Amazon currently provides free 3G wireless for downloading books on the 3G Wi-Fi ($189) and DX models ($379). At this time, 3G service for the iPad requires an additional monthly data plan subscription through AT&T. Access to free wireless to download books is another reason serious readers may opt for the Kindle over the iPad.
It is important to remember that there is no right or wrong answer when selecting an electronic reader. As long as you take the time to learn about each device and understand the features and limitations of each one before you make a buying decision, you should be pretty happy with what you get. The debate over which device is better for reading books is sure to rage on but as long as they are properly matched up with the likes and dislikes of the individual reader, both the Kindle and the iPad make great gifts!