Hello all,

I own a Sony Reader that I used to use a lot and I just love the screen and everything its a great device, but since I got my iPad last summer I have switched entirely to reading with my iPad. So I was just wondering how many of you who owns an iPad, have had similar experiences? To be honest, I would bet my money that e-ink readers are already behind and in a years time most people are reading with tablets.

I know that e-ink display is much easier on your eyes, but somehow I find it much easier to focus while reading with an iPad (or a computer screen). I find it sometimes very difficult to concentrate while reading from a paperback or Sony Reader (I think i might have a mild ADHD and that's why).

I went from a Kindle to an iPad exclusively for about two months and then went back to the Kindle. It wasn’t the LCD vs. eInk that was the problem, it was strictly the screen size: I just prefer the 6" screen (but not smaller).

Not me again mostly due to the portability issue, I do like the synching of the kindle app between my phone and my ipad though so it may lead to me replacing my sony 505 with a k3 so I get the best of both worlds or I hang on until I can get a playbook.

I use it exclusively.

I switch between iPad and Touch, depending on portability, bulk. I prefer Touch for subway strap-hanging, for instance.

I've stopped using my Kindle. For me, iPad and Touch work better. To my eyes, e-ink offers no advantage.

I have gone through a few readers and I still love the way Sony let's your organize into collections. I primarily use the iPad, along with the iPhone, because they not only can keep in sync with each other, but with the free apps or side loading through iTunes, I can get books from anywhere ( BN, Amazon, Kobo, iBooks, etc..)

It's this flexibility that keeps me with the iPad. I got an Apple case so I prop it on my lap to read in two page view.

Also, if you use Stanza you can wirelessly connect to your calibre library.

As far as enink vs LCD goes I enjoy reading on both. There's just so much more overall content available on the iPad for overall reading.

My iPad replaced the Sony 505 entirely.
The functionality to read in bed without a light (white letters on black background) allows me to not disturb the pretty demoiselle sleeping next to me.
The larger screen is also a big advantage.

Another big advantage is the various apps (Kobo, Kindle, etc )

I don't find it comfortable to read on such a big screen. Sometimes I read in iBooks in the two-page mode in a pinch, but I strongly prefer to read on the Kindle. The only reading I do for fun on the iPad is in the Zinio app.

Me me me.

My Sony is stuck on the bookshelf, sulking. The only time it gets used now is on the beach.

Another great feature with iPad I have recently discovered is to listen audiobooks via Audible on the iPad (via the iPad speakers). It's a great feature if you want to listen to a book while doing something else at the same time (cleaning up your room for example :P)

There was a discount on audible that allowed you to buy 2 audiobooks for free upon joining..

I use the iPad for most of my reading now. I like the larger screen. Sony is suppose to be coming out with an app for the iPhone this year, maybe it will be a universal app rather than iPhone only. Like the previous poster, I really like the collections feature of the Sony reader. Sony seems to be the only eReader out there that acknowledges that there might be some people out there who like to carry more than a few books on their eReader at a time.

I use my Sony for straight through, linear reading and sometimes for news/rss feed reading. Also I use it in the subway. Standing and reading an iPad doesn't work for me.

I used to use the Sony exclusively for borrowing library books, but with Bluefire and the Overdrive update coming, probably less so.

I like having the Sony ereader to reduce the wear and tear on the iPad, so I can do more iPad-ish things. Like play Angry Birds. :p

I'm using the iPad for ~ 99% of my reading. Apps I use are iBooks for epub and Goodreader for pdf.

I sold my Sony Reader because it was collecting dust after I started using my iPhone and iPad for all my ereading.

I'm using my iPad as my main reader because one of my devices (Victor Stream) is broken and another (Sony) is on extended loan to some friends. I miss my 6" e-ink screen, but my friends need it more than I do at the moment (combating boredom and distracting from pain because of medical issues).

There are advantages and disadvantages to every platform and device, which is why I don't feel too silly having multiple ebook-capable devices. The iPad is good for reading at home or in coffeehouses, the iPod goes with me nearly everywhere and is at hand when I have a spare moment or two.

Not me.
My husband loves reading on the iPad and doesn't understand why I prefer the Kobo. I love playing games, looking at photos and all the fun things you can do on the iPad but it's too big, too heavy, and it makes my eyes hurt when I try to read for more than 20 minutes.
I suppose we are all different. :)

I think my Sony 505 will be going on eBay, now I have the iPad ( along with my next to useless net book)

I ordered a Sony PRS 950 a few days ago, after reading all the previous posts, we could think that having a e ink reader and an Ipad is a loss of money, but I would think that these 2 sorts of devices are complementary. I had a Kindle 3 during 2 weeks and it is just great to read on a E-ink pearl screen, soft for the eyes, we can read during several hours without an headache.

On the contrary i must admit that I feel very interested by an Ipad, each time a see one, i want to try it and i'm just impressed by the fluidity, and it is a really beautiful device which makes a lot of things and does them well ( it depends on what type of application). I think that i'm going to buy one, maybe i will wait for the Ipad 2, just for seeing what improvements apple will do on its tablet. But there is something that drives me litteraly crazy. It's about european prices, just a shame, even if we used to be fooled with electronics devices.

Let me explain you if you do not know that, in US you pay 499$ for the most basic Ipad, we paid 499€ here in France, and in the whole European Union i suppose. The variation of those two currencies is not taken in account by apple ( the same issue appears with consoles). So, if we convert, 499$ is equal to 376€, we must pay an extra amount of money of 123€ (163 USD) ...It's quite something ! I looked for ordering an Ipad in USA, but Apple pays attention to foreign credit cards, and i have no relationships in that country. Maybe i will try to come to the USA next year for my studies!

Let me explain you if you do not know that, in US you pay 499$ for the most basic Ipad, we paid 499€ here in France, and in the whole European Union i suppose. The variation of those two currencies is not taken in account by apple ( the same issue appears with consoles). So, if we convert, 499$ is equal to 376€, we must pay an extra amount of money of 123€ (163 USD) ...It's quite something ! I looked for ordering an Ipad in USA, but Apple pays attention to foreign credit cards, and i have no relationships in that country. Maybe i will try to come to the USA next year for my studies!Some of the increased costs have to do with the cost of doing business in Europe vs. America. Here in the Czech Republic an iPad might cost 600€, but that would include the 20% VAT. Your American price doesn't include any sales tax-- which probably averages about 8-9%-- and though most people think Americans aren't required to pay sales tax for items purchased over the internet... they are, in fact, supposed to do it, though no one does.

Also, when you factor in health care and other labor costs--plus the price of energy here vs. America--it costs more money to operate a store in Europe vs. America. These costs are necessarily passed on to the consumer.


I'm not sucking up to Apple... :-) ...but I doubt they make any more profit off iPads sold here than in America. This is just a guess, though.



back to the OP: the iPad and iPod Touch (4g) are my only reading devices, though I'll buy a Sony 650 in the spring, because (though I love it) the 'Pad is a crap reading device outdoors, IMO. And yes: I'm waiting 'til my next visit to the States to purchase the 650. ;-)

Exclusive iPad for over 6 months now.

I hadn't intended to stop using my Sony PRS-505...but I have. It is still better for reading outside, but I don't do that a lot. The iPad is a much better device than I thought it was going to be.

I read on my iPad now. I switched from kindle 2, and i don't miss it. No eye strain or other problems here.

Me me me.

My Sony is stuck on the bookshelf, sulking. The only time it gets used now is on the beach.

Same here, my ipad has replaced the desktop 95%.

I switched to an iPad from my iriver Story. The backlight actually makes it easier on my eyes than e-ink is. I can still read the iPad outside, as long as I'm sitting in some shade.

I use my 505 for reading, the iPad for surfing.

iPad for me, iPhone when it's charging and e-ink only when I need to e.g. outdoors etc...

iPad 95% of the time. iPhone some times when I don't have my iPad with me. I went back to my iPhone a bit when I got the 4, love the retina screen. But I like the large iPad screen better. I also like to surf a bit or check email when I'm reading, and the iPad is much better.

Lee

I sold my K2 to help pay for my iPad and never looked back! I enjoy reading on the iPad, surfing the net, playing We Rule and Angry Birds. Obviously the iPad is exactly what i wanted, a small computer, e-reader, appt book, and more. I bought a K3 for my husband which he likes very much and the Pearl e-ink is a big improvement over the K2, but no regrets for me on moving on to the iPad.
BTW, if you are an Audible member, they are having a big sale on selected books through Nov 30th. A selection of 100 books for $4.95 each! Can be downloaded to any device that that accepts audio format.

Sold my 505 and Kindle 2 just before getting the iPad (wish I still had the 505).

I love the iPad but it's not the perfect eReader. The thing is huge, the aluminum and glass construction makes it fragile and hard to hold, and, with all it can do, I find myself getting distracted - surfing when I should be reading my book.

I like being able to hold the reader in one hand so I've tried a few cases such as the Belkin Grip Vue and one from MacAlly. Both were decent but don't really protect the expensive iPad as well as I'd like. Since my kids and wife like to use the iPad, I've wrapped it in an Otterbox Defender case - we're talking industrial strength here. So now it's even more bulky.

I do like the light weight and plastic construction of the K3 - you can hold it in one hand and put it down anywhere. I think an iPad-like device constructed out of materials that make it more hardy would be the ticket.

So I've compromised - K3 in the daytime and iPad in the evening.

I like being able to hold the reader in one hand so I've tried a few cases such as the Belkin Grip Vue and one from MacAlly. Both were decent but don't really protect the expensive iPad as well as I'd like. Since my kids and wife like to use the iPad, I've wrapped it in an Otterbox Defender case - we're talking industrial strength here. So now it's even more bulky.

I do like the light weight and plastic construction of the K3 - you can hold it in one hand and put it down anywhere. I think an iPad-like device constructed out of materials that make it more hardy would be the ticket.

I wouldn't buy a bulkier or weightier iPad. I use mine with only a shell backing, no flap, cover, etc., because I want a streamlined tablet. I think it better that they build them streamlined and let people cover them as they please.

You have kids using yours, so you want extra padding. I'm comfortable using mine with minimal protection and just a sleeve when on the go. I loaned out my spare iPad indefinitely with the same setup and am not worried about it being damaged, because it's being used by an adult. But tablets will get cheaper, and I expect they'll come out with more robust models for kids.

I exclusively use my ipad. My wife inherited the K2. On occasion, I'll be somewhere without the ipad and use my iphone.

I use only the kindle app, and could see getting a K3 wi-fi for outdoor reading, but I don't do much of that.

I'm using my iPad exclusively over my 3G nook now. Girlfriend still prefers her nook for ebooks though.

100% on my iPad, sold my Sony 900 and Nook on Craigslist.

I now buy books with the Kindle App, Nook App, Borders App and use Bluefire for all my Sony ebook needs. And yes I even have a few purchases from iBooks.

Love the larger size and the backlit screen. I better change my profile.

I read/watch a lot, and load balance between my Ipad and Iphone.

*** Ipad:
Textbooks, magazines, web content, larger PDFs, movies.

*** Iphone:
Pleasure reading (novels), email.

-------------

Got the best of both worlds, but unlike the Ipad which usually stays at home, my Iphone is ALWAYS with me. Usually read my novels in bed with the Iphone cause the smaller light emission of the Iphone doesn't disturb the wife as much as the Ipad.

W.

I read/watch a lot, and load balance between my Ipad and Iphone.

*** Ipad:
Textbooks, magazines, web content, larger PDFs, movies.

*** Iphone:
Pleasure reading (novels), email.

-------------

Got the best of both worlds, but unlike the Ipad which usually stays at home, my Iphone is ALWAYS with me. Usually read my novels in bed with the Iphone cause the smaller light emission of the Iphone doesn't disturb the wife as much as the Ipad.

W.
Love your MR name, GodofBeer! LOL Welcome and join in the fun. I tried a few times to read my iPad in bed but found it not comfortable and besides, when I go to bed, I am so ready for sleeping! zzzzzzzz
My hubby is the one who wants to read in bed till he's sleepy, usually about five minutes, LOL

I love my Kindle and do most of my reading on that.. I do read on my iPad, mainly library books. If a book is picture heavy( travel guides, art books, medical books), I read it on the iPad.

MsAstoria:

Nice to meet you too!

What type of fun books books do you like ... away from business and textbooks? Since I'm asking, I'll also share, here's a few of the types I like. Interested in seeing if we share similar tastes ... and if you have new ideas for me.

***Science fiction / fantasy
- Ian Banks
- Greg Bear
- The older guys (Clarke, Asimov, Heinlein, etc.)
- Scott R. Bakker
- Steven R. Donaldson
- Raymond Fiest
- Terry Goodkind
- Tolkein
- Gordon R. Dickson
- David Drake
- Harry Harrison
- James L. Halperin
- Jerry Pournelle
- S. M. Stirling
- Robert Jordan
- David Weber



*** Business / legal / crime / mystery
- Dick Francis
- John Grisham
- John Connolly
- Jonathan Kellerman
- Steig Larrson
- Scott Turow
- James Lee Burke
- Elmore Leonard
- Tom Clancy
- Patricia Cornwell
- John D. MacDonald
- Robert Parker
- David Webb

I really only read my Zinio magazine subscriptions on my iPad, and not for long periods as the thing's just too big, heavy and ungainly to hold in a manner that feels comfortable to me.

As soon as Zinio is released for my Samsung Galaxy Tab/Android, I probably won't ever use my iPad as an eReader, as my Galaxy Tab has become my primary go-anywhere device for almost everything digital-media related.

Note: My other option is the NOOKColor I just bought last weekend, which looks promising as well.

[QUOTE=Godofbeer;1247896]MsAstoria:

Nice to meet you too!

What type of fun books books do you like ... away from business and textbooks? Since I'm asking, I'll also share, here's a few of the types I like. Interested in seeing if we share similar tastes ... and if you have new ideas for

Well, i am a big mystey fan so have ton of free books loaded up from both Amazon and Feedbooks. I find some gems at Smashwords too. Currently I am reading Starfish (feedbooks), The Elephant to Hollywood (Amazon $$$), Stupid Christmas (Amazon-free), and Collapse, how societies choose to fail or succeed (Amazon $$$). Yesterday I downloaded some freebie cookbooks from Amazon which i found here on MRin the Dec. Freebie section. It's fun to see how other cultures live and eat.

I read/watch a lot, and load balance between my Ipad and Iphone.

I'd probably read a lot more on a handheld device (iPhone, etc.) because of convenience, but at my age the type is just too small (:.

I ended up buying a K3 as I was getting too many headaches reading alot on the ipad. No more headacheds with the kindle

I mainly read on 2 occasions: On the sofa or on the train.
In both instances, I simply find iPad too bulky and heavy.
I don't have any problems at all with the screen though.
But still I partially agree: Since the introduction of affordable and mobile tablets, only few reasons remain for dedicated eBook readers.
Basically, it's battery and contrast.
On the other hand, tablets have tons of additional features.

For the moment, my main gadget is Samsung Galaxy Tab. It perfectly fits in my coat's pocket, so I've got it with me "all the time".
It's the perfect travel companion (Qype and Google "in the wild").
In addition, I take Dell Streak with me. It's compact enough and easily fits in any pocket.
By taking 2 gadgets with me, the battery issue usually is solved. And I find Streak's 5" screen big enough for some quick reading. When I've got more time, I switch to Galaxy Tab.

I'd go for a 7" iPad in an instance. But for now, I actually don't have any real need for that huge display...

I sold my kindle dx to get an ipad & haven't looked back since. The main advantage was speed.

One other input, I recently got a cheap chinese android tablet, piece of junk, waste of money. But, the size is perfect, that 7 inch screen size is fantastic.

I have a few thousand comics, magazines and Trades and they don't work well with e-ink. I use my Pad 95% of the time, even with straight text.

I would say 75%.

Sony Reader for linear straight through reading, mostly fiction, for books borrowed from the library. Some RSS feeds.

iPad for pdfs, books I photographed, web snippets.

I get a little impatient with the Sony's ereader speed since I'm more used to the iPad's quick response.

I just got an iPad recently. I had been holding out, but I just couldn't resist and my love got it as an early Xmas present. I have a variety of devices including a WPDN. (since gifted and one still in the house, not used by me). The Novel's 7" screen really is great, but I just craved for a capacitive touch screen. I considered a used K1 or K2 before, but just really wanted a touch screen e-reader, which then led to the debate that I would be just as happy with a multi-function device. The Asus serves a different use being a netbook with a built in keyboard, and it is a computer with a full OS so it certainly cannot be left on, and decided that afterall, not really my personal choice as an e-reader. The WPDN was what I had hoped then would be my dedicated reader, but it does not have the instant on like an iPad. When left off, it has decent battery life (at least in my book), but it can't be left in standby mode-that drains the battery. The resistive touch screen is nowhere near as smooth either-I could have worked around that, but not being able to leave it on standby was the deal-breaker. I can deal with the iPad's larger screen as I rest it on my knees easily in bed reading. The interface really just is gorgeous and just so smooth that hands down it is my primary reader now, and the multi function adds fun. Battery life is great too for my particular need level.

The only thing that I read on the IPAD is web page content and the occasional magazine. For book reading I do it exclusively on the Kindle KDX. I find the Kindle screen far gentler on my eyes and the reading experience far more satisfying (for linear book reading). For web pages, rss feeds or magazines the iPad is tops (except for New Yorker).

Just switched from kindle DX to iPad. I do not like reading novels on such a big screen, if only DX had the same two columns reading mode as iBooks... For PDFs kindle is barely usable, no words to describe the difference in reading with BlueFire vs on DX. I was hesitating at first to buy iPad because I was afraid of the glare. I must say it is not a problem reading evenings with fine source of light. Well maybe I will clean the dust from my kindle for the summer :) but honestly I do not read outdoors.

I abandoned my Sony Reader for a Kindle 2; and abandoned the Kindle 2 for an iPad. I carry the iPad everywhere in my purse, never leave home without it, and I read in bed in the dark on sleepless nights.

I LOVE the look-up capacity of the iPad: a pronouncing dictionary app, Wikipedia for quick what-is-that look-ups, and best of all the hypnotic Apple Maps feature, with which I find I follow the journeys in every novel --- except the sci-fis. It's amazing what a good added dimension to a novel carefully following the geography can bring: you can even get down to street level in many areas now, including Europe. Walking along a street of a rebuilt village destroyed in World War I was creepy; there actually IS a Monte Cristo island, precisely as described by Dumas, between Sicily and Leghorn, and every place in Michael McDowell's wonderful horror "Elementals" is really there on the Gulf Coast.....except the sandspit on which the three houses of Belle Dame disappear in a giant cone of white sand.

I agree that I wish Amazon and Apple (the two dealers I buy most books from) would set up Collections like Sony Reader has --- that really works well. But it's crucial to me to have all my books or samples in one physical device. I'm trying to phase out the last seven books trapped in the Sony Reader PRS-500 now.

I just recently got an iPad but I prefer my Sony PRS-650 for book reading. I use Bookman on the iPad for reading comics.

I don't see this changing. I really like the e-ink screen for reading.

Now reading Dead Tree Edition books, that is freakin' weird. I have a really hard time with it. A friend gave me a book for our Holiday exchange at work and the first thing I did was look for ebook of it. Sadly, it would have cost me almost $20 to get an ebook of a book I already had in my hands. I broke down and read the paper version but it felt...wrong. it sounds like sacrilege in a house full of avid readers and lots and lots of books.

Then again, with eight people in our house we have two PRS-505s, one 600, one 650, two 300s and a nook. The only person who does not have an ebook reader is my six year old. It is only a matter of time.

The ipad wasn't bought as a reader, but now that's it's main purpose. I like the touch screen, the dictionary, the ability to highlight and take notes and most of all, to SEARCH for a word or name.

Historically, I started e-reading from time to time on a Palm Pilot!

The main reason that my iPad has replaced my Sony Reader is that I can get books to it wirelessly. I hated not being able to get books on my Sony when I was out and about, especially at the airport before a flight. We purchase all of our books from Amazon (and then de-DRM them)because my wife loves her K2, and the iPad Kindle app is beautiful and easy to use. I still own my Sony, and use it on the beach, but it'll probably get sold soon if someone releases a smaller (7 inch or less) tablet that can be read in the sunlight more easily.

i was just gifted an iPad in the last couple of days and once i sync'd my books up with calibre via iTunes (using iBooks), i was surprised at how seamless and easy the transition was and how well the iPad performs.
I haven't bothered trying other reader apps as iBooks performed flawlessly with my ePubs and PDF's.
I was worried about eyestrain due to the backlight, but i control that via iBooks and have read for several hours with no issue.

It certainly wasn't planned to replace my current reader, but it now has. My partner will be using the Sony from now on.

I can't believe how quickly i went from an iPad disliker to an iPad user... i've found the device to be a bit of a revelation really. Very handy.

My iPad is my reader. It replace my Sony 505. At first I found I was spending all my free time playing games or watching video on it, but for the last month I haven't done much besides read with it. I think I'm enjoying it more now.

I prefer my Kindle to my iPad. The Kindle seems easier on the eyes, is a lot less heavy, and doesn't get too hot. I do read my textbooks on the iPad because I prefer the color highlighting feature.

I have been reading on both an iPad and a Sony PRS-600 (e-ink). I must say, after almost 2 months, that for reading purposes e-ink is a superior experience. Ipad is good for magazines, newspapers & fair for short reading periods. E-ink much better for book reading and extended periods of reading. The iPad (LCD) just kills my eyes after a while. Just my experience...

I switc between iPad and Kindle based on the light.During the day I use my Kindle, but at night or when it's dark I switch to the iPad, because I don't need an extra light source.Also, there are several readers on iPad and most of the time I have a different book open in each one (no, I don't get confused by reading several books at the same time!) valentin bazavan

I must say, Amazon's support for the Kindle and Kindle app is excellent: you get to talk to real people.

I was writing then calling to urge them to program collections/category organizing of both books and samples on the Kindle app for iPad. Crucial to me, because I really have a lot of books and samples on.

I knew they hadn't done it yet because I researched the issue thoroughly, but I figured I'd be a squeaky wheel. The most recent version of Kindle app for iPad DID add page numbers linked to a published codex, so you can reference your pages in class or in a book discussion group, and that's an elegant solution to those "location" numbers that change with font and type size.

I think it would be a good business solution for them to add a categorizing option to the Kindle app, because we who store a lot of samples buy a LOT of books, because then we don't forget the titles.