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rschauer · 07-01-2011, 04:41 AM

OK, I guess I have narrowed down my options, after some further research and hands-on browsing.

I learned that the Kindle DX does not run the newest firmware; it runs the version the Kindle 2 runs. Therefore, PDF support is not as robust as the Kindle 3. So while I'd be seeing them in a readable size, there are likely to be problems rendering some files. Also, unless I bought one used (which I'm not keen on), I wouldn't be saving much compared to buying a full-featured tablet.

So, I started looking at tablets. I found that the majority of new (Android OS 3) tablets are widescreen. This didn't bother me at first, but after playing around with an iPad (4:3 ratio), I found it much better suited to the dimensions of a typical book ("tech" type books, which will be mostly what I read on the device, tend to be around 9x7" or so, pretty close to 4:3). I also found the iPad 2 much more responsive than the Galaxy/Xoom/Iconia/etc., and much more comfortable than all but the Galaxy.

Therefore, I'm leaning toward biting the bullet and picking up an iPad, in the hope that I will use it for more than just reading books at work (otherwise, it's not worth $600 to me). I'm still keeping my eyes open for a suitable device that would be easier on the wallet; it might be some time before I can convince myself to triple my original budget.

I'll check out the iPad-related boards here for further info. If anyone still has advice about other types of tablets/readers that I haven't mentioned yet, I'm still open to it!

07-01-2011, 04:41 AM	#6
rschauer Enthusiast Posts: 29 Karma: 40 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Iowa Device: Kindle 3	OK, I guess I have narrowed down my options, after some further research and hands-on browsing. I learned that the Kindle DX does not run the newest firmware; it runs the version the Kindle 2 runs. Therefore, PDF support is not as robust as the Kindle 3. So while I'd be seeing them in a readable size, there are likely to be problems rendering some files. Also, unless I bought one used (which I'm not keen on), I wouldn't be saving much compared to buying a full-featured tablet. So, I started looking at tablets. I found that the majority of new (Android OS 3) tablets are widescreen. This didn't bother me at first, but after playing around with an iPad (4:3 ratio), I found it much better suited to the dimensions of a typical book ("tech" type books, which will be mostly what I read on the device, tend to be around 9x7" or so, pretty close to 4:3). I also found the iPad 2 much more responsive than the Galaxy/Xoom/Iconia/etc., and much more comfortable than all but the Galaxy. Therefore, I'm leaning toward biting the bullet and picking up an iPad, in the hope that I will use it for more than just reading books at work (otherwise, it's not worth $600 to me). I'm still keeping my eyes open for a suitable device that would be easier on the wallet; it might be some time before I can convince myself to triple my original budget. I'll check out the iPad-related boards here for further info. If anyone still has advice about other types of tablets/readers that I haven't mentioned yet, I'm still open to it!