Kindle vs. iPad: A False Choice

notyou · 10-26-2010, 12:55 AM

Nice piece - http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2371429,00.asp

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lance Ulanoff

Listen, it's time to stop comparing these two wildly popular devices and accept reality: they're built to do different things.

I've been an Apple iPad owner for closing in on three months. I love the thing. I've been an Amazon Kindle owner for far longer. I got the second generation model almost a year and a half ago. I love it, too. If recent reports are to be believed, I'm not alone on either count. Amazon says third generation Kindle, a thinner, lighter and brighter model than the one I own, is already breaking records. Meanwhile Apple just reported stellar iPad sales numbers (over four million units in the most recent quarter). This is all well and good, but wasn't one supposed to cancel out the other?

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More...

Maggie Leung · 10-26-2010, 10:21 AM

I didn't read it. Buy whatever works for ya, I figure. The more choice, the better for consumers.

nursedude · 10-26-2010, 10:40 AM

^^^ Agreed but did read the article anyway. I have a Kobo and an iPad. One thing I like about the iPad is it's not tied down to one form of reading material. It does graphic novels pdafs and epub so even if the apple ibook store is a bit underwhelming in it's choices I can still fire up the kobo app and get a book there.

Penforhire · 10-26-2010, 11:25 AM

Maybe the author is happy to travel with four devices, lol, but I'm not. Convergence is desired. The top smart phones today have finally effectively converged the PDA, phone, and a little more. The iPad is not yet a fully converged E-reader and tablet PC but it points the way (yes, not the first, but Apple also gets to claim the earlier Newton).

And if you find reading to be acceptable on the iPad why would you also buy or travel with a Kindle? I know, big if. But it seems some people do. How can you argue the iPad does not totally replace the Kindle for them? False choice is false, ha ha.

TM98 · 10-26-2010, 11:39 AM

As an owner of both an iPad, a Kindle, and recently purchased a Nook, I have to say that the iPad was not a Kindle/Nook/eReader killer at all. I will admit that I no longer carry around my Kindle, but I have the Kindle app on the iPad. To me, the iPad is just a super-sized version of my iPod. I do spend quite a bit of time reading on it, but would rather read text on my Kindle. Easier on the eyes and lighter by half. Also the Kindle fits in my purse much better. But, I can't view movies, TV shows, play games, have access to the thousands of iPad/iPhone/iPod apps on any eReader. And the games that are now available on the Kindle and Nook are lame at best.

I bought the Kindle because it does a spectacular job at what it's meant for ... bringing portability and ease of use to my library. AND it allows me rudimentary web access in case I want to read a blog, look up info on Wikipedia, check a definition, etc. And I can make notes/bookmarks galore on my eBooks without guilt

If I were forced to give up either the iPad or one of my eBook devices there would be no contest for me. The iPad would go!

cjottawa · 10-26-2010, 12:04 PM

@Penforhire

Perhaps not four or five devices but "three or four" seems reasonable:

BlackBerry/iPhone
Netbook or notebook
eBook reader

How many people also carry an extra "work phone?"

Sure, convergence is good: my BlackBerry replaces two devices, a Palm Tungsten and a Sony T68i cell phone.

I used to carry a paperback book with me, or several. Now, I carry a Kindle and no books.

I'm not carrying any more than I used to.

I've just replaced "conventional objects" with electronic "devices."

tubemonkey · 10-26-2010, 12:19 PM

I travel with 3 devices - netbook, flip phone, MP3 player. I want a 7" tablet to replace the netbook.

On a daily basis, I only carry 2 devices - flip phone, MP3 player.

Kevin2960 · 10-26-2010, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cjottawa

@Penforhire

Perhaps not four or five devices but "three or four" seems reasonable:

BlackBerry/iPhone
Netbook or notebook
eBook reader

How many people also carry an extra "work phone?"

Sure, convergence is good: my BlackBerry replaces two devices, a Palm Tungsten and a Sony T68i cell phone.

I used to carry a paperback book with me, or several.

Now, I carry a Kindle and no books.

I'm not carrying any more than I used to I've just replaced what would have been "conventional objects" with electronic "devices."

Well said ... Truth is we Don't carry a lot less ... We just carry a Different load

Penforhire · 10-26-2010, 01:25 PM

I'm okay with three devices myself, having come through the old Palm III days (and then Kyocera 7135 Palm-phone, then ...). But convergence is still desirable, no? It is to me. I forgot another converged purpose. I used to carry a calculator around on the job. Now my HP's collect dust at home and I just pine for their tactile feedback, lol.

NewDay · 10-26-2010, 02:22 PM

We have a Kindle and an iPad. Hubbest prefers the Kindle because he says it's "built for a guy," with up-down-sideways buttons and a leather jacket. He says the iPad is "for girls" because it's "too delicate." He likes to be able to punch the button, not lightly tap the screen. He says he's afraid he'll break it (the iPad). Who'd a thunk it was a gender issue?

Crowl · 10-26-2010, 03:11 PM

When I travel on business my blackberry and my ebook reader go in my jacket pockets and then in my hand luggage go my work laptop and either my ipad or my netbook.

The main thing for me is that none of these devices are heavy since I changed to an x200s thinkpad so taking the optimal devices for particular uses is fine.

markstani · 10-26-2010, 03:16 PM

I love my Kindle for a number of reasons but specifically, for the purpose of this discussion, because of its size (ie easily transportable) and its lack of touch-screen technology (no greasy marks etc). I love the idea of having an iPad, but I certainly wouldn't but one primarily to read on. I'd get it for other multi-media reasons. As an electronic book, it's no contest as far as I'm concerned. The Kindle wins hands down.

Mark Staniforth

author, Fryupdale - free via http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22744

catsittingstill · 10-27-2010, 07:28 PM

Convergence is all very well. I carry a leatherman tool that holds pliers, scissors, 2 knives, saw, file, phillips screwdriver, non-phillips screwdrivers...etc. But when the going gets tough I use purpose-built tools that are one single thing because they're just better. A screwdriver is not improved by having 2 knives in the handle--it's off center and harder to use. A knife is not improved by having a saw, a file and a screwdriver in the handle--it's lumpy and gives me blisters faster.

By the same token my iPod can display books, even Kindle books, and it's fine for light-duty reading for short periods of time, like the leatherman is fine for light-duty sawing for short periods of time. But I would no more give up my Kindle than throw away my douzouki saw.

As for what someone who doesn't mind LCD screens would want a Kindle for---light weight, long battery life, and a 3G connection that doesn't have to be ransomed every month, maybe?

Maggie Leung · 10-27-2010, 08:36 PM

I carry my iPad instead of netbook now, lightening my load when on the go. With an iPhone 4 and a Touch, I have no need for my Kindle now. It's sat unused for a month or so. When I want more computing power, I use my laptop.

tubemonkey · 10-27-2010, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maggie Leung

I carry my iPad instead of netbook now, lightening my load when on the go. With an iPhone 4 and a Touch, I have no need for my Kindle now. It's sat unused for a month or so. When I want more computing power, I use my laptop.

Wow, you certainly are gadgetized! My mobile devices consist of a netbook, a cheap flip phone, and my prized Sansa Clip+

10-26-2010, 12:04 PM	#6
cjottawa Tempus fugit. Posts: 91 Karma: 911 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Kindle Keyboard	@Penforhire Perhaps not four or five devices but "three or four" seems reasonable: BlackBerry/iPhone Netbook or notebook eBook reader How many people also carry an extra "work phone?" Sure, convergence is good: my BlackBerry replaces two devices, a Palm Tungsten and a Sony T68i cell phone. I used to carry a paperback book with me, or several. Now, I carry a Kindle and no books. I'm not carrying any more than I used to. I've just replaced "conventional objects" with electronic "devices." Last edited by cjottawa; 10-29-2010 at 08:27 AM.

10-26-2010, 03:16 PM	#12
markstani Member Posts: 15 Karma: 495358 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: Kindle	Kindle I love my Kindle for a number of reasons but specifically, for the purpose of this discussion, because of its size (ie easily transportable) and its lack of touch-screen technology (no greasy marks etc). I love the idea of having an iPad, but I certainly wouldn't but one primarily to read on. I'd get it for other multi-media reasons. As an electronic book, it's no contest as far as I'm concerned. The Kindle wins hands down. Mark Staniforth author, Fryupdale - free via http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/22744

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10-26-2010, 10:21 AM	#2
Maggie Leung Wizard Posts: 1,449 Karma: 58383 Join Date: Jul 2009 Device: Kindle, iPad	I didn't read it. Buy whatever works for ya, I figure. The more choice, the better for consumers.

10-26-2010, 10:40 AM	#3
nursedude Zealot Posts: 131 Karma: 17102 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Ontario, Canada Device: Kobo (Original), KT, iPad 1, iPhone 4S, iPad 3rd gen	^^^ Agreed but did read the article anyway. I have a Kobo and an iPad. One thing I like about the iPad is it's not tied down to one form of reading material. It does graphic novels pdafs and epub so even if the apple ibook store is a bit underwhelming in it's choices I can still fire up the kobo app and get a book there.

10-26-2010, 11:25 AM	#4
Penforhire Wizard Posts: 2,230 Karma: 7145404 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern California Device: Kindle Voyage & iPhone 7+	Maybe the author is happy to travel with four devices, lol, but I'm not. Convergence is desired. The top smart phones today have finally effectively converged the PDA, phone, and a little more. The iPad is not yet a fully converged E-reader and tablet PC but it points the way (yes, not the first, but Apple also gets to claim the earlier Newton). And if you find reading to be acceptable on the iPad why would you also buy or travel with a Kindle? I know, big if. But it seems some people do. How can you argue the iPad does not totally replace the Kindle for them? False choice is false, ha ha.

10-26-2010, 11:39 AM	#5
TM98 Junior Member Posts: 6 Karma: 10 Join Date: Oct 2010 Device: PC, Kindle, Nook, and iPad	As an owner of both an iPad, a Kindle, and recently purchased a Nook, I have to say that the iPad was not a Kindle/Nook/eReader killer at all. I will admit that I no longer carry around my Kindle, but I have the Kindle app on the iPad. To me, the iPad is just a super-sized version of my iPod. I do spend quite a bit of time reading on it, but would rather read text on my Kindle. Easier on the eyes and lighter by half. Also the Kindle fits in my purse much better. But, I can't view movies, TV shows, play games, have access to the thousands of iPad/iPhone/iPod apps on any eReader. And the games that are now available on the Kindle and Nook are lame at best. I bought the Kindle because it does a spectacular job at what it's meant for ... bringing portability and ease of use to my library. AND it allows me rudimentary web access in case I want to read a blog, look up info on Wikipedia, check a definition, etc. And I can make notes/bookmarks galore on my eBooks without guilt If I were forced to give up either the iPad or one of my eBook devices there would be no contest for me. The iPad would go!

10-26-2010, 12:19 PM	#7
tubemonkey monkey on the fringe Posts: 45,746 Karma: 158575914 Join Date: May 2010 Location: Seattle Metro Device: Moto E6, Echo Show	I travel with 3 devices - netbook, flip phone, MP3 player. I want a 7" tablet to replace the netbook. On a daily basis, I only carry 2 devices - flip phone, MP3 player.

10-26-2010, 01:25 PM	#9
Penforhire Wizard Posts: 2,230 Karma: 7145404 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Southern California Device: Kindle Voyage & iPhone 7+	I'm okay with three devices myself, having come through the old Palm III days (and then Kyocera 7135 Palm-phone, then ...). But convergence is still desirable, no? It is to me. I forgot another converged purpose. I used to carry a calculator around on the job. Now my HP's collect dust at home and I just pine for their tactile feedback, lol.

10-26-2010, 02:22 PM	#10
NewDay Connoisseur Posts: 59 Karma: 100 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Northern California, in the redwoods by the ocean Device: iPad	We have a Kindle and an iPad. Hubbest prefers the Kindle because he says it's "built for a guy," with up-down-sideways buttons and a leather jacket. He says the iPad is "for girls" because it's "too delicate." He likes to be able to punch the button, not lightly tap the screen. He says he's afraid he'll break it (the iPad). Who'd a thunk it was a gender issue?

10-26-2010, 03:11 PM	#11
Crowl Wizard Posts: 1,340 Karma: 1160346 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Southport, GB Device: Kindle Voyage, PW Signature edition	When I travel on business my blackberry and my ebook reader go in my jacket pockets and then in my hand luggage go my work laptop and either my ipad or my netbook. The main thing for me is that none of these devices are heavy since I changed to an x200s thinkpad so taking the optimal devices for particular uses is fine.

10-27-2010, 07:28 PM	#13
catsittingstill Guru Posts: 643 Karma: 551634 Join Date: Dec 2007 Device: Kindle 1.0.8, iPod Touch, Kindle Keyboard	Convergence is all very well. I carry a leatherman tool that holds pliers, scissors, 2 knives, saw, file, phillips screwdriver, non-phillips screwdrivers...etc. But when the going gets tough I use purpose-built tools that are one single thing because they're just better. A screwdriver is not improved by having 2 knives in the handle--it's off center and harder to use. A knife is not improved by having a saw, a file and a screwdriver in the handle--it's lumpy and gives me blisters faster. By the same token my iPod can display books, even Kindle books, and it's fine for light-duty reading for short periods of time, like the leatherman is fine for light-duty sawing for short periods of time. But I would no more give up my Kindle than throw away my douzouki saw. As for what someone who doesn't mind LCD screens would want a Kindle for---light weight, long battery life, and a 3G connection that doesn't have to be ransomed every month, maybe?

10-27-2010, 08:36 PM	#14
Maggie Leung Wizard Posts: 1,449 Karma: 58383 Join Date: Jul 2009 Device: Kindle, iPad	I carry my iPad instead of netbook now, lightening my load when on the go. With an iPhone 4 and a Touch, I have no need for my Kindle now. It's sat unused for a month or so. When I want more computing power, I use my laptop.