iPad vs Sony Reader

[Zorana]

I have Sony PRS-900 and although I have no complaints about it, I still want iPad - as soon as it arrives in China, where I live. But, I would like to hear from you who already have been using it: is the reading from iPad more or less the same as reading on MacBook with LED screen? I do read a lot on my MacBook, and if I compared this experience with reading the Sony... well, there would be pros and cons on both sides. LED backlit is really nice and bright, but after long hours it does bother my eyes. Grey eInk is dull and dependent of light, and proper angle, and sometimes I just drop it and go back to my MacBook to read on-line the same book.

Even when I get the iPad, I don't think it will just replace the Sony reader. I am going to use them both, and for many reasons (different sensation, different sources of books...).

You are right - without having used it, I can't tell which is going to be better for my tired eyes, so, what is your experience - is it the same like reading from the MacBook?

[scottjl]

well. i don't have a macbook but i have read on my iphone and other LCD displays. so i'd say yes, it's a similar experience. but the IPS LCD is absolutely stunning and the viewing angle is huge. very easy to share watching a movie with someone sitting next to you.

as for reading. i have a sony 600 and can compare the two

1. resolution: the 600 does have a higher DPI (170) vs the ipad (132). so the sony can form better looking characters on its screen. the 600 wins.

2. contrast: comparing direct black vs. white contrast. we all know about the contrast issues on the 600 due to the touchscreen. plus the eink only has 8 greyscale levels. the ipad is full color. the ipad wins.

3. refresh rate: the ipad wins.

4. readability in direct sunlight (standing outdoors with the sun behind or overhead: the 600 wins

5. readability in a dark or low lit room, without any additional light source: the ipad wins.

6. readability in a moderate or low lit room, with an additional light source: a toss up, depending on the lighting and how well it helps the 600. a good light source may make this category a tie, a poor light source and the ipad wins.

7. customization (ability to change fonts, page colors, etc.): the 600 has a few font sizes and only one built in font. you can not change the page color. you can embed fonts into epub files. current ipad applications can not read embedded fonts, but you can change font faces, font colors, page colors, font sizes, screen brightness and more. ipad wins.

8. battery life: 600 claims "7000 page turns" or approximately 2 weeks. ipad gets a respectable 10 hours of use. 600 wins.

if you can accept reading on a macbook (you don't mention what model) you should have no problem reading on an ipad.

[Zorana]

Hehe, nice comparison, thanks! I have MacBook 13.3 inch LED-backlit display (the aluminum one), and as I said - I read on it, but it makes my eyes tired.

My impression is that iPad and Sony reader are not either - or choice, I definitely want to have both.

[kennyc]

iPAD on the front of the Best Buy insert in today's paper....wow that thing's pricy!

[Tamara]

Originally Posted by kennyc

iPAD on the front of the Best Buy insert in today's paper....wow that thing's pricy!

I guess you never went to the Apple website then.

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Tamara

I guess you never went to the Apple website then.

Everyone knows Apple hardware is overpriced if that's what you're getting at.

Maybe I was hoping BB would discount it.

[scottjl]

Originally Posted by scottjl

I guess anyone with a different opinion from yours is automatically defined as a "troll" inside your narrowminded, illogical brain. I think someone needs to be deprogrammed.

[volwrath]

Originally Posted by scottjl

Heh I agree with KennyC. The hardware *IS* overpriced. The 16GB should be no more than $399, and should come with a sim card and gps.

[scottjl]

the hardware is "overpriced" if you aren't willing to pay what apple is asking for it. apparently to 450,000 people it is priced at what they are willing to pay and for some of us the price isn't a concern.

for those who consider it overpriced, what are you expecting apple to price it at? $100? $19.95? do you think other companies are going to price their devices more "fairly"? newsflash all corporations are out to make a buck.

[Tamara]

Originally Posted by kennyc

Everyone knows Apple hardware is overpriced if that's what you're getting at.

Maybe I was hoping BB would discount it.

You get what you pay for but based on all your posting here, I'm guessing that you're an Apple hater anyhow.

[Tamara]

Originally Posted by scottjl

the hardware is "overpriced" if you aren't willing to pay what apple is asking for it. apparently to 450,000 people it is priced at what they are willing to pay and for some of us the price isn't a concern.

for those who consider it overpriced, what are you expecting apple to price it at? $100? $19.95? do you think other companies are going to price their devices more "fairly"? newsflash all corporations are out to make a buck.

Some people just want everything for nothing .

[kennyc]

Originally Posted by Tamara

You get what you pay for but based on all your posting here, I'm guessing that you're an Apple hater anyhow.

I do hate the way they do business. They've screwed the pooch as far as ebooks go and their hardware is nothing special, they sell sizzle to those willing to lap it up.

You can certainly get more for the same money from other vendors.

You can guess anything you want, but leave the personal name calling out of it.

[stustaff]

Overpriced for what an individual is happy to pay id agree in some cases I think its ok.

but overpriced comopared to this market and comparable devices? no not at all.

[Bremen Cole]

Originally Posted by kennyc

I do hate the way they do business. They've screwed the pooch as far as ebooks go and their hardware is nothing special, they sell sizzle to those willing to lap it up.

You can certainly get more for the same money from other vendors.

You can guess anything you want, but leave the personal name calling out of it.

Per you I "lap it up" ..... Fine, then it's fair for me to say that you are on your knees taking it from Sony and Amazon....

If insulting is the way it is here now, then I have to question why I still have this site bookmarked. If you don't like Apple, fine, who cares.... But why do you and others have to hang out in our product forum and give out ignorant info, and be insulting? You have a Sony and a Kindle, those are the forums for your devices. You can discuss them, and help others that own them. Why do you feel the need to ruin our discussions? This is not the General forum and IMHO is not the place for the constant sniping.

Anyway, this all really gets tiring. It's really a shame......