Many would argue that a Kindle vs iPad is out of the question since one the former is a dedicated ereader and the latter is a tablet. But then again, the iPad's iBooks is one app that is being touted as among the best ebook readers so a matchup between the two may turn out to be interesting. Let's find out.
The Amazon Kindle couldn't be more different than the Apple iPad; the former is a dedicated ebook reader while the latter is a tablet PC which can also serve as an ereader. The two are considered pioneers in the industries they belong to and remain as forerunners in their markets.
But considering that the iPad was once touted as the device that could bring the ereader industry (dominated by the Kindle) to its knees,
many are interested to see how a Kindle vs iPad matchup would turn out. Of course, we would be comparing features that pertain to the respective device's usability as an ebook reader.
Size and Design. When choosing an ebook reader, the size should be one of the first factors to consider. After all, you would be looking for something which you can hold in your hand for hours if needed without being hampered by its bulk and without feeling its weight. In this regard, the Kindle 3 fits this requirement perfectly. Weighing only 8.7 ounces, it's a lightweight matched against the 24-oz iPad. The Kindle is 7.5" in length, 4.8" in width and 0.335" in height, while the iPad measures 9.56" x 7.47" x 0.5". With these dimensions, it's pretty obvious that the Kindle is the more compact and portable device.
Screen/Display Type. The iPad's 9.7-inch LED-backlit touch IPS display is one thing that sets it apart from most dedicated ereaders. In contrast, the Kindle's 6-inch grayscale e-ink screen would really look rather dull. But then again, e-ink technology goes perfectly with ebook reading - no glare, no eyestrain - so a real book lover may yet say no to the glitz of the iPad and go with the "drab" Kindle, as far as reading books go.
When talking about graphics however, it's a wholly different story. The iPad's multi touch, full-color LCD renders the graphics in color magazines, cookbooks, art books, children's storybooks, and others beautifully and that's something the Kindle can't match.
Battery Life. With the user's capability to do so many things on the iPad - web browsing, video playbacks, email, playing interactive games, Facebook, Twitter, etc. - and on a full color screen at that, it's not surprising that the battery can only last for 10-12 hours before needing a recharge. With a Kindle on the other hand, you can go on "space shuttle missions" (as Wired magazine puts it), and still have battery life left to spare on your device.
Cost. This iPad vs Kindle matchup has finally come down to the costs, a factor that matters a lot with most buyers. Let's start with the Kindle which is the cheaper device. The Wi-Fi only model costs $139, while the Wi-Fi with 3G is priced at $189. The iPad's price tags on the other hand, are much more steep. For 16GB of memory, you can get the Wi-Fi only model for $499 and the Wi-Fi plus 3G for $629 . There are also models which already have 32GB and 64GB, but these are also more expensive.
iPad vs Kindle - Which One's Your Pick?
While we'd like to say that the Kindle wins because it is one of the best handheld ebook readers, or the iPad wins because it is more than just an ereader, things aren't as clear cut as this.
If you're the a-book-a-day type who just loves to curl up in your favorite chair and read for hours, then maybe you should go with the Kindle. But if you're more the read, surf, email kind of person, then the multi-functionality of the iPad would suit you better. What we're saying is, you decide on what your needs and budget dictate.
