iPad or Kindle?

Today, I learned that I have more personal friends interested in digital reading tablets than I thought. I've received a few emails in the last 2 weeks, asking me to help in their decision making, so I figured I'll just post it here.

I received a KindleDX a few months ago as a birthday gift from my friends and family who used eDivvy.com to share the cost. I few weeks prior, I was confused as to which device I would get, since my choices were:

1 - A Kindle 6" non-wireless
2 - A Kindle 9" wireless (DX model)
3 - Sony Reader
4 - Wait for the Nook
5 - Wait much longer for the iPad

Since #2 above was the best choice at that time, I was afraid to spend $400+ on a device I have yet to touch & feel. If you're currently trying to make your decision, I'm sure you know how that feels.

Fast forward to today where I've had my KindleDX for a few months, the 6" version of the Kindle is now equipped with 3G, the Nook is now available at Barnes & Noble, and the iPad is being released. I can't tell you what's best for you, but I can point out what to consider:

In my opinion, the 3 best choices would be the Kindle (9" or 6") or the iPad. Here's what to keep in mind that may help you in your decision:


1 -- Kindle has free 3G Internet; iPad costs $30/month+ for 3G Internet.

If you're only reading it at home, it shouldn't matter since you would find yourself using the free wifi at your house. I take my Kindle with me when traveling so I like the free Internet. This allows me to get the latest magazines / articles / email... or buy a book when I'm not at home or at the office.

2 -- Kindle has calculator-like screen; iPad has laptop-like screen

iPad is great for reading in the dark. You can adjust the light of the screen to dim it, to keep your iris comfortable. The Kindle is just like a book -- where you'll need light in the dark. However, you can be more subtle about reading in public places.

3 -- Kindle's battery life can last for dayssss; iPad is much, much shorter

I always say that no matter how wireless we all get, we'll never be truly wireless because of battery life. Since the Kindle's screen requires less energy, its battery life is impressively long. Unfortunately, the iPad may last you the first day of your vacation, while the Kindle will last the entire Spring Break.

I also like that the Kindle's charger is the same as my cell phone so I just carry one charger. As for the iPad, its charger is unique to it so it's gonna cost you more if you broke or lost that charger.

4 -- Web browser on Kindle uses WAP; web browser on iPad is more impressive.

iPad can be a replacement laptop for you if you use your current computer mostly for surfing the web. You'll be able to see colored photos and play YouTube videos on the iPad. The Kindle can access the web, but since it's not colored, imagine seeing a photo on your calculator. Kindle owners tend to have a separate computer to do their computer activities.

5 -- Kindle bookstore is Amazon; iPad's bookstore is iTunes

Since Amazon is the largest online bookstore, you'll obviously have more access to books and magazines than iTunes. At first, I didn't think this was an important factor for me, since I'm less of a book reader than I am of magazines. However, I found myself buying technical books and hard-to-find magazines to subscribe to on my Kindle, which don't exists in iTunes. But that could just be me and my needs, so this shouldn't be a deal-breaker if you like to read popular books.

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I hope this helps. I'm considering buying my mom the small kindle for her birthday since the 6" Kindle is more purse-friendly than the 9" I have. The reason I chose that for her is so she can buy books/magazines without having to figure out how to connect to wifi or spend an extra monthly cost for 3G Internet. Otherwise, it would cost me time giving her tech support for it.

I'm keen on the iPad. I can see doctors using this in their practice, since they can just connect to their office wifi. It would be cool if they can point to images and such to help them explain what they're trying to communicate to you. But if you want to save money, wait until the next version to allow Apple time to release a better version that consumers report back to them.