iPad vs. Kindle: 4 Things to Consider Before you Decide

The iPad, Apple’s latest in its lineup of mobile, connected gadgets that seem to be taking over the world, functions almost as well as a full-fledged laptop. And it’s also marketed as an e-reader.
This puts the technologically savvy, book-loving consumer in a bit of quandary — should you go for the iPad which is an e-reader among other things, or pick Amazon’s Kindle, a cheaper though reliable e-reader with not as many additional capabilities?
Here are a few things to consider before making the purchase.

1. The Kindle is better for your eyes.

While the iPad is chock-full of wonderful add-ons, as an e-reader, it’s not as easy on the eyes.
Amazon’s Kindle was designed with the old-school reader in mind, who enjoys the process of reading books with a paper-like quality that similar to newsprint.
You can even read on the Kindle easily in direct sunlight, something that you can’t do on the iPad, despite its better contrast.

2. The iPad gives users access to a larger library.

If quantity of books available appeals to you more than the crispness of the page, you may want to go for the iPad.
While the Kindle only has access to the Amazon library, iPad runs the gamut. Not only is the iTunes bookstore comparable in number of titles to Amazon’s store, but the iPad can access both the Amazon and the Barnes and Noble Nook stores as well.

3. The Kindle’s battery lasts longer.

If you’re anything like me — the forgetful sort — then you may have a hard time keeping your devices charged such that they tend to die out on you unexpectedly.
What’s great about the Kindle is that its battery life is phenomenal. The 3G version can last up to a month without wireless turned off on one charge, and ten days with the wireless turned on. The Wi-Fi version of the Kindle can last up to three weeks.
The iPad, on the other hand, lasts on average ten hours on a single charge.

4. The iPad is more expensive.

When it comes down to it, there’s a huge price difference between the iPad and the Kindle.
The iPad can cost over $600 with 3G and it also requires a monthly fee for data charges from AT&T. On the other hand, the most expensive version of the Kindle is now less than $200.

Verdict

Of course, it’s difficult to compare the two simply because the Kindle is first and foremost an e-reader, while the iPad was designed to accomplish various tasks.
If you’re wanting solely an e-reader without all the bells and whistles, then a Kindle is probably a better option.
If, however, you want a solid e-reader that enables you to surf the web, check your e-mail, and do a whole lot more, it might be worth it to shell out extra for the iPad.
It all comes down to what, precisely, you’re looking for.