There’s no better time than today to buy an eBook reader. Hard copies may be cheaper by a dollar but the growing electronic book collection is tempting more and more readers to switch.
There are several eBook reader competitors out there that are worth checking out but for now, let’s focus on two of the major players in this industry: Amazon and Apple, Kindle 3 and iPad 2.
1st Round: Budget
When it comes to price-tag, Amazon’s Kindle 3 wins by a landslide. With only $139, you’ll be able to own Amazon’s latest Kindle (with Wi-Fi capability) and just add another $50 and you’ll be able to buy Kindle 3 Wi-Fi + 3G edition. iPad 2 looks overpriced with its $599 price-tag for Wi-Fi only and $735 for its Wi-Fi + 3G edition.
2nd Round: Screen Size and Weight
As an avid eBook reader, you may want to take note of how large is the screen and how much your reader weighs as you will be holding it for periods of time. This round is a tie between Kindle and iPad 2 as they each have good points in this category. Kindle 3 is just a size of a normal paperback and is also lightweight, ideal for heavy readers. Meanwhile, iPad 2 is perfect for readers who prefer a larger screen and it is also capable of displaying colored pages like magazines. Note: E Ink screens similar to Kindle 3’s screen are more readable in low and bright lights compared to LCD panels like the one installed on iPad 2.
3rd Round: Best eBook Collections
This round goes to iPad 2 as it is more capable of supporting different formats than Kindle. When it comes to eBook stores, the Kindle store also puts up a great fight with iBook. Kindle store is now operated by one of the largest UK book distributor and offers competitive pricing on their book collections.
4th Round: Other Activities
For functionality other than eBook reading,
iPad 2 is your gadget. Kindle may be able to access the Internet through Wi-Fi but the experience pales in comparison to iPad. Aside from eBook reading, iPad 2 also have other applications like games that you can enjoy during your spare time. With Facebook and Twitter apps, iPad 2 buries Kindle.
5th Round: EPUB Format
Need to read books that are listed in public domain? If so, Kindle is not for you since it does not support this format. iPad 2 scores.
The Verdict: Kindle 3 or iPad 2
If you want a dedicated eBook reader, Amazon’s Kindle 3 is the right gadget for you. It can hold up to 3500 books and has a battery life of up to a month (with the Wi-Fi switched off, of course). It is reasonably priced as far as high-quality eBook readers go.
Meanwhile, if you want a multitasking tablet that is capable of reading eBooks, then the iPad 2 is the best choice for you. Aside from being an eBook reader, iPad 2 also has other applications that you’ll be able to enjoy. If budget is not an issue then, by all means, buy an iPad 2.
