If you’ve read the news the past few weeks, you’ve probably caught at least some of the Apple iPad hype. Many news sites and blogs have reported the iPad to be a “game-changing” media and eReader device. With over 300,000 units sold (and over a million apps downloaded) the first day, it’s hard to deny the mass approval of Apple’s eReader/tablet device. Yet, if you’re considering a new eReader, is the Apple iPad the best choice for you? Let’s figure out where the Apple iPad fits in the eReader roundup!
Go-Go-Gadget…. Laptop (or Smartphone)?!
So what’s the one exception to the eReader roundup? Do you have a laptop/netbook/smartphone that rarely leaves your side? If you answer “yes,” I’m quick to point out that you already carry a device similar to an Apple iPad or eReader. How does a Laptop/Netbook/smartphone become an iPad? It’s easy – just install one of the following eReader programs which give you the ability to buy different eBooks and read them on your Laptop/Netbook:
- Amazon’s Kindle for PC or Kindle for Mac (also apps for Android and iPhone)
- Barnes & Noble’s Free eReader Software (for Mac, PC, iPhone, Android, and Blackberry)
- Microsoft Reader
- Palm’s free eReader software
I’ll admit, the prices per eBook vary from store-to-store (and from eBook to eBook). Most books generally tend to range in price from $5 to $15, depending on publisher and popularity. However, budget-minded folks can quickly find free eBooks with a simple Google search. Barnes & Noble also has some Free eBooks, as well as eBooks Under $5!
But I Want an iPad or eReader Instead!
So perhaps you aren’t as tied to your laptop/smartphone as I am or you simply want a smaller, lighter device. While there are a number of eReaders available (or coming soon), I plan to focus the roundup on the most popular: Amazon Kindle, Barnes & Noble Nook, Apple iPad, and the Sony Digital Readers. Lets sum up the few factors you should consider before buying. As mentioned in my eHow article (How to Choose the Ebook Reader (E-Reader) That Fits Your Needs), the factors include:
- Wireless Data Access
- Screen Size / Type
- Usage Profile
- PRICE!
Wireless Data Access:
If you’re an avid reader, you would probably like access to new eBooks anytime, anywhere. Some of the eReaders (Kindle and Nook primarily) include built-in 3G cellular data access (through AT&T). This allows you to browse for new content and buy/download it any time you wish. This also allows you to view other types of written information (blogs, periodicals, etc) on-demand. NOTE: With the Kindle and Nook 3G access, you do not have to pay any monthly fees, as the data service charges are paid by Amazon and Barnes & Noble respectively. Also, the Kindle has Global wireless data access, meaning you can browse/buy eBooks when traveling abroad.
In the case of the Apple iPad, Wi-Fi access is the default built-in data access method. This gives you faster download speeds, which helps with the performance of media applications (Netflix, YouTube, iTunes Store, etc). However, you’ll be limited by the fact you MUST be in range of a Wi-Fi hotspot. If you’d like the ability to get data access anywhere, the iPad has a 3G cellular data access option as well. The down side? You’ll need to pay $130 for the upgrade (addition of the 3G radio) to the device, plus between $15 to $30 each month you wish to use the 3G data! (No worries, the 3G data plans for the iPad are “pay-as-you-go.”)
As for the Sony Digital Readers, only the “Reader Daily Edition” has wireless data access. If you get the Pocket Edition, you have to manually sync eBooks to the device from your computer via a cable. This can be painful if you finish your eBook and don’t have a computer nearby to load up some new reading material! This is something to keep in mind, particularly if you are budget-minded (see below). Convenience has its price, yes?
Screen Size/Type:
The Apple iPad is the only eReader of the bunch with a full color screen. This is why the iPad is such an incredible, multi-function device. It displays both text and multimedia content with the same clarity and brightness as your computer’s lcd screen. The downside: the screen only comes in one size – hopefully it’s the size you want!
The other eReaders (Kindle, Nook, and Sony) all use “e-ink” to display text. E-ink looks much like the familiar white paper/black ink combination, making the display easy to read (although page turns on eReaders using e-ink may seem “sluggish”). As for size, the Sony readers range in size from 5 inches, all the way to 10 inches. The Kindle and Nook come in at around 6 inches (although the Kindle DX is 10 inches).
** UPDATE ** There is now a full-color version of the Nook (the “NookColor“), which retails for $249 (half the price of the wi-fi version of the iPad)!
Usage Profile:
Although you may primarily want the eReader for eBooks, you may be able to do considerably more with the device. The Kindle, Nook, and Sony readers can be used for basic mp3 playback (e.g. music and/or audiobooks). You can also do limited web browsing with them, which is handy if you’re reading blogs and/or periodicals. As far as unique/special capabilities, the Kindle can perform Text-to-Speech translation (for the ultimate in eBook laziness), and the Nook has special technology (“LendMe”) which allows you to share your purchased ebooks with your Nook-owning friends!
NOTE: The Sony readers may not be compatible with certain types of DRM (Digital Rights Management). Make sure you check that the eBookstore you’re using supports the Sony eReaders before you buy eBooks!!
If you’re looking to consolidate a number of devices, you should look into the iPad. Not only can you use it for eBooks and audio, you can use it for movies and just about everything else via 3rd Party add-in applications. Netflix movies, games, web browsing (with multimedia), email… you name it!
Price:
Here’s the kicker! Before you get too excited, remember that these gadgets don’t come cheap! If you’re watching what you spend, consider the following:
- The Amazon Kindle or nook Wifi versions are the cheapest (at $139 and $149 respectively). This isn’t much more than the Sony e-readers, but are backed by a much larger selection of titles.
- The Amazon Kindle and nook by Barnes and Noble (with 3G data connections) are the next step up the ladder at $189 and $199 respectively! (NOTE: If you want a larger screen, the Kindle DX has a 9.7″ display but is also double the price at $380!)
- The NookColor is next at $250 (with Wi-Fi as the only data connectivity option, but the next closest option to a tablet besides an Android tablet).
- The Apple iPad rounds out the competition at between $500 and $830, depending on storage space and 3G features.
NOTE: Just to reiterate, the Sony Daily Edition, Nook, and Kindle do not require any monthly fees for data access. The data access fees are paid by the respective vendor (Sony, B&N, and Amazon). On the other hand, the Apple iPad will require you pay between $15 and $30 each month you wish to use 3G data access. Keep this in mind when you’re looking at the total cost of the device!
UPDATE: Amazon now has a lower-cost Wi-fi Kindle for $115, with the price subsidized by on-screen advertising and special offers. If you can put up with the advertisements, this can save you $25 on the cost of your Kindle.
Should I Buy One?
Ah, the million dollar question! Really, it’s up to you, but here’s how I look at it:
Regarding the Apple iPad:
It’s really only worth it if you’ve got plenty of cash to blow (i.e. NOT on a budget), or are a true gadget junkie. Much of the functionality of the iPad is potentially available in devices you already own. Yes, the iPad is “cool.” Yes, you can do almost everything with it. And yes, it’s crazy expensive (especially with 3G). Remember, on top of the up-front cost of the hardware, the cost of apps (there’s an app for EVERYTHING!) and 3G data service mounts VERY quickly.
NOTE: Many of the reviews I’ve read online have mentioned your eyes will tire after viewing the backlit LCD for a long period of time, particularly if you read right before bed.
I honestly don’t own an iPad, and have only played with one in short spurts at the local Apple Store.Having received an iPad this past Christmas from my gracious fiance, I can tell you that my eyes do tend to tire after viewing the screen for long periods of time. It’s not as bad with movies, but text seems to be tough. My recommendation would be to spend a few nights reading ebooks off your laptop and see if the LCD/brightness hurts your eyes. If it does, and your primary purpose for buying a tablet is to read ebooks, go with a Kindle or Nook. If your primary purpose is to read websites and blogs with rich media (my primary purpose), you may just need to suffer through using the iPad. :-)
If Money is Tight:
- First and foremost: Use the laptop, netbook, or smartphone (iPod/Android/Blackberry) you already own. Learn to love it! Become one with the software eReaders (Kindle for PC, Kindle for Mac, or Barnes & Noble’s Free eReader).
- If you don’t own a laptop/netbook/smartphone, but are absolutely going to purchase an eReader, go with the Sony Digital Reader Pocket Edition. However, if you can’t stand manually syncing your ebooks and can stomach the extra $40 or $50, you’ll be far happier with the Wifi version of the Amazon Kindle or nook (particularly the Ad-supported Kindle if you’re OK with advertisements).
If You’re Budget-Minded (but willing to splurge a little):
- If you’re absolutely buying an e-reader with the primary intent to read books, I’d recommend the Amazon Kindle first and foremost. The Kindle book library is currently unmatched in size, and in a past article I found that the Amazon store generally tended towards lower prices on popular ebooks. The nook by Barnes and Noble is a good alternate. Try the nook in a B&N store and see if you like the navigation before you buy it. I personally found it a bit odd. Also, recent news mentioned that Barnes & Noble is shopping for a buyer, so the future of the Nook is uncertain if Barnes & Noble gets purchased by another company!
- If you’re still trying to talk yourself into an iPad, get a NetBook! Just install the Kindle for PC and/or Barnes & Noble’s Free eReader Software and you’ll be in pseudo-iPad heaven! You’ll get more hardware bang for your buck, and the size will still be manageable. Check out the MW2ML Laptop/Netbook store for our current list of favorites (including one that comes in a “tablet” format)!
If You’ve Got Money To Burn:
- Based on my own experience with the iPad, you’ll be able to do almost everything you can normally do with a normal computer. The size makes for easy portability, and bright, vibrant display is great for gaming (Angry Birds!)! If you have money to burn, and are looking for a balance of all-around functionality, get an iPad.
- If you can afford it, get an iPad with 3G functionality. In my own experience, there have been times where a Wi-fi hotspot was not available, and the 3G functionality let me stay connected without interruption.
Final Thoughts…
So there you have it! My abbreviated eReader roundup and an explanation of where the iPad fits into the mix. As always, I welcome commentary on your personal experiences with eReaders (software-based and/or hardware-based like the Nook and Kindle). If you have questions, feel free to Contact Me directly!
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