Kindle Vs iPad: A Matchup Between Two Popular Ebook Readers

No doubt about it, the Kindle and the iPad are two very different devices; the former is a dedicated ebook reader while the latter is a tablet PC which can also serve as an ereader. Both started the trend in their respective markets and they continue to dominate these markets to this day.

But when the iPad was about to be released only a year ago, many people were considering it as the Kindle "killer", and in light of that, 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, Weight, 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. And for this category, the third-generation Kindle fits the bill quite nicely. With its 8.7-oz weight, the 24-oz iPad would feel really hefty in comparison. 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". By these numbers alone, it's easy to determine that the Kindle offers convenience and portability with its more compact design.

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 wait; dull as it may be, the e-ink technology utilized by the K3 is actually the best for ebook reading, causing no eye strain and producing no glare. So a really voracious reader would likely say "no, thanks" to the flashy iPad.

Of course, it's a a completely opposite story when we talk about graphics. 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 Performance

Considering that the iPad is equipped with a color touchscreen and can do a hundred and one things such as web browsing, videos, games, Facebook, Twitter, email, and more, it's not surprising that the battery can only last for 10-12 hours before needing a recharge. But with a Kindle, even if you go to space and back, your Kindle would still be working, thanks to its 30 days of battery life.

Price

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. These prices are a far cry from the iPad's starting prices for 16GB models - $499 for Wi-Fi only and $629 for Wi-Fi and 3G. There are also models which already have 32GB and 64GB, but these are also more expensive.

iPad vs Kindle - So Which One Wins?

Now some may be expecting the Kindle to win hands down being the one of the best portable ebook readers, while others see the iPad as the clear winner being able to do more than just ereading, but it's not as easy as that.

If you'd like to have a gadget that can simply give you hours of reading pleasure and won't break your bank, then the Kindle is your best bet. On the other hand, if you are more of a multi-tasker and like the all-in-one functionality that the iPad offers, then by all means, bite the Apple. The bottom line is, the consumer opts for the device that best fits his needs and budget.

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