iPad Best iPad for reading

[Harmonious Zen]

TLDR: I'm finding that adjusting to a device requires giving the eyes time to adapt. Start out with short reading sessions and slowly increase the duration. This is working for me.


I've ended up switching most of my reading over to my iPhone. While I'm constantly frustrated at Apple Books' lack of using all the screen space unlike the Kindle App - most of my books are in Apple Books so I've been reading a lot of books on my iPhone 13 PM horizontally with vertical scrolling and that seems to help a bit with the loss of margin space.

I almost always use pure black background with white text with the brightness turned down, but I'm noticing I need a lot more surrounding light when I do this. Usually I read with sepia on my iPad in a dark room (with brightness at 0) - and that worked for me for awhile.

But as my eyes get older and I'm consolidating my devices cuz I'm tired of carrying things around and want to simplify my life - I'm reading on my iPhone and I'm noticing that my eyes are very aware of the difference of reading on an iPad Pro 11 vs an iPhone 13 Pro Max.

I'm finding that my eyes are adapting and it's taking me time to get used to reading on it - but as they do, it's like building muscles and I can read on it for growing periods of time and as such, it's getting more and more comfortable.

I'd been using an iPad Pro 11 for the last 3 years and while it's a great device, I'm enjoying my iPhone 13 Pro Max.

Wow. I never thought I’d see you resort to reading mostly on an iPhone! You’d been so enamored with your iPad Pro in prior posts.

What prompted the change? Just simply wanting to consolidate devices? Was the iPad Pro that much of a hassle after using it for so many years?

 

[BigMcGuire]

Wow. I never thought I’d see you resort to reading mostly on an iPhone! You’d been so enamored with your iPad Pro in prior posts.

What prompted the change? Just simply wanting to consolidate devices? Was the iPad Pro that much of a hassle after using it for so many years?

The iPad Pro 11 is the best reading device I’ve ever used. My wife is now using my 2021 M1 iPad Pro (we traded in her 2018 to Apple for $345).

This is just something personal for me - I doubt most people will be able to relate. My thoughts (I apologize in advance as they will be lengthy):

I’ve always thought having a $1000 device just for reading books to be a bit expensive. It also isn’t easy to hold on its own without support (pillow, etc). My wife’s iPad Pro 2018 was starting to show its age (battery) and she’s getting a PhD so I felt like she deserved it more than I did. I’ve been badly wanting to reduce the number of devices I have and a $1500 iPhone should be able to fulfill the role of ebook reader (what I primarily used my iPad for). My life, recently, has me traveling a bit more than expected with a lot more travel in the near future. So having just an iPhone to read has me thrilled.

But I can say, I can’t read as long on my iPhone Pro Max 13 as long as I could on my iPad Pro 11. But now just having one device to lug around (and typing this now with an external keyboard on my iPhone) - is, for now, really nice.

But this choice is motivated by personal issues ($, my want to minimize a bit, and my wife needing an iPad). I think most people won’t be able to relate.

Thanks for your comment, heh. So far I’m adapting better than I thought. I’m reading 30 mins to an hour every day and it’s nice being able to do everything on one device. Makes me feel like my $1500 iPhone is a bit more worth it.

We’ll see how long this lasts. Once I get Apple $ for her iPad we’ll have $1000 in Apple Cash. Lol.

 

[wonderings]

iPad Pro screens are amazing, I have a 10", think they have only gotten better. That being said, I could never read books or anything long on an iPad. E-readers are just so much better and the closest thing to paper you can get, plus amazing battery life. Kindles are relatively cheap and is what I use when I go digital for reading. Still prefer the old fashion physical book, but on a trip I will load up the kindle. Not sure you can get a real accurate answer from anyone as everyone is different, what annoys your eyes may do nothing for someone else.

 

[rui no onna]

This is just something personal for me - I doubt most people will be able to relate. My thoughts (I apologize in advance as they will be lengthy):

I’ve always thought having a $1000 device just for reading books to be a bit expensive. It also isn’t easy to hold on its own without support (pillow, etc). My wife’s iPad Pro 2018 was starting to show its age (battery) and she’s getting a PhD so I felt like she deserved it more than I did. I’ve been badly wanting to reduce the number of devices I have and a $1500 iPhone should be able to fulfill the role of ebook reader (what I primarily used my iPad for). My life, recently, has me traveling a bit more than expected with a lot more travel in the near future. So having just an iPhone to read has me thrilled.

But I can say, I can’t read as long on my iPhone Pro Max 13 as long as I could on my iPad Pro 11. But now just having one device to lug around (and typing this now with an external keyboard on my iPhone) - is, for now, really nice.

But this choice is motivated by personal issues ($, my want to minimize a bit, and my wife needing an iPad). I think most people won’t be able to relate.

Yep, this really is personal choice.

I can easily use phones for reading novels (size isn't too far off from my 6" PW3/4 or my old 5" Sony PRS-350). However, I find web browsing, comics, magazines, etc. quite frustrating on even 5.5-6.7" iPhone sizes so I still need iPads. Heck, even the iPad mini I find too small for web browsing most of the time.

With that said, I'm fairly content with my $600 15.6" ThinkPad and $350 iPhone SE 2020 256GB (Walmart deal). Alas, battery's bad on the SE now so will likely upgrade to the SE rumored to be released this year. I get PWM migraines and it seems the SE line is my last refuge from OLED.

 

[sparksd]

Yep, this really is personal choice.

Truly. I have the 2021 12.9, Mini 6, 12 Pro Max and latest gen Kindle Oasis. The bulk (95%+) of my book reading (many hours per day) is on the 12.9. I don't remember the last time I used the Oasis (it is a nice device, but I prefer the larger screen and lighting of the 12.9, even in bed).

 

[Harmonious Zen]

The iPad Pro 11 is the best reading device I’ve ever used. My wife is now using my 2021 M1 iPad Pro (we traded in her 2018 to Apple for $345).

This is just something personal for me - I doubt most people will be able to relate. My thoughts (I apologize in advance as they will be lengthy):

I’ve always thought having a $1000 device just for reading books to be a bit expensive. It also isn’t easy to hold on its own without support (pillow, etc). My wife’s iPad Pro 2018 was starting to show its age (battery) and she’s getting a PhD so I felt like she deserved it more than I did. I’ve been badly wanting to reduce the number of devices I have and a $1500 iPhone should be able to fulfill the role of ebook reader (what I primarily used my iPad for). My life, recently, has me traveling a bit more than expected with a lot more travel in the near future. So having just an iPhone to read has me thrilled.

But I can say, I can’t read as long on my iPhone Pro Max 13 as long as I could on my iPad Pro 11. But now just having one device to lug around (and typing this now with an external keyboard on my iPhone) - is, for now, really nice.

But this choice is motivated by personal issues ($, my want to minimize a bit, and my wife needing an iPad). I think most people won’t be able to relate.

Thanks for your comment, heh. So far I’m adapting better than I thought. I’m reading 30 mins to an hour every day and it’s nice being able to do everything on one device. Makes me feel like my $1500 iPhone is a bit more worth it.

We’ll see how long this lasts. Once I get Apple $ for her iPad we’ll have $1000 in Apple Cash. Lol.

Very interesting! Let us know if this all changes once you get the money for her iPad, lol.

I’m with you on the convenience of the iPhone, but there’s something to be said for reading on a different device. Muscle memory or whatever on my phone has me constantly flipping across apps.

 

[Harmonious Zen]

Truly. I have the 2021 12.9, Mini 6, 12 Pro Max and latest gen Kindle Oasis. The bulk (95%+) of my book reading (many hours per day) is on the 12.9. I don't remember the last time I used the Oasis (it is a nice device, but I prefer the larger screen and lighting of the 12.9, even in bed).

What does your setup look like when reading? Is your iPad in a case? Propped up on something?

 

[sparksd]

What does your setup look like when reading? Is your iPad in a case? Propped up on something?

Yes, it's in a case. At the desk, it's on a short stand. In a chair, usually resting on a crossed leg. In bed, I'm slightly propped up and it's on my lower chest using the case's folded cover as a pseudo-stand.

 

[Isamilis]

The iPad Pro 11 is the best reading device I’ve ever used. My wife is now using my 2021 M1 iPad Pro (we traded in her 2018 to Apple for $345).

This is just something personal for me - I doubt most people will be able to relate. My thoughts (I apologize in advance as they will be lengthy):

I’ve always thought having a $1000 device just for reading books to be a bit expensive. It also isn’t easy to hold on its own without support (pillow, etc). My wife’s iPad Pro 2018 was starting to show its age (battery) and she’s getting a PhD so I felt like she deserved it more than I did. I’ve been badly wanting to reduce the number of devices I have and a $1500 iPhone should be able to fulfill the role of ebook reader (what I primarily used my iPad for). My life, recently, has me traveling a bit more than expected with a lot more travel in the near future. So having just an iPhone to read has me thrilled.

But I can say, I can’t read as long on my iPhone Pro Max 13 as long as I could on my iPad Pro 11. But now just having one device to lug around (and typing this now with an external keyboard on my iPhone) - is, for now, really nice.

But this choice is motivated by personal issues ($, my want to minimize a bit, and my wife needing an iPad). I think most people won’t be able to relate.

Thanks for your comment, heh. So far I’m adapting better than I thought. I’m reading 30 mins to an hour every day and it’s nice being able to do everything on one device. Makes me feel like my $1500 iPhone is a bit more worth it.

We’ll see how long this lasts. Once I get Apple $ for her iPad we’ll have $1000 in Apple Cash. Lol.

I am also really comfortable reading academic journals (which mostly in PDF) in iPad. Much better than reading on laptop. I like kindle for reading but it‘s very slow to read PDF doc.

 

[rui no onna]

I am also really comfortable reading academic journals (which mostly in PDF) in iPad. Much better than reading on laptop. I like kindle for reading but it‘s very slow to read PDF doc.

My eyesight's not what it used to be. For academic journals, textbooks, etc., I'd definitely want at least ~10" (well 9.7" but they don't make those anymore).

 

[ericwn]

I have to admit after a decade of e-readers and iPads that I currently really enjoy reading on my 12 Pro Max in the books app, black background, light and big text and using the scrolling function rather than regular page turning. Really comfortable for novels.

 

[stanza.richi]

I use iPP 12.9” 2018 for reading academic papers (pdf), neurosurgical books (pdf) and free-time book (epub). Both landscape and portrait are comfortable in my opinion.

 

[BigMcGuire]

Very interesting! Let us know if this all changes once you get the money for her iPad, lol.

I’m with you on the convenience of the iPhone, but there’s something to be said for reading on a different device. Muscle memory or whatever on my phone has me constantly flipping across apps.

It didn't last long.

I could not read on the iPhone for more than an hour or two without feeling very uncomfortable. Back to the iPad Pro 11. .

There is definitely something to be said for having a device that's for relaxation/reading. I have read on an iPad Pro 11 form factor for the last 3-4 years. Nothing beats it for me personally. While I consume a lot on my iPhone, I did not find it pleasant to do so for long periods of time.

I'm someone who can sit down and read on the iPad Pro 11 for 6 hours with no problems (ebooks, news, articles, personal research, etc).

 

[jdb8167]

There is definitely something to be said for having a device that's for relaxation/reading. I have read on an iPad Pro 11 form factor for the last 3-4 years. Nothing beats it for me personally. While I consume a lot on my iPhone, I did not find it pleasant to do so for long periods of time.

I'm someone who can sit down and read on the iPad Pro 11 for 6 hours with no problems (ebooks, news, articles, personal research, etc).

The new Reading Focus feature is helpful too. No distractions (well I allow VIP emails and texts through). I find the iPad mini 6 in portrait with reading focus to be ideal for multi-hour reading sessions. I read the first Laundry book by Charles Stross through in two sittings in the last couple of days.

 

[Harmonious Zen]

It didn't last long.

I could not read on the iPhone for more than an hour or two without feeling very uncomfortable. Back to the iPad Pro 11. .

There is definitely something to be said for having a device that's for relaxation/reading. I have read on an iPad Pro 11 form factor for the last 3-4 years. Nothing beats it for me personally. While I consume a lot on my iPhone, I did not find it pleasant to do so for long periods of time.

I'm someone who can sit down and read on the iPad Pro 11 for 6 hours with no problems (ebooks, news, articles, personal research, etc).

That's funny! Shortly after I saw your post, I actually tried to read on my phone. Kept thinking to myself, "how does that guy do it?"

Didn't you give the iPad to your wife? Or did you get a new one?

 

[BigMcGuire]

That's funny! Shortly after I saw your post, I actually tried to read on my phone. Kept thinking to myself, "how does that guy do it?"

Didn't you give the iPad to your wife? Or did you get a new one?

Haha. I tried. I really tried. She gave me back the M1 iPad Pro 11. She’s going to try to go without one for awhile. We sold her 2018 iPad Pro 11 for $345. Not too shabby. She admits she rarely uses it so she’s going to see what it’s like and if she misses it we will go get another one.

 

[BigMcGuire]

That's funny! Shortly after I saw your post, I actually tried to read on my phone. Kept thinking to myself, "how does that guy do it?"

Didn't you give the iPad to your wife? Or did you get a new one?

Well that didn’t last long! On our drive this morning she said she really wants it back so, got an appointment to pick up an iPP11 at Apple today. We both concluded that we really use these things in our workflow. Good to solidify decisions I guess lol.

 

[nintendoswitch]

I would say the best is the current iPad 9, which I read on at night every night. It’s a perfect size, comfortable to hold, and has True Tone to make it easier on your eyes.

 

[stanza.richi]

In these days, I’m reading on books app everyday with mi 12.9 in landscape mode. Very comfortable, in my opinion.

 

[sparksd]

In these days, I’m reading on books app everyday with mi 12.9 in landscape mode. Very comfortable, in my opinion.

Same here, even with Mini 6, 12 PM, and Kindle Oasis.

 

[boston04and07]

In these days, I’m reading on books app everyday with mi 12.9 in landscape mode. Very comfortable, in my opinion.

I’ve really grown to like reading on the 12.9 in landscape. It feels more like a normal open book.

 

[DeepSix]

I'd say iPad pro 12.9 if you're able to one hand it. Otherwise the mini 6.

 

[spiderman0616]

I’ve really grown to like reading on the 12.9 in landscape. It feels more like a normal open book.

I actually read on all iPad models like that. On my mini 6 I switch back and forth between portrait and landscape based on how I want to sit, but I love having the pages side by side like a normal book. Easier to hold, easier to flip pages, easier to deal with in general. On the 12.9 Pro it's kind of like reading a large hard cover book. On the mini it's kind of like reading a paperback or a small hard cover in portrait mode.

 

[RoadWarrior56]

Although I have a Kindle Paperwhite for poolside and outdoor reading, I use an iPad Mini 5 with the Kindle app as my primary E-reader. It is the perfect size to hold and easy on the eyes. Any iPad Mini would be nearly perfect as an e-reader. When out and about and stuck waiting in line somewhere, I have also read comfortably for limited periods using the Kindle app my iPhone 13 Mini.

 

[DeepSix]

If reading in the shower, then mini 6.