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Samtb

macrumors 68000
Original poster
Jan 6, 2013
1,507
34
For reading magazines and books whilst on trains, planes etc, which is better out of Kindle and iPad mini?
 

Absrnd

macrumors 6502a
Apr 15, 2010
915
1,671
Flatland
That depends, do you want a device that can only display pages, or something that can do everything ?
 

lostom

macrumors regular
Nov 11, 2010
227
157
For reading magazines and books whilst on trains, planes etc, which is better out of Kindle and iPad mini?
Are you looking to purchase one or the other for this purpose?

It would depend on what "environment " you have, IOS or Amazon as a starting point, then it's budget, do you need/ want connectivity?

You're on an Apple forum, so likely you'll get pointed towards the Mini, that's what I'd go with.:), it can do more, if that's what you want, if not, the Kindle is highly regarded.
 

mk313

macrumors 68020
Feb 6, 2012
2,084
1,156
I have both & prefer the kindle for reading books (as well as magazines that have been formatted for the kindle). It's lighter weight, the battery lasts longer & the screen is easier on the eyes at night. It's also less distracting (might just be me-but when I am using the iPad, I tend to think of other things to do while reading & then find myself clicking on other apps)

The iPad is probably better for reading magazines though, unless the magazine offers a kindle specific version. It's also better for viewing photos in books, if that's a big deal for you.
 
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ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,118
10,912
A kindle usually only works for books, not magazines. It’s a single purpose device and rather affordable, so I don’t see a downside in bringing one if you enjoy the reading experience with it.

This forum has plenty of discussion on the matter hence I recommend an extended forum search for more input.
 
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sparksd

macrumors G4
Jun 7, 2015
10,011
34,355
Seattle WA
Very different devices and reading experience. I have a Kindle Oasis but actually prefer doing all my reading - and I do a lot daily - on my 12.9 Pro. I only use the Kindle if I'm reading in direct sunlight. It's really a matter of personal preference so in the end only you can say for yourself. But I would not use the Kindle for magazines unless you're just reading for the text.
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,920
13,269
For fixed layout magazines, I'd actually go for the 10.2" iPad rather than the mini. Too much zooming and panning required on the mini for things to be legible for me.

Reading books on planes, Kindle all the way. I've been on 16 hour flights and battery life on the Kindle is much better than on iPad or iPhone.
 

Jack Neill

macrumors 68020
Sep 13, 2015
2,272
2,308
San Antonio Texas
I like my Kindle paperwhite and eInk screens for reading, but I hate the UI and the way books are organized on it. The Apple Books app on Mac and iOS while not perfect are much better for my taste in organizing collections.
 

dmr727

macrumors G4
Dec 29, 2007
10,680
5,969
NYC
I have both a Kindle and an iPad, and I use the Kindle for books and the iPad for anything else. My opinion is the Kindle is generally unsuitable for any media that's not pure text. That said, for books I find the reading experience to be substantially better than an iPad, especially if you ever want to read outdoors in the sunlight.
 

thefourthpope

macrumors 65816
Sep 8, 2007
1,439
848
DelMarVa
A kindle usually only works for books, not magazines. It’s a single purpose device and rather affordable, so I don’t see a downside in bringing one if you enjoy the reading experience with it.

This forum has plenty of discussion on the matter hence I recommend an extended forum search for more input.
The advice I’d give as well. Kindle is better for extended reading but a poor choice for interactivity, color images etc.
 
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Rafterman

Contributor
Apr 23, 2010
7,267
8,809
I have a lot of history books, including many pictures. The Kindle doesn't display pictures as well as an iPad.
 
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Shanghaichica

macrumors G5
Apr 8, 2013
14,725
13,245
UK
Well for books I prefer my kindle and for magazines I prefer my iPad mini. It depends if you are gong to read a significant amount of magazines and can only get one I’d go for the iPad. Magazines in the kindle are a no no.
 
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mainelyme

macrumors member
Oct 14, 2017
72
70
An e-ink display is a little bit easier on the eyes for text, but an iPad with colors inverted and brightness turned all the way down is not much worse. I'd go with the iPad, especially if there is any other reason you'd want an iPad apart from reading, because despite its downsides, it is much easier to highlight text, look things up, and make notes. If I'm going to carry a Kindle I might as well carry a paper book or magazine, which I tend to like most of all. Also, Apple News+ is actually really good for magazines, and I get it anyway with their services bundle.
 

sracer

macrumors G4
Apr 9, 2010
10,405
13,290
where hip is spoken
For books, Kindle. E-ink is so much easier on the eyes for hours of reading. For magazines, iPad because "the colors, Duke, the colors."
I have found that using a matte screen protector on the iPad Mini results in a very pleasant, e-ink-like experience. It isn't as nice as my Kindle and Kobo e-readers for reading text, it is much better than the glossy reflective bare screen.
 
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