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iPad eBooks Question

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btrav13

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 8, 2010
359
15
Oklahoma
I am trying to decide between a Kindle and an iPad. I really only want it for the eReader function.

Question: HOW BIG ARE EBOOK NOVELS (assume 800 pages of text).

I ask because the Kindle DX advertises 3500 books. The iPad advertises harddrive size (I'd get the 64gig). I'm trying to figure out how many eBooks the iPad will hold versus the Kindle.
 
If you only want it for a reader then 64GB is massive overkill. 16GB is overkill. Keep in mind a Kindle DX has 4GB. iBooks books are no bigger than Kindle books. Also there is a Kindle app if you want Kindle books. eBooks are about 1-3MB.

Personally, the Kindle is a better book reader. The iPad is OK but the backlight does start to wear on you after a while. However, the iPad is a more enjoyable and utilitarian device overall.

That said the DX is way overpriced compared to the 16GB iPad. If it were my money I'd either go for the regular Kindle and save some $ or use the same $499 and get a the 16GB iPad.
 
Space shouldn't be a concern when it comes to ebooks. You should try out both screens and see which you like better. For me, the kindle (and other e-ink screens) give me a headache, I don't like the perceived lack of contrast. For others, it's the exact opposite (they don't like the backlit LCD). Also, where you do the majority of your reading is an issue. If you read in brightly lit areas, the ipads glass screen could be an issue. Personally, I like the fact that I can read in bed with the lights out, so I don't keep my wife awake.

In conclusion, it's mostly just personal preference (at least if you only care about using either device as an e-reader). The iPad has much more functionality than the kindle in general.
 
Thanks for the replies all!

I think my decision is made up to go with an iPad if I buy a reader...mainly because knowing that the 16GB is overkill means that it CAN function for other things as well as a reader. That...and the downside of having to order a Kindle, have it shipped, pay for it, then return it if I don't like it.

I usually tend to read only at night before bed so I think having the iPad is probably better. Anyway, thank you all very very much for the replies, you've helped me greatly.
 
I purchased both generations of Kindle and I was a big advocate (probably half a dozen friends picked them up after I showed them how cool & easy it was to use). I haven't even opened my Kindle since I got the iPad. I may still take the Kindle on vacation with me because of the awesome battery life and convenience of poolside use but it has assumed 2nd-class status.
 
I dont have a Kindle but i must say i do find the grey on grey a little lacking in contrast on my Sony Reader. It needs to be used in a very well lit environment to work well, yet its still useless outdoors if the sun is out, still suffers from glare.
 
btrav13 said:
the downside of having to order a Kindle, have it shipped, pay for it, then return it if I don't like it.
Click to expand...

I think the Kindle is now available at Target. You should be able to at least demo it there without any hassle. And a return would be easier.

All that being said, iPad is definitely more bang for the buck.


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Ipad size, versatility, etc.

I bought the 3G 32GB with this rationale: I have an Iphone 3G/16GB and loaded it with only movies and books. I'm not even using half that space. I even have a huge Stephen King Novel (Dark Tower Series from Amazon Kindle app). Years ago I bought a complete set of Doc Savage novels in PDF format and am in the process of putting them on the IPAD. I have about 16 (out of 100 plus) on, and the memory usage is negligible. Also, some computer mags- Maximum PC publish their issues in PDF format (free) and having the Ipad and seeing the mags in color is worth it to me. (By the way, I use Calibre to convert the pdfs to epub format.
 
magiclaffs said:
I bought the 3G 32GB with this rationale: I have an Iphone 3G/16GB and loaded it with only movies and books. I'm not even using half that space. I even have a huge Stephen King Novel (Dark Tower Series from Amazon Kindle app). Years ago I bought a complete set of Doc Savage novels in PDF format and am in the process of putting them on the IPAD. I have about 16 (out of 100 plus) on, and the memory usage is negligible. Also, some computer mags- Maximum PC publish their issues in PDF format (free) and having the Ipad and seeing the mags in color is worth it to me. (By the way, I use Calibre to convert the pdfs to epub format.
Click to expand...

The more I think about it, the more I think the iPad is the way to go. I have every Stephen King book ever written in original hardcover dust jacket as well as in paperback. I'm considering the investment of buying them ALL electronically and selling the paperbacks and store the hardbacks.

Plus I buy financial books (most recently, "How Markets Fail") and I tend to do this about once or twice a month. Plus I will read books that are recommended by the magazines I read and friends. All in all, I do not yet have the 3500 books that the Kindle DX advertises, but the iPad will hold many many times that many.

Plus I have a new MPB 15 i7, an ipod touch....might as well keep working on rounding out the Apple collection.
 
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