Kindle Books On The iPad

[BK]

Hello All,

I'm brand new here so please excuse me if this has been discussed before. I am a kindle author and avid kindle reader. I'm about to purchase the iPad for my personal use and I'm wondering if I get some feedback on how Kindle books read on the iPad. I'm particularly interested in the differance between reading books on a kindle compared to reading them on the iPad.

Thank you!
William L.K.

 

[Diane B]

I've only tried the Kindle at Best Buy but buy most of my books to read in the Kindle store. I like reading them in the Kindle app better than as a hardcover or paperback. I read quite a lot and like that I can read at night in bed without lights, either in night mode (white on black) or normally but adjust the contrast. I usually read it as a 2 page rather than one block of text.

I know that Kindle advertisee that you can read it in full sun but I live in the South and NEVER read in full sun LOL. I read at our pool in the summer all the time in the shade. I like the font sizing, the contrast control and the size. In truth I found the Kindle a bit small. Love the highlighting and notes and that it syncs with other devices with the Kindle app like my Touch. Sorry I can't really compare but having looked at dedicated ereaders I don't have much interest in them. BTW I carry my Ipad with me all the time in my handbag which is only medium size.

Diane

 

[Seadog]

I have heard a lot of people claim that reading on a Kindle is more natural, but as someone who often read using flashlights, that is not a plus. I have no reading issues. Why should I, since working on the computer does not bother me. My only issue is that I often do not read on my iPad as much as I would a Kindle, because of all the other things it can do.

 

[corjusmom]

I had a Kindle befor the ipad but it broke so that why I bought the ipad (along with other reasons but that was the biggest one). I love reading on the ipad vs the Kindle. The screen is easier to read on and you can change the color of the background ( I personally use the sepia because its better on my eyes). You can also read landscape style so you can read two pages at a time. The ease of use is great except for purchasing books. On the Kindle you can just purchase a book from the store or at the end of a sample but on the ipad you have to go out and go thru amazon. That's not a big problem but easier on the Kindle. I have ibooks and nook app too but Kindle is my favorite. Keep up the great work!!!

 

[DontUnderstandMyIpad]

As an owner of both a Kindle DX and an iPad, I consider the Kindle the superior ebook reader, as it causes less strain on the eye during long reading sessions.

You seem to be interested in the differences. There aren't that many, as the Kindle app has a very similar layout to the Kindle itself, however the Aa menu on the Kindle app is somewhat limited, as it is missing the "Words per line" and "Text to speech" option. You will also find that the two largest font sizes are not available. What is unique for the Kindle app is the option to have text show in two columns while in landscape mode. Other than that, there aren't many noteworthy differences.

 

[deckyon]

Eye-strain seems to be a per user issue. I do not experience any eye-strain using the iPad. That will be something you will have to find out on your own.

The major + to the iPad is you have access to all the reader apps and libraries save Sony. But really, who has a Sony reader?

 

[WannaBeMac]

I was going to get a Kindle for my birthday, but heard too many stories about them breaking. Like deckyon I find the access to all reader apps and library is a huge plus for me.

 

[emm]

IPad superior

I barely touch the Kindle since getting an iPad. It's a far superior reading experience. My only concern is that highlighting and note taking is harder on the Kindle app for iPad where it's super easy and functional on the iBooks app. Amazon needs to get that worked out. I have to hit the screen many times to highlight in the kindle app but only once or twice in the iBooks app. Even so, all the books I buy now from kindle go to the iPad. It's the wave of the future.

 

[Slygrin]

I have both the Kindle 3 and iPad. For normal reading I prefer the Kindle. It's much lighter and easier on my eyes. I also prefer the page buttons over touching the screen to turn a page. I do use the iPad for PDFs and books with pictures. I'm also glad that there is a choice, not everyone's preferences are going to be the same. For me I would not want to give up either of them.

 

[jcbeam19]

I've had the Kindle 2 since it came out; I love my Kindle! I am the new owner of an iPad and love my iPad too! Since I have not fully become familiar with all the tricks of the iPad, I'd vote Kindle as my preference mainly because of the built-in dictionary and the ability to review what a book is about (it's 3G) if it was a long-ago purchase. I switch back and forth between the two now for reading, but must admit I've been too busy playing with the iPad and my reading has suffered. I thought I'd have trouble with the back light, but I don't and it is convenient at night. I love the visual on the iPad!!!

To the poster who said reading with a lamp/light attached to the Kindle is not natural, sure it is; you don't read a DTB in the pitch black; some sort of lighting is necessary. The "more natural" comments on a Kindle refers to the e-ink as opposed to the iPad's back light. I do not foresee lugging my iPad however to the beach, the pool, the gym, etc., to read, whereas would take my K2 in a heartbeat due to the portability.

They are both great, enjoy them!

 

[iPadCharlie]

I'd vote Kindle as my preference mainly because of the built-in dictionary...

The Kindle app on the iPad also has a built-in dictionary.

 

[jcbeam19]

I'd vote Kindle as my preference mainly because of the built-in dictionary...

The Kindle app on the iPad also has a built-in dictionary.

Thanks! I wasn't sure if it did or didn't 'cuz I really haven't dedicated a lot of time familiarizing myself with the App itself, too busy playing w/too many other things

 

[BK]

WOW! Thank you all so much for the feedback. I think I'm totally ready now to take the plunge. I love my kindle, but I have a feeling I'm going to like reading on the iPad just as much, if not more.

Many thanks!

 

[DaveSt]

If you are buying an iPad for the purpose of reading Kindle books you might want to hold off until we see how Apple's new (edit: newly applied) app guidelines affect things. I'm not trying to scare you off, but big changes could be coming next month and it would be a shame to drop $500+ and not have Kindle support a month later.

 

[BK]

If you are buying an iPad for the purpose of reading Kindle books you might want to hold off until we see how Apple's new (edit: newly applied) app guidelines affect things. I'm not trying to scare you off, but big changes could be coming next month and it would be a shame to drop $500+ and not have Kindle support a month later.

Dave, thanks for the heads up.
Please keep me posted.