With ebooks selling more briskly than paperback editions, it seems that the sales of ebook reading have nowhere to go but up as well. Because of this, consumers are even more interested in which ebook reader is considered "the best". This article is a three-way match up - Nook vs Kindle vs iPad - and we'll quickly evaluate the features of each device that could make it the best reading companion.
It's worth noting of course that while both the Barnes & Noble Nook and Amazon Kindle are dedicated ereaders, Apple's iPad is not. It's a tablet PC which can also be used as an ebook reader. So another question that may perhaps be answered in this post is whether a multi-function gadget as the iPad can take the place of a device that's solely for ebook reading.
To help us pick out the best choice in this Nook vs Kindle vs iPad comparison, we based our evaluation from these three questions:
1. Does size and weight matter to you?
Some people's reading habits are limited to a novel, and perhaps a magazine or two, every week. Others, on the other hand, could finish 3 fiction books in 5 days or over a weekend. The type of reader you are - the first, the second, or somewhere in between - counts for a lot when choosing an ebook reader. This is because the device's size and weight would play a big role in your comfort as you are reading.
If you are a reader in the true sense of the word, then the Kindle should zoom up to the top of your short list. Weighing a mere 8.7 pounds, and measuring 7.5" in length, 4.8" in width, and 0.335" in thickness, it is smaller than the Nook (7.7" x 4.9" x.5", 12.1 ounces), and even more so than the iPad (9.56" x 7.47" x 0.5", 24 ounces). With a Kindle, you can snuggle up in your favorite chair without having to worry about holding it with two hands or ending up with wrist fatigue.
2. Would you prefer an e-ink screen or a color touchscreen display?
A full color multi-touch LCD certainly looks attractive put alongside the rather drab grayscale e-ink display. However, you should know that reading on one screen is a totally different experience with reading on the other. With a bigger, colored LCD like the one the iPad has, you'll be able to enjoy magazines and illustration books. With e-ink technology which the Nook and Kindle both utilize on their 6-inch screens, you can lose yourself in your favorite novels for hours without feeling any eyestrain or experiencing any glare from the sun or certain lighting conditions.
The type of display your ereader has would also reflect on the performance of the battery. Colored displays use up a lot of power, hence the iPad can only manage 10 hours of continued use. The Kindle is the most efficient of the three with a battery than can last up to 30 days, while the Nook can go 10 days without a recharge.
3. How much are you willing to spend?
The price is always a key component in any purchase. In this case, the scales tip in favor of the dedicated ebook readers Nook and Kindle, which cost $199 and $189 respectively for 3G with Wi-Fi models, and $149 and $139 for Wi-Fi only models. The iPad costs a lot more with prices starting at $499 for the Wi-Fi only and $629 for 3G with Wi-Fi version.
Nook vs Kindle vs iPad: Which Should You Buy?
Each of these devices has their own set of pros and cons. While the iPad has the steepest price tag, it lets you do more than just ebook reading, and has the prettiest display to boot. Nook and Kindle are the most suitable for long form reading but the Kindle has the upper hand with its longer battery life, more compact design, and lower price.
Ultimately, it all comes down to which device best fits your needs and budget. You decide.
Between these three, I chose the Ipad, because I can do many other things on it than reading.
ResponderEliminarHowever, it's great that I can read my favorite titles downloaded from All you can books... they are compatible with this amazing and little device.