Kindle or Tablet?

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eracode

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#70590 27-Oct-2010 10:38

My wife is a keen reader and although she is a non-geek, she has taken to her Asus netbook like a duck to water. She uses it mainly to play bridge on-line.

A netbook doesn't really make a good e-book reader so I am thinking of buying her an e-book reader for Christmas. However I am thinking that rather than just buying, say, a Kindle, it might be a good idea to get say a Samsung Galaxy Tab ( or an iPad, or the new HP Slate that's coming) so that we can do more with the gadget than just read e-books.

Would welcome comments on the pros and cons of the various gadgets and their suitability as an e-book reader, given the different operating systems that they each use. Is there a wider range of titles available for the Kindle than for the other systems, are all e-reader apps similar or do they vary in fuctionality, etc.

Thanks

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#396151 27-Oct-2010 10:42

eBook readers have a good, long battery life. That's because ePaper don't need power to show the text - only to switch the text when moving pages.

Also it's easier to read, since there's no backlight - no eye strain. Like a good book though it means you need a light to read.

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#396155 27-Oct-2010 10:48

Having a netbook already, i'm not sure you have a need for the galaxy tab? My thoughts anyhow. I have the latest kindle, with the lighted case, it is exactly like reading a book, not too heavy, and has freitasm said, battery life is awesome, even with the light being used. It has exceeded my expectations with how handy this device is.

freitasm

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#396158 27-Oct-2010 10:52

And of course you would be so kind as to buying a Kindle from us at our Amazon Kindle order page ;)

vexxxboy

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#396162 27-Oct-2010 11:00

just a quick thought , if your wife only uses the notebook for playing bridge, then if you get her an ipad etc ,do you think she will use it for anything other than reading books, if that is the case then the kindle is the better option

Common sense is not as common as you think.

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#396185 27-Oct-2010 11:32

The kindle3 (6" + wifi, don't bother with the 3G version if you're using it here in NZ) would work great for that. I've got one and it's great for ebook reading and it's OK for occasional web browsing.

It's pretty cheap too, ~$240NZD shipped from amazon.
Any cheap android tablets are going to be "cheap" and have crappy battery life, etc.

eracode

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#396192 27-Oct-2010 11:45

vexxxboy: just a quick thought , if your wife only uses the notebook for playing bridge, then if you get her an ipad etc ,do you think she will use it for anything other than reading books, if that is the case then the kindle is the better option

Yes - but the plan is then I get to play with the iPad! But seriously, thanks to the comments that peole have already posted I am fast coming to the conclustion that a 6" Kindle Wi-Fi is just what she/we need. Better to have a dedicated gadget than using something that's not specifically designed for the task.

Then I will look at the HP Slate in my own good time.

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eracode

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#396194 27-Oct-2010 11:49

NzBeagle: I have the latest kindle, with the lighted case, it is exactly like reading a book, not too heavy.

Which model is this? Is it the DX? Can't see anything on Kindle/Amazon sites about the 6" Kindle Wi-Fi having a lighted case but could be missing something.

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#396196 27-Oct-2010 11:55

Just the 6" Wifi, it was listed as an accessory when I ordered mine. Wasn't cheap, but its a solid and stylish case to protect my kindle, and the light just runs off the kindle so is extremely convenient.

stuzzo

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#396205 27-Oct-2010 12:17

I think you very much have to make the choice based on intended use. For mainly reading the Kindle would have the edge.

For a lot of Internet use and multi-role the iPad is great. I wouldn't go smaller than the iPad unless you are wanting a more mobile option. I read books on the iPad no problems but a very heavy reader, perhaps not.

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#396210 27-Oct-2010 12:22

If you have cargo pants, you can also fit your kindle3 6" in the pockets. ;) (Or a handbag, if you have such a thing)

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#396214 27-Oct-2010 12:25

We have a iPad and love it. BUT although I use it as a ebook reader I think a kindle would be a better option in your wife's case. Unless you are going to use the iPad for all the other things it does more then using it as a eReader it is just not the best option.
When you are using the iPad as a replacement for a book the biggest issue I have with it is the weight. I do not find the screen a problem and battery life is fine as well but it is quite a bit heavier then your average book and I find it become uncomfortable after a period of time.
Of course it does a heap of things that the kindle does not but it sounds like she really would just use it as a replacement for a book.

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#396467 27-Oct-2010 19:51

freitasm: eBook readers have a good, long battery life. That's because ePaper don't need power to show the text - only to switch the text when moving pages.

Also it's easier to read, since there's no backlight - no eye strain. Like a good book though it means you need a light to read.

+1

If the purpose is mainly for reading then a Kindle is a must. Have just purchased my 3rd one for a family member.

oxnsox

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#396759 28-Oct-2010 11:55

I use a Kobo reader... which is lighter and as easy to mange (sitting / lying) as a real book. (It's actually easier to manage because you don't have to worry about the read or unread pages flicking back... or losing your place).

I've tried using Tablet style PC's and for me I can say that the size and weight of them makes them awkward to hold and use after a while as an e-reader... particularly if you like to read in bed.

As Mauricio says the e-paper on Kindles/ Kobos is much easier on the eyes too

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#396806 28-Oct-2010 13:09

Another alternative to the Kindle, if you don't mind spending more, is the new Sony Readers, which Whitcoulls are now selling.

They are touchscreen readers with dictionary lookup, highlight/notes, same Perl screen the K3 uses, and so lightweight and TINY. (I stopped into whitcoulls this morning to have a look see...)

There is a 5" and a 6" model available.

The main drawback of the new Sony's is that they have no wireless capabilities...On the other hand, this increases the battery life even further.

ntsan

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#396815 28-Oct-2010 13:28

I also use Asus netbook and I mainly use it for ebook and picture viewer on the move from my camera, but I am waiting for the one that have viewable screen on the outside so I don't have to stay in the house to enjoy my reading

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