OK, I realize that these are only comparable on one plane, and that is reading books. Aside from that, these are two completely different and independent products. But I have thought about it, used both, and have come to the decision that even though the iPad has so many amazing features, and is such a cool and fun product, perhaps in this case less is more for me. Let me explain.
With the iPad, you can surf the web, write emails, look at photos, watch movies and live TV, listen to music, play games, read the news, read books, and the list goes on.
With the kindle, you can read books, and read magazines.
If I purchased either device, I would want it for mostly the reading experience. I spend enough time at work and on my desktop and laptop at home surfing the internet and staying up with technology and news. I feel the desire to do more recreational reading rather than recreational surfing/playing/watching. And when it comes to reading, I truly would prefer to read and be distanced from the noise of the internet.
As far as reading goes, the Kindle’s E-Ink display is amazing. It looks great, and is not so contrasty that it hurts my eyes. It looks good in broad daylight and in general just is a neat technology. The iPad has a great LED display that looks good in many lighting conditions, however the bright display has been shown to perhaps cause insomnia. This happens because our bodies naturally release melatonin as the sun sets to help us get into sleep mode. Light however has been shown to keep that from happening which can mess up the body’s natural sleep rhythm.
Another thing I have noticed is that glossy displays, such as the newest iMacs, and iPads give me headaches. They are harder for my eyes to focus on, and produce glare that can be quite distracting and annoying. Luckily, the iPad is so small and light that it is easy to adjust it into a location where there is little to no glare. This still doesn’t change the fact that the display is hard on my eyes (and my eyes aren’t getting any younger). The Kindle’s E-ink display is so easy on my eyes and never has glare issues which is a real plus in my book. (Did you see the pun?)
In general, I suppose it also goes back to my philosophy of specialized devices. It is better to have multiple gadgets that are the best at each thing rather than one device that is kind of good at many things. The Kindle isn’t as flashy as the iPad (did you see the other pun?) but provides what I think is a better reading experience, and at this point in my life, that’s what I care most about.
Exactly how I feel!