Posted by
Luke05
16 yrs ago
Should i invest in a cheaper Kindle or go for the ipad?
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If you're only reading on it, the Kindle wins hands down. Much cheaper, way longer battery life (2 weeks vs 10 hours), much better screen for reading, much much lighter.
The iPad is a device for watching movies, surfing, email, games, comic books. Yes you can read books on it, and it works well. But that is not its primary function.
The screen on the Kindle is digital ink, meaning it feels like reading a paper book. The screen on the iPad is like a computer screen. It is backlit which many people find tiring reading on. Also the Kindle screen uses no power until you switch pages. The "ink" is persistent.
Frankly, I think the devices are only barely comparable. The use cases are completely different.
I love my Kindle and always have it with me. Don't get me wrong. I love iPad. and I've seriously considered buying one but still haven't found it a must have for me. Giving up my Kindle is by now comparable to giving up reading. I can go on vacation with my Kindle and leave the normal load of 1 book per 1-2 days at home.
BTW new Kindle is coming out Aug. 27th. Same screen size but smaller, lighter, cheaper (US$140 for WiFi only version), better battery life (1 month), WiFi, better contrast yada yada.
If you get Kindle, I recommend the Patagonia case. There isn't one for the new version yet but there probably will be by launch. Also the "Kandle" booklight is popular if you read in bed.
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'axptguy38' THANKS! That's really helpful. I didn't know there was a new one coming out. I just want it for reading so i think the kindle would be perfect. I was contemplating the ipad coz it seems to be the 'in thing'. Is there going to be a waiting list for the new kindle like there was/is for the iphone4? Where's the best place to go and get one? Thanks again!!!
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As far as I know, you can only buy a Kindle from Amazon. Then again they have free shipping to HK.
There is already a waiting list. If you pre-order today Amazon says it will ship around 4 Sep.
Here's a link to the WiFi only version: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Y27P3M
I predict you will love it. :)
While we are on the subject, I am not a big fan of the Amazon leather cases. They make the Kindle three times as thick, and since they are open on the sides they don't protect from dust. The Patagonia case (or even the Belkin sleeve) seems much more logical to me unless you only use the Kindle at home. Unfortunately as mentioned above there is not yet a Patagonia case (or Belkin sleeve for the new version. I have no doubt they will make one eventually.
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Very cool that they've come out with a cheaper version. Looked into it, and the major difference is no 3G access, which means you need a wifi connection to download books. Given wifi in HK is pretty much every where, not much compromise there.
Haha, yes, I find it pretty funny how tech companies spend so much money to make things as small and thin as possible, then people go out and buy these massive stylized cases. Great advice given you would buy this online pretty much sight-unseen. This is the best option. Everything breaks eventually anyways...
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There will also be a 3G+WiFi version like before, and that will still be US$35 less than the previous version.
There's also the fact that you don't really use the connection very much at all. It is just for getting books. Even with no wifi or 3g you can do that on your computer and transfer via USB. 99.42% of the time I have "Wireless Off" in order to save battery.
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gdp
16 yrs ago
axptguy,
I am sorry to say that there is no free shipping to HK. I just bought one from Amazon and they charged me $20 extra for Shipping.
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Mine was free shipping for the Kindle ITSELF. The case I bought did not have free shipping so there was shipping listed on the order.
Then again the policy could have changed.
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Thanks for all the useful reply!! I have placed the order and probably in late-Sep the lovely gadget will come!!
BTW, Do you guys encounter any hardware problems for your kindle? Where should we go in that case?
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No problems at all. It is a pretty simple device all things considered and the only issue I've encountered (once) or heard of is the need to do a reset. See here http://web500.us/how-to-reset-kindle-2/
I don't know where you would go here. Probably contact Amazon first.
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dd413
16 yrs ago
Thank you for the info, Ihave just ordered on this recommendation....i did not buy a case, i would prefer to 'see & feel'..does anyone know where I can do so in HK...?
rgds
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I have tried finding cases in HK but with little luck, even at Case Connection in the WCCC.
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Hi Is any of the kindle or ipad user aware whetehr i can 'upload' a pdf already available with me on my laptop to either kindle or ipad. If yes, then let me know how to do it. I installed kindle for C on my laptop and then tried uploading a pdf on it. But i am unable to view this pdf in my iphone (installed Kindle application there as well). However, if i download a book on my iphone, i am able to view it on my laptop on the kindle for pc application. So frankly, i want a device on which i can also upload my pdfs for reading.
In additon, can we make notes in the 'handwriting mode' in either kindle or ipad?
regards
Raj
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"Is any of the kindle or ipad user aware whetehr i can 'upload' a pdf already available with me on my laptop to either kindle or ipad."
You can certainly load PDFs on Kindle. However PDFs aren't always ideally formatted for Kindle. It depends on the PDF. You can use a free program like Calibre to easily convert to .mobi, which the Kindle reads just fine. I also know Amazon is improving PDF support since it is much requested.
"In additon, can we make notes in the 'handwriting mode' in either kindle or ipad?"
You can make notes and highlight on the Kindle. No handwriting since it is not a touchscreen. You use the keyboard.
"However, if i download a book on my iphone, i am able to view it on my laptop on the kindle for pc application."
Calibre supports a variety of ebook platforms like PC, iPhone, iPad, Kindle, Nook and is a good program to use as a "central repository".
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