The title may sound pretty ironic as the iPad has come to be called the dream come true of many tech-savvy individuals. So really, is there any function the iPad can not be good at? Let us take a look at the iPad ebook reader and see how it passes muster.

Size and Weight

Before we delve into the actual features of iPad’s built-in ebook reader, it would be worthwhile to check out its physical attributes first, or more specifically the tablet’s size and weight, and gauge for ourselves if we would be able to hold it comfortably for an extended length of time.

At just 0.5-inch thick, the iPad is surprisingly (and definitely not an unwelcome surprise) thin. However, its dimensions of 9.56″ by 7.47″ don’t make for a compact gadget. Plus, it weighs a hefty 1.5 pounds. This may not bother you all that much if you’re just checking your mail or leaving a Facebook status, but I don’t think this is the ereader you’d prefer to read with on the subway or when you have a 5-hour marathon reading session planned.

Color LCD

The iPad’s 9.7-inch colored IPS touch display is a major factor to the tablet’s success. The crisp, full-color images make activities like web surfing, looking through picture galleries, playing games and others doubly pleasurable. But is it as good for ebook reading as well?

Yes and no. If you’re browsing through a copy of Better Homes and Gardens for instance, or reading a picture book to your 5-year old, then the iPad ebook reader fits the bill to a T. However, if pure-text books (e.g. novels, biographies, inspirational books, etc) are more your reading fare, the e-ink display that the Kindle and Nook as well as other dedicated ereaders use, would be a better choice because then you won’t have to deal with glare and eyestrain issues.

Battery Life

Apple says that the iPad could go as long as 10 hours on a single battery charge with continued use. That’s understandable and still pretty impressive considering that the iPad can do a lot of things. But if you had planned on a weekend-long reading spree, better have your charger close by.

Price

For $499 you can get a Wi-Fi only model with 16GB internal memory, and for $629 you can have a Wi-Fi with 3G version with the same memory. Sounds steep for “just” an ebook reader? Well that’s because this Apple device isn’t just an ebook reader. It’s got a lot of other features and functions that more than justify its price tag. And don’t forget that if you get a Wi-Fi plus 3G model, you’d also have to shell out about $15 per month on a data plan for 3G connectivity.

iPad Ebook Reader – Should You Get One?

Over four million iPads have already been sold and the number continues to grow. But by the looks of it, no one has bought an Apple iPad solely for its being an ebook reader. The device is a tablet PC first and foremost and the fact that it can be used as an ebook reader is just icing on the cake. The price is of course a factor in any purchase and since the iPad costs so many dollars more than a dedicated ebook reader like the Amazon Kindle, it’s best to assess your needs and budget first before making your decision.

Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.

Comments are closed.