So, it arrived. Pretty packaging (what else would you expect from Apple?) surrounded the much-anticipated gadget. Opening the box, it does look a lot like a giant iPod Touch; the back of the device is made of the same sort of brushed aluminum that houses my MacBook Pro. But this is neither of these; this is the iPad. And here are my initial thoughts.
Full Discolsure: I am not a techie. I’m not an engineer, a designer, a computer person. I am a consumer; I love my toys, but I’m not easily wowed. I have an iPod Touch which has been sitting on my dresser lonely and unused since I acquired my DROID phone because the devices seemed redundant. I also confess that I’m a Kindle fan. I got one of the first Kindles produced back in 2007, and I’m on my second right now. I’ve tried what Sony has to offer, and other devices as well, but nothing has parted me thus far from my Kindle.
The iPad is a bit hefty. It’s larger and weighs a bit more than my Kindle (although I’ve not held one of the larger eReaders in my hands, and I suspect it’s not much heavier than one of those). The screen size more resembles the large format Kindle than the standard version I own.
Although I was curious about everything iPad has to offer, I was most curious about the reading experience on the iPad, since it’s been touted as the potential Kindle Killer in the media by some. So after familiarizing myself with the iPad, syncing my iPod apps and iTunes library, I downloaded the iBook app, Apple’s iPad reader application. The interface is gorgeous as you gaze upon the wood-like (albeit empty) bookshelves of your personal library. Well, almost empty, anyway. There is a lone copy of Winnie the Pooh, standard equipment on the iPad, if that’s your pleasure.
I have to say, reading on the iBook app is a great experience. There are two things you notice right away using the iBook application. First, the books are in color, something technologically impossible on the Kindle and other similar eReaders. The second thing you notice is the navigation. On the Kindle (and most standalone eReaders) you turn pages by pressing a button. Depending on the eReader, the page turns either slowly—or extremely slowly. There is a significant lag time between the button-push and the actual turn of page.
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Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
interesting review barbara. it's nice to see one from the perspective of a user of a product a opposed to the usual techie thing (which is probably why the anti-appple trolls haven't shown up here).
2 - David
Hi Barbara,
thanks for the great review. Could you also talk about whether you
can read magazine subscriptions on the ipad's kindle application?
Thanks
David
3 - Steve Geeps
I think the Kindle app is a must have on the iPad, the functionality and ease of use is outstanding.
But ironically it's the screen that will let it down an a Kindle killer. I've read my Kindle on the beach in blazing sun, with a flashlight camping, pretty much anywhere. The iPad's screen is just too reflective and not as easy to read as the e-ink unless you sitting in teh front room.
4 - barbara barnett
I found that if you tone down the brightness (I've always got mine on the sepia option anyway), the sunlight was OK with it. Not a problem for me. There's also a new protective screen I just saw on Amazon for the iPad with an antireflective glare filter. I appreciate that (My macbook pro has an non-reflective screen and I love it)
5 - John
I think it's brilliant that Amazon created an iPad app for kindle books. I can't actually afford an iPad right now, and have to stick with my kindle, but this review makes me hopeful, should I gather up an extra $600 for a new toy. Thanks!
6 - Sports Picks
The IPad seems to have such vivid color I wonder how it is on the eyeys after reading for 30 minutes or more.
7 - Barbara barnett
I've just dimmed it. I also opted for the sepia background, which made it very easy on the eyes.
8 - barbara barnett
Battery life is good when the wifi is off. Not as long as a kindle with the wifi off, but still good. I think charging overnight is always a good idea--I use the iPad for much more than reading as I've gotten to know it. News (the NYT app is incredible). Games (best video scrabble game I've ever seen), even crosswords.
The calendar feature is phenomenal and the feel is like a Day Runner, pages and all. Syncs perfectly with gmail calendar. Mail as well sync perfectly with gmail.
iPad lets me listen to iPod tunes while reading, which is a big, big bonus.
9 - Anthony Schiavino
Not sure if anyone mentioned this already but the black background with white text is more so for reading at night. It actually helps reading in bed with somebody next to you. You won't need the light on and you won't squint either. I use it on my iPod Touch but don't own an iPad as of yet. So I can't tell you how well it reads or how it looks visually. It's just easier on the eyes at night and I'm guessing it uses less battery power.
10 - barbara barnett
Thanks Anthony, I'm going to try that out. It's very bright at night, so I'll give it a shot. i'm loving the iPad. Netflix on iPad. A library of movies streamed. Very cool.
11 - Kimberly Davis
Thanks, Barbara, for this great review!
12 - Jojo McCormick
Barbara - Thank you so much for this review. This is what I've been looking for in terms of the iPad... lost my Kindle and was about to repurchase but a friend showed me her iPad... and I wanted more information from a READER. Thank you! Very helpful and love the sepia page option!
13 - barbara barnett
Thanks for your note, Jojo! i'm completely loving my iPad a month later. I use it for so much, I can't even begin to say.
14 - Barbara Barnett
Glad you stopped by and that you appreciate our stuff!