SimonB
House Bee
To add my own thoughts. I too thought I wouldn't ever want one as I would lose the feel of a book, but having done some research and tried one out I decided I would like it, and I do. I have the 3G + WiFi version which means that it will sync wherever it can find a signal, and 3G usage is free (paid for by Amazon).
Likes...
1. size/lightweight - makes reading in bed, on train etc often easier than a book
2. capacity, can hold many, many books - good for travelling
3. screen - very easy to read, good battery life, but does require light, but then I never read without good light, and is non reflective so can be used outdoors
4. sync - means I can read on either the Kindle or my phone and the other device will know what page I am up to
Dislikes...
1. selection - not all books/magazines are in Kindle format
2. price of books - more than one would expect for a digital format
3. reference books/pictures - obviously can't do colour photos, so not really practical for certain reference books or others with pictures
vs iPad
1. iPad is considerably more expensive
2. iPad offers considerably more functionality
3. iPad screen is reflective, restricting where it can be used
4. iPad screen is backlit, can be used in darkness
5. iPad is bulkier and heavier
I read an article (will find it if interested) that compared eye strain between the two devices, and as I suspected the iPad led to greater eye strain in several circumstances in particular when used in darkness.
I was offered an iPad as a present, but after researching it decided I probably had no use for it, and certainly couldn't justify the price for the top of the range model. I opted for the Kindle instead and use it regularly, although the last two books I read were 'real' since they weren't available in Kindle format. Hopefully publishers will convert more and more titles, although it's a pity there isn't an open standard, this might encourage them more.
