When introduced in January 2010, the Apple iPad was positioned strongly as the new generation ebook reader, directly opposing the already available Kindle by Amazon, and other offerings. So, if you are in the market for a new electronic reading device, which one is the better choice? In this guide, we will give you the advantages and disadvantages of both devices, allowing you to make a balanced decision on which device to buy.

We will describe the main features of the iPad, as far as its E-reader functionality is concerned, and will compare those to the current features of the Kindle.

This guide does not try to answer the question whether one of these devices is ‘better’. However, it does try to answer which of the options is ‘better for you’.

When introduced in January 2010, Apple also introduced the iBook app, and the iBookstore. The iBook app resembles a virtual bookstore, where users can store their electronic books. Additional books can be bought from the iBookstore.

An iBook is opened by tapping the cover of the book on the bookshelf, and paging through is done by tapping the right-side of the page.

Readers can alter the font/size of the text, and books can incorporate colour images, and even video.

Prices of iBooks range from $12.99 to $14.99, and are all in ePub format.

Connection to the iBookstore is either through Wi-Fi or through a $15/$30 3G subscription http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10443186-1.html http://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/ibooks-what-we-know-of-the-ipads-ibook-app/

The current (January 2010) e-reader offer by Amazon is the second generation of its device. While the first generation was quite bulky, the second generation device was flatter, and supports round corners.

The Kindle is available in two sizes, 6” (regular) and 9.7” (Kindle DX).

The Kindle screen is based on E-ink black/white technology, which doesn’t support touch-screen.

Amazon offers books, magazines and newspapers through its Amazon Store.

Starting Q4 2009, the Kindle is available worldwide.

Book titles are listed on the main page, and can be scrolled though using a small physical stick. Pressing the stick opens the book.

Page-forwarding is done by pressing physical buttons along the side of the Kindle.

Next up, we need to compare the main features of both devices, allowing us to choose between the two, based on facts and features we value most.

So, now we have all the information needed to make an educated choice between the iPad and Kindle. Now, which one is best for you? This is largely dependent on your (future) use of the device. If you are an avid book reader, and will mainly use the device to read books, the Kindle is probably the choice for you. Its E-ink screen is easy on the eye, the battery lasts longer, and the device itself is a bit lighter.

However, if you prefer to read magazines or newspapers, and want to use your new reader for other purposes, like playing games, media (video/music) playback, etc, the iPad may be more suitable for you. The iPad is the more versatile of the two, allowing a wide range of functions. Another consideration might be whether you already own other Apple devices. If you already own an iPod Touch or an iPhone, you will be very familiar with navigating the iPad. However, you might feel like you’re buying an enlarged version of a device you already own.

With these considerations, you should have enough arguments to choose either way.