Recursivity.blog()

Some time ago, I wrote on my old blog that the iPad and Kindle would probably happily coexist. I own both devices, and having used them for some months, I’m prepared to stand by my initial assessment.

In short, this is how I see the iPad and the Kindle:

• The iPad is a mobile internet consumption- and on-the-go productivity device.
• The Kindle is a bookshelf replacement and reading device. Keep your library in your backpack instead of your study.

I love the iPad, the way I can just pick it up and start browsing, checking e-mails, reading RSS feeds, playing games, manage my todos, watch videos etc is great. It fills a gap between smartphone and ultralight laptop that is hard to describe in a single tagline because it has created a new category. Though it is definitely a new and very valid category that has enriched my life.

That being said, I wouldn’t want to read a book for any length of time on my iPad, the screen is beautiful, but it is still backlit and an eye strain for reading books for longer periods of time.

The Kindle on the other hand is a reading device and a bookshelf replacement. It’s not supposed to be an iPad, and if it tried to compete with it, I’d get rid of it immediately. The e-ink screen is great for long term reading, allowing you to immerse yourself in the book and forget about the device you are using, just as if it was any old paper- or hardback. People talk of embedding moving pictures, video and diagrams into iPad books, but I just don’t see that happening for mainstream books, ever. Would Lord of the Rings have been any better or more immersive if it had moving pictures? I don’t think so.

The Kindle has one drawback compared to old books though: it is great for reading “A-Z”, but not so good for books that you would use as reference books that you flip through. Though this is a small price to pay for fitting your whole library in your carry on luggage.

Finally, I think Amazon has found the right strategy for Kindle in having Kindle software not only on the e-reader hardware, but also for PC’s, Mac’s, iPhones and iPads: buy once, read anywhere sounds a lot like what made Java a success on the serverside in software (“build once, deploy anywhere”).

Summary: I love both my Kindle and iPad equally, but in different ways
Both the iPad and Kindle are great devices in their own right. The iPad is with me everywhere. The Kindle is with me whenever I know I want to read for any length of time, like when I’m going on a flight. As far as the Kindle goes, I love it so much that I now refuse buying paper books and only buy Kindle books. Buying regular books is a waste of space, paper and logistics to get the books to me. I’d rather consume digital products where I can.