I like my iPad and have no problem reading from it. (I refuse to mix books with Amazon.)
Kindle Paperwhite all the way. It is very different from a tablet. It is easier on the eyes, fits easily in my bag, is easy to read outside in the sun (not the case with a tablet), and I love it.
Put me down as another Kindle Paperwhite fan! Love to read in bed with it- dh turns off the light and I snuggle down to read.
I tried a friend’s Paperwhite, and threw it down in disgust because it took too long to load a page. I read really fast, and I couldn’t stand that I had to wait for the page to refresh. But I shouldn’t have dismissed it so quickly-- turns out the slow refresh is a bug, and can be gotten rid of. I forget how, since I don’t have a Paperwhite, but that flaw can be made to disappear somehow.
@CardinalFang - yes, sounds like a bug. Mine has never done that. That being said, after using it for well over a dozen books now, I have learned when I get to the last line of the page, I then swipe the screen to take me to the next page so it’s seamless reading. Everyone will have their own reading speed and determine when they need to swipe the screen so that you don’t miss a step.
I know so many love theirs.
There’s a reason I have large Kindle Fire- it was D1’s and she wasn’t using it at all. I use it on occasion, usually when I want to follow a recipe in the kitchen and not lug the laptop. Yes, I’ve watched shows on it (it doesn’t pick up some networks my laptop does, though. You’d want to check what tv/cable network apps are available on what electronics.) I can read a magazine on it, it’s a better size than my phone screen, especially for design photos, but I prefer old fashioned books for the feel.
Honestly, though, D1 got it for her year abroad, when she wouldn’t have access to regular books. and she’s the sort who can have several books going at once. (She used her Mac for movies, still does.) It’s just that she prefers other gear to get her various fixes. And regular books. It’s been a year and she hasn’t asked for the Kindle back.
I read at night on my iPad on the dimmest setting and as others mentioned, it doesn’t bother H and it puts me to sleep.
I read on my iPad too so I don’t see the need for an e-reader, personally. I would read disposable magazines if I were on a beach.
I LOVE my Kindle, even though i have an ancient vintage one that is not touch screen. I also have a tablet. I travel with both.
A Kindle is a more book-like experience than an ipad. It’s the weight of a normal book rather than the weight of a lead anchor. Its e-ink makes it readable in bright sunlight, and it only draws power when the screen refreshes-- meaning u can go weeks on a single charge.
I have a first edition Nook that I did buy a new battery for since I like to read outside and the screen is a lot better for that. I have a samsung tablet too, and I do like to read from that when the lights are off (my Nook requires a reading light, but that’s fine too). Last week I had the very first world problem of not having a laptop because it was being repaired, so had to rely only on the Nook, the tablet and my phone. The horror! I don’t like to type on the tablet, or do things with multiple steps like order airplane tickets or fill in forms. Each thing has a primary job - Nook is reading outside, Tablet is quick look ups that don’t require typing or printing, and the laptop is for ‘real work’ (phone is for everything else and portable, but I hate doing look ups on it).
I do like having the separate e-reader. They are so cheap now that I’d probably just buy the cheapest one if I needed to replace it. I’m actually using my daughter’s. We both received them the first year they were out for Christmas, but she never liked hers so I traded mine in for the tablet and just use hers. Barnes and Noble doesn’t even support issues with them anymore, you are just kind of on your own if you have a problem.
I read everything on my iPad.
Late to the thread, but not at all. My Kindle Voyage is actually my favorite gadget. It made me into a daily reader.
Personally, I don’t like tablets or phones for reading at all.
Another Kindle Paperwhite fan. Gave mine to H’s aunt so I could get the latest one this summer- new font. Love changing the font size, lighting. Yes, books are great but especially for travel can download several library books in the space amount of space.
No Apple products here…
Apple who?
Another vote for the Paperwhite. We have Ipads, Kindles and Kindle Fires in the house. All are much heavier than the Paperwhite. I carry mine everywhere. I am on my second one (lost the first). Look for refurbished on the Amazon site (they arrive looking like new) and if you can wait a few weeks, there might be deals on them somewhere.
What is a Kindle Voyager, and how is it different from a Kindle Paperwhite? Looks like Voyager costs more, can anyone who owns a Voyager chime in with its benefits. What benefits are worth the higher cost?
@missypie does anyone close to you have an iPad or Kindle that you could borrow for a couple of days to try out - especially in bed if that is one way you would use it??? Clearly from the responses, it’s all “personal preference”. Trying it yourself (before purchasing) might be the best way to see what your preference is.
And editing to add, I LOVE reading magazines on my iPad. You can save recipes and stuff just by a tap or two. The color is vivid and appealing!
A dedicated e-reader is an amazing thing. I have a kindle 3 with 3G. It’s great to be able to travel with a dozen books or so in the space of one Reader’s Digest. It’s even better to be sitting in an airport and decide that I want a new book and presto! one comes to me courtesy of mobile data. I have read more books in the last 5-6 years than I did in the previous 15.
My original Nook is so easy on the eyes! I use a computer monitor all day long and get eye fatigue. The tablet isn’t much better. I don’t like extended reading on either the monitor or tablet.
Reading the Nook helps me to get drowsy at night. I would hate to switch.
@powercropper, my good friend has both the Paperwhite and the Voyager, and she indicated to me that it wasn’t worth the upgrade if you already have a Paperwhite. If you don’t, I guess it might be worth comparing on Amazon side by side to see if the additional features are worth the cost, but it seems mostly to be a crisper looking page and faster page turns and slightly lighter? I use the heck out of my e-reader, so am tempted by the desire to have the latest and greatest, but have managed to keep my hand on my wallet to not shell out for something that is more of an incremental improvement as opposed to a serious overhaul.
Of course if my husband is looking to buy me a gift . . .