New gadget advice
 

I'm debating a new gadget.

Tablet or Kindle?

I know they are for completely different things. I have an old (2nd gen) Kindle that still mostly works, but has lately started to act oddly. I'd like to be able to borrow books from the NY public library on my Kindle, which I can't do on my old one.

I like the idea of a tablet, and reading on the Kindle app. I wouldn't use it in bright sunlight.

I have a laptop that I'm quite happy with, and really don't know if I would use a tablet for much besides reading - though I use my iPhone for everything. So, if I got a tablet I would probably start to use it for more. Watching movies on planes comes to mind.

I like the idea of an Android tablet since I already have an iPhone. With an Android tablet, I could load movies I already have downloaded instead of buying them from iTunes. But, if the iPad is compelling then I suppose I could stick with Apple.

Thoughts?

You have almost described my conundrum! I have a work issue laptop, I have a Macbook pro for personal, I used to have the Kindle latest generation, I have an iPhone. What do I need an expensive tablet for? So I got the Kindle Fire when it came out, $199. Having the Kindle Fire only whetted my appetite for an iPad. I love the KF for reading, it streams Netflix just fine but the web browser is clunky and slow. So I ordered the iPad 3 last week, will receive this week. If I had this play to do all over again I might have bought the iPad 2 and a Kindle touch instead.

HOWEVER, the Kindle Fire has a great screen for my eyes for reading, it is backlit so I can read without turning on a light. I have small hands so holding the iPad for reading isn't comfortable for me when I borrowed one from a friend. I probably won't ever give up some form of the Kindle for the iPad exclusively. The battery for the Kindle Fire does not last nearly as long as a regular Kindle. I don't regret getting the KF though, I plan to take it to the UK and Ireland with me in the Spring instead of the iPad. If a $199 device were to get lost, broken or stolen it will be a lot easier to stomach than a $800 device.

Glad to know I'm not the only one. :)

My dad has a Kindle Fire, and it just doesn't really appeal to me.

I wouldn't buy the top of the line iPad - probably the 16GB wifi only one. I don't envision loading tons of music on it (that's what my iPhone is for) and probably wouldn't have more than 1-3 movies at a time.

I bought the IPAD 3G just a few months before the Fire. I use both, but would not have bought the IPAD if I had gotten the Fire first.

I used the IPAD for a couple of hours each day before I got the Fire. Now, I much more frequently use the Fire. The IPAD just seems large and bulky for what I typically use it for: email, reading, and web browsing. I do have occasions where I appreciate the 3G with the IPAD, but on balance, if I could do it again, I would not have bought the IPAD.

When I envisioned how I would use the IPAD, I anticipated taking it on long trips. But I have taken the Fire instead. It is not that I don't like the IPAD. I just like the Fire more. Much of that preference has to do with it being the perfect size for me to hold in one hand to read, use web, watch Amazon Prime and Netflix, and play games. And while I find the web browser with Fire occasionally flaky, I find safari on IPAD can be flaky as well. (I have IPAD 1).

Are you sure of this? NYPL uses Overdrive for its ebook lending, same as the Chicago Public Library. I use my 2nd generation Kindle to borrow books all of the time from CPL. Since you don't have wifi with your Kindle, you'll have to download the book to your computer via wifi then use the USB cable to copy it over, but it's really not much of a hassle.

It's been a year since I gave up trying to borrow e-books from the NYPL, but at the time the selection was minuscule and the wait times were unreal for what was available.

Does the situation look better now?

Are you reading , like, a lot? The E-Ink readers mop the floor with LCD screens.

Yes, I know. I don't read nearly as much as I'd like.

I have an Android phone and iPad combination. I went with this combo mainly because I use pdanet to tether my iPad off Android and use Cisco AnyConnect on iPad to connect back to my company network. (still no android AnyConnect for my Sprint Photon). As far as loading and watching movie on iPad, I have been loading mkv movie on to Flex Player via iTunes from PC and it works fine. No need to convert existing movies to mp4.

Let me fan the flames a bit...

It occurred to me last night that I already carry a laptop with me everywhere. What can an iPad do that a laptop can't? The only thing I can think of is that it would be awkward to read books on a laptop.

So it seems that a Kindle is the way to go.

Both . . .
 

Count me in the "both" camp.

Held out on the Kindle until Amazon gave in last year and allowed public library loans (finally) -- gave up bit of privacy for the option of easy-to-get eBooks from the library (Amazon has my eBook loan list for everying I've downloaded to the Kindle -- luckily that's only a very small portion of my check-out history!) -- bought a 2nd gen. WiFi 3G that works nicely everywhere (and still has free "experimental" web access, unlike the Kindle Touch). eInk is fabulous, navigation is lousy, but the battery life is fantastic. Use it ALL the time.

Also got an iPad2 about the same time. Also use it ALL the time for quick reading (downside: battery life) and everything else web- and game-related. Wish the printing options were better, but the iPad2 has made me an Apple convert.

Now I need to add a MacBook Air -- for a real keyboard, leaded versions of software programs, and USB connectivity.

The only travel downside is, until there's a little bit more convergence, I'll probably feel compelled to carry all three on board for long trips. Not looking forward to hauling all those cords and gizmos, but now it's like choosing your favorite child -- an impossible choice. Each has its own best qualities and I have to choose them all !!

Laptop v. Tablet . . .
 

Forgot to add: tablet beats a laptop for all things "swipe" and "touch navigation". (Laptop beats a tablet for all things "keyboard". -- Except I'm on the pre-order list for the new silicone Touchfire keyboard overlay for iPad. That may help.)

If you're going to get a tablet, it's hard to pick anything other than an iPad, unless you really want the 7-inch form factor.

Software support is better, more accessories and great specs, including the high-resolution screen, which would improve the reading experience.

Android may up their game later this year but as of now, for 10-inch tablets, choosing something other than iPad seems mainly about resisting Apple than making the best consumer choice.

Hmm... I recently chose a Motorola Xoom over the iPad2. For what I use would use them for (internet, movies, music) they both meet my needs, and all my apps are available on each. Head-to-head, the advantages of each:

Motorola Xoom
=======
$150 cheaper ($250 if comparing similar storage)
2x the memory
Expandable storage (32GB costs $32, not $100)
SD slot
USB
HDMI
Don't have to convert to the iTunes world
Integrates seamlessly with home network
Flash
Higher screen resolution

iPad2
======
4.5 oz lighter.

Chosing the iPad would have been the better consumer choice? :confused:

Hmmm... and yet amazingly, even after significant discounting, Motorola Xooms mostly remain sitting on store shelves. :confused:


Why do you suppose that is nerd?

Regards