ipad vs kindle: CAGE MATCH!

[rmd]

OKAY YOU OVERLY OPINIONATED INTERNET PEOPLE! CONVINCE ME! OR SOMETHING.

I need to choose a $SIGNIFICANT_MILESTONE gift for someone. iPad? or Kindle?

iPad has the advantage of doing much more - apps! widgets! other stuff!
Kindle has the advantage of not requiring a separate pay-by-the-month data plan for cell access. Plus more battery life.

thoughts?

I figure either an ipad and a small itunes store gift card (and possibly a small amazon gift card for ebooks), or a kindle and a larger amazon gift card.

Comments

[waysofseeing.livejournal.com]

That's a bit like asking if you should give someone a Leatherman multi-tool or a Makita power screwdriver. They're both useful, but they're not quite meant for the same job.

If you're only planning on using it as an e-book reader, the Kindle wins. It's lightweight, easy to hold, and has an insanely long battery life. I've gotten through 20-hour travel days on one charge.

If you want something that can also handle e-mail/web-surfing/games/etc., the iPad is a better investment. I love mine. But I don't necessarily love it for e-books--it's heavy, and runs out of battery charge very fast. And, as you noted, it's more expensive, both on the initial purchase price and the cell access.