Can you help me decide original ipad or kindle?

[liquid]

Hello ipadforums.net!

So I have a seemingly a simple question. Being on a budget and not able to buy a brand new tablet I began searching for used ones. The original ipad can be found on ebay for about $200 which is the same price as the new kindle fire. Hopefully some of you can offer an opinion which would be better a used ipad or the new kindle fire?

Benefits I see with the ipad is the mass amounts of developed apps, larger screen, more storage, and jailbreaking.
The one thing I really like about the kindle it's built from a company known for e readers.

I really enjoy reading without having to scale the screen to fit the words like on my ipod. Especially for ebooks downloaded to my pc and transferred onto the device as pdf's. This is one of my main reasons for getting a tablet. So if you can offer an unbiased opinion on which to get and why please do.

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[Grinchy]

You have to decide what your priority is. Kindle ereader is absolutely excellent - is does what it says on the box. It is an ideal size for carrying around in your bag, it cannot be beaten when it comes to reading in bright sunlight. It is not heavy so makes it very portable.

I have an ipad and a Kindle but use both for different purposes. I hardly ever read on the ipad, as the backlight can be sore on the eyes, it can be heavy after a time and there is no way you can read outside in bright light or sunshine.

If you simply want an ereader then go for the Kindle but be aware you won't do much more than read on it. Yes, you can get web access if you buy the 3G version but the browser is very slow and clunky - but it is free. Great for checking email if away from home and reading news, but not great if you want to really surf the net. That's my experience with the Kindle but I have resd where people subscribe to newspapers and get them downloaded daily, so could be useful there.

Ipad I have just had for a short time and probably don't use it to it's full potential but I wouldn't be without either the ipad or my Kindle.

Kind regards

[bobbcat]

I do a lot of reading on my iPad. Brightness of the backlight can be adjusted. It supports its own reader (iBooks) & you can download & use the free Kindle app (which I prefer). I also use the new app Newsstand (with ios 5). I prefer not to read in bright sunlight, so having to stick to e ink (used by the Kindle) is not an issue for me. Just some food for thought.......

[pbearsailor]

I agree with everything Grinchy said. I also have both.

The only other point I might make is about eye fatigue if you read a lot. The e ink display on Kindle is much easier on your eyes and also works well in bright light.

I love my iPad, but the Kindle is a better book.

-steve

[eilerc59]

I believe Liquid was inquiring about a choice between an iPad 1 and a new Kindle Fire. I too, have an iPad (2) and a Kindle e-reader (3rd generation). As of now, no one has a Kindle Fire, but they do look promising. If your priorities lie in media consumption (movies, books, tv, etc.) you might want to give the Kindle Fire a shot. I buy most of my consumables on Amazon anyway (although I use the iPad to do it!).

If you're more interested in lots of useful apps in different categories, you'd probably do well with the iPad. In any event, I'm sure you'll enjoy either...tablet computing is a whole new world. Enjoy...

[liquid]

The kindle fire is a all purpose tablet pc not just a ereader. Does the ipad have any downfalls compared to other tablets? Would it be worth the money to pay $300 for a refurbished one from apple? I've really enjoyed the ipod touch and dont have many doubts about the ipad. Did you buy their ipad on ebay? What was your experience?

[Gabriel1]

In terms of the refurbs, I can certainly vouch for those, the only way to distinguish between a refurb and new is the box and you get the same guarantee as you do on a new one.


The Archangel

[liquid]

In terms of the refurbs, I can certainly vouch for those, the only way to distinguish between a refurb and new is the box and you get the same guarantee as you do on a new one.


The Archangel

Thanks Gabriel that helps a lot.

Still looking for advise on first gen ipads if anyone has input.

[Gabriel1]

Well I'm typing this on a first gen iPad refurb....so if you have any other questions please feel free and ask away.


The Archangel

[MattIM]

Hello Liquid, welcome to the forum. I recently came across an article in PC World, that I thought you might want to read. With regard to your quest of which device is better, I cannot persuade you to go either way. Since you have the iPod Touch, reading books and looking at movies, TV shows, etc on the iPod, is pretty daunting and eye straining. The Kindle Fire gives you two more inches at an attractive price with easy access to Amazon products and services. The iPad gives you another two inches. If the only choice differential is size and price go with Kindle Fire.

Amazon's Kindle Fire Tablet vs. the Competition: Spec Showdown | PCWorld