Hacker News Reader

Comment by sliverstorm | Hacker News Reader

Kind of the ultimate blow to the iPad and iBook. Even if the iPad has color and is backlit, just how many people will choose a $600 book reader over a $0 book reader that's 'almost' as good?

View on HN

Those who want a device that can be used for more than just reading books.

Of course. I was speaking in regards to the folks who try to sell the iPad as a better book reader. I don't doubt the iPad will continue to sell.

But the iPad _isn't_ a better book reader. Electronic paper reads much better in sunlight. I did a side-by-side comparison with the iPad and the Kindle and I much preferred to read on the Kindle.

I prefer the Kindle as well, but some people think that a color screen is a very important feature on a book reader.

(Don't ask me)

Color is important when it comes to newspapers and magazines, but most books that adults read don't have pictures--much less color pictures.

It's not an ultimate blow. They're two different platforms.

It is an ultimate blow for all of the other book readers (Nook, Sony's readers). Amazon is in iPod territory here: their readers are better and cheaper than the competition and likely to remain so, at least for the short-term (next 2-3 years).

I have both devices and use them in completely different ways. The iPad is a poor book reading device but great for other things.

I can pick up the Kindle and use it just as I would use a paper book but I'd never use it to surf the web even if it was possible.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com