Lance Whitney/ZDNET
I like to read in bed before I nod off to sleep. Though I enjoy the feel and texture of a good, old-fashioned printed book, I typically turn to ebooks because they're easier on the eyes. And what do I use as a reader? No, not a Kindle, but my trusty iPad mini.
Also: I finally found a tablet that can easily replace my iPad and Kindle (and is affordably priced)
I've tried a couple of Kindles in the past, but didn't quite take to them. For me, the iPad mini is a more versatile device that offers certain advantages over a Kindle. First, though, I'm going to discuss the ways in which the Kindle beats an iPad mini. Yep, I'm playing devil's advocate to start.
4 ways Kindle beats iPad mini for reading
To start, there's the price. Kindles come in different sizes, formats, and price tags. But even the most expensive Kindle, the 64GB Kindle Scribe, retails for $449. Other models are considerably less, starting with the Kindle Basic at $110. Compare that with the latest iPad mini 7th generation, which starts at $489.
Then there's the display. Kindles use e-ink technology to deliver a crisp, sharp look that suits longer reading sessions. In contrast, the iPad mini sports a traditional LCD screen, which looks great but could strain the eyes after a while.
Also: Should you buy a refurbished iPad? I tried one from Back Market and here's my verdict
Another item in the Kindle's favor is size and weight. The basic Kindle with a 6-inch screen measures 6.2"×4.3"×0.32", while the Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft with 7-inch screens both measure 7"×5"×0.3". Due to their diminutive size, you can hold these Kindles in one hand and turn the page with the other, and they're relatively light.
In contrast, an iPad mini measures 7.69"×5.3"×0.25". That's a bit more difficult to hold in one hand, especially if you have short fingers. The iPad is also heavier than a Kindle. However, I solved both the size and weight issues by attaching a cellphone grip to the back of my iPad mini. I can easily hold it with the third and fourth fingers of either hand and turn the page with the thumb of the same hand.
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