A Review of the iPhone as an E-book Reader
The Kindle isn’t the only e-reader in the game. There’s the Sony Reader, of course, and the aptly named iLiad. Some tech users are heralding the iPhone as a fabulous e-reader. In particular, Salon.com has called it “the best and worst e-book reader ever.”
In their post, (which coincidentally features Stephen King’s On Writing on the iPhone screen – On Writing was my first Kindle book) they go over the reasons why the iPhone is an excellent e-reader (backlight, one do-all device) and why it’s a horrible e-reader (no way to browse books directly from the app). One concession they do make towards the Kindle is,
Unlike Palm or BlackBerry or Nokia smart phones, the iPhone’s screen is comparatively gargantuan. No, not as large as the Kindle’s with its nice wide margins that add to the illusion of actual ink on paper, but wonderfully white and bright with beautiful contrast.
Personally, I like that the Kindle doesn’t have a backlight. I stare at my computer enough during the course of a day, so when I’m reading for pleasure I don’t want a bright light shining in my eyes. What about you, fellow Kindle owners? Do you like or dislike the lack of a backlight on the Kindle?
Visit Salon.com for the full review.
Other Posts of Interest:
- Advantages of iPad and Kindle as E-Readers
- Kindle Questions: Can you read a Kindle in the dark?
- Amazon Kindle iPhone App Review
- Asus to Release Dual-Screen E-Reader Under $200
- New E-Book Reader on the Market Soon
9 Responses to “A Review of the iPhone as an E-book Reader”
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I agree on Kindle’s backlight. I’ve just converted from the Gemstar eBook, and I didn’t realize how much the backlight was affecting readability. I can read my Kindle for hours on end without tiring. That was not true with the Gemstar.
I almost purchased an iPod Touch instead of a Kindle for reading. I’m so happy I didn’t!
I was very exited about Kindle long before I bought it and when I ordered it, I was afraid it will fall below my expecations upon receiving it…wow, no….it is really an amazing piece. I am a book and PC addict and Kindle combined both for me…very pleasant experience…
Can you download e-books from the library onto a kindle, how about onto the itouch?
Hi Pam – You can download e-books from Amazon.com, and other online e-book sources. But as of right now, you can’t download them to borrow from the library. Some libraries have started loaning out Kindles, but I believe they are pre-loaded with specific books. The same goes for the iTouch.
I’m considering getting a Kindle and came across this page; I currently use the Kindle app on my iPod Touch.
I find that the Touch is too bright for reading in bed. I think the brightness of the screen affects sleep patterns – I find that I fall asleep faster when reading a paper book vs. reading one on my Touch. I’m hoping a Kindle will be the best of both worlds!
Trust me…You’ll love your Kindle!!!
Would you prefer a Kindle to a Nook??
What would be the advantages and disadvantages to both??
I really want to purchase one so that when I travel I wouldn’t have to carry tons and tons of my favorite books with me. Thought, i have been having trouble debating between what would be a better purchase.
Opinions??
I don’t know that much about the Nook, except for what I’ve heard and read in the press releases…It seems that the Nook, being a newer technology, has a “few” bugs to work out, while the Kindle works very smoothly. So, from my humble perspective, I’d go with the proven choice…the Kindle.
I just purchased a Kindle so I’m looking forward to it. My only concern with the lack of a backlight works against the idea of it being a truly portable device.
If I need a light to read it by it’s only advantage over a real book is it’s weight.
I’ll be able to judge once I’ve got my hands on the kindle, but I’m hoping I don’t need a torch or a candle to read it by!