Ipod App Store and Kindle Unite!
Twitter is all abuzz today with everyone talking about the latest Kindle release – an app that allows Ipod touch and IPhone owners to put their Kindle books on their Apple devices. Here’s a GREAT video (from Matt Miller at ZDNet.com) that compares the Kindle 2.0 and the iPhone, both being used for reading:
A few things to point out here:
- Notice the screen size and how it’s so much easier to read on the Kindle 2.0? The Kindle screen measures 6″ (diagonal) while the Iphone and the Ipod touch measure 3.5″ (diagonal). The size difference is remarkably noticeable when you are looking at the amount of print that will fit on the screen. While you’re watching the video, be sure to notice how much more print appears on the Kindle 2.0 as compared to the smaller amount of print that shows up on the iPhone. And if you decide to enlarge the font size you will be reading just a few sentences at a time on the iPhone screen.
- And of course the big kicker is that the Kindle 2.0 has a far superior display for reading. The E-Ink® electronic paper display wins hands down for comfort and ease of reading. One might argue that the “16 shades of gray” that the Kindle 2.0 sports is still no match for the color on the screen of the iPhone. But how often do you actually have color in your reading material? And even when you do, does the need for color outweigh the crisp print and excellent readibility provided by the Kindle 2.0’s screen?
- And think about the comfort and feel of the two devices in your hand. I think the Kindle would be a great device with which to curl up in a chair and read. The Iphone – not so much.
So, while the new iPod/iPhone app allows folks to read their Kindle books on their Apple devices, I don’t think this will discourage people from buying an actual Kindle device. They’re two different animals. The app is great for taking your reading with you if you don’t want to carry your Kindle somewhere. And for those outside the US that can’t get a Kindle 2.0, it’s a decent alternative.
But the people who would buy the Kindle are looking for a great ebook reader. The iPod or the iPhone, while great in their own right, were not created to be ebook readers. The Kindle 2.0 wins hands down in my book.
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“And think about the comfort and feel of the two devices in your hand. I think the Kindle would be a great device with which to curl up in a chair and read. The Iphone – not so much.”
That’s just plain stupid.
As for the rest of it, sure, but the iphone also has features, like, uh, watching movies… and calling people. Of course, the kindle is better for reading, but faced with an overall choice between the two…
I would not argue with your point that the iPhone, overall, is a fantastic product. It is fabulous and does indeed offer many things that the Kindle does not. As an ebook reader, however, I don’t think the iPhone could take the Kindle’s place – that was the point I was trying to make.
Will the Kindle app kill the Kindle? I’m not sure but the $300 price tag is a big steep for any dedicated device, especially with the advent of netbooks in the same price range. Amazon should also release the app for Mac/Windows (yes, in that order
). Some have argued for the mobile phone model where the device is given away for free and they make their money on the books. I tend to favor that model as well. Offer a $99 for a Kindle? Now I’m listening.