Ebook Reader vs Tablet Computer

by Thamisgith

Ebook readers and tablet computers are very different animals. Which should you choose?

Ebook Reader Or Tablet Computer

Which should you choose?

kindle keyboard vs apple ipadIt seems clear that many people don't fully understand the difference between ebook readers and tablet computers - and it's hardly surprising. Both Amazon, with their Kindle reader range, and Barnes and Noble, with their Nook family, have ebook readers and tablet computers being sold under the same family name.

Amazon has the Kindle 4, the Kindle Keyboard, the Kindle Touch and the Kindle DX, all of which are ebook readers, plus the Kindle Fire tablet computer.

Barnes and Noble has the Nook Simple Touch ebook reader plus both the Nook Color and the Nook Tablet tablet computers.

Both ebook readers and tablet computers are fairly new devices on the market. Add the fact that you will often see side by side reviews of ebook readers and tablets - the Amazon Kindle vs the Apple iPad seems to be an ever popular review online - and it's no wonder that many people consider these devices to be the same.

However, they are very different items of personal electronic kit, and it might be well worth your time to become acquainted with the various advantages and disadvantages of each one. Otherwise, you might wind up buying the wrong device and be left with something that doesn't meet your needs - and which cost you a fair bit of money.

Here's a quick comparison to help you decide which is the right device for you

Ebook Readers vs

  • E-ink technology display.
  • Monochrome.
  • Battery life measured in weeks.
  • Ideal for reading for long periods. No eye strain.
  • Clunky web browsing at best.
  • No video facility.
  • Light and portable (8 ounces is typical).
  • Relatively cheap (plenty available for less than $ 100)

Tablet Computers

  • Back-lit LCD display.
  • Color.
  • Battery life measured in hours.
  • Not good for lengthy reading sessions - back-lit screen causes eye strain.
  • Great for surfing the web.
  • Good video playback.
  • Still portable but heavier (e.g. iPad - 24 ounces).
  • Currently somewhat pricey.

Which Should You Choose?

Go for an ebook reader if:

  • You intend to read for extended periods of time.
  • You want a period of weeks between battery charges.
  • You plan to mainly read books, magazines and newspapers which don't have a lot of graphics.
  • You don’t need to, or have some other way to, browse the web.
  • You don't want to pay a lot of money for what is, when all's said and done, a secondary gadget.

Consider a tablet computer if:

  • You are only planning to read for short periods.
  • You intend to read magazines with lots of color illustrations and pictures.
  • You will be surfing the web and/or playing video a lot.
  • You don’t mind charging your device daily, or using it when connected to the mains.
  • You don’t mind paying a fairly high price.
Updated: 06/05/2014, Thamisgith
 
Thank you! Would you like to post a comment now?
9

Comments

Only logged-in users are allowed to comment. Login
Tolovaj on 06/09/2012

Thanks for detailed explanation of differences between tablets and e-readers. They really look pretty much the same but after some time you notice one is designed primarily for some and other for other uses.
As far as I am concerned I don't have any but want both!

Diana on 12/16/2011

Between these two, my favorite is the Ipad...without any doubt, because it has some great features that Kindle or Nook don't have. Even if a tablet is more expensive, in my opinion it's worth every penny. I found <a href="http://www.allyoucanbooksblog.com">All You Can Books</a>, a site where I can download many great eBooks for my great device.

You might also like

Which Kindle Reader Is Best?

If you're thinking of buying a Kindle reader, you have plenty of options thes...

Kindle Paperwhite or Nook Glowlight?

Which is best - the new Kindle Paperwhite or the Nook Simple Touch With Glowl...


Disclosure: This page generates income for authors based on affiliate relationships with our partners, including Amazon, Google and others.
Loading ...
Error!