For pure reading pleasure with the least amount of eye strain- get a
Kindle. The cheapest is like $79 and maybe even cheaper if there is a
refurbished. The Nook maybe as good, but I've not seen one.
Kindle has a great battery. Has WiFi but have to jump through a ton of
ropes to try to get email. Not designed for it, I've never bothered to
learn or set up. I'll use my iPhone first.
Has a wall charger.
The Kindle Fire is actually quite nice. Great connection with Amazon for
Kindle books and audiobooks. $199. I got a refurbished for $139 and
think it was even cheaper for a short time.
Screen has the same problem as the iPad, it is glass and reflects. Not
bad but can bother you in some lighting. Fire has WiFi if available on
the train, so you can get email or to the web.
Battery life less than both iPad and Kindle, but recharges quickly.
Depending on how much you use, may need to recharge daily or three days.
The iPad, any generation or size is much, much more than an eReader or
email reader. A fantastic machine, but also much more expensive than the
above. Even a 1st gen used 16GB likely will be more than any Kindle.
If all you would do is read and get email, you would be content with a
16GB, WiFi and even the oldest, first generation. The only reason I'd
consider a 3G (data plan model) is if the train doesn't have wifi and
you are certain there is cellular towers on route, and you have to check
your email. Battery on an iPad is normally 10 hours of life, so you
will have to bring the wall charger with you. Screen reflection is
similar to Fire, so in some sunlight situations is hard to read or
reflective.
If you know you you want an iPad and have the bucks for one then I'd
push you that way.
Books can even be checked out from your library, but are limited to what
books are available. That is when a book is checked out by one person
another can not checkout until the due date. It's a contract or license
thing. Books checked out for 7-14 days.
I have all three of the above. To sit and read and read like I do a book
I want the black and white screened Kindle. It is a pleasure.
The Fire is a nice combo machine. Can take to town, trips and quite useful.
The iPad is fantastic, think it will do everything and more than your
first Macs, almost everything your current Mac can do.
I like all three. Any would do a good job for you on this trip. If I
took a Kindle, I'd also take my iPhone to check my email.
On 6/1/2012 1:39 PM, Carol Botteron wrote:
> I'll be taking a train ride (3 days each way) and want to be able to read
> without lugging lots of books. Not sure whether the train will have wifi
> but if I'm somewhere that does, I'd like to be able to check my email.
>
> (1) Should I consider any device other than an iPad?
> Someone suggested a Kindle Fire.
>
> (2) Which models of iPad can do what I need? I probably don't need the
> fanciest. Can they run for 3 days without needing a new charge?
>
> (3) Will I need to purchase a monthly "data service" to read email etc.
> away from home?
>
> (4) What retailers do you recommend (or recommend against)?
>
> (5) At home I have a MacBook Pro (my 5th Mac since 1987) attached to
> my DSL modem by a cable. What would I need to use an iPad at home?
>
> adTHANKSvance!
>
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