April 2nd, 2010

Apple iPad vs Kindle vs Nook vs HP Slate a Big Choice for eReaders and Tablet Computing. The Apple iPad will be released tomorrow, and there’s a huge buzz surrounding the release. At the local Apple store near one of our writers, people are already claiming their space in line to be the first to possibly get one of the sleek tablets.

Of course, the smart individuals already pre-ordered their prize and will get them tomorrow unless they waited until after March 26 – in which case they will get their tablet on April 12 (or before).

What many users are wondering is this: how does the iPad stack up against the Kindle, Nook, and HP Slate?  The HP Slate hasn’t been released yet, and is rumored to be on the way sometime later in the year.

The iPad vs Kindle arguments have started ever since it was a rumor that Apple was working on a tablet.  The Kindle is simply an eReader.  No more no less. This is the perfect product for a book lover that just doesn’t have the space for more paperbacks or hardcover books.

Here is a brief rundown of the iPad vs Kindle vs Nook – we will address HP Slate down the line.

MEMORY

The memory for the iPad is 16-64 GB.  Amazon Kindle boasts 2 GB and the Nook has 2 GB of memory, but is expandalbe.  The Kindle DX has 4 GB of memory.

SCREEN

The iPad has a touchscreen LCD.  The other readers use eInk, which some argue is easier on the eyes.

COLOR

The iPad is the only eReader with color. The Kindle and Nook has 16 shades of gray.

INTERNET CONNECTIONS

The iPad uses WiFi and 3G connections.  The 3G connection is $14.99 to $30 per month.  The Amazon Kindle and Kindle DX use free 3G connections for downloads and the Barnes & Noble Nook uses both 3G and WiFi – a definite plus if you are somewhere with a WiFi connection and no 3G network available.

SUPPORTED eBOOK FORMATS

The iPad allows users to read Kindle books via a Kindle App, PDF files, ePub. The Kindle reads Kindle, PDF, MOBI, and the Nook can read eReader, ePub, PDF, and PDB formats. More formats may become available as the companies compete for the eReader market.

APPS and GAMES

Only the iPad boasts Apps and Games – the rest are just ways to read your favorite book.

PRICE

The iPad is $499-$829; The Kindle and Nook are $259 and the Kindle DX is $489.

More on the iPad vs Kindle can be found here.

In addition to the various eReaders, there’s another key competitor of the iPad – the HP Slate.  The Slate isn’t out yet – but is rumored to be coming out this fall.  It will boast windows, USB connections, and a camera for video conferencing. In addition, the HP Slate seeks to attract PC users.

More on the HP Slate vs iPad can be found here.

Are you a user of the Kindle, Nook, or HP Slate? If so, what are your thoughts about the Apple iPad vs Kindle vs Nook vs HP Slate?

Photo Credit: Stock Photo