iPhone app duel: Kindle vs. eReader
As an iPhone addict, I was pleased to hear that Kindle was getting on the application bandwagon. But in Amazon's continued quest for world domination, they've created a pretty lackluster ebook app.
I've got both the Kindle and eReader applications on my phone now, and it's not even a contest. While it's a neat trick that the Kindle and its application sync up so that you can pick up on your iPod touch where you left off on your Kindle, that's the only trick this pony has.
First off, the format of eReader is much, well, prettier. You can change the font/background contrast from dark lettering/light background to light lettering/dark background with the tap of a finger; there are eight different fonts to choose from; and you can change the font size, line spacing, margins and justification -- all with an easy-to-understand menu.
The eReader app also clearly lays out the chapters and page numbers, allowing you to gauge your progress easily. Add to all this the many free books I got when I downloaded the free eReader, and I'm extremely pleased.
Meanwhile, the Kindle app only included the books I had previously purchased when I reviewed the original Kindle.
You can't change the screen's contrast on this application, either, although changing the font size is very simple.
Bottom line? I think this application is handy for Kindle users who don't take their device everywhere, but still want access to their books. (Notice I said books, and not newspapers or magazines, because those aren't supported on the application.)
But for the average iPod Touch or iPhone user, the Kindle application doesn't offer a lot. Other than its very nice start-up illustration, of course.
Comments
There's one other difference that's worth mentioning. Price... Just based on the prices of the last two eBooks I purchased, the Kindle app versions cost less than half what the same books cost at eReader...
"Archer & Spade" by Joe Gores
eReader price : $21.60
Kindle price : $9.99
"The Bourne Sanction" by Robert Ludlum
eReader price : $18.99
Kindle price : $9.99
Posted by: Lou Flemal | March 11, 2009 1:51 PM
There are many things you did not touch on; the Kindle has electronic ink. This means you can go on broad day light and still be able to read as if you were reading a book. Another would be the size of the screen. Kindle has a bigger screen which means less eye strain and more to read.
Posted by: Ali | March 11, 2009 1:56 PM
The comp the author did was with the Kindle app, not the Kindle device.
I'd agree 100% with her. eReader or Stanza are superb ebook readers, much more versatile, more options, better reading experience than the Kindle app.
Now, about the Kindle device-- that screen flashing on each page turn would drive me batty! Plus, it has no backlight and so cannot be use at night without turning on a light. By contrast, the iPhone and iPod Touch work great in the dark without disturbing one's partner!
So, I could see someone liking the Kindle app for that, but it doesn't have color choices, meaning no colored text on black paper. Black text on a bright white background may awake the reader and the partner!
Posted by: robinson | March 11, 2009 4:29 PM
You beat me to it, Ali! I just got word that Amazon is sending me their Kindle2 later this week, so I'll have a review of the device shortly.
Posted by: Nancy | March 11, 2009 5:17 PM
Kindle's flash ("page turns") between pages isn't distracting once you get used to it. And that takes about two minutes. Then it fades into the background and you don't notice it anymore. I love my iPhone but cannot stand how small the screen is--just the constant motion of flipping, flipping, flipping. Soooo annoying, especially if you're a fast reader.
Posted by: Mary | March 11, 2009 6:52 PM
Regarding price, know that Amazon always has and always will relentlessly discount products in order to drive out any competition. There is little margin (if any) in their price, but that is not their concern. They only want to make the playing field uninhabitable for any others who might want to enter. Once the competition has died and gone away, then they go after the publishers (I'm one of them) and squeeze tightly for more and more discount. We let them in the door to sell print books years ago, and now they have all the leverage. Now they want to control digital books as well. So enjoy those low prices, but don't fool yourself.
Posted by: Tim | March 14, 2009 12:05 AM