Kindle Fire Vs. iPad 2: Which e-Book Reader Should You Buy?

Ever since it’s launch, Amazon Kindle Fire has posed an awkward competition to other market leading tablets [e.g. the Apple iPad 2] and also has made consumers wonder — “why would I spend $500 and up for an iPad 2 or Galaxy Tab when I could get a slightly smaller Kindle Fire for a fraction of the price?“

Also, there is a group of consumers who are confused and wonder –”which is better for reading – an eBook reader like Kindle Fire that can also work like any other tablet or a bigger and fully capable tablet like the Apple iPad 2?“

The answer is not simple and it really boils down to one’s personal read and preferences. Ebook readers tend to be lighter and sturdier than tablets of the same size. On the other hand, Tablets can be used for a lot more than just reading books and magazines – you can watch videos, check email, surf the web, view/edit office documents and download various apps and games.

Also, other factors like your budget, ease of finding 3G connectivity or Wi-Fi hot-spots, duration of usage, need of other features beyond the e-Book reader capability etc will help you decide what to buy finally.

Amazon Kindle Fire eBook Reader Vs. Apple iPad 2

During last holiday season both of these mighty gadgets were at tie and on the top of holiday wishlist chart, but here is a head-to-head comparison of specs and features of both the gadgets to help you make that decision. Introducing, Amazon Kindle Fire and Apple iPad 2:

Kindle Fire

Amazon dropped a bomb on the tablet world with the Kindle Fire, which is both cheaper and more powerful (with a dual-core processor) than anyone expected. And unlike most were skeptical about, its performance has lived up to its promise, making it one of the strongest contenders for an eBook reader that can make any other tablet owner envious.

- Screen: 7-inch, 1024 by 600 pixel LCD screen
- Weight: 14.6 ounces
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB
- Battery life: 8 hours
- Operating system: Android 2.2 (modified)
- Price: $199 from Amazon

iPad 2

The product that started the tablet trend, Apple’s iPad is still the market leader. Like always, its next installation aka the iPad 2 is even more exciting than the original product (iPad). It’s set apart by great hardware design, Apple’s slick mobile operating system, and a well-stocked App Store. It’s also the priciest tablet currently available.

- Screen: 9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
– Weight: 1.33 pounds (601 g)-1.35 pounds (613 g)
– Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3G (3G version only)
- Battery life: 10 hours
- Operating system: iOS 4
- Price: Starting from $499 from Apple

If you want to stick with “just reading” E-books, and maybe some newspapers and magazines (not just in black and white, but colorful news reading) — Amazon Kindle Fire is probably your best bet. In addition, it also lets you do most of the tablet features at a much lesser price tag.

On the other hand, if you want more functionality you’ll need to step up to a tablet. High-end full-size tablets like the iPad 2 or the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 are much more versatile than e-readers, and they are powerful enough to even replace your laptop for some tasks. But they’ll cost you upwards of $500 to start.

Editor’s Choice:

If you’re a serious reader and don’t care about frills, go for the Kindle Fire.  But if you want something with all the bells and whistles, the iPad 2 is the best all-in-one tablet device available on market today.

So which gadget are you going to buy when you go shopping your next eBook reader? Apple iPad 2 or the Amazon Kindle Fire?