Sep 1, 2011
If you are considering purchasing a tablet as a gift, I am sure you are curious about the different options and how they compare. As opposed to a full-blown comparison from the Kindle to iPad, Nook, or even the new Sony Reader, here are a few reasons why you ought to choose Kindle versus the other products, in addition to situations where a different device may well be a better option.
First of all, I own a Kindle and I love it because it is small & lightweight. I bought it so I could buy and read books on the fly and not worry about carrying them around all the time. It is crisp, readable, and comfy for lengthy-term reading. Additionally, there is not a glare problem when you are outside. However, if neither weight nor space is an issue, then there is nothing better than reading an actual paperback, in my opinion.
I also own an iPad but that tablet is a lot more than an electronic book which is basically what I use my Kindle for. It is more of a mini computer. Apart from my books, I have my pictures, my documents, all the applications I have on my iPhone and can do everything on it except make phone calls. I paid $800 with the extra memory and the 3G version but a freind of mine bought the $400 version with only the Wi-Fi and reduced memory capacity.
The fact is I bought my iPad after my Kindle. Had I bought it before, I probably wouldn’t have a bought a Kindle because it is now redundant. I can read books on my iPad now too, see? So I never use my Kindle 
What you need to consider is what the person you are buying the gift for will use it for? Are they die-hard book lovers? Then, they’ll most likely prefer the regular Kindle that retails for only $79. Do they want to watch movies, read magazines and books in color and want to surf the net a little bit then why not get them a color e-reader? Consider the new, full-color Amazon Kindle Fire tablet for only $199.
But if they will be reading through e-books with color illustrations and need a mini computer as well, reconsider and buy them the iPad.
The Amazon Kindle’s e-ink display is easy on the eyes. It feels natural and reading on it feels like a real book. For true book lovers, it’s an obvious choice. The iPad is much more like a computer.
It is definitely a much more affordable option.