I've got a super dumb iPad question

[nageov3t]

so, in the next week or two, I'm probably heading over to my local Apple store to buy the 13" MBA... I'm planning on financing it, and I got to thinking, if I'm already going to be financing +$1,200 for a new laptop, why not throw an iPad in my shopping cart as well?

however, if I were to get an iPad, it would be primarily as an e-reader (with its extra functionality as just a cherry on the top). probably 75% of my reading is done on the subway, though, and my big question is how useable is an iPad with only one hand?

with my Kindle, I had no problem holding it with one hand and hitting the "next page" button while using my other hand to hold onto the subway bar to keep my balance. I'm a little curious if the iPad's size/gui makes that not an option.

(my alternative is just buying another Kindle, which I don't have any objections to, but it seemed only fair to consider all my options first)

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

First, while NYC (where I am assuming you'd be riding the subway) is currently a very safe city, I still would not be comfortable openly using an iPad on the subway. It's such a compact, valuable device that the risk/reward of stealing one would be worthwhile for some bad guys who would otherwise leave you alone. Second, while the iPad is a very nice book reader IMO, it would be unwieldy and bordering on impossible to hold it and turn pages with one hand. Try it at the store and see what you think.

 

[dawks]

Even iPad 2 is a tad heavy for one hand and long reading. Can be done, just not ideal.

I have a Kindle 2, and iPad 2, and much prefer Kindle for reading books.

 

[nageov3t]

Even iPad 2 is a tad heavy for one hand and long reading. Can be done, just not ideal.

I have a Kindle 2, and iPad 2, and much prefer Kindle for reading books.

thanks :thumbsup:

the only reason the iPad is even in the running is because I could read digital comic books on it (which I guess I could do on my phone too, but not exactly comfortably) and the fact that, if I do buy a kindle, I'm holding out to see if Amazon releases a new model for Christmas (my old kindle -- whose screen got cracked when I sat on it badly -- was a first gen pre-order... if I'm going to be using my new on for another +3.5 years, I'd rather get the latest-and-greatest to start out with)

 

[boomhower]

I read a lot on my iPad but it's a two handed affair.

 

[Paperlantern]

Guy at the office reads in bed with his iPad... busts him in the nose when he nods off though...

I went with a nook myself for the strictly reading device, and would prefer that to any tablet i think. My advice would be to stick with the kindle if that is the platform you have.

 

[amdhunter]

Guy at the office reads in bed with his iPad... busts him in the nose when he nods off though...

I went with a nook myself for the strictly reading device, and would prefer that to any tablet i think. My advice would be to stick with the kindle if that is the platform you have.

That's funny - I've hit myself in the face with my iPad a few times also. The iPad is definitely a 2 handed device.

As for using one in the Subway - I've seen many people use tablets, so I don't think it's uncommon anymore.

 

[SlitheryDee]

It's definitely too unwieldy for one handed use. All the ebook apps I've tried allow you to turn the page by tapping on the edge of the screen, so page turning could theoretically be done one handed, but the tablet is just a hair too heavy for extended one hand use.

 

[GTSRguy]

I think everyone can agree the iPad 2 wont be as good as a kindle as an e-reader (unless your trying to read in the dark). The 2 is lighter than the 1, so its usable with one hand, but over time your going to feel the weight, might need to switch hands. It might be a bit awkward holding a expensive device like that with 1 hand on the subway. If things are shaking and bobling around you might need to set large text size.

Kindles weight from 250-290g the iPad 2 weights 600g, iPad 1 was 680g, so itll roughly be like holding two kindles in your hand.

 

[Oyeve]

I use my vibrant, transformer and iphone 4 for reading and while I take a bus and a subway everyday I never whip out the tab because its too big. I would love to but the trains are too crowded so i use one of the 2 phones I have.

 

[lokiju]

I think something like this would work for your needs.