I have had a Kindle for the last 3 weeks now and I thought I summarize my experience with it in contrast to the short time I had an Ipad.

Ipad - The interim device

The Ipad I had when it first appeared for about 2 weeks. Thats pretty much the longest I kept a computing device that I don't actually use. After the initial usage and application installations the Ipad pretty much gathered dust on our coffeetable as it was and is in my mind an interim device. It did not allow me to do anything new, but rather offered itself for things other devices already did in my life. The limitations of the Ipad although never allowed it to be the champ of any of my daily disciplines. The lack of keyboard feedback, the backlight display for reading, the single tasking nature of the iOs were all deal breakers for me.

Kindle - The knowledge device

The Kindle I own now for the last 3 weeks. In this times it has risen to the very top of my gadget charts. My eyes adore the e-ink display. The ease of use is aplaussable. Battery life is something I have forgotten to worry about. The size feels perfect. But the Kindle differentiates itself not only by its features, but also by its limitations. Since there is no multitasking on the Kindle, when you read, you READ.

Information vs Knowledge

And this is for me the biggest difference. On the Ipad you inform yourself, on the kindle you add knowledge. The devices are perfect representatives of these two ideas. The web is filled with buzz-seeking blog posts, tweets and noise. Use the Ipad to indulge. If you seek to understand a concept an idea though, get yourself a kindle...