iPad Book Apps Roundup
Even before the launch of iPad, it has been discussed at length how iPad will pose a challenge to eReaders such as Kindle, Nook etc. On launch, one of the apps on display was iBooks and its accompanying iBook Store. iPad and the iBooks both have been a phenomenal success, where millions of iPads are being sold and at least everyone has read Winnie the Pooh again. No doubt Steve Jobs likes it so much.
Its remarkably easy to purchase and consume digital media on the iPad. In my usage I have no eye strain issues to report after reading over countless books and magazines since its launch. For me the weight of the device is not a big issue. Outdoor reading is a real problem with the glare though, that can be reduced with the anti-glare screen protectors.
Every e-book platform comes in with its own DRM, which means if you buy a book on Kindle you can’t read it on iBooks and vice versa. But if you are going to remove the DRM’d from your ebooks, then its possible to move all your library into iBooks.
So here I’ll review the major ones available for iPad. The review only considers iPad versions of the apps, as many have iPhone editions also. Without further ado:
iBooks
iBooks by Apple is the most visually pleasing and closest to natural reading ebook reader available on any platform. Little effects like the page turning makes it a more engaging experience. With the 1.1 update (I wonder why would someone has not updated yet – its free) now you can read PDFs within iBooks as well. The book shelf interface is welcoming addition to interface design and it helps in assembling your reading list. iBooks will let you add notes to your books (PDFs don’t have this functionality at the time of writing this article).
With 5 of the 6 leading book publishers on board, the iBookstore since launched offers a considerable wide variety of books. But definitely Kindle has more to offer at the moment. I wish Apple would allow you to buy books from iTunes also, as at the moment you can purchase within the ibooks app only. iTunes link
Kindle
Before iPads launch, Amazon’s Kindle was The ereader of choice. Amazon is a smart company and they realize the power of monetizing their huge books inventory on every platform available. The ability to sync your books on the Kindle Hardware, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Blackberry and Android is just fantastic. The book reading experience is very easy. It allows you to add notes and sync them across all devices.
Like iBooks, you cannot load your own books. The Amazon Store is easy to use and purchase, but unlike iBooks app, you need to purchase from the site. On sync your latest purchase will be available for reading. iTunes Link
Barnes & Nobles
Barnes & Nobles launched Nook their ebook reader quite later than there competitor Amazon. The platform and the device have had fairly average success on the street. The app comes with all bells and whistles like notes, bookmarking, plus you can also Google your queries and see wikipedia results too. The app also offers the ability to customize it with themes.
The book selection, like the real Barnes & Nobles store is great. Like Kindle, you need to purchase your books on the web store. iTunes Link
Other notable book apps:
Stanza
Stanza is one of the must have books app on iPad. With this app you can side-load from variety of content sources. It lets you select from 50,000 free classics and many thousands more from paid partner stores. It sports features like notes etc.
For any book reader this is one app which is highly recommended as it offers the most versatile reading material. iTunes Link
Borders
In there own words “Borders eBooks gives you the freedom to buy and read eBooks anytime, anywhere on your iPhone. Suddenly craving the latest thriller or an exciting new bestseller at 3 in the morning? No problem. It takes just a minute to purchase whatever you’re in the mood for, and once you select the Buy button, your next great read will begin downloading instantly.” Borders is a well established brand and its the latest retailer to enter the ereader for iPhone and iPad. iTunes Link
Free Books
As the name suggest, its Free Books. And 23,469 off them available for you to read them to hearts desire. The ereader is a simple application, which lets you – read the books. It allows you to bookmark and when you open up the app again it saves your previous location. Downloading a book is easy from within the app. iTunes Link
Shakespeare
If you are a fan of the famous English writer, you are in luck. The complete works of William Shakespeare are available in this one app; all the 40 plays, six poems, 154 sonnets etc. The content is art rich and resizable. It automatically remembers last page read. All text is searchable within the app. iTunes Link
Concluding:
Book reading is a very personal experience and requires a special environment to be in to enjoy the book. What iPad offers is a vast majority of the literate worlds treasure in one magical device where your consumption can needs can easily be fulfilled. Books is just one area, iPad is equally great with comics, children books, religious books and magazines. Talking about Magazines, the Wired app is a revolution in itself. Stay tuned for Magazine app round up.
Whats your favorite books app on the ipad?
