An e-reader feels more natural than an iPad and takes up less space in your luggage, while its versatility means it can help with everything from streaming videos to taking notes.
But what should you choose when traveling – Kindle or tablet? Olivia Lipski covers consumer electronics, home, travel and fitness at GH. As an admitted techie with an affinity for noise-cancelling headphones and reusable water bottles.
Size and weight
Size and weight should be key considerations when purchasing a Kindle or tablet for travel. A lightweight model makes for easier carrying, fitting into tight spots within luggage or backpack. Search for models with long battery lives and ample storage capacities so as to easily accommodate eBooks, media content and productivity apps – and make sure it comes equipped with Wi-Fi/cellular connectivity so content can be downloaded while on the move! Additionally, opt for waterproof versions that protect from spills/splashes, as well as one that supports Wi-Fi/cellular connections for downloading content when on the move!
Consider that an e-reader is designed for reading exclusively, without the additional features found on tablets, so its main function may be reading rather than anything else. While this makes the device lighter and smaller, you might miss some functions you find helpful such as microphones or USB ports on these e-readers.
A Kindle’s screen is also nonreflective, which reduces eye strain. Furthermore, most e-readers come equipped with adjustable backlighting options to make reading in low light easier.
If you’re in search of an ultralight, slim e-reader, look no further than Amazon Kindle Paperwhite. Offering an optimal reading experience with its nonglare screen that’s gentle on eyes, an incredible battery life, multiple sizes to choose from and unique feature to adjust brightness and warmth settings, this lightweight yet slim device delivers.
Battery life
An e-reader stands out from tablets with colorful screens that quickly drain their battery while browsing the Internet or reading books, using very minimal power consumption when reading. As such, an e-reader offers weeks or even months of uninterrupted reading on one charge, making them perfect for long flights or bike trips when there may be down time along your route.
The Kindle Paperwhite offers an e-ink screen that mimics printed text, making long reading sessions comfortable on your eyes. Plus, its waterproof design makes it great for beach and poolside adventures! Similarly, Kobo Aura boasts a 7-inch E Ink Carta 1200 touchscreen that supports various eBook formats while being ergonomically designed to enable longer reading sessions without strain on your eyes or back.
The iPad Mini is an excellent solution for travelers who require a powerful tablet with plenty of web browsing power and entertainment features without breaking the bank. Its 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers stunning visuals while the A15 Bionic chip ensures seamless performance during travel. Plus, you can use either Wi-Fi alone or add cellular data – perfect for international travellers who must stay connected while away.
Ease of use
Tablets and Kindles both allow you to read books. What sets them apart, though, is that tablets offer multiple other capabilities; you can watch videos and play games using one while Kindles focus exclusively on reading.
If you like taking books with you on trips, there is an assortment of Kindle e-readers specifically designed for travel available to choose from. They are lightweight yet durable with glare-free screens that replicate real paper; making it easy to read even in bright sunlight. In addition, many feature adjustable front lights with low, medium, or bright settings so as to reduce eye strain during long reading sessions.
Most Kindle e-readers come equipped with built-in storage space, supporting Amazon Cloud backup and microSD cards for additional onboard storage space. Some models even offer waterproof protection to safeguard them against water damage on beaches or pools.
The Kindle has a user-friendly interface designed to make its use straightforward; when you open its case, it starts up automatically and allows for effortless page turns with swipe or tap; font size or style can easily be increased as needed; double tapping a word brings up its dictionary definition or allow note taking on some models.
Other features
Kindles feature non-illuminating screens, meaning you won’t be blinded by sunlight or become distracted by games and apps as is sometimes the case with tablets if they aren’t in airplane mode.
Kindles also feature subtle lighting that won’t bother others around you or harm your eyes, so you can read for longer without worry or straining them. Furthermore, the warm tone option makes night reading much more comfortable!
If you plan on traveling with your Kindle, it is worthwhile investing in a case. Lauren and I each own an Ayuto case which are lightweight yet inexpensive protections against scratches, shock and moisture (with one being waterproof). Both feature one click opening/closing capability so as to automatically return back to where we were reading when open/closing them again.
Purchase a Kindle equipped with a keyboard to assist with writing or taking notes on the go, plus borrow books from local libraries for free using Wi-Fi on a Kindle for added savings on your journey.
E-readers may seem like an obvious choice, but many travelers often opt for them instead. Due to its small and lightweight form factor, an e-reader makes for easy travel without taking up too much room in your bag or providing enough storage capacity for all of their documents and photos.
