As you might know, I’ve been a really big fan of the Kindle — that was…

Last week, I was shocked to see the promotion of the iPad App on Amazon’s site when I logged in!   It sure solidifies the fact that Amazon’s focus is moving content more than Kindles!    (I’m sure not *everyone* saw, or continues to see, this screen on Amazon, because based on my settings, Amazon knows I already own a Kindle, and just recently got an iPad!)

…until I got my hands on the new iPad (with the updated Kindle app!)

I wasn’t sure if I’d like the iPad, but the way I approached it was to just “do it” and see how I felt about it, in my life…

I figured I’d get it, give it a try, and then see if the hype held true.   Worst case, I’d sell it on eBay.

Was it truly a device that filled a need (that I didn’t know I had?)

After a month of using the iPad, I’ve found that hype to be true, at least for me.

Here’s 8 ways the iPad has changed my life:

1. I’ve been reading much more (iBooks and Kindle books!),
2. I do a lot more uninterrupted research (perfect for what I do in my business),
3. I don’t multitask while I’m on it, allowing me to stay much more focused while reading & researching,
4. I follow, and keep up with, many more sites & blogs (via NewsRack – a really great RSS reader),
5. I actually read the dozens of PDF’s, eBooks, and digital documents I download (using GoodReader, an amazing app!)
6. Being an iPhone user since it was available, I’m finding that with the iPad, I’m visiting the Apps Store & iTunes much more, scouting out new apps, music, tv shows and music videos.   I’d do it maybe once every 2 weeks on my Mac, or iPhone, and now, when I’m relaxing in the evening, I’ll probably visit them once every couple of days.
7. Trying more TV Shows – with iTunes it’s so easy to grab an episode of shows I think I might like and watching them on the iPad is sweet!
8. I play a lot more Scrabble (my Grandma & I used to play Scrabble through the years and I like to pretend the computer player is her – I still hear her saying “Charly, that’s not a WORD!” when I the computer tells me the same thing… )

Although the iPad, and the Kindle use two completely different technologies (iPad being a backlit LED screen, the Kindle using technology akin to the Etch-A-Sketch for that easy to read in direct sunlight, paper-like screen), they both do a good job of being a substitute for an actual book.

An Apple IIe?

A couple of weeks ago, I was explaining to a friend how I felt when I set the Kindle and iPad down together – and look at them from a purely technological standpoint.

“Comparatively, the Kindle reminds me of playing Oregon Trail on Apple IIe with an Amber Monitor, whereas, the iPad is like playing World of Warcraft on gaming computer with a 65″ Sharp LED backlit TV with all the settings on high!”

Have you tried the Kindle, and the iPad?   If so, let me know what you think, I’d love to hear it.