The past couple years have been an interesting time for book readers. We have seen quite a few eReader devices released from organizations like Amazon, Sony, and Barnes and Noble. Now that the iPad has been released, another major player has entered the eReader market.

Ultimately, choosing an eReader is dependent on personal preference. All devices have benefits and drawbacks. This information will take a look at some of the differences between Amzon's Kindle and Apple's iPad.

1. Full Color Vs. Black and White

While the Kindle utilizes an e-ink grayscale display, the iPad uses a full color computer display. The e-ink display is easier on your eyes. However, the iPad display, is certainly much more attractive. It will also be possible for authors to include extras in their books that might never be possible with a Kindle. You might expect exclusive author interviews or a full-color interactive map of Middle Earth when you are reading Lord of the Rings.

2. Battery Life

One thing that has contributed to the rave reviews of the iPad is its long battery life. You can use the device for ten hours and hours. Although this is pretty good, the Kindle's battery life is even better. The Kindle can hold a battery charge for up to 2 weeks as long as the wireless connection isn't turned on. Ten hours will most likely be plenty of battery juice as long as you can charge it up every night, but if you often take long vacations off the grid, the Kindle could be the better choice.

eBook Selection: Quantity Counts

This happens to be perhaps the most important factor in an eReader. Without having access to the book you want to read, then what is the point of owning an eReader? This has also been the primary reason that Kindle happens to be number one. After all, Amazon is the world's #1 bookseller, so it is natural that they would have the largest selection of books for the Kindle. However, the iPad book selection is practically guaranteed to surpass that of the Kindle. The reason is that in 2009 Amazon developed a Kindle App for Apple. This app allows users to access the Kindle Store and download books directly to their iPod Touch, iPhone, or iPad. iPad users will not only have access to the Kindle store, but they'll also have access to Apple's new iBookstore. If an iPad user can't obtain the book he wants in the iBookstore, he can simply peruse over to the Kindle store to locate it. Kindle users won't have this luxury.

eBook Prices: Deals and Steals

For much the same reason as above, iPad users will always be capable of geting the best book price. While Kindle users will be forced to pay the price at which Amazon offers the book, iPad users can compare prices between the two stores. The App Store also allows free downloads, an option not really available in the Amazon store.

Weight: Lugging Around Your eBooks

The Kindle easily wins this one. One thing many iPad users have noticed would be that the device is heavier than they expected. While much of this can be attributed to the quality of the device, the fact is that your arms and hands may grow weary from holding 1.5 lbs in front of you for a long period of time. The Kindle weighs less than half as much as the iPad, which is much more comparable in weight to a standard sized paperback.

Conclusion: Choosing the best eReader

Although there are pros and cons to each device, each user must prioritize their needs to decide which device is best for them. Overall, the iPad is probably a better value for most readers. The battery life isn't much of an issue, and the book price and selection is a huge factor for the heavy reader. Additionally, while the Kindle is a dedicated book reader, the iPad is a multimedia device for complete entertainment where users can watch videos, run applications, and browse the full Internet.