Kindle Paperwhite Vs. Nexus 7 - Which is better for reading?

[Ridah]

Hey everyone. I'm thinking of getting a Kindle since I have lots of time to read on my commute to and from work. However, at $139 I feel I should just go one step further and buy the $199 Nexus 7. I don't like the experience of reading on my phone, so that makes me shy away from the idea of reading on the tablet. I want as authentic a book reading experience as possible.

Is the Kindle app on the Nexus 7 as good as a real Kindle?

[spigot]

As a pure and simple reading device, the Paperwhite is a better reading experience with the e-ink screen. If you want to consume more media (music and movies) other than books from the Amazon ecosystem, then the Kindle Fire HD. If you want a small tablet with the full Android experience, the Nexus 7 can't be beat.

[McNutt]

These are two different beasts.  The Nexus 7 will allow you to read AND do tons of other stuff.  If all you want to do is read and you want that experience to be as close to reading a book as possible, the Paperwhite can't be beat.  Its e-ink display is lightyears beyond any tablet in that regard.  It even has a textured screen feel that sort of mimics paper.  It's the bees knees when it comes to reading. 

[wonderpug]

I have lots of time to read

I don't like the experience of reading on my phone,

I want as authentic a book reading experience as possible.

The above definitely points to the Paperwhite.

[Bullwinkle]

Go to Best Buy and compare the two.

I just looked at a Kindle Paperwhite last night, as I'm upgrading my wife's first gen Kindle for her birthday, and it's fantastic.  Just know that you should adjust the backlight before deciding.  The store had it all the way up, and it was pretty harsh.  I brought it all the way down, and it looked like my old Kindle.  Then I slid it up about half way and it was perfect for reading in a slightly dark room.

[Autistic Angel]

As reading experiences go, I can't recommend the Kindle highly enough.  People can try to describe the value of an e-ink display, but ultimately it comes down to the fact that when I'm reading something worthwhile on my Kindle, I swiftly forget that I'm reading it on a Kindle at all.

Get a Nexus if want lots of excuses not to read.  Otherwise, get the Paperwhite!

-Autistic Angel

[Ridah]

As reading experiences go, I can't recommend the Kindle highly enough.  People can try to describe the value of an e-ink display, but ultimately it comes down to the fact that when I'm reading something worthwhile on my Kindle, I swiftly forget that I'm reading it on a Kindle at all.

Get a Nexus if want lots of excuses not to read.  Otherwise, get the Paperwhite!

-Autistic Angel

I decided on the Kindle Paperwhite and I'm extremely glad that I did. It's like you said, I soon forget I'm reading on a Kindle and not the actual book.

So excited!!

[EngineNo9]

Glad to hear it.  I got my dad a Kindle Paperwhite for Christmas even though he's a bit of a technophobe and I'm really hoping he comes to like it.  I certainly use my old Kindle all the time.

[Ridah]

How is the resilience of the screen? Is it like my phones and tablets, or does this thing need a case? I want to keep it as light and thin as possible.

[EngineNo9]

The only time I have ever put a case on my original Kindle is when I'm traveling and shove it in a suitcase.  Otherwise it is naked and gets abused fairly well but the screen is still as good as ever.  I'm not sure about the Paperwhite with the touchscreen.