Reading on an iPad is better than a Kindle. Both were slower than with real paper, but the iPad was considerably quicker for reading at 6.2 percent slower where Amazon’s ostensibly better Kindle was actually slower, at 10.2 percent off of the time for paper. Apple’s tablet also edged out the Kindle in usability, as iBooks not only had more clearly defined fonts but a much easier to understand page marker.

Most of the complaints for reading were based on well-known criticisms, such as the iPad’s heavy 1.5-pound weight and the low-contrast nature of an e-paper display on the Kindle. Some elements should also get better, as both are presumed to be getting better displays in the future. The new Kindle DX already has 50 percent higher contrast than its ancestor.