Kindle my feelings for Apple

You want to know the problem with Apple products? They tend to spoil you for anything else. I'm typing this on a MacBook Air, my second on (the first was stolen), and it is not only by far the best laptop I've ever owned, it's the best I've ever worked on. It's blazing fast, dependable and lighter than a piece of toast.

I have pretty much the same feelings for my iPod and iPad (my wife owns an original model; I owned an iPad 2 before it, too, was stolen). As a music player, the iPod is unsurpassed. As a tablet, the iPad is even better — though I do admit I haven't tried every single other tablet now available.

Still, my wife just bought a Kindle Paperwhite, Kindle's new reader that boasts a richer, brighter screen thanks to its "patented built-in light system." And after playing with it a bit, I'm impressed. It's small, 6.7 by 4.6 inches, and at 7.5 ounces it's light enough to hold easily in one hand.

But along with other critics, we've noticed some discoloration along the edges. And some of the commands aren't particularly intuitive. Even worse, moving around pages - especially when you're attempting to read, for example, the New York Times - is about as smooth as painting with peanut butter.

At the price, ranging from $119 to $139 (to avoid the irritating ads), the Kindle Paperwhite is a good bargain, especially when you compare it to the latest iPads ($329 to $659 for an iPad Mini; $499 to $829 for an iPad 4). Still, if you're looking for a real, quality experience, the iPad can do everything the Kindle Paperwhite can — and far more as well.

Want another view? Try this review.