Apple iPad 2

1. CNET

CNET's Donald Bell is one of the few reviewers to devote much space to the iPad 2 as an e-reader. He points out some negatives -- such as challenges in outdoor readability and its "beefy" size compared to dedicated e-book readers. Still, Bell says that the iPad is a successful e-reader, with a lineup of features that the competition can't touch. CNET gives the iPad 2 its Editors' Choice award.

Review: Apple iPad 2 (16GB, Wi-Fi, Black), Donald Bell, March 11, 2011

2. CNET

CNET's David Carnoy does the best job in the early going of describing the iPad 2's prowess as an e-book reader. Glare remains a problem, he says, noting that the white version is even more problematical as the borders give off glare of their own. The reduced weight is certainly an advantage, but while it makes a difference, it's not a huge one when it comes to long reading sessions. Still, Carnoy says, "if you're buying the iPad 2 as an e-reader, you'll be mostly happy."

Review: IPad 2 as E-reader: Glare Still an Issue, David Carnoy, March 13, 2011

3. PCMag.comDetails/Subscribe

PCMag.com awards its Editors' Choice recognition to the iPad 2. Tim Gideon doesn't spend much time addressing e-reader features, though he does comment that after 10 minutes or so, your hands won't really notice the new Apple tablet's reduced weight. Still, the slimmer design helps make the iPad 2 a "clear standout in the ever-widening sea of tablets."

Review: Apple iPad 2 ( Wi -Fi and 3G), Tim Gideon, March 9, 2011

4. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe

Laptop Magazine gives the Apple iPad 2 an Editors' Choice award. Mark Spoonauer says that you need to hold the iPad 2 to appreciate the improvements over its predecessor and that it is much easier to hold for long reading sessions.

Review: Apple iPad 2 (Verizon Wireless), Mark Spoonauer, March 9, 2011

5. MacworldDetails/Subscribe

Jason Snell finds lots to like in the iPad 2, granting it a 4.5-star rating (out of 5). Although he spends more time addressing other aspects of the tablet, he notes that while the slimmed-down iPad 2 is easier to hold: "If you're planning on using the iPad 2 to read a lot, you'll still find yourself propping it against your chest or setting it on a table -- the tablet is still not light enough to hold in one hand for extended periods of time." He adds that the iPad 2 still weighs more than twice as much as the Amazon Kindle.

Review: Review: The iPad 2, Jason Snell, March 9, 2011

6. Engadget.com

Engadget.com gives the iPad 2 an overall thumbs-up. The thin design comes in for kudos, as does the longer-than-expected battery life, which edges out the original iPad by nearly an hour in the site's tests.

Review: IPad 2 Review, Joshua Topolsky, March 9, 2011

7. DigitalTrends.com

In this video review, the iPad's e-book reader function (largely unchanged in the since-updated iPad 2) compares favorably with the Barnes & Noble Nook. The iPad is called a better value for everyone except those who are sure that they want nothing more than an e-reader.

Review: Is Apple's iPad the Ultimate E-reader?, Editors of DigitalTrends.com, April 16, 2010

8. I4U.com

This review does a good job of explaining what it's like to buy and read books on the iPad, which remains the same on the iPad 2. Shane McGlaun finds some minor annoyances, but overall likes the experience.

Review: Using the iPad as an eBook Reader, Shane McGlaun, April 7, 2010

9. The Wall Street Journal

According to ophthalmologists quoted in this article, backlit screens are not more likely to cause eyestrain than other types. According to one expert, the difference in users' perceptions is more likely a case of personal preferences.

Review: Screens and Eyestrain, Geoffrey A. Fowler, April 1, 2010