iPad - ã500
Kindle - ã150 (or even ã100)

iPad - you pay for your internet connection
Kindle - part of the deal

iPad - take a bag with you
Kindle - stick it in your pocket

iPad - big and cumbersome - saying "Look at me!" (or even "Mug me!")
Kindle - small and subtle - hardly noticeable

iPad - in bright sunlight, forget it
Kindle - can be read anywhere you can read a book

Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Disclaimer - I don't have either - I have a Sony Reader. But obviously I'm biassed in favour of the Kindle. I know two people who have iPads, both of whom find they hardly use them. If you want to just glance at a few items on the internet, a modern smart phone is fine. If you want to do something more serious, you need a keyboard and a screen in an upright position.

If you have enough in your budget, you could always get an iPad and a Kindle. You can sync the Kindle with the iPad and then use the Kindle when you don't want to lug around the iPad. If you have 3G with the iPad you may not need it with the Kindle, depending on how you want to use your devices. I like surfing with my iPad (and you can listen to music, watch netflix movies etc with it), but prefer reading on a dedicated eReader with eInk.

I currently have an iPad and a Sony. I only like reading on the iPad when I'm at home and can control the lighting because the glare is an issue with a glass screen. I've been thinking of getting a Kindle to sync with my iPad for my Kindle editions. Between the three devices I would have everything I need for reading Kindles or library books (which I would use my Sony for). I noticed Gutenberg is now posting quite a few of their classics in both ePub (supported by all the eReaders except Kindle) and the Kindle formats.

As far as using an iPad for things other than reading... you cannot print (that I know of) with it, and you have limited editing and formatting capabilities, but it works for most limited applications I would use it for. I loath cell phones and PDAs... I have a very simple cell (not a PDA) and I only use it for emergencies.

If you only want one device that is more than just a dedicated eReader, iPad makes sense. However, there are more hybrid tablet/eReaders that are coming out shortly, so maybe sitting tight to see what happens is a good idea, too.

I would definitely want only one more device, either the iPad or the Kindle. At home I have a desktop iMac and I carry a simple cell phone without PDA capability. My laptop PC I only use for travel and PowerPoint if I have to give a presentation. Making presentations is why I bought the laptop in the first place. Right now it is actually on long term loan to my DH since I am not currently doing that. You both make a persuasive argument that the Kindle is both cheaper and a better reader. Does everyone else agree? I suppose I could carry the Kindle and laptop both when I travel. Ugh. The idea was to lighten the load.

Rosefolly

I have just started using the Kindle, and actually have found it to be quite enjoyable to read. It's easier to handle than an iPad (and cheaper), but does fewer tasks. I suppose it's how much you value whatever you want to do most...

When I am out of town, I can usually find access to a computer and the net somewhere handy, and if not, then my life is not over if I don't get all my emails, and actually I really enjoy having a break from all the media for a while. But perhaps if you're traveling for work, the office might not be so understanding!

(Clear as mud!)
:-)

All right, I'm sold. The Kindle it is!

Thanks for the feedback, everyone.

Rosefolly

I use both the Kindle and a netbook for good coverage. Both are fairly inexpensive. I have the $139 Kindle.
Nancy