I never did buy a first or second generation iPad. It wasn’t as if I didn’t believe they were amazing and capable devices, but because I didn’t think I would feel comfortable reading on them. The problem is, I’ve been spoiled by my iPhone’s Retina display. Reading on it is an absolutely pleasure, and the text is so incredibly sharp, it’s like looking at high quality print.
I knew it was only a matter of time when Apple would be able to get the technology in the right place before a Retina display would be possible on an iPad. So we’re at that place in 2012 where the right components are available at the right price to make this feasible. That being said, I plan on waiting in line at the Apple store on launch day to get one of these. This is the first iPad where I believe it will be able to replace paper books for me.
Speaking of paper, I love reading novels and also have a strong affinity for comic books. As far as comic books are concerned, I still go to my local comic book shop every few months. I have a box there and subscribe to numerous monthly titles. While I love physically holding a comic book — there’s something about the smell of that paper and ink — I really think the new iPad will be perfect for managing the majority of my comic book reading. The ComiXology app for iOS is absolutely fantastic as far as its huge catalogue of Marvel, DC, and Image titles is concerned, so I very much doubt there will be a lack of material to consume. Content doesn’t just stop at the Comixology app either. Marvel just announced that they’re entering the iBooks market with graphic novels as well. I can only hope that these will be perfectly formatted for the iPad.
I’ve been waiting a very long time for the perfect digital reading device. The iPad with it’s large 9.7” display is perfect for rendering a full-page comic — something not well suited for the much smaller Amazon Kindle Fire. With a 2048 by 1536 pixel display, rendering a full-page comic in colour is going to be absolutely glorious. I can’t tell you how excited I am to shift the majority of my comic book purchasing to digital only.
At some point, one runs of out physical space to store print material. I have several long boxes full of comics, and I really don’t want the hassle of having to find storage space to store many boxes of comics — or novels for that matter. The new iPad is going to make such a radical change in my life, and I imagine for a lot of comic book nerds and general lovers of fine literature, it will do the same for them as well.