****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I first downloaded a sample of this book because I wanted to see how good or bad the plates were on an iPad. Unfortunately the color plates weren't in the sample, so I opted to spend $9.59 to find out what they'd look like on the iPad.The plates are FANTASTIC! As clear and crisp as a printed birding book. The reader can also expand the plates to get a detailed look at the birds, although at a certain point, the illustration cannot get any larger without losing clarity. The expanded size does allow the reader to focus on specific, but tiny details, such as the presence or absence of a white line above the bird's eye and whether the wings fold over each other or simply meet on the birds back.For those who use Amazon frequently, but don't have a Kindle, there is a free Kindle App for the iPhone and iPad. Once downloaded, the user can shop for Kindle books via the App. Amazon will send the book out via Whispernet immediately. Users can also browse and buy Kindle ebooks on the PC (having a larger screen is helpful when you want to browse or compare similar books). Once purchased you can download the book the next time the iPad connects to your PC with the USB cable. (This also works if you are out of Whispernet's range.)I thought the iPad would be the "Kindle killer" because iBooks is tied to the Barnes & Noble eBook site. Amazon clearly figured out "if you can't beat them, join them." Both sites are worth checking because books at either site are not always the same price.Using iPad for Kindle books means that there are 2 readers on the iPad - one for Barnes & Noble, the other for Kindle - but that is very easily manageable.As for the book, it is designed for novice bird watchers. Experienced birders can field identify and differentiate between the similar looking species of birds identified in the book. But even for seasoned bird watchers, the section on how to distinguish the Northern Waterthrush from an Ovenbird from a Hermit Thrush and a Woodthrush is very helpful given the difference in markings is very subtle. This is also where the ability to magnify the plates comes in handy.In sum, good book for beginners, and great demonstration of how great the iPad is as an eReader.
