[nirvana]

Having used a retina screen iPhone and iPod I'd say in my opinion the new iPad (which I haven't seen) is going to far exceed the kindle's screen in readability.

Where I think kindle probably still has the edge is in ergonomics, specifically weight. The iPad is too heavy for me to hold like I would a physical book. (but I make do with this fact and use it anyway as one... and I've got the heavier first generation iPad.)

All the other things the iPad does have a big impact, but as a pure reading device (iBooks is my killer app) the iPad is working out great for me, so I look forward to getting a third generation.

[smackfu]

It does make me wonder if a higher DPI screen would really help the Kindle in readability. Or if the major issue now is just the contrast.

[Heliosmaster]

give also a try to Stanza :)