( Mashable ) -- It takes longer to read books on a Kindle 2 or an iPad versus a printed book , Jakob Nielsen of product development consultancy Nielsen Norman Group discovered in a recent usability survey . The study found that reading speeds declined by 6.2 percent on the iPad and 10.7 percent on theKindle compared to print . However , Nielsen conceded that the differences in reading speed between the two devices were not `` statistically significant because of the data 's fairly high variability '' -- in other words , the study did not prove that the iPad allowed for faster reading than the Kindle . A total of 24 participants ( 10 is about average for a usability survey ) were given short stories by Ernest Hemingway to read in print and oniPads , Kindles and desktop PCs . Hemingway was chosen because his work utilizes simple language and is `` pleasant and engaging to read . '' The narratives took an average of 17 minutes and 20 seconds from start to finish -- enough time to get readers fully `` immersed '' in the stories , Nielsen explained . After reading , participants filled out a brief comprehension questionnaire to make sure no one had skimmed through a story . Users rated their satisfaction with each device ; the iPad , Kindle and printed book scored 5.8 , 5.7 and 5.6 , on a scale of 7 , respectively , while the PC received an average score of 3.6 -- due , in part , because reading on a PC reminded readers of work . Participants also complained about the weight of the iPad and the Kindle 's weak contrast . As Nielsen notes , the satisfaction ratings on the survey are promising for the future of e-readers and tablet devices . However , I can see universities and businesses taking less kindly to e-readers if further studies prove that they handicap reading speed . What do you think of the results ? Do you prefer to read on an e-reader , tablet or in print -- and why ? © 2010 MASHABLE.com . All rights reserved .
It takes longer to read books on a Kindle or an iPad versus a printed book , a study found . Comment: Some people might shy away from e-readers if further studies prove they affect reading speed .