Geek News: E-Reader Reading-Speed Slower Than Print

A recent study from the Nielsen Norman Group – an organisation devised to “help companies enter the age of the consumer” – has shown that reading speed from print-based media is considerably faster than from an e-reader.

Each member taking part read a short by Ernest Hemingway from four different mediums – a printed book, Apple’s iPad, the Amazon Kindle and a PC – with the source material across the board taking on average 17 minutes and 20 seconds to read.

The iPad came out ahead of the Kindle, with a 6.2% and 10.7% lower reading speed recorded over the physical paperback, respectively.

Between each read, the testers were quizzed on the subject matter with a “comprehensive” questionnaire, but as results were said to be relatively high, the group decided to not “analyze this data further.”

While the case-study consisted of only 24 participants, not enough of a cross section to give this any considerable weight, it also tested user satisfaction of the reading experience and it was pretty clear that those involved preferred the electronic devices.

The most disliked method was reading from a PC with reasons mentioned because “it reminded them of work.” The e-readers were praised for their features – such as the iPad’s iBook app showing the amount of text remaining in a chapter – and clarity of displays.

Despite the appeal of the e-readers, the subjects still felt the draw of print citing it as a more relaxing experience.

About Rob

Rob Kidman is an aspiring writer, have-a-go designer, avid tea drinker and geek from birth. Oh, and he’s British. What he doesn’t know about Doctor Who, isn’t worth knowing. Sends text messages in full, perfect grammar, no matter if it costs an extra 10p, as he believes txtspk to be an affront to the Queens’ English. Partial to cheese and pickle, random gherkins, and a fan of the miniature sombrero.

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