Can I use my iPad mini (iOS9) as an iBook reader ?

[michelangelo]

I don't read iBooks: I read books, with an exception, however: some of my computer-related books (books describing how-to use software) are iBooks. Mostly in iPub format. I have never purchased a book reader and used my iPad mini as a reader. I used to sync via dropbox. Now it no longer work and I end-up reading iBooks on my macBook Air: an un-comfortable solution.

Is there a way I could (i) connect my iPad mini to the mac to transfer the iBook (mostly ePub files) file and (ii) read it on the iPad ?

TIA

 

[ferrarr]

It really depends if both devices OS are compatible with each other, you may have to just try it.

 

[MacInWin]

I believe Apple's Book application can read ePub files. So, connect the iPad to the Mac and sync books to the iPad from the Mac. Your profile has some older stuff listed, but if you tell us what model Mac and iPad you have, plus what version(s) of macOS and iPadOS each is using, we can get more specific about how to get the books from the Mac to the iPad.

I use an iPad as a Kindle reader all the time, but I have also read ePub books in Books as well, so I know it should work for you.

 

[MacInWin]

There are also a nuber of ereader applications at the App Store on the iPad. iPadOS is now up to version 18.3, so your version is really very old. You might have better luck if you upgrade the iPad to the newest version it will run. That upgrade will open more possibilities, I think.

 

[Rod]

Yep, I agree with all the above, it just boils down to which model iPad mini you have.

 

[michelangelo]

Thank you, Ferrar, macInWin and Rod for your ideas. I apologise for not having updated my mac specs earlier. Done by now. Yes my iPad mini is very very old. It currently has an important role as a replacement to my early days' HP-12C calculator (an old HP's supplied app on the iPad and iPhone App Store long expired) and I would hate to dispose of it. It definitely cannot be upgraded. Time to enter a kindle in my wish list. Thank-you to all of you.

 

[Rod]

Kindles are definitely good and cheaper but specialised, whereas a new or "new to you" iPad may be more expensive but have wider application especially as you say you don't really read iBooks with the exception of some technical publications.

 

[MacInWin]

There is also a Kindle App in the App store that works very well. I don't know how far back in iOS it supports, but you can check online.

 

[IWT]

I have the Kindle App on all my iDevices. Like Jake, I’ve found this to a really useful App with no problems over several years. You also have the choice of syncing Kindle content across all devices.

Ian