More affordable books means the money you save could be used to buy that iPad you’ve been drooling over.

I was conducting my weekly search for new apps for my trusty iPhone this weekend and happened to find a goldmine. A long list of books published by Microsoft Press as iPhone/iPod/iPad apps. That in itself is not all that exciting, but finding out that you could now buy a book for just £3.49 (US$5.99) is. I was a little sceptical at first, thinking why would you be able to buy something for £20 – £25 LESS than the book/eBook value? So I bought one (MDX Step-by-Step 2008) to find out just what they we like (and because I need to brush up before attempting another certification).

I was pleasantly surprised. The app is basically a standalone eBook. But it works really well. I’ve tried several eReaders (for the iPhone) but have yet to find one that I really like. This app/eBook is smooth and works perfectly for the content.     

Now for some justification

How many tech books do you have on your shelf? 10, 15, 20? And you are probably going to buy a whole bunch more right? Well, let’s do some math.

20 books @ £25 = £500

20 apps @£3.50 = £70

Saving through buying the app version instead = £430.

More than enough for a shiny new iPad.

This isn’t of course restricted to Microsoft Press books. There are loads of others if you look around. I know that there’ll be some people who say “all those apps will just clutter up my already fully laden screen”. All I have to say is. 20 [app] books. £430. Go by a seperate iPad just for your books…jeez.

If you’re at all interested, I’ve also listed my favourite iPhone apps.