Elderly people 'read iPads three times faster than books'

Researchers in Germany have found that people of different ages could read just as well from iPads as they do from traditional books -- in fact, old people read even faster using the iPad as it made reading easier than the "real" book.

The iPad's screen was found to help them process the information on the page, even though the tablet's LED screen has been criticised for hurting readers' eyes if used over a long period of time, the 'Daily Mail' reported.

The researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz disputed claims that traditional books were easiest on eyes.

Prof Stephan Fussel, who led the team, said: "E-books and e-readers are playing an increasingly important role on the worldwide book market. However readers can be particularly sceptical when it comes to e-books and e-reading devices.

"The objective of the study was to investigate whether there are reasons for this scepticism. This study provides us with a scientific basis for dispelling the misconception that reading from a screen has negative effects."