The Wired Kitchen: Electronic Cookbook Solutions

I've compared hard copy cookbooks to electronic cookbooks as presented on an e-reader before.  One thing I did not consider, however, was using recipes from the web.  I know I get a great deal of recipes from the internet, and having a tool that I can take with me into the kitchen is really useful.  Currently I use my phone (a Droid) or my netbook for this task.  I don't use my full blown laptop because I don't want to risk it getting spilled on.  I wouldn't cry quite so much if my netbook was ruined.  

The disadvantage of both these devices is the size.  My netbook is a mere 8 inches, and the phone is of course much smaller.  The notorious iPad would be just about right in size for viewing recipes in the kitchen.  But is it the only option?  Not by a long shot. 

What will work best for you depends on a lot of different things.  So I have compiled a list of some of the more popular options with WiFi along with their advantages and disadvantages.  I will in no way claim that this is a complete list, but should give you an idea of the variety of options that are out there.

iPad

Advantages: 

• You can use existing iPhone Apps (including Ruhlman's Ratio App)
• Can have 3G access in addition to WiFi
• Can access web site recipes
• Access to iTunes podcasts like Bittman's Minimalist (you will need to sync with another computer to access podcasts)
• Size (letter paper size)
• Can access eCookbooks as well
• Can be used for things other than cooking

Disadvantages: 

• No flash, so Rouxbe.com and cooking demonstration videos can not be viewed
• Limited browser (double check this, assuming that it uses mobile Safari)
• Not waterproof
• Needs stand

When available for purchase: In the next couple of months.

Price: Starting at $499

JooJoo

Advantages: 

• Has flash for videos on sites like Rouxbe.com  
• Size
• Does not apply to just cooking

Disadvantages: 

• Web based apps only
• Not waterproof
• Not set up for ebooks
• Needs stand

When available for purchase: Now for Pre-Order

Price: $499

Qooq (article for English Speakers)

Advantages: 

• Waterproof
• Videos, Qooq only
• Built in stand
• Grocery lists
• Meal planning

Disadvantages: 

• French only
• Requires subscription
• Limited to videos and recipes supplied by the Qooq, though they are updated regularly. 
• Other applications are limited (weather, picture viewing, and radio)

When available for purchase: Now in France, US unknown

Price: ~ $500

Demy

Advantages: 

• Splash resistant
• Connected to keyingredient.com (can upload own recipes)
• Has conversion and substitution apps 
• Built in timer
• Can change font size for easy viewing anywhere in the kitchen
• No need for a stand

Disadvantages: 

• Can only connect to keyingredient.com

When available for purchase: Now

Price: $299.95

Touchscreen Cookbook

Advantages: 

• Waterproof
• Can download recipes from select cooking sites
• Can upload your own recipes
• Voice navigation
• Grocery list
• Meal planning 
• No need for a stand

Disadvantages: 

• Can only retrieve from participating websites, otherwise have to manually input recipes
• Can't do anything else
• Smaller screen

When available for purchase: TBD

Price: TBD