Kindle vs eBook vs Nook, etc

We've had a Kindle for only about a month now (the newest, wifi only version). If you haven't used one before, it is a different experience from reading a book. One big complaint: If two people are reading the same book, it is hard to find your place. I know, I know, you can put an electronic bookmark where you stopped reading, but it is a several step process in placing it and getting back to that point. Little changes like that require an adjustment to how you treat reading on an ebook device. A small thing, but you have to be open to the trade-off between ease of use and having a large library in your hands. **** Having said that, I love the reader and wouldn't be without one. I can see where it will drive sales of ebooks because it is so easy to download a book that I might not purchase if I had to do more than push a button. It is definitely the future of books. **** One drawback to the wifi Kindle. I did have trouble connecting to a hotel once so I do not assume that I will be able to connect everywhere I go. **** I bought the Kindle because I started reading ebooks through the Kindle software on my smartphone. I like reading on the phone almost as much as on the Kindle so you might consider that as an alternative. Benefit of the phone is that is is also a phone. Two devices in one. **** Finally, the web browser on the Kindle is pretty poor. I would not recommend it as any substitute for a web browser on a laptop, netbook, or even a phone.

I've only ever used Kindle so, it's hard for me to say if it's more superior than the other brands. But, if you're planning on also bringing along a netbook or some other portable device, you can use it to view Kindle and eBook files.....one less thing to lug around.

I'm also another Kindle user and love my Kindle. Pros: Amazon has the largest collection of books to choose from, and they are competitively price. Also, you can read Kindles on the beach (or elsewhere) in direct sunlight. I was talking to someone on my recent trip who was trying to read an iBook on her iPad at the beach, and had a lot of problems seeing the text. Kindles are not backlit, which has its pros and cons. You can't read them without a reading light in the dark, but the lack of a backlight means less strain on your eyes. Con: As far as I know, you cannot download books from the library. There are loads of free books you can download, though, and the majority of books are under $10. I've had my Kindle for about 2 weeks, have traveled with it, and would never give it up! :)

I have owned the Kindle. I now own two Nooks (wife and I). There has been some previous discussion, but here's my summary...My wife loves her Nook, I like mine a lot. The buttons, expandable memory, replaceable battery (if it breaks), and multiple and open source formats make the Nook superior. Drawback is not getting additional books abroad which the Kindle can do. Neither replaces a torn apart guidebook. Too hard to flip pages. I also own a netbook and laptop and find the e-reader better for size, weight, battery life, print on eyes. All in all better for reading for pleasure and in a chair or bed. I first bought the wi-fi only version, but immediately upgraded to 3G. Easier and simpler and not a lot more money.

I just got the latest Kindle and think it's great. However, I am really not expecting to have the time or desire to do a lot of recreational reading with the touring schedule I'll be keeping up in Europe next month (with the exception of the long flight over). So I'll probably leave the Kindle at home, especially since I'm bringing a netbook and can read anything I have on my Kindle on the netbook by using Kindle for PC. Again, I don't think I'll be doing that much reading, and if I bring the Kindle it's just another chance for it to get damaged, lost or stolen.

More info: As Paul says, it can be more difficult to use the wi-fi version, hence why I suggest the 3G version of either book. One other thing with the Nook. You can "lend" a book to someone else - albeit only for a couple of weeks, but it still something you can't do with a Kindle - not that I didn't like my Kindle, just they have some more work to do - as much as I buy tons of stuff from Amazon...

It helps if you can look at the different devices and see which works best for you. I like my iPad for this because I have the Kindle app and the Barnes & Noble eReader app so I get both and iBooks that way. I also have some audio books on there as well in case I just feel like listening to a book instead of reading one or play music or language lessons while I'm reading if I'm in the mood. And for those times when I don't feel like reading, I can play a game, Angry Birds can get addictive though.

Rita, I have a Kindle and like it just fine. I believe Best Buy has all E-Readers at their store. There is one in Boulder at 1740 30th St.

I got the new $139 wifi only Kindle right before my recent trip to Belgium. I love it. I loaded four books including one guidebook on it before I left. While in the airport waiting for the plane, I decided to download another guidebook. I'm glad I did. Guidebooks are a little cumbersome to use on a Kindle, but with the search function, I was able to find everything I needed. (Much better than lugging heavy books.) Used it for restaurant suggestions and to plan a couple of days when a tour guide had to cancel due to illness. The Kindle is very easy on your eyes, and I loved that you can change the font size. I made it really big when I woke up from the trip over the ocean. :) I would not want to share it with someone else. I have not tried any of the other readers - they may be just as good, though I think an iPad is too big. I got the Kindle because the price was right.

Like the other person said, I would look into an iPad. You get iBook, Kindle and other book reading software so you can choose which application will provide you the best price. If you can get PDF versions of books from the library you can also load them into the the iPad and read them there. As well, you get a web browser and email client so you can keep up to date with what is going on. Only issues with the iPad are the screen is hard to see in the bright sun and it costs a bit more than the other dedicated reader devices.

the kindle and the nook have been rated about equal in most independent reviews. the reason i wouldn't get a nook is barnes and noble isn't exactly the sturdiest company right now. i'd hate to buy it and then not be able to get books for it any more if b&n went out of biz. as for the ipad, it's an awsome gadget, but i don't consider it a competitor for ereaders. for one thing it costs more than twice as much, second, the screen is backlit, which makes things difficult on your eyes, and a pain to read in sunlight. the ipad is more of a competitor to netbooks than ereaders.

I agree with an earlier poster that the web browser on the Kindle is pretty poor- in fact, I would call it completely useless. It literally took me 45 min. (!) to send one tiny, cryptic email message (I got repeated "unknown" errors when I tried to send). I have never been successful in reading my email on the Kindle. Fortunately, I don't find that a reason not to own a Kindle, but I just wanted to note this problem.,,,,,,,,,,,,I like reading on the Kindle much better than on an iPad because it's less tiresome to hold in your hand, and easier on the eyes.

Thanks everyone for your input! I see pros and cons for each. Joel, thanks for letting me know about Best Buy. I think we will head over there and test drive the different devices. We will probably wait until the Christmas sales start...am hoping one of the companies will come out with a new and improved model for half price!

Actually, the prices have come way down in the last few months and the new models have come out. I wouldnt' expect a big "sale" on ereaders in December. I own a Nook. I love it. It's just a tad heavier than the newest Kindle - plus I keep mine in a case, so even a touch more weight. I don't think it bothers me. It's certainly not as heavy as a hard back book. Nook pros: ability to "lend" books. Ability to borrow books from your library. Color screen at the bottom so you can see the covers of your books (makes browsing for books easy). Games, internet surfing. Wi-fi and 3G (on my model. Free Fridays! Each Friday, you have the opportunity to download a free Barnes and Noble book - you don't get a choice- but in general the books have been interesting, and have opened my eyes to some different authors and genre. Nook cons: can't download outside the US As far as the con goes. I don't see the need to download outside the US if you plan ahead. I know I tend to buy a bunch of books at one time so I have plenty to read. I must have 20 books on my Nook right now. That is certainly more than enough to read on a 2-3 week vacation! Good luck with your choice. The one thing I would suggest is - dont' buy an iPad for reading. It's a fantastic machine- I'm totally and Apple person, but like my iphone, you cannot read the display in sunlight. The pages are not black/white like a book, the backlight is straining on the eyes if you read for hours at a time (like I tend to do) If you are just looking to read - concentrate on the ereader specific items [INVALID]Nook, Kindle, Sony.

Thanks for the additional information Ellen. We are leaning toward the Nook for the same reasons...you can download from the library, you can lend books and free Friday sounds even more appealing. I didn't know about the "Games, internet surfing. Wi-fi and 3G" which is great. Is there a particular model that you recommend? And do I get all these cool features automatically or do they cost more?

If you're looking for an e-book reader you can read in the sun (that is, ignoring the iPad), the two true competitors are the Nook and the Kindle (don't even bother with the Sony version). That said, I'm with Matthew on this one. Both the Nook and Kindle are about on par with each other, although the wifi version of the third-generation Kindle is only $139 and a real deal... but most of all, Barnes and Noble has announced that it's now looking for a buyer... I am not completely certain how B&N will fare. Buying hardware from a company on the market makes me worry about future support. I'd go with the Kindle... it's already on the third generation and Amazon is going blazing guns in supporting it.