Kindle or Nook?

[book_junkie]

You should also be able to get ebooks at your local area libraries. Nook and Apple platforms are supported in a variety of formats, while I think currently the Kindle can only take the pdf versions of the books. If you want to make sure, call up your local librarian to make sure- they should know, or check your library's website, just look for something that says NetLibrary, and click away!

 

[Ember]

My husband has an iPad, you couldn't pay me to trade my Kindle in to read on it. It's great that many don't mind reading on it, but I find it just like reading on any other back lit computer screen and hurts my eyes (of course, I'm an avid reader and can read for hours on end). Plus it has to rest on something, it doesn't sit comfortably in my hand the way my Kindle does, and it's too heavy to just hold for any length of time. Also, my Kindle goes into my purse and dragged everywhere, the iPad wouldn't do that. So all in all, I'm very happy with my Kindle!

All that said, my DH loves his iPad and much like a pp, has no issues reading on it. It's all just personal preference. I can see many wonderful uses for and iPad but for me an e-reader isn't one of them.

 

[golfgal]

For those with a Kindle, can you only read books that you buy online? Can you only buy them from Amazon?

My sister in law is a nun. She is looking to buy an ereader and is trying to decide between a Kindle and a Nook. She was given a visa giftcard last Christmas and hasn't spent it yet. She does not have the budget though to buy ebooks throughout the year.

I love amazon and do tons of shopping there but chose the Nook for myself because of the ability to read ebooks from the library.

I would tell her to get a Nook since you then have access to free books at the library. I would also then let everyone know she has one and people can give her Barnes and Nobel gift cards for presents

 

[JessicaR]

My husband has an iPad, you couldn't pay me to trade my Kindle in to read on it. It's great that many don't mind reading on it, but I find it just like reading on any other back lit computer screen and hurts my eyes (of course, I'm an avid reader and can read for hours on end). Plus it has to rest on something, it doesn't sit comfortably in my hand the way my Kindle does, and it's too heavy to just hold for any length of time. Also, my Kindle goes into my purse and dragged everywhere, the iPad wouldn't do that. So all in all, I'm very happy with my Kindle!

All that said, my DH loves his iPad and much like a pp, has no issues reading on it. It's all just personal preference. I can see many wonderful uses for and iPad but for me an e-reader isn't one of them.

That was a very helpful comparison. I am not going to consider the Ipad now (although I want one for different purposes!).

I'm going to do a little more reading on each but I think I am going with the Kindle.

Thanks for all the great thoughts!

 

[SaraJayne]

So not true! Read my post above. I wear glasses and often get headaches when on the computer too long. Before buying the Ipad I was all set on the Nook, which I think is great. But DH came home with the iPad and when I tried it I was shocked and so happy!! Reading on it causes no eye strain. You control what your screen looks like when you are reading and it's perfect!

Yes it costs more than the ereader, but you are getting a mini laptop, not just an ereader!!

It's still a backlit device, which is just like reading on a computer.

Jessica, I'm sure you'll enjoy whichever e-reader you pick.

 

[Desnik]

That was a very helpful comparison. I am not going to consider the Ipad now (although I want one for different purposes!).

I'm going to do a little more reading on each but I think I am going with the Kindle.

Thanks for all the great thoughts!

Please don't count out the iPad. I totally disagree with the poster you quoted. I read everyday sometimes for hours at a time. I wear glasses and use to get headaches and eye strain just from reading regular books sometimes. Being on the computer for long periods hurts my eyes too. When you change the settings when reading a book on the iPad, I have no problems reading on it at all. The iPad is not heavy or hard to hold. It doesn't have to rest on anything. Maybe because I have the rubber cover it is easier and more comfortable to hold? Also, I take my iPad everywhere! It fits in all my bags, even took it on our Disney trip to read while on the plane. My advice is to go to the stores and try each out. Hold them, read on them, etc.... That is the only way you will know which one is right for you no matter what advice you get from us!

 

[Pakey]

I'm very happy with my kindle. I have a kindle app on my iphone but I couldn't stand the backlighting so getting an ipad was out of the question. Also, I didn't like the size of the ipad or the larger kindle. I like the smaller size; I travel a great deal and I like that the kindle easily fits in my handbag.

 

[Tinkermommy]

OP, I would suggest checking them out in person. Target has the Kindle now in stores and B&N has the Nook of course.

You may find by picking them up and trying them out one has a better feel for you.

I do have a Kindle and I love it. The lower price is very nice as well. I also like that if I ever do transition to the iPad, I can download the Kindle app and I won't lose my books!

Whatever you buy, I would get a nice case for it. I travel with mine and I have a leather one that stands up (as opposed to opening like a book).

 

[momrek06]

My husband has an iPad, you couldn't pay me to trade my Kindle in to read on it. It's great that many don't mind reading on it, but I find it just like reading on any other back lit computer screen and hurts my eyes. Plus it has to rest on something, it doesn't sit comfortably in my hand the way my Kindle does, and it's too heavy to just hold for any length of time. Also, my Kindle goes into my purse and dragged everywhere, the iPad wouldn't do that.

My eyes do not hurt at all while reading on my IPad ... It sits very comfortably in my hands. I have a McAlly cover for it. It is not the least bit heavy. And it fits right into my purse.

Please don't count out the iPad. I totally disagree with the poster you quoted. I read everyday sometimes for hours at a time. I wear glasses and use to get headaches and eye strain just from reading regular books sometimes. Being on the computer for long periods hurts my eyes too. When you change the settings when reading a book on the iPad, I have no problems reading on it at all. The iPad is not heavy or hard to hold. It doesn't have to rest on anything. Maybe because I have the rubber cover it is easier and more comfortable to hold? Also, I take my iPad everywhere! It fits in all my bags, even took it on our Disney trip to read while on the plane. My advice is to go to the stores and try each out. Hold them, read on them, etc.... That is the only way you will know which one is right for you no matter what advice you get from us!

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I went with the kindle because I found it easier to use than the nook. Plus my local library doesn't have much in the way of a selection when it comes to e-books so I don't really need the epub compatibility.

 

[RitaE]

Here at the house right now we have 2 Kindles (6"), a nook (my neighbors that I've borrowed for the day to set-up her Overdrive library things), a Sony Pocket, and an iPAD (my sons).

Hands down I prefer to read off the Kindle and I buy most of the books I purchase through Amazon. For what I read, they nearly always have the lowest price. Further, the Kindle just seems to ergonomically fit me better with the placement of the next page buttons. I also like their dictionary much better. Also one thing that I REALLY love about Amazon is their Customer Service. My son knocked his kindle off the corner of his desk and pixelated the screen. They overnighted him a new Kindle and didn't even make him use the Accidental Damage Warranty. Just like that .. 5 minute phone call and new Kindle. Also, they have a 7 day return policy on eBooks if you get something with terrible formatting etc. I don't know of any other bookstore right now that will let you return eBooks.

I rate the nook "Ok" and I'm sure that if I had bought it first I'd use it just fine. Truthfully though I've never been able to get the touchscreen to work like it should - even after all the YouTube instruction things and lessons people have given me, I swipe and it doesn't page turn and it drives me nuts. I don't find their interface all that intuitive either. I have the Barnes and Noble app and I very rarely find a better price on an eBook at Barnes but it has happened once or twice. I don't live close to a store so all the "in store promotion" is pretty useless to me.

The Sony Pocket is a nifty little reader for the price I paid, I got mine for under $100 and it was a great deal. I mostly use it for the Overdrive Library downloads. I've received more than my money's worth from it.

The iPAD - I like it much better than I thought I would for internet surfing, game APPS, watching movies and things like that. I tried to read a book on it and gave up after about 10 minutes. Fingerprints on the screen and it was too heavy. I didn't like it at all as a digital reader. The iBookstore right now is terrible. If I wanted to read on the iPAD I'd buy all the books through the Kindle App anyway.

 

[JessicaR]

Please don't count out the iPad. I totally disagree with the poster you quoted. I read everyday sometimes for hours at a time. I wear glasses and use to get headaches and eye strain just from reading regular books sometimes. Being on the computer for long periods hurts my eyes too. When you change the settings when reading a book on the iPad, I have no problems reading on it at all. The iPad is not heavy or hard to hold. It doesn't have to rest on anything. Maybe because I have the rubber cover it is easier and more comfortable to hold? Also, I take my iPad everywhere! It fits in all my bags, even took it on our Disney trip to read while on the plane. My advice is to go to the stores and try each out. Hold them, read on them, etc.... That is the only way you will know which one is right for you no matter what advice you get from us!

So true. I need to do that and I will. Thanks.

I'm very happy with my kindle. I have a kindle app on my iphone but I couldn't stand the backlighting so getting an ipad was out of the question. Also, I didn't like the size of the ipad or the larger kindle. I like the smaller size; I travel a great deal and I like that the kindle easily fits in my handbag.

I'm going on a cruise soon and that was the main reason I want it now. I read a lot and travel a lot. The size thing is a great consideration to me also.

I keep putting off getting one mainly because I didnt know what one to get but also becase I have a huge stack of books waiting to be read and the pile grows.

OP, I would suggest checking them out in person. Target has the Kindle now in stores and B&N has the Nook of course.

You may find by picking them up and trying them out one has a better feel for you.

I do have a Kindle and I love it. The lower price is very nice as well. I also like that if I ever do transition to the iPad, I can download the Kindle app and I won't lose my books!

Whatever you buy, I would get a nice case for it. I travel with mine and I have a leather one that stands up (as opposed to opening like a book).

Thanks! I will try them all out and make sure to get a case.

 

[Handbag Lady]

I have a Kindle and I love it.

I never borrowed books from the library, so that's a function I don't need. I LOVE that there is a kindle web board where people share links to free books.

I am currently following a blog whereas the writer is introducing us to new writers every day for three weeks. And you don't need a Kindle to enjoy it, she just is making sure all writers are available ALSO on Kindle.

 

[Handbag Lady]

Oh, and I downloaded a book on the Kindle while on a volcano jsut using their Whispernet connection. In less than three seconds.

 

[cteddiesgirl]

Make sure to check out this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2509067

 

[mhawk4]

I am trying out the Nook right now as I am trying to decide between the Nook and the Kindle. I am a book borrower, not a book buyer so I am leaning towards the Nook.

One problem I am having with the Nook is that the page turn button takes a lot of pressure to push. I am 41 and have had arthritis in my thumb joints for over 3 years and don't have a lot of strenght in my thumbs. It take a lot of pressure to push the page turn button and even with my pointer finger it takes more pressure than I would have expected. I am going to try to find someone who has a Kindle that I can borrow.

 

[JessicaR]

Make sure to check out this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2509067

Thank you! Lots of info there.

 

[Darcy03231]

For those with a Kindle, can you only read books that you buy online? Can you only buy them from Amazon?

My sister in law is a nun. She is looking to buy an ereader and is trying to decide between a Kindle and a Nook. She was given a visa giftcard last Christmas and hasn't spent it yet. She does not have the budget though to buy ebooks throughout the year.

I love amazon and do tons of shopping there but chose the Nook for myself because of the ability to read ebooks from the library.

For someone that doesn't have a budget to buy ebooks, I would go with either the Nook or the Sony. I have a Sony and borrow almost all my books from the library. Its very easy to do. If her library doesn't have a lot of ebooks, for a small fee you can join the Philadelphia library as a non-resident (I think its $15/yr). They have a huge selection.

 

[disneyfans95]

I am trying out the Nook right now as I am trying to decide between the Nook and the Kindle. I am a book borrower, not a book buyer so I am leaning towards the Nook.

One problem I am having with the Nook is that the page turn button takes a lot of pressure to push. I am 41 and have had arthritis in my thumb joints for over 3 years and don't have a lot of strenght in my thumbs. It take a lot of pressure to push the page turn button and even with my pointer finger it takes more pressure than I would have expected. I am going to try to find someone who has a Kindle that I can borrow.

You can use the touch screen and swipe your finger to turn pages. Works very easily. (this is on the Nook of course)

 

[Brian Noble]

I own a kindle (the K2) and an iPad.

I do not use the iPad for extended reading. The backlit screen is harder on my eyes than the reflective e-ink screen that the other two use, and it is heavier. I love the iPad, but it has not replaced my kindle.

I bought my kindle two years ago, before the nook existed, so I never did a comparison. But, here are some features of the Kindle I really like: I find the Amazon store to be incredibly easy to use, and the book selection and pricing are generally very good. I'm not sure how B&N's ebook store compares, but that's something to look into.

I like being able to install kindle readers on my iphone and ipad. I don't *usually* read on those devices, but it's nice to be able to, and they all keep track of where I am in a book. B&N may or may not offer reading apps for other devices, I don't know.

I also really like having the 3G connectivity so I can grab a book or today's New York Times whenever I think of it. So, if you end up going with nook, I would not recommend the wifi-only version. Definitely get the wifi+3G version.

(For the record, the same is true of the iPad. I don't see any reason to buy the wifi-only version.)