Kindle or Nook?

[liamandcaili]

I am thinking about getting my DS an e-reader for Christmas, but it doesn't seem like either the Kindle or the Nook is geared toward kids. What do you think? Is an e-reader appropriate for an almost 12 year-old, and if so, which would you choose?

Thanks!

 

[MrsJackSparrow4Life]

I own both of them and I prefer the Kindle (I find it easier to use) but there a few things you need to look into before you make a decision.

Will he want to check out library books? If so then you probably should go with the Nook.

Does your library have a good selection of e-books that he would like to read? If your library doesn't you can always sign up for the Free Library of Philadelphia; they charge $15 per year for people out of district.

What kind of books does he like to read? Check both Amazon and B&N to see which one has a better selection and/or better prices. If the type of books he reads are color heavy you may want to think about the new Nook Color.

 

[Suz725]

If you search these boards for Kindle nook you will get a lot of very good information

 

[disneyfanforever]

We are getting DS (13) a Nook for Christmas. We aren't getting the Nook Color because the whole point to me of an ereader is to read books, and the e-ink technology the regular Nook as well as the Kindle has is supposed to be most like a real book and easy on the eyes.

We chose the Nook over the Kindle due to the fact that you are able to check library books out on the Nook. I read about the Free Library of Philadelphia on these boards and am thrilled with this option! I have borrowed a book using this library with my Nook and everything downloaded and worked great.

I think both devices are great, and it is just a matter of personal choice.

 

[NHdisneylover]

If you son reads a lot then it is a very appropriate gift My daughter is 13 and got her for Christmas last year (she was still 12--but just barely) and ADORES it.
Be sure to get him a case too

Personally, my daughter and I prefer Kindle (and I LOVE Amazon's customer service) but I think both are good products.

 

[bas71873]

I own both of them and I prefer the Kindle (I find it easier to use) but there a few things you need to look into before you make a decision.

Will he want to check out library books? If so then you probably should go with the Nook.

Does your library have a good selection of e-books that he would like to read? If your library doesn't you can always sign up for the Free Library of Philadelphia; they charge $15 per year for people out of district.What kind of books does he like to read? Check both Amazon and B&N to see which one has a better selection and/or better prices. If the type of books he reads are color heavy you may want to think about the new Nook Color.

So with the FLP, do you "borrow" the book for "X"amount of days just like your local library? Can you renew or re-check out if you don't finish the book in the allotted amount of time? Sounds like a fabulous option!

 

[Ilivetogo]

My DD17 just got a nookColor yesterday for her 17th birthday ... she's THRILLED with it. I'm excited about checking out this library book thing ... I didn't realize that. Aaaahh, the things you learn on the Dis.

.

 

[Agri]

I prefer the Kindle because I have been a customer with amazon.com for quite awhile and I heard a lot of bad things about Nook customer service. (I don't know if it has changed, but for Nook CS you have to call, you cannot email your problem which makes no sense to me. Well, you can email, but they send you a phone number to call.)

The Kindle is very easy to use and a lot of books are available for free on amazon.com and on other sites such as gutenberg.org.

I would look at what your son reads to see what is available where. The Nook tends to be a bit more limited than the Kindle in selection.

 

[disneyfanforever]

As far as the Free Library of Philadelphia, it seems to work like a normal library. You check out a book, and you have it available to view/download for 21 days I believe it said. There are waiting lists on some of the more popular new releases like a library, and you give them your email and they will notify you when it is available for you to download. As far as rechecking a book out if you don't finish in time, I am not sure but I would guess it is like a regular library where that's fine if no one else is waiting for it. If anyone is more familiar with this library, please feel free to correct me if I am wrong as I have not been a member very long.

I think this option is fantastic and definitely one I would not have known about if it had not been for these boards. My local library system doesn't have many titles available so the FLP seems like a great deal to me.

 

[liamandcaili]

Thank you all so much! There is a lot of information out there about both Kindle and Nook, but I couldn't figure out if it would be a good gift for a pre-teen. I am leaning toward the Kindle. We do go to our local library for paper books, but my son reads through everything so fast, it would be nice to have another option for him when he runs out of things to read.

Please feel free to offer more opinions! I have not ordered anything yet.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

We just got my oldest son a Kindle for his 13th birthday. He loves it. We chose the Kindle b/c that is what DH and I both have and we can share all the books on our account. Library books didn't interest us and Kindle has a much superior battery life.

HTH.

 

[Minnie]

I have a Kindle and love it... but they are fragile and I'm not sure I'd go the route of a Kindle or Nook for a child.

At age 12 is he still interested in toys or sports? I ask because as they get older my (DS is 17) it gets tough to buy gifts