Nook - Should we return for Kindles?

[WDWorld2003]

Purchased 2 Nook wi-fi (not 3G) for two college daughters for Christmas. After playing around with them we are considering returning and getting the Kindle 3G.

Nook pluses for us - Library books can be downloaded, battery can be replaced, help available at the store.
Nook minuses - Seems a little difficult to navigate after playing with the Kindle at the store. Cannot use 3G outside of US and one daughter will be studying abroad.

Possible Kindle 3G pluses - Available to use outside of US. Longer battery life. Seems easier to navigate and faster.
Minuses - No library lending, have to send in to get new battery.

Would love to hear opinions on either of these readers. Thanks!

 

[Agri]

If only one daughter is studying abroad, why not get her a Kindle?

I have a Kindle, which I chose over the Nook mostly because I have good experiences with amazon.com over the years and I loved their selection. But - being able to borrow library books is really nice (which I can't do). There is a bit of a learning curve for all technology and I'm sure that if you held onto at least one of the Nooks, you'd be amazed at how easy it is to use a couple of weeks from now. I'm a notorious non-manual-reader, and I got a Droid almost two weeks ago now I'm using it like a pro compared to the stumbling I was doing the first few days!

Of course, if I was studying abroad, I probably would leave my Kindle at home so nothing happened to it!

 

[Anna114]

I know they are much more expensive but we purchased an IPAD for our son, the wi-fi version. He used it this last semester and he is thrilled. He purchased text books online. He said the savings for purchasing text books was so worth it. Just a thought.

 

[MistressMerryweather]

I know many many students complain because the Kindle does not give page numbers so they become useless when needed to write paper, etc. If that is not something to consider, I would get Kindles. My dh loves his.

 

[WDWorld2003]

We thought about the Ipad but the readers seem to be better as a dedicated reader and supposedly cause less eye strain. Wondering if anyone has actually used the 3G overseas?

 

[golfgal]

Is your DD bringing a laptop overseas and if so, she doesn't really need the 3G-she can download with her laptop. I think it is easier shopping for books on the computer anyway. Also, is their college bookstore run by Barnes and Nobel? If so, I would stick with the Nook (or if they have a BN near campus).

 

[WDWorld2003]

She will have her laptop with but may not have service at the home she is staying in - possible only while on campus there. That is why we thought the 3G may come in handy - but it may not even work but Amazon does show coverage in that area.

Her bookstore is not run by Barnes & Noble.