??s about kindle/nook...

[indimom]

Was looking at one of these as a possible Christmas gift.

First Question: Is one "better" than the other?? We are PC people if that makes a difference.

Second (BIG) Question: How does downloading the books compare to buying pricewise??? The same? More? Less? And do you keep the books for life? Can you download any books through the library? Just trying to figure out how this compares to our current rate of book buying. We all like to read, but we don't buy "new" books very often and use the library quite a bit. I would hate to buy one of these and then feel like it's too expensive to use...


Third Question: We have wifi, how quick/easy are the downloads??

Just not sure about it, but I know DH would love it (what guy doesn't love gadgets) and the kids and I would probably use it some also.

Thoughts??

 

[Darcy03231]

Was looking at one of these as a possible Christmas gift.

First Question: Is one "better" than the other?? We are PC people if that makes a difference.

Second (BIG) Question: How does downloading the books compare to buying pricewise??? The same? More? Less? And do you keep the books for life? Can you download any books through the library? Just trying to figure out how this compares to our current rate of book buying. We all like to read, but we don't buy "new" books very often and use the library quite a bit. I would hate to buy one of these and then feel like it's too expensive to use...


Third Question: We have wifi, how quick/easy are the downloads??

Just not sure about it, but I know DH would love it (what guy doesn't love gadgets) and the kids and I would probably use it some also.

Thoughts??

1. I did a lot of research before buying an ereader. I don't think any one was "better" than the other. For me it was getting one the suited my needs. As I borrow a lot of books from the library that let the Kindle out of the running for me as they are not compatible with my library.

2. If you want an ereader that's library compatible, look at either the Nook or the Sony. I have a Sony and love it!

3. Sorry, can't help you with this one as mine doesn't have WiFi. It loads like an Ipod. You download the books to the computer and then transfer them to the reader.

 

[bumbershoot]

Kindle doesn't have a deal with the library ebook reader companies.

However, Kindle has the e-ink, which is different from the backlit sort of screens that the other readers do, and to my eyes it feels better. Feels like reading a mass market paperback, which doesn't strain my eyes like a backlit screen.

But since library books are a big reason why you want to buy it, that doesn't matter.

 

[anna_chronistic]

I have a Kindle 1 (the original -- "old school" ) and my sister has the nook. Both of us are extremely happy with our e-readers. Both have e-ink screens, but the nook has a small, color touchscreen at the bottom, and the Kindle has a small keyboard. Both can allow instant downloads (depending on the version -- you can get the versions that only work in wifi spots, or the ones with 3g access anywhere. We both have the access-anywhere versions).

Both are excellent e-readers. The only problems (if you can call them that) my sister and I have encountered --
I miss having color images of my books. I sometimes wish I could borrow e-books from libraries. However, since I am a book re-reader, I prefer to keep the books I read. Plus, I hate having to "sideload" books, and I believe that's how the whole book-borrowing thing works for the Sony and nook. I haven't sideloaded since the very first week I received my Kindle. Every book since has been downloaded with the one-click -- either on the Kindle itself, or when I'm on Amazon (and then it'll show up next time to go to my Kindle). I don't even know where my computer connector-thingy is.

For my sis, the cons would be that sometimes the touchscreen won't recognize her as human (she has this problem with her phone, too -- poor circulation and cold hands!), and so far the nook doesn't appear to have its own version of kindleboards where people can easily click on the free books while on their computer and have them go instantly to their nook. Also, no folders, so you just have to scroll until you find the book you want to read. However, pretty color images of books!

Honestly, I think it's pretty much a wash. I doubt you would regret either purchase. I'm just glad Kindle finally has some legitimate competition in the e-book reader market -- it means improvement (and obviously, lower-priced e-readers) for everyone!

 

[anna_chronistic]

I forgot to answer the book price question! I don't know how the nook compares, but I've been thrilled with the prices I've paid for my Kindle books. Of the last 72 books I've downloaded (I started an Excel chart a while ago ), I've only paid for 16, and the most expensive was $5.76. I've never paid the much-touted $9.99 for new hardbacks, because I'm always willing to wait until it comes down a bit more, or I request the physical books from the library.

The bulk of books I get are the ones offered free for a limited time -- that type of offer has introduced me to all sorts of authors I wouldn't have otherwise tried, and several of them became authors whose other books I then purchased or borrowed from the library. I also have been known to bring my Kindle with me to a bookstore, browse to find ones I like, then I'll check on my Kindle to see if they're available and if the prices are better. If I can get the physical book (with a coupon or without) at about the same price as the Kindle version -- or if the book I want isn't available on the Kindle (which happens less and less frequently) I'll get the physical version. If the Kindle version is significantly cheaper, I'm going with that one.

 

[chrissyb2411]

Kindle doesn't have a deal with the library ebook reader companies.

However, Kindle has the e-ink, which is different from the backlit sort of screens that the other readers do, and to my eyes it feels better. Feels like reading a mass market paperback, which doesn't strain my eyes like a backlit screen.

But since library books are a big reason why you want to buy it, that doesn't matter.

Nook is e ink as well. I have a nook and love it. I havn't borrowed books yet, but wifii downloads are instant. Ebook prices are not cheaper, unfortunatly. You do keep the books for life. With the nook you have a B&N online account that keeps all your titiles. If you go with the nook you are also able to lend your ebooks one time for a 2 week oeriod. Our local library has a link to all the ebooks in the state, so I have lots of options. If you dont plan on buying books definatly check the availability of ebooks through your local library.

 

[beansmom]

i downloaded the kindle application for pc-s to my netbook. I like being able to download and carry it with me...and I didn't spend money on a reader. There are lots of free books and prices seem to be no more than 'paper' books.

 

[Mouseless2Long]

I chose the Nook solely because I could borrow library books for it. I've done it several times now, and it's very easy. I think they all are pretty much the same, but the ability to borrow library books is what sold me.

 

[luvmy3]

Kindle doesn't have a deal with the library ebook reader companies.

However, Kindle has the e-ink, which is different from the backlit sort of screens that the other readers do, and to my eyes it feels better. Feels like reading a mass market paperback, which doesn't strain my eyes like a backlit screen.

But since library books are a big reason why you want to buy it, that doesn't matter.

Sony uses e-ink also, and you can download library books.

 

[CoolDisneyCat]

I have a nook and I love it!

I borrowed my first books from my local library last night. I was a bit disappointed in the selection. Hopefully, it will improve in the future. If your area library doesn't do ebooks you can join other libraries for a fee. It's $15 to get a card at the Philadelphia library and I've heard they have a good collection.

Another reason I like my Nook is that you can share your books with other Nook owners.

I have the Nook app on my Droid phone and my laptop. I can read my books anywhere!

 

[HeatherC]

I have both the kindle and nook app on my IPad and think they are both great.

Just wanted to say that you can "share" books on kindle too...at least if you are on the same account. You can have five devices on one account. For us this is great. We can read books on my IPad, two ITouches and our laptop. Great for a family. There is also no 14day time limit on the books that way like with Nook.

I don't think you can go wrong with either.

 

[NHdisneylover]

Was looking at one of these as a possible Christmas gift.

First Question: Is one "better" than the other?? We are PC people if that makes a difference.
No. It just varies from person to person what you like. DD13 and I have Kindles and adore them. I wll say Amazon's customer service is AMAZING. DD tripped while walking over a small bridge on vacation last month and her purse (with kindle) landed in the brook. We did our best to take car of it, dried it, put it in rice, did not touch it for over a week, etc all to no avail. We called then once we were home and asked if htey had any other ideas. They said they would put a replacement in the mail that day and to jsut send back to old one--no charge (it is only 9 months old). Yes, that won the a customer for life
Second (BIG) Question: How does downloading the books compare to buying pricewise??? The same? More? Less? And do you keep the books for life?
The cost varies but overall we find most books to be slightly cheaper (by a couple of dollars) than new. Older books (out of copyright) can be had for free or you can buy collections dirt cheap (everything Dickens wrote for $3.50, same price for the complete works of Shakespeare, Wizard of Oz books, etc.). We have also found a number of newer things available for free---likely as a way to get the author better known. Also, you can register up to four kindles on one base account--which means that we buy one "copy" of the book but both DD and I can put it on our Kindles and read it at the same time (and so could DH and DS if they had Kindles). Yes, you have the books forever. If your Kindle fills up (haven't managed to do that yet with mine) then you can remove them from the Kindle but they remain in your account and you can put them back later.Can you download any books through the library?
Generally speaking not for Kindle but yes for othersJust trying to figure out how this compares to our current rate of book buying. We all like to read, but we don't buy "new" books very often and use the library quite a bit. I would hate to buy one of these and then feel like it's too expensive to use...


Third Question: We have wifi, how quick/easy are the downloads??Very easy but no wi-fi is needed for Kindle. It uses a wireless phone network--so you can download anywhere there is cell service (like on vacation! or waiting in the car for your kids to get out of band practice). It generally takes about 1 minute to download a novel or 3-4 for a big collection.

Just not sure about it, but I know DH would love it (what guy doesn't love gadgets) and the kids and I would probably use it some also.

Thoughts??

.

 

[Suz725]

I LOVE LOVE my nook...the Lendme feature and the library option are what sold me. I looked at a Sony in person and decided I didn't really like it that much.

 

[indimom]

Wow, thanks for the tips everyone.
I guess my next step is to head to the local library and see if they have this capability. We're a small town, so I'm doubtful, but will check into it!
Thanks again. I may have to ask a few more questions once I found out what the library has to say!

 

[Nancyg56]

I have a Nook and love it. It is easy to read, no glare.

I liked the Nook becasue you can lend books and do not need to be on the same account. Barnes and Noble also has a lot of Free or deeply discounted books, which is a plus for me. The price of books, in general is less expensive than a printed book but not all are "bargain" priced. If you would have bought it anyway than you will save money.

I like the 3-G access and never use the wi-fi unless I am in B&N. Mine has web access but again, I do not use that.

 

[pixiewings71]

With all the Nook users here we should start a share group with the Lend Me feature. LOL

OP I have a Nook and I love it!!!!!!!!!! I have purchased a few books, most are under $5. When we went camping I finished a book I was reading so I just picked another one and it was in my library in less then a minute. It's simple, it's easy and it's convenient. I have an acct with B&N online, I have a cc on file so when I buy a book from the Nook it's immediately available. I've also ordered books from the B&N site and it's been in my Nook library immediately as well.

 

[cseca]

I'm not sure if this has been explained in previous post or not but to borrow library books you have to have a PC and download ADE.
I guess what I'm trying to say is you can't borrow directly from your Nook device (in case that's what you were thinking).

I have a Nook and I absolutely love it.
We traveled overseas and I had about 12 library books on it (along with over 20 of B&N books). I never worried about running out of anything to read.
I think I spent $1.99 in books on my Nook. And that's because I accidentally clicked purchase on a book that I thought was free... (yeah, duh!). Luckily it was only $1.99

Other than that all the books in my Nook have been free. I think I read over 35 books in the past 3months.

Absolutely awesome.

Oh and check out FLoP (Free Library of Philly) collections. See if they're any better than your local elibrary. Their out of state card costs $15/yr. Not bad at all.
And if your local elibrary collection sucks, shop around to see if you have any other libraries around you with a different elibrary collections. You never know.

I have 3 library cards, 1 local (free with crappy collection), 1 sorta local (free because the libraries are "friends" with great collection), and 1 FLoP ($15, a good collection).

Good luck!

 

[solgent]

If you are buying for yourself I really suggest trying them out. I love the appearance of the nook and I thought it was the one for me but I tried it at my local B&N a few times and didn't feel that it worked well. (It may have improved since then.) I tried my stepsister's Kindle and didn't like the size/feel. (They have smaller models now.)

I bought a Sony Pocket and I'm really, really happy with it. The small size is great. I did not want wireless because I thought I'd make impulse purchases. If I want to buy something I have to buy it on the computer and transfer it over like music files for an iPod.

I have loaded lots of free (out of copyright) books from Project Gutenberg website. I have bought a few.

Thanks for the tip on the FLoP card. I'll definitely look into that.

 

[fallcolors]

I am trying to decide between the Kindle and Nook as well. Folks are also suggesting the IPAD.

 

[cseca]

I am trying to decide between the Kindle and Nook as well. Folks are also suggesting the IPAD.

iPad is a different animal altogether. Yes it has more capability but it's not specifically built for long term reading. People have said that the backlit screen makes your eyes tired faster. Plus it's bigger and heavier.

Don't get me wrong, my dad has one and it's darn neat! Definitely tempted to save for one to have for travels. But I wouldn't buy it specifically just for reading.
If you want it for mostly pictures/reading/apps/email and then on your spare time maybe reading, then it would be a good match for you. Again, this is just MO of course...

Good luck deciding!