with a little help from my friends

Posted 15 February, 2011 by Danny in / 57 Comments

My dear bookworms.
I need your help.
Here’s the sitch:
Since the dawning of the eReader
I have been team kickin’ it old skool.
As in: 
Not at all interested.
I like the smell of a new book.
I like to hear the crinkle of the pages as they turn.
I love the cover art.
 I love the feel of the worn pages after a few readings.
I like taking a bath with a book.
Annnnnnd….
I could go on, but let’s move along.
A few things came to my attention of late
which have made me reluctantly rethink my disinterest in said technology.
1. The mister, who argues that it would be an easier way to store books,
plus I could get them for a better price.
2. My book shelves, which are jam packed with books. (see above point)
3. A certain Bookworm (*coughHeathercough*) and her awesomness.
4. The fact that we get a TON of eBooks and I can’t read a darn one.
5. Errrr…

So, I went out this morning and looked around.
I wandered Best Buy and Barnes & Noble plus checked out the webernet,
and, truth be told, I’m soooo flippin’ lost.
From prices to features.
Brand names to storage space.
Covers and all the other little add ons.
I’m completely confuzzoled and whelmed.

That’s where you all come in.
What should I buy and why?
Here my five choices
and my very limited understand of each reader. 

1. The Kindle

Price Range: $139 – $189
Here’s what I understand:
It’s got the Wi-Fi’s.
Stores 3500 books verses the Nook’s 1500
(granted with the Nook you can “slip in a memory card.”)
G4 gave it a 5 out of 5.
Draw backs: I’m a Barnes & Nobles kind of gal.
I’m not thrilled that it’s got a keyboard instead of being a touch screen.
I have a membership to B&N.
Haven’t seen one in person.

2. The Original Nook

Price Range: $149 – $199
Here’s what I understand:
Touch Screen, which I likey.
Has the Lend Me option.
The Wi-Fi’s.
Access to book previews when I go to a B&N.

Draw Backs:
It’s definitely heavier than I thought it would be.
Price could be considered a draw back,
but truly, ten dollars isn’t gonna be a deal breaker for me.

3. Nook Color
Price: $249
Here’s what I understand:
It’s got 8GBs of storage space plus a memory card slot.
It’s full color.
Touch Screen.
Lend Me access.
Access to hundreds of free books
(which I’m sure is available on the original and the kindle).
Stores music.
Has games, mag subscriptions, and more.
Draw backs:
It lags.
The price is pretty pricey for an eReader.
The picture quality is nice when reading children’s books
however, they are hard to read.
Prices starting at $499.
Here’s how I see it:
It’s a freaking iPad.
Need I say more?
Draw backs:
While the iPad does have other uses,
buying it strictly as an eReader makes it incredibility pricey.
My kids (and mister) would fight me for it.
Out of the four (Kindle, Nook, Nookcolor, and iPad)
the iPad seems like it would be the least uncomfortable to read with.
5. Books
Price: Millions each year.
No joke.
How I see it:
While eReaders are defineately awesome,
can they truly replace the experience of picking up a book?
This is an earnest question. Can they?
Draw Back:
Storage space.
Death to the trees.
Dust.
Cost over time.
In the end:
It’s all too much for my head.
And thusly, I turn to you.
What do you think fellow readers?
Should I take the plunge and bow down to the beast that is techonolgy?
Or should I say, Hell No! cutie don’t play that game.
I put together a wee survey.
And if you would please leave a comment telling me
your opinion on all this eReader madness
it would be greatly appreciated.
What do you use and why?
Why do you think yours is better than the others?
Or are you uninterested in eReaders too?

Tis what I know and what I’ve got.
I thank you in advance for all your help!
Now…
Ready. Steady. Vote!

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57 Responses to “with a little help from my friends”

  1. I went through the same dilemma but when I was buying an ereader, all the fancy choices (nook color and ipad) weren't available. Honestly, you're an avid reader. So nook color and ipad should be completely out of the question. The screens are like a computer, and if you're like me, it hurts to read for a long period of time. And it's not good for your eyes. Nook color also has really bad battery life and it is HEAVY. (my aunt has one and there is such a huge difference in weight in my nook and the nook color).

    Now Nook Original vs Kindle. They are pretty much neck and neck to be quite honest. But it sounds like you're going towards the nook. As a side note, B&N membership does not give you any perks towards your nook… as of now at least. But don't let that discourage you. I like nook because it also supports epub format which the kindle does not. There's basically a lot more file format options for the nook which I like. The screens are pretty much the same, but to me, I think the contrast of the e-ink on the kindle is a lot brighter. Or maybe that's just me. Either way, it really doesn't make that much of a difference. E-ink is a blessing. I love it. It really does read like a real book!

    If you're a B&N girl, I say just go for the nook. I hope my comment has helped you! 😀

    Can you tell I have a nook? Haha….
    My recent post Book Review- Matched by Ally Condie

    Reply »

  2. I had the same trouble a few months ago when I made the choice, too. My ultimate decision??? A certified pre-owned original nook that I got for $99 from buy.com. Why I chose it: $$ obviously, I couldn't afford anything like the nook color or the ipad. I was limited to choosing either the nook or the kindle, and I didn't want the kindle ONLY because I didn't want to be limited to only amazon books. Hope that helps! Oh… and even though I have an ereader, I still love my books 🙂

    Reply »

  3. I got a Kindle for Christmas, my MIL got a Nook. We both like our respective choices but Kindle can't "borrow" library books (something I could care less about) and she has a hard time with the touch screen because it's heat sensitive instead of touch sensitive and the "keyboard" is tiny. Thinking stealing one of the grandkids' Nintendo DS pens to help didn't work because it's heat sensitive so… *shrug* There are pros and cons for all and I think different ereaders work for different readers mostly based on their needs.

    I do have to note that I like that I can have up to five Kindles on my one account so that my husband and kids (when/if we all have one) can all share the same books without having to purchase them multiple times. I don't know if that option is available for any of the other ereaders. Oh! And there is Kindle Lending like Nook's Lend Me option and you can DL a sample of a book you're interested in straight from Amazon as well.

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  4. I used to be of the mind I'd never want an ereader but the compact library and availability of eformat only books really made me want one. I'm now finding it helps me read faster because I can adjust the type to a size that I can read better (I'm dyslexic). Plus having the little ticker at the bottom telling me I'm 78% through is kind of exciting. lol

    Just my thoughts, hope they help! 🙂

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  5. LunaMoth

    i adore my kindle. (i have the newest model) i had used a nook in store and i find it heavy and the touch screen slow. i couldnt even figure out how to open a book! Now my kindle, i love it to death. youll not find a better customer service then amazon should anything go wrong. you can try the kindle for 30 days if you buy it off amazon and if you dont like it, return it for a full refund no questions asked. Kindle is light, the keyboard you totaly get used to and it is nice if you shop on the kindle store for books. I am biased i know and you ma take what i say with a grain of salt. listen to others as well, there is an ereader out there for you. i till get paperbacks that i cant find on my kindle, you dont have to totally give them up.

    Reply »

  6. Kat

    I have a Kindle and I do love it. Like Cialina said, the one major drawback is that anything you download to it, has to be in Kindle format……… which Amazon will convert for you (for a small fee…it's not much at all). Now, the lending capabilities… the new Kindle has that…The only thing I can't get on my Kindle is books from the library…………with the Nook you can.

    I also agree with the e-ink…….. its wonderful. I couldn't imagine sitting here reading a book on a computer screen, a Nook color, or an I-pad……. my eyes would never be able to handle it…even with my glasses.

    If you have a Best Buy near you, go there and check out the Kindles. They also have other e-readers that you can look at as well. The stores here started carrying the Kindles right before Christmas.

    I still buy real books…….. depends on who it is and how bad I want it. I have even been known to buy it and read it on my Kindle, love the book so much that I had to have it in hard copy. Not many, but some.

    Which ever one you decide on (Kindle or Nook)…. you can't go wrong.

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  7. Galla

    Cialina's comments are spot-on! For a volume reader, the e-ink is a huge deal. For multi-hour reading sessions, I actually find it easier on my eyes than real books these days. I love my Kindle 3, but everyone I know who has a Nook original loves theirs, too. I remember seeing a review that showed slower page-turn times for the Nook, but after you read on an e-reader for a while, you develop the unconscious habit of pushing the page turn button slightly before you actually finish the page, so I'm sure your brain would just adjust for it.

    So, I think the best choices are Kindle 3 or Nook Original, and if you have an attachment to Barnes & Noble, it makes sense to go with the Nook.

    Reply »

  8. FreakChiq

    From my POV I would recommend the Amazon Kindle. I got mine a couple of days ago and I'm thrilled! But because you said you like to buy books at B&N I voted for the original Nook.

    Just keep away from the iPad. The iPad is many things but NOT an eReader. It's heavy as a rock, plus, you won't see anything on the screen when you're out in the sun. And the same goes for the Nook Color.

    Reply »

  9. This is a great post and I have the same feelings you do. I love my books and haven't really felt the need for an e-reader, although I think they are a great addition and have their uses. I would have loved to have one in school. I don't see myself purchasing one any time soon but I have entered a few contests to try to win one. My sister-in-law has the original Nook and loves it. She borrows many e-books from her library.

    I'm sure whichever one you choose will be lots of fun. And "real" books will always be in style. (I hope!) Enjoy, and let us know what you decide. 🙂
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  10. cutie

    You're comment is oh.so.very helpful!
    Firstly, I wear bifocals which makes reading on a computer screen extremely difficult (at least for me). Not to mention, uncomfortable.
    Secondly, it's nice to know that the Nook supports different types of formats. That's important as well.
    And lastly, I'm surrounded by Kindle/Amazon die-hards *coughDannycough* so it's nice to get some unbiased feedback.
    (Note to Danny: Can you hear my giggles all the way across the ocean?)
    Cialina, you have given me a ton of great advice and lots to think about! THANK YOU!

    PS Your blog is super cute! I love the review of Matched! I need to read its! It's just sitting on my bookshelf.

    Reply »

  11. cutie

    Price is definitely an issue for me. Truth be told, the iPad is out of my range by a looooot. I mainly wanted to know everyone thoughts, plus my kids are trying to talk me into buying one, not to mention the mister. Plus, the idea of a pre-owned one is great advice for those with limited budgets who would like an eReader! Thank you so much for the advice!

    Reply »

  12. cutie

    So the Kindle can't "borrow" from your local library? But the Nook can? See this is something I didn't think about too much. But I do rent a lot and know my library rents eBooks.

    On the cons of the Nook, I did notice that it lagged and my husband didn't like how temperamental the touch screen was. He would tap it and nothing would happen. I think it had to do with the callouses on his fingers, I could just be making that up. My daughter and I had no problem getting a page to turn, where as my mister had to tap the screen a few times before it would respond to his touch.

    It's also cool to hear that the Kindle has a Lending option. Do you know if you can only Lend from Kindle to Kindle and Nook to Nook or can a Nook lend to a Kindle and vice versa?

    Thank you so much for the help!

    Reply »

  13. cutie

    I LOVE the trackers! I am obsessed with the progress thingy on Goodreads. It makes me all giddy. Truth be told, I put markers in my books when I read them. One about a quarter of the way, another half way, and then on three quarters of a way. I usually (literally) pat myself on the back when I reach each marker! I am such a dork!

    I also like the adjustable type. Even with glasses, small print kills me.

    Your comment was super helpful and insightful! Thank you!!

    Reply »

  14. cutie

    The Nook is definitely heavy. I was surprised at the weight of it. It's also bulky, which after seeing the new iTouch and iPads I just assumed the Nook would follow suit and be slimmer.

    I have not seen a Kindle in person, but I have noticed they are slimmer (at least visually in the pictures). And it is good to know that if I wanted to I could try one out for 30 days risk free. That's a great thing to know.

    My only problem is that I don't want to be stuck only buying books from Amazon. I also go to B&N often to look around. Knowing they give you little perks for that is fun times. But is it worth it in the long run is the question. Do all those silly little perks add up in the end when compared to the kindle. Man I am rambling now!

    THANKS SO MUCH for your thoughts! =)

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  15. cutie

    I went to a Best Buy this morning, but they only had a Nook. I think I'm going to have to check out a few other Best Buy's in my hood. I'd love to compare the two. Basically, for me, it would come down to if the Kindle was that much nicer to read. When I add up all the abilities of the Nook vs Kindle I am swayed toward the Nook, but maybe the Kindle's size and screen will wow me. Ya know?

    I think children books look awesome on the iPad, much better than they did on the NookColor. But reading a book for a long time on the iPad seems extremely uncomfortable.

    Reply »

  16. cutie

    You make a great point about getting use to the page turning lag. I am a fast reader and I've been wondering if having to wait for the page lag would drive me insane. I can barely stand the fact that I have to turn the page, let along having to wait on a computer for a few more seconds! Bwahahaha

    I really do think the Nook is appealing to me more and more after reading everyone comments only because I can "borrow" from the library and use other file types on the Nook. But the size and possibly speed of the Kindle might be better. I must get my hands on one of them to see for myself!

    Thanks for the help! I truly appreciate it!

    Reply »

  17. Personally, I vote for the Kindle. Granted, there's always a risk of yet another AmazonFail incident, which does suck, but I've really come to like my Kindle since getting it. It's got a wide variety of books, supports .pdf format (though the magnification on the thing sucks when you're using .pdfs with normal size font), and the later models come with MP3 capability too.

    As for touchscreen stuff, for me that's unimportant, so it never really factored in to what I wanted in an e-reader. I was more interested in whether it would display the books I had, which it does. It's also nice and light, pretty comfortable to hold, and doesn't have any screen glare to worry about. Good battery life, too. It does suck that it doesn't have a memory card slot, though… But on the other hand, considering how much it'll hold, that's not going to become an issue for a long time yet!
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  18. cutie

    If there is one thing I am taking away from this discussion it is that the general concession so far is that the iPad is NOT at all an eReader. I would really like to hear from someone who enjoys reading on it. This morning when I was looking at one the first thing I thought was there was no way I'd want to hold that for hours on end whilst reading! It's liking holding a hardcover book, but worse. And I try to stay away from hardcover.

    And I've heard that about reading outdoors in the sun. I thought the NookColor's claim to fame was that it could be read outside. But I just don't see how that can be 100%.

    Thanks for you thoughts!

    Reply »

  19. I have a Kindle which I got a couple of years ago and a NookColor which I got for Christmas. I love the Kindle, it is very light and easy to use. I have plenty of free books on it as well as books I wanted to buy. I Love my Nook Color a little more. It is heavier, the the pages do seem to drag at times however…I can borrow almost any book want to read d from our library on the Nook and it is just great. Because of the library thing, I would choose the Nook now.

    Reply »

  20. cutie

    You make a great point about wishing you'd had one in school. I keep thinking about my own children and how much use they could potentially get out of it. My oldest girls are constantly reading and my two youngest love to look at picture books.

    Plus, the idea of renting books from the library but not having to worry about actually going to the library twice a week (seriously I am there far too often) sounds heavenly!

    I will totally keep you posted on what I decide to do. Either way, I know it will not stop me from buying the "real" deals. In fact, during the writing of this post I totally ordered a few new books! LOL

    Thanks so much for your thoughts!

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  21. cutie

    Firstly: Super cute blog! I lubs the tea cup rating system!
    Secondly: The fact that the Kindle can play MP3's is sweet. I do like me some music. That's why I thought the NookColor looked cool as well.
    Thirdly: What is this AmazonFail incident? I am intrigued!!
    And lastly: I like the idea of an eReader that would be easy for my youngest to use. A Touch Screen option would be helpful in that aspect. Plus, I must admit, I'm a sucker for the touch screen. I'm easily amused.

    Reply »

  22. cutie

    Thank you so much Sharon! Hearing from someone who has both is great. =)
    I have to admit I love that I could borrow books from the library on the Nook. The fact that the Kindle doesn't have the option could play a big role in what I decide. And I'm glad to hear that you enjoy your Nook Color. I need to compare a regular Nook to a Nook Color. I haven't played with them both at the same time. And I'm really interested in playing with a kindle now!

    Thank you so much for the help!

    Reply »

  23. Heather

    I vote for the Kindle or the original Nook. With Kindle lending, the publisher has to enable it and the book can be leant only once. You can't read it while it is lent out. My only complaint is that the Kindle doesn't light up so I can't read in bed in the dark.

    My sister bought a Nook color the other day and I could transfer over quite a few of the books that I have in pdf format. It is noticably heavier than the kindle 3 but you can surf the web through a wireless connection. If your goal is to read books only, I'd definitely stay away from the Nook color. There is no way I would be able to concentrate on a book with the internet just a few clicks away.

    continued since I'm very wordy today…

    Reply »

  24. Heather

    There's always the free software calibre that you can use to convert your ebook files from format to format. I've also used the software to make my own ebook files of my fiction.

    But if you want to borrow ebooks from the library, you can only do that with the Nook currently. I still buy regular old books for anything I preorder since the price is the same or lower than the ebook. When I preordered a kindle copy of Across the Universe, I paid almost two dollars more for the ebook than the paper copy. I find that pretty unbelievable since all I own is some data on a disk, not paper and ink.

    Whether you pick the Kindle or the Nook, you will be able to read all of the lovely ebooks that authors are approaching us for reviews. I've have read some pretty incredible books from authors I never would have known about if it weren't for having my Kindle and this blog.

    Bottom line: you'll get your special custom made anniversary present no matter what you choose 🙂

    Heather

    Reply »

  25. Danielle Nguyen

    I have a Kindle 3 and I LOVE it. I've always been an Amazon fan though. As people mentioned above, you have to keep in mind that the Nook Color and iPad are backlit. I played with the original Nook before I bought my K3 and the lag drove me crazy. I think the Kindle is the best option for serious readers, but that's just my humble opinion 🙂

    Good luck!

    Reply »

  26. cutie

    I adore you. Plan and simple.

    1. I would like to be able to read in the dark.
    2. I agree, I think the NookColor would distract me, but I also like that it's more than just a reader. It's seems versatile, which appeals to me. I never like buy a something that can only be used one way. (Does that even make sense?) However, there really is only one use for a book, unless of course you have a table that's all wonky or need to pin something down or…. I digress.

    Also, I'm excited about the library thing.

    Thirdly (my numbering got all wonky here!), truly I'm just doing this so I can use it with my special anniversary gift. Reading all the ebooks we get would merely be an awesome bonus. 😉

    P.S. You paid more for a freaking eBook than a hard copy? WTF?
    The end. hehe

    Reply »

  27. cutie

    The lag could become a serious issue. I really just need to find the Kindle, Nook, and NookColor all in the same room.

    The fact that the NookColor and the iPad are backlit make children books look great, but I can see why that would be harsh on the eyes.

    And I seriously lubs your humble opinion. 😉

    Thank you so much for your thoughts!

    Reply »

  28. cutie

    I agree. I'm not crazy about only being able to buy books from Amazon. Plus I *heart* the library!

    So I just spent some time researching the Kobo. I have to admit, I'm not a fan of Borders and, being that they were backing the Kobo, I didn't give it much thought.

    I'm a little confused on what exactly they are offering. I saw there are two versions(?), one is wireless and roughly a hundred to a hundred and fifty dollars more than the non-WiFi version. It also seems to have less storage space than either the Kindle or the Nook (but does have a memory card slot) and lags like the Nook (two reviewers said more than the Nook, in fact), however, is extremely user friendly due to it's minimalist functions (this being a huge selling point as it takes away all the distractions of games, mp3, etc.).

    I also read a little bit about Sony. The wireless one is $300 with the non-wireless one being about $180. I do like Sony, but I'm not sure I want to fork out 300 bucks for a eReader.

    And I just used up all my brain power for the week.

    Soooo in conclusion, if you are still with me or even reading this comment, what is it that attracted you to the Kobo? Price? Function? The preloaded classic books?

    Thank you so much for your help!

    Reply »

  29. Ok, so I'm going to preface this by saying that I adore my Kindle.

    BUT………

    For a B&N kind of girl who adores her library? I voted for the Original Nook for you. Here's why:

    1) You already prefer B&N to Amazon.
    2) You can't borrow library books on your Kindle like you can on a Nook.
    3) You're going to want the e-ink more than the back light. If you want to read in the dark, I think you'd be better off getting a night light than an iPad or Nook Color. The e-ink is so easy on your eyes, it's crazy!

    Those are my thoughts for what they're worth, love!
    My recent post with a little help from my friends

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  30. nikkibrandyberry

    Heres how I see it. I own both. I love both. I use my Kindle for Galleys, free reads, authors I am new to and Indie authors that don't have print books. I still be massive amounts of regular bks b/k I love the smell and texture and pretty covers.

    I have the last version Kindle. I honestly never thought I would love it like I do. I *heart* it hardcore. Having it has opened me up to a world of authors I never knew existed.

    My recent post Nightshade by Andrea Cremer

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  31. AHfromGoodreads

    My husband and I both have Kobos. Best Buy is selling refurbs for $70 here (no wifi). Mine was a little buggy because I bought it as soon as it came out, but they've fixed most of their bugs. It is a simple reader and only reads, no highlights, no notes, no dictionary, but I don't care. It uses epub format and pdf, but pdf is a navigation nightmare. It is lightweight and has a long battery life. I can borrow books from my local library with it.

    Regarding a comment above about Calibre – you can not convert files that are DRM protected on Calibre unless you strip the DRM which is not legal. I do love Calibre because you can manage your ebooks with it. I also convert all PDFs to epub using Calibre.

    I did read somewhere that people are taking the color nook and changing the software to make a smaller tablet PC. Apparently it then works with android apps. Not sure how well it works and if you do this you would invalidate your warrant, but it was interesting that people were doing this.

    Reply »

  32. cutie

    Your thoughts are worth millions.
    You know me well so very well!
    Thanks for supporting this idea and "showing" me how to do the survey!
    *hugs*

    Reply »

  33. cutie

    hehe I felt the same. In fact, it was finding out about the Nook Color (which was literally yesterday afternoon) was the reason I even began to question my anti-eReader ways.

    I like adventures. They are good for the soul. =)

    Reply »

  34. Vicky N.

    KINDLE, KINDLE, KINDLE!
    I got a kindle as a gift & absolutely love it!
    Is not distracting, so you stay focus on your reading & it looks like a book. I many times tried to change the page before reminding myself it was just the screen.
    Yes, I swear that did happen. *smiles sheepishly*
    It has a dictionary so you don't have to go browsing for words.
    And like @ahfromgoodreads said you end up reading great new authors like amanda hocking!

    Reply »

  35. cutie

    Holy crap face! (Which is a totally gross statement that I'm gonna stop using.)

    Okay. *processes awesome smartness of AH*

    Firstly, thank you for the info on the Kobos. I do like the price I'm not sure how I feel about the lack of The WiFi's. Am I being silly?

    b. I'm gonna have to ask the mister to explain what you just said about Calibre.

    Lastly, I think it's awesome they are making the apps. I think they are going for an iPad/iPhone feel to the Nook. I'm pretty sure it doesn't invalidate the warranty, in fact, I think it's one of their selling points. I could be wrong. The mister was looking into how you go about selling them through Android. (fyi: I have no clue if I said any of that correctly. There is "tech speak" in my house, but I am the listener not the talker/understander.)

    4. I *heart* AH sofa king much! Thanks for the awesome help.

    Reply »

  36. Let us know what you end up deciding! I don't currently have the funds for even the most inexpensive of those options (I'm a library kind of gal, if I'm honest), I'm beginning to see the upsides, as it were, and I'm just as lost! I would love it if you could just post an overview of the reactions you got to this post!

    Reply »

  37. Elizabeth Morgan

    As much as everyone says that a e reader is so good. I will always return to a book that i can feel in my hand because like you said i like the smell and what the cover art looks like. Bottom line I will always choose a book no matter the cost.
    P.S. It will cost to put new books on an e reader as well and could be just as expensive as a real book.

    Reply »

  38. Noooooo, stay strong! E-readers will be the death of actual bookstores. PLUS….
    – Buying books used or with coupons is cheaper than e-books.
    – You'll actually OWN the book. E-books are vulnerable to internet, hardware, or company crashes and then you lose them. Only a fire or flood can destroy REAL books.
    – Technology is taking over EVERYTHING else. Does is really need to take over books too?
    – If you really feel an e-reader craving, get a smartphone and DL the Kindle app. That way it's at least useful as a phone, and you don't waste $ on an e-reader.

    Use old-school book lovers have to stick together!!!!!!!!

    Reply »

  39. I got the Kobo as a gift. I had told my family that any e-reader that read e-pub so I could borrow from the library would be ok. For e-pub format print books I've had no problems. I love the e-ink, so much better than a backlit screen on the eyes.

    It lags with graphic novels (that I would rather read in colour on paper anyway) and a few ARC PDFs I've received from NetGalley have taken a long time to load and then had sections missing, but I'm unclear if that's a problem because they are ARCs or if the Kobo is malfunctioning, since I've been ok with all the purchased books.

    The lack of memory hasn't been a problem yet, I have about 150 books loaded and it's not nearly full. Plus SD cards aren't very pricy and will allow me to add more like you said.

    Kobo is definitely a lot easier to figure out than Sony, a friend has one and I found it confusing. However I wish I could highlight/take notes and that's something the Sony would allow.

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  40. I think my friend the best choice for you most definitely is the Nook! Although I love my Kindle 3, the Nook seems just perfect for you. Plus it's a pretty thing 🙂

    iPad and Nook Color are not exclusively eReaders and I only read on my iPad in bed when I need the light so that poor hubs can sleep.

    But imagine it's summer and beautiful outside and you want to sit on your porch (or wherever, I'm improvising here), have a cool drink and want to read. No way with iPad or Nook Color, but easy peasy with Kindle and oNook.

    And… I'm glad you finally join the pleasure of eReading… it doesn't mean you won't read any normal books anymore. It just means you have a choice now.
    My recent post with a little help from my friends

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  41. Galla

    I agree, Danny! E-ink is by far one of the biggest reasons to buy and love an e-reader. As someone who's <strikeout>never</strikeout> staring 40 in the face later this year, I can't understate the importance of e-ink enough, lol.

    And hey, I can't be the only one who just despairs at the idea of finding more physical space for books in my house because I can't bear to let them go once I buy them, right? I currently have several 72-inch bookcases double-rowed and an entire closet full of books in boxes because there just isn't space for them.

    My Kindle, on the other hand, is holding a couple of hundred books like a champ, lol! Plus, I'm more likely to try out authors I might have otherwise missed, particularly indie authors who offer their titles at 2.99 or less.

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  42. AHfromGoodreads

    They do make wifi Kobos and sell them at Borders for $99. But they do not have the functionality of Nook or Kindle – You can go page forward, page back. Bigger print, smaller print. That's about it. Wifi is only for book purchases. My deal on that is that I have to charge the sucker once in a while, so that's when I download my books. Again this is a most Basic model and has been a little buggy. If you have tech support hubby, then it is a great option.

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  43. gravesok

    I too was at a loss as to which e-reader to get. I went with the Kindle 3g-wifi and I absolutely love it! Yes, it is black and white, but i don't have children that I read books too on it so didn't need color. I would have liked a back light, but went ahead and bought the case with light built in and it is perfect! A drawback that I am seeing is that the letters on the keys will probably fade over time. Kindle has a solution for that in skins that they have to cover them. Another drawback is the accessories are all pretty pricey. NOTHING will replace an actual book in my hand but an ereader is great for travelling I'm sure!
    My recent post Erratum by Walter Sorrells

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  44. Darkfallen

    Ok so I too am battling this same issue. Call me a book to romantic but I just love everything about holding and reading an actual book. My husband has been trying to pressure me into an Ereader as well and while I haven't caved yet I did concede that if I were to receive one as a gift from him then I would make him this deal : if and only if the book is cheaper to download than I is to purchase from amazon than I will use the Ereader. If not I am buying the paper copy. Storage or not there is nothing he can do about it lolz. I have noticed that some books are cheaper to download but not all, especially if you buy books from amazon. In some cases, however rare, the paper copy can be cheaper.

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  45. Darkfallen

    Ok so I too am battling this same issue. Call me a book to romantic but I just love everything about holding and reading an actual book. My husband has been trying to pressure me into an Ereader as well and while I haven't caved yet I did concede that if I were to receive one as a gift from him then I would make him this deal : if and only if the book is cheaper to download than I is to purchase from amazon than I will use the Ereader. If not I am buying the paper copy. Storage or not there is nothing he can do about it lolz. I have noticed that some books are cheaper to download but not all, especially if you buy books from amazon. In some cases, however rare, the paper copy can be cheaper.

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  46. jackie b central tex

    There is one argument on the IPad you left out to sway your decision… The fact that you have a way to download from Kobo, Sony, Kindle, Nook, all PDF freebies and you do that with the FREE Apps for each reader thus securing all your info on one machine…My problem with the IPad is a couple of authors who have used them say that they cause eye fatigue so personally I want the Kindle DX, bigger screen and heavier to hold and battery life does not last as long but since it's reading screen is closer to the size of a Hardback book than a mickey mouse size Paperback the page flips on it will be less for me…My friends online all have the Nook and love it for the fact of downloading any PDF they choose and it is easier to format them than on a Kindle… In the end it will be up to you what you get….

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  47. jackie b central tex

    There is one argument on the IPad you left out to sway your decision… The fact that you have a way to download from Kobo, Sony, Kindle, Nook, all PDF freebies and you do that with the FREE Apps for each reader thus securing all your info on one machine…
    My problem with the IPad is a couple of authors who have used them say that they cause eye fatigue so personally I want the Kindle DX, bigger screen and heavier to hold and battery life does not last as long but since it's reading screen is closer to the size of a Hardback book than a mickey mouse size Paperback the page flips on it will be less for me…

    My friends online all have the Nook and love it for the fact of downloading any PDF they choose and it is easier to format them than on a Kindle… In the end it will be up to you what you get….

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  48. The Slowest Bookworm

    The ipad is great for short burst but not for reading a full book. It's still backlit and will give your eyes as much strain as reading on a computer screen. I have one. Trust me on this point.I have a Kindle and I love it, but that doesn't mean I'm against the Nook. We just can't get them over here. You CAN lend books on the Kindle if you are in the USA (it's not arrived here in the UK yet though).E-books aren't always the cheapest option. Especially with newly published books. Sometimes the paperback is cheaper, or the ebook is the same price as the hardcover (Bumped is over £8.00 in the uk for the ebook for example).Touch screens – I like it on my ipad but the fingerprints annoy me! I am forever cleaning the darned thing. I have a laptop, an ipad and a Kindle. For reading books my Kindle ALWAYS comes first.I hope this has helped or maybe made you question a little more.

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  49. The Slowest Bookworm

    The ipad is great for short burst but not for reading a full book. It's still backlit and will give your eyes as much strain as reading on a computer screen. I have one. Trust me on this point.
    I have a Kindle and I love it, but that doesn't mean I'm against the Nook. We just can't get them over here. You CAN lend books on the Kindle if you are in the USA (it's not arrived here in the UK yet though).
    E-books aren't always the cheapest option. Especially with newly published books. Sometimes the paperback is cheaper, or the ebook is the same price as the hardcover (Bumped is over £8.00 in the uk for the ebook for example).
    Touch screens – I like it on my ipad but the fingerprints annoy me! I am forever cleaning the darned thing.
    I have a laptop, an ipad and a Kindle. For reading books my Kindle ALWAYS comes first.
    I hope this has helped or maybe made you question a little more.

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  50. WonderBunny

    I love my kindle but I did check out both the ipad and the nook. I love B&N too, but sometimes the books are cheaper on the kindle even with the B&N discount. Also, I didn't like the weight of the nook at all. It has a funny lower weight that bothered me. The ipad is just like looking at a computer screen and you never really notice until you've compared reading computer screens and then moving to e-ink which is much, much nice.

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  51. WonderBunny

    I love my kindle but I did check out both the ipad and the nook. I love B&N too, but sometimes the books are cheaper on the kindle even with the B&N discount. Also, I didn't like the weight of the nook at all. It has a funny lower weight that bothered me. The ipad is just like looking at a computer screen and you never really notice until you've compared reading computer screens and then moving to e-ink which is much, much nice.

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  52. Dianne Greenlay

    Very interesting comments here. I am adding one more thought that no one has mentioned, presumably bc most are younger commenters – I am in my fifties, so very old school and LOVE the real book in my hand – however, hubby bought me an eSony two years ago and one of its BEST features for these old eyes of mine, is that you can INCREASE THE FONT SIZE (obviously not possible in a real book!). This feature alone has made reading on the ereader very pleasureable. One warning from my experience: ordering ebooks is so darn easy that I make many more spontaneous purchases than I ever did before and my TBR pile has mushroomed!

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