eReaders

[mcfroggin]

Amazon is about to release a reader that is similar to the Ipad. It comes out in November and is about $200. I would seriously think about waiting for it. It may be the cheaper Ipad beater that everyone has been expecting.

[DayByDay]

I am seriously thinking about buying either a Kindle or a Nook. Does anyone have either one of those? which one would you suggest and why?

If I buy the 3G model, can I "surf" the internet on them or is it "locked" so you can only go to their site to down load books. If you can "surf" the internet, is there a monthly charge?

Thanks

The new Kindle Touch 3G will only allow you to purchase books with the 3G, but it cannot be used for surfing the internet via 3G. Surfing is only allowed via wi-fi.

I have the Kindle Keyboard 3G model which does allow me to surf via 3G at no charge. However, I have noticed that their product description for this model has changed, so I'm not sure that the ones being sold today will still allow 3G surfing.

[riverwed070707]

I am not a reader so keep that in mind regarding my response but I'm not a fan of single-use technology. While I realize a Kindle is cheaper, I would tremendously favor an iPad. It can be used as a Kindle or Nook with their apps but it is also a full-featured computer. You can surf the net, take pictures and HD video, send and receive e-mail, use Facetime to make video phonecalls over WiFi, play games, do work-related tasks, use GPS for maps and directions, and access the tens of thousands of other apps that are available for the device. On the Kindle or Nook, you can read and get a small assortment of games and stuff but the selection is tiny compared to the iPad.

I don't think it's an example of single use technology. Sure things *could* be more condensed, but an ereader vs all the books on the shelf is a huge space and money saver. The newer versions definitely aren't designed for just reading. My DD has all kinds of fun spelling and coloring games she plays on our Nook.

Just to be clear, both Kindle and Nook have iPad apps so whatever you can do on their devices you can do on the iPad. In fact, with the iPad you essentially get BOTH a Kindle and a Nook as a result. Again, I realize there is a price gap but you can also do things like post to saving advice. That's what I'm doing right now.

You can browse the internet on the Nook (IDK about the Kindle), and I post here all the time from mine. It doesn't have 3G and I have to have a wi-fi connection, but I wouldn't be paying for service on an iPad either so I'd be limited to wi-fi there too. While the iPad has more resources, I think a Nook is a great budget friendly alternative, especially if the user already has a smartphone which can take the place of many of the missing capabillities the iPad provides.

First thing you need to ask yourself - what are you going to use it for? Just for reading, or do you want a tablet for reading as well as internet browsing, email, etc?

I own a Nook Color (runs android) and really like it.

::thumbs up:: I really like mine as well.

[disneysteve]

DS big difference is the reading quality of the screen between the ipad and nook and kindle ereaders, not the color lcd screens. You can tell if you are a serious reader and will read entire books. I've tried it on the ipad and it's harder and the pages don't look the same.

I've used a Kindle and actually didn't care for the screen. It just wasn't as sharp and clear as the iPad.

My wife downloaded her first library book using the iPad Kindle app yesterday and was reading it last evening. I asked her later how it was and she said it was totally fine. She had no trouble with the screen. Her only issue was that the iPad is a bit heavy but she just rested it on her leg and she was fine.

The other advantage of the iPad is that it automatically syncs with our other Apple devices so she can start reading on the iPad then if at some point she is out somewhere and has some downtime, she can continue reading on her phone. It knows where she left off. Plus, my daughter and I automatically get the same book on our devices (iPhone, iPod) so we could all be reading it at the same time if we wanted to.

I think a Nook is a great budget friendly alternative

I completely agree. The iPad is the most costly way to e-read for sure.

[BuckyBadger]

I've used a Kindle and actually didn't care for the screen. It just wasn't as sharp and clear as the iPad.

The e-ink screen isn't SUPPOSED to be as sharp and clear as a computer. It's supposed to look like printed paper.

If you want the functions of a tablet, by all means get a tablet like the iPad. If you want something to read under the same situations you would read a book, get a nook or a kindle.

Sure you can read a book on a tablet. I've done so for short periods of time. But reading words off of a reflective backlit screen is a VERY different experience, and it is virtually impossible to do out of doors. My nook looks like the pages of a book and it reads like a book. I've taken it to the beach and the pool and read it in direct sunlight. It's smaller and lighter and easier to hold with one hand like you would like a book.

I've got nothing against tablet computers. We've got one of those, too, but if you're planning on doing a LOT of reading, I would absolutely suggest a e-reader because of the e-ink screen. If reading books is just a small portion of what you want to do, skip the nook and get a tablet.

[disneysteve]

I think BuckyBadger's post sums things up very well. I agree with your comments completely.

Neither of us ever has an occasion to be reading out in sunlight so that isn't an issue for us but I have heard many people say it is hard to see the iPad screen in sunlight. And the e-readers are smaller and lighter so easier to hold for extended periods. Different strokes - an e-reader just isn't right for us and our needs.