67 replies to this topic

[HomeBrew1901]

My wife wants one of these for her birthday/Mother's day (same day) and I'm not sure which one to go with.

I've read the reviews and so far the Nook seems to be the better choice, but I wanted to see if any of you folks had firsthand knowledge. The biggest feature will be whether or not she can read it outside on the beach.

[tonyandpals]

My wife wants one of these for her birthday/Mother's day (same day) and I'm not sure which one to go with.

I've read the reviews and so far the Nook seems to be the better choice, but I wanted to see if any of you folks had firsthand knowledge. The biggest feature will be whether or not she can read it outside on the beach.

I've been using the kindle outside a lot. It does a really good job at reducing the glare from the sun. That's why we went kindle as we'll be taking it to St. John in May.

That being said, I have no experience w/ the Nook at all.

[InsideTheParker]

I've been using the kindle outside a lot. It does a really good job at reducing the glare from the sun. That's why we went kindle as we'll be taking it to St. John in May.

That being said, I have no experience w/ the Nook at all.

No glare is the reason for preferring the Kindle or the original Nook (not the color) is what I have read. The reason I am probably going to go with the Nook is that you can use borrowed digital library books on it and I understand that that's verboten with the Kindle. I have been borrowing books from the BPL to read on my computer, and it's really nice, but the glare will make that impossible once the weather beckons outside.

[gatorgurl67]

I have the original Nook and I really like it. It is easy to use and the customer service in store or by phone is very good. No problem outside however you need a book light for reading inside when it is dimly lit. My sister-in-law got the new one but I haven't heard her opinion yet.

[Nullset]

Between the people in my family we have an iPad (original, not 2) and a Kindle. In terms of glare the Kindle is the best, hands down, as the iPad becomes unreadable in direct sunlight. That being said, the iPad has the beauty of multiple bookstores (Apple's, Nook's, Kindle's) on one device, which sometimes eases the challenge of finding e-books. I know you didn't ask about the iPad (and there's a billion reasons not to want it, if you're looking for just an e-reader), but I did want to point it out as another possibility.

[ScubaSteveAvery]

I have the black and white, e-ink Nook and love it. The screen is fantastic and its easy to use as well. Barnes and Noble has been good with the customer service too. No problems with outside glare either.

[InstantKarmma]

I have the Kindle for reading and the Nook for Android hacking.

The Kindle display is what really sold me - sharp, no glare, etc. Plus the wifi-only version was $139.

[ManhattanRedSox]

Between the people in my family we have an iPad (original, not 2) and a Kindle. In terms of glare the Kindle is the best, hands down, as the iPad becomes unreadable in direct sunlight. That being said, the iPad has the beauty of multiple bookstores (Apple's, Nook's, Kindle's) on one device, which sometimes eases the challenge of finding e-books. I know you didn't ask about the iPad (and there's a billion reasons not to want it, if you're looking for just an e-reader), but I did want to point it out as another possibility.

Nook Color is easily rootable as dicussed on this thread, if you are looking for an e-reader and then some. Would enthusiastically recommend Nook over Kindle - for this and the other reasons mentioned here.

[Hextall]

I have a rooted nook color and really like it as a reader and tablet, and think it is way more functional than the kindle. But if the biggest feature is reading on the beach, the e-ink on the kindle makes it the much better choice. I am dreading trying to use the nook outside based on the glare I get now using it indoors.

[ddeveau]

I have a rooted nook color and really like it as a reader and tablet, and think it is way more functional than the kindle. But if the biggest feature is reading on the beach, the e-ink on the kindle makes it the much better choice. I am dreading trying to use the nook outside based on the glare I get now using it indoors.

Completely agree. I have both also. Rooted nook color allows nook and kindle apps (and lots of other tablet fun), but if you're just looking for a reader, I'd go with the kindle.

[HomeBrew1901]

Thanks for all the advice, my wife went and looked at both the Nook and Kindle and was told that they both use the same screens so reading it at the beach wouldn't be a problem. She is leaning towards the Nook for many of the reasons above, but mostly because of being able to borrow books from the library.

Not being able to read it outdoors on the beach though would kill that though because we spend a lot of time on the lake in the summer and that is where she would have the most time to read.

[MainerInExile]

Amazon just introduced an ad supported Kindle for a $25 discount. Down to $114. No ads while reading, only on the screen saver and home screen.

[Yaz4Ever]

I have a Kindle and my wife has the color Nook. If your wife plans to read, especially outdoors, get her the Kindle.

[Dernells Casket n Flagon]

I have a Kindle and my wife has the color Nook. If your wife plans to read, especially outdoors, get her the Kindle.

Wait, why?

Why not just get the non color nook?

Vote for a nook here. As far as formats go, the Nook is more open and enables books to be purchased from more stores/sources. This is also why books can be taken out from the library. My mom, girlfriend and I all have the regular nook and are big fans.

[AlNipper49]

Amazon just introduced an ad supported Kindle for a $25 discount. Down to $114. No ads while reading, only on the screen saver and home screen.

Wow GREAT idea on their part. Very innovative

[Masamune42]

I've got a Nook (not color), I have friends with the first, second and third generation Kindles. They're all basically the same device, the e-ink is fantastic. I love my Nook and use it pretty regularly indoors and outdoors. You really can't go wrong with any of them. The only advice I'd give is that if your wife is a big book reader stay away from the Nook Color and other similar tablets. The backlit screen is just not as pleasant to read off of.

[Bucknahs Bum Ankle]

I've got a Nook (not color), I have friends with the first, second and third generation Kindles. They're all basically the same device, the e-ink is fantastic. I love my Nook and use it pretty regularly indoors and outdoors. You really can't go wrong with any of them. The only advice I'd give is that if your wife is a big book reader stay away from the Nook Color and other similar tablets. The backlit screen is just not as pleasant to read off of.

I find reading on the nook color to be very easy on the eyes. I use the sepia background, medium brightness during the day and switch to black background, lowest brightness at night. Haven't tried it outdoors yet, but I imagine full brightness would work well.

[Trautwein's Degree]

I find reading on the nook color to be very easy on the eyes. I use the sepia background, medium brightness during the day and switch to black background, lowest brightness at night. Haven't tried it outdoors yet, but I imagine full brightness would work well.

I'm with Nip and have decided that I'm a guy who is always going to have multiple gadgets. I have an iPad and a Kindle. I love both. I love to read and the Kindle is an awesome device for reading. It's light and has a long battery life. It's a far superior experience to reading books on the Kindle app for the iPad because of the battery life, weight, and screen.

[AlNipper49]

This is like an Apple/PC debate.

The non-color Nook and Kindle are essentially the same device for 99% of the functionality you need. The differentiators are how you get content and its layout. The biggest one is layout. Get your hands on both and see which one feels right to you. The Kindle - to me - felt more natural but I know others who feel the completely opposite. I know more people with Kindles than with the Nook, disproportionately so. That probably means dick.

In terms of content delivery it's the easiest thing to chance and Amazon will react to the marketplace eventually (as will B&N on a few other things). I suggest prioritizing the things which you have complete control over, which is form factor and functionality.

[zenter]

This is like an Apple/PC debate.

The non-color Nook and Kindle are essentially the same device for 99% of the functionality you need. The differentiators are how you get content and its layout. The biggest one is layout. Get your hands on both and see which one feels right to you. The Kindle - to me - felt more natural but I know others who feel the completely opposite. I know more people with Kindles than with the Nook, disproportionately so. That probably means dick.

In terms of content delivery it's the easiest thing to chance and Amazon will react to the marketplace eventually (as will B&N on a few other things). I suggest prioritizing the things which you have complete control over, which is form factor and functionality.

There is one key differentiator - the physical keyboard. My bro's fiancee has the Nook and she complains about the tiny touchscreen interface. It's halfway in between the very basic interface of the Kindle, and the much-more intuitive interface of the Nook Color. In terms of book-reading experience, though, Nip is absolutely right. Go to Best Buy and test out both.

[Fishercat]

I was browsing Slickdeals on their thread about the new $114 Kindle. Considering how they go bonkers for even the smaller deals, the mass negative reaction to the ads surprised me. Also, apparently the "ads" will also consist of deals ($10 for $20 Amazon.com Gift Card , $6 for 6 Audible Books (normally $68) ,$1 for an album in the Amazon MP3 Store (choose from over 1 million albums), $10 for $30 of products in the Amazon Denim Shop or Amazon Swim Shop), so that makes it even stranger. I might pay the extra $25 to be ad-free but it seems win-win.

Glad to hear the Nook and Kindle (B&W) are reasonably similar. I'm looking to pick one up and was on the fence, guess I'll go try them out. Leaning toward the Kindle since the Nook Color as a Tablet is appealing to make and I don't see much of a reason to double on the Nooks later on.

[OttoC]

I have an iPod Touch that I have books on to read when I'm reading somewhere, so I'm used to the touchscreen, but when I went shopping for an eReader last fall as a present for my wife I was not impressed with the Nook in that regard and I ended up getting her a Kindle. She likes the Kindle and the biggest drawback I see with it is the inability to download and read library books with it (I know there are work-arounds but they are time-consuming).

[zenter]

I have an iPod Touch that I have books on to read when I'm reading somewhere, so I'm used to the touchscreen, but when I went shopping for an eReader last fall as a present for my wife I was not impressed with the Nook in that regard and I ended up getting her a Kindle. She likes the Kindle and the biggest drawback I see with it is the inability to download and read library books with it (I know there are work-arounds but they are time-consuming).

True - I guess the tiny-ness of the interface isn't the problem; it's the poor overall user interface. I typically recommend Kindle for epaper device and Nook Color for tablet. epaper Nook is held back by that touchscreen.

[johnmd20]

One thing I have found to be a big positive for the Kindle is the Kindle app, which allows you to read all your books on any device, including computer's, ipad's, and Android anything. I don't know if B&N offers that but they definitely might.

As well, if you are an avid Amazon user, the Kindle makes more sense, setting it up and buying books couldn't be easier.

If you are a" sit in the sun" reader or a" in bed" reader, Kindle shines.

[Fishercat]

Just tried to grab a Warehouse Lighted Cover (used but historically Amazon Warehouse has been solid) for $15, but I've heard orders being canceled.

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on an E-Reader, enough funds to justify it and I'm bulking up my reading time. Might just play around with the Kindle App later...

[HomeBrew1901]

This is like an Apple/PC debate.

The non-color Nook and Kindle are essentially the same device for 99% of the functionality you need. The differentiators are how you get content and its layout. The biggest one is layout. Get your hands on both and see which one feels right to you. The Kindle - to me - felt more natural but I know others who feel the completely opposite. I know more people with Kindles than with the Nook, disproportionately so. That probably means dick.

In terms of content delivery it's the easiest thing to chance and Amazon will react to the marketplace eventually (as will B&N on a few other things). I suggest prioritizing the things which you have complete control over, which is form factor and functionality.

Thanks Nip. She has settled on the Nook (non-color) because she doesn't need the other bells and whistles and really wants to be able to download from multiple sources. The biggest concern as I mentioned was reading outside and according to the people she spoke with and from some of the posts here it appears that has been fixed and now has the same capabilities as the Kindle.

[Corsi]

Barnes & Noble NOOK 3G + WiFi eReader

$99.99 + $5 shipping

Condition: Refurbished

Product: 1 Barnes & Noble NOOK 3G+WiFi eReader, 16 Level B&W E Ink Display & Color Touchscreen Navigation Panel

http://www.woot.com/

Edited by Corsi, 13 April 2011 - 07:49 AM.

[Fishercat]

Question: If my PC can't run the Kindle PC App, does that have any impact should I ever get a Kindle? I tried installing it last night and everything went through. It was working for about two minutes, and then it froze. OK, no big deal, I reboot the program, and now it won't even get past the start screen before it freezes and shuts itself down. I reboot the CPU, same deal. I re-install it, same deal.

The nice perk about the Nook is that every couple months they have an eBay or Woot or something like that selling a refurb for $100, but it's a good deal if that's your game.

[Jimy Hendrix]

Question: If my PC can't run the Kindle PC App, does that have any impact should I ever get a Kindle? I tried installing it last night and everything went through. It was working for about two minutes, and then it froze. OK, no big deal, I reboot the program, and now it won't even get past the start screen before it freezes and shuts itself down. I reboot the CPU, same deal. I re-install it, same deal.

The nice perk about the Nook is that every couple months they have an eBay or Woot or something like that selling a refurb for $100, but it's a good deal if that's your game.

Since the Kindle has always on 3G (or Wifi if you buy that cheaper model), you don't need to sync it with your computer. The Kindle app is just a book reader for the computer, it's not an iTunes situation where you need it for a Kindle to work.

[MainerInExile]

http://www.woot.com/

Fun fact: Woot is owned by Amazon.

So I can get a used Nook for $104 dollars, but I can get a brand-new Kindle for $114. Not really seeing that Nook as that great of a deal.

[Fishercat]

Fun fact: Woot is owned by Amazon.

So I can get a used Nook for $104 dollars, but I can get a brand-new Kindle for $114. Not really seeing that Nook as that great of a deal.

The used Nook is 3G+Wi-Fi, and the new Kindle is wi-fi only and has ads, so there's a difference

Edited by Fishercat, 14 April 2011 - 07:14 PM.

[The Napkin]

The Kindle DX is $80 off if that matters at all in the decision.

[AlNipper49]

My suggestion is the price differentiation of a few bucks should be a non-factor. If you get a device which is subpar saving 20 bucks will suck.

Trust me if you like reading you will use it ALOT. Pick the perfect one for you, at this point price is a non-factor.

[jercra]

I have the Nook Color (hacked running CM7 Gingerbread) and just got back from a Cancun vacation where I used it on the beach. It's barely readable in direct sunlight but what turned out to be a bigger problem, even under an umbrella, is that if you wear polarized sunglasses the screen just looks black. I wouldn't trade my Nook Color for anything since I use it for lots of other things like watching movies on the plane but it's not very useful as an e-reader on the beach unless you're going to be under an umbrella and not wearing sunglasses.

[Duende Roomer]

I have a year and a half old Kindle II with 3G. took it on a plane the other day, started it up and the screen was cooked. One call to Amazon and a new Kindle is on its way, one day delivery, for free, even though it was out of warranty. Apparently some parts are warranteed longer than others.

Point Amazon.

[zenter]

I have the Nook Color (hacked running CM7 Gingerbread) and just got back from a Cancun vacation where I used it on the beach. It's barely readable in direct sunlight but what turned out to be a bigger problem, even under an umbrella, is that if you wear polarized sunglasses the screen just looks black. I wouldn't trade my Nook Color for anything since I use it for lots of other things like watching movies on the plane but it's not very useful as an e-reader on the beach unless you're going to be under an umbrella and not wearing sunglasses.

This polarization thing is a YMMV problem, dependent on the direction of the polarization of the screen and the sunglass lenses you use. Unfortunately (for you) your sunglasses must have polarization at exactly 90 degrees to the Nook Color screen. Rotate your head (or the NC), and things should be fine. This is a problem with will arise to varying degrees from pretty much any screen and polarized lenses, but the degree of pain depends on the specific lenses you have. I find that my iTouch is very difficult to use, but I have no problems with the NookColor (vertical or horizontal) - I was just reading a book with shades on this morning on an above-ground platform.

Edited by zenter, 18 April 2011 - 04:54 PM.

[tonyandpals]

Library ebooks coming to the kindle

http://www.boston.co...Pop_Emailed2_HP

[Dead Balls]

True, at libraries in MA, you cannot check out library e-books with a Kindle, but you can with the Nook. That was reason enough for me at the time.

I just like the general openness of the Nook products. I feel Amazon is too restrictive, but I am sure a big part of that is FUD.

Edited by Dead Balls, 20 April 2011 - 01:25 PM.

[InsideTheParker]

I found this interesting, from the Amazon press release:

"We're doing a little something extra here," Marine continued. "Normally, making margin notes in library books is a big no-no. But we're extending our Whispersync technology so that you can highlight and add margin notes to Kindle books you check out from your local library. Your notes will not show up when the next patron checks out the book. But if you check out the book again, or subsequently buy it, your notes will be there just as you left them, perfectly Whispersynced."

This move may be a blow to B&N, b/c so many people preferred the Nook b/c of the library borrowing.

Edited by InsideTheParker, 20 April 2011 - 05:14 PM.

[OttoC]

Library ebooks coming to the kindle

This is pleasant news.

[The Napkin]

Indeed it is. I was just talking about that being the big reason I haven't picked one up yet. I'm sure they don't care but they probably just made a sale with that news.

[Fishercat]

Yep, that was one of my two big hang-ups, and I can deal with converting non-Kindle friendly books with an outside service if need be. Guess it's time to test run one of them (wasn't a big fan of the Nook when I tested it out).

[Corsi]

NOOK Wi-Fi by Barnes&Noble (Refurbished) $71.99+$2.95 Shipping on Overstock

Click here first for 10% off

Then click here

[Dollar]

Library ebooks coming to the kindle

http://www.boston.co...Pop_Emailed2_HP

Wow, I was just about ready to spring for the refurbished Nook above, but now I might just hold out and pick up a Kindle. The library book issue was one of the biggest deciding factors for me.

Any news on if there might be a new Kindle coming out this year?

[HomeBrew1901]

Any word on when the Kindle will be able to access Library books, after my wife found out that she would be able to read outside with the Nook she has decided on that because of the epub feature. However I have heard better things about the Kindle and I'm leaning toward that.

[Trautwein's Degree]

Any word on when the Kindle will be able to access Library books, after my wife found out that she would be able to read outside with the Nook she has decided on that because of the epub feature. However I have heard better things about the Kindle and I'm leaning toward that.

You're over thinking this one. From everything that's been written on both devices - they're both great. I love the Kindle. I'd probably love a Nook too if I tried one. The real question is do you want to be married to Barnes and Noble or Amazon? Barnes and Noble has physical stores while Amazon is the dominate player in e-commerce. I purchase almost everything I buy from Amazon. Their rewards card is great as is Amazon Prime. That's why I opted for the Kindle. In very short order, this debate is not going to matter. The Kindle is probably the most significant device in the market. The market will adjust to the Kindle.

Further, not every library loans e-books right now. Mine doesn't. Eventually it will. If she wants the Nook - get it for her. I'll bet she'll love it. And if you got her a Kindle - I'll bet she'd love that too.

[jercra]

You're over thinking this one. From everything that's been written on both devices - they're both great. I love the Kindle. I'd probably love a Nook too if I tried one. The real question is do you want to be married to Barnes and Noble or Amazon? Barnes and Noble has physical stores while Amazon is the dominate player in e-commerce. I purchase almost everything I buy from Amazon. Their rewards card is great as is Amazon Prime. That's why I opted for the Kindle. In very short order, this debate is not going to matter. The Kindle is probably the most significant device in the market. The market will adjust to the Kindle.

Further, not every library loans e-books right now. Mine doesn't. Eventually it will. If she wants the Nook - get it for her. I'll bet she'll love it. And if you got her a Kindle - I'll bet she'd love that too.

Also keep in mind that the Nook Color is an Android device that allows access to the Nook App, the Kindle App, the Google Books App and any other ebook app that may come out. I know it's not the same as the e-ink devices outdoors but it's the one that doesn't lock you into a single source.

[ManhattanRedSox]

Also keep in mind that the Nook Color is an Android device that allows access to the Nook App, the Kindle App, the Google Books App and any other ebook app that may come out. I know it's not the same as the e-ink devices outdoors but it's the one that doesn't lock you into a single source.

yep - and a nice ota update coming nook color's way very soon.

[ManhattanRedSox]

yep - and a nice ota update coming nook color's way very soon.

OK so it's out now - per Mashable: The Nook Color just created a solid bridge between Amazon’s Kindle and full-fledged tablets such as Apple’s iPad, at a likeable price point of $249. If you need a cheap ereader that can also handle apps, Flash, interactive books and generally most of the tasks modern tablets can, the Nook Color is now a very attractive proposition.

[Fishercat]

FWIW, if you were going to go for the Kindle Wi-Fi+3G, Amazon just put up one with a free $25 gift card. I don't think it's as good as the Nook deal, but I like the way the Kindle felt more. Time to take the jump (plus, I then feel less guilty for buying a Nook Color if I want an Android tablet later on...)

Ordered it, got the Kindle I wanted with a 3-year extended warranty (Squaretrade) at about 230 before the $25 GC. Not the cheapest option, but considering my record with electronics (I tend to treat them roughly, a bad trend) I'm happy with it.

Edited by Fishercat, 27 April 2011 - 09:21 PM.