Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Discussion: nook v Kindle

So I am the proud parent of both a nook Wi-Fi and a Kindle 3.  I've been a Kindle fan ever since they came out, but I ended up getting a nook as well because I wanted to be able to borrow books from the library, and have more flexibility with NetGalley books.  I'm still completely in love with my Kindle, but the nook isn't bad either.  Here's some of my random observations having used both of them...

Kindle 3:
  • This device is so much thinner and lighter!
  • The page turns are a lot easier
  • There's a huge difference in the screen quality - Kindle 3 beats Kindle 2 and nook
  • I just generally like Amazon better, it seems like a nicer interface, I'm not sure why
  • I have to admit, I am not a huge fan of the library structure on the Kindle, it's not the most intuitive, so I usually use search to find what I want
  • Kindle syncs between devices, so if I forgot my Kindle at home (gasp), I can switch to my phone and it will have my bookmarks and last page read
  • I like the 3G downloading for this, in case I finish a book when I'm out and about




nook:
  • I hate the page turns on this thing.  You're supposed to be able to use the touch screen, but it only works sometimes for me, and the buttons are a lot harder to push
  • It's bigger, but it feels ok, if that makes any sense
  • It's got that cool color touch screen...  If you like things like that
  • You can borrow books from the library and add other EPUB files to it
  • The screen quality is good, don't get me wrong
  • It's white, but it's shiny so it doesn't seem to show dirt all that badly
  • I intentionally didn't get the version with 3G, because I really only wanted it for EPUB files, but wi-fi only would be a problem for me if this was my only reader
  • I totally dig that I can change the background and screen saver!
Being an obsessive reader, I don't feel bad at all about having both of these.  They each have their features and benefits, so I would suggest that you  make sure and do your homework if you're thinking about investing in an e-reader, to make sure you get the one that's right for you.  And I'll tell you a secret...  My next device will be an iPad...  In a few years...  :-)  What are your thoughts on these (or other) e-readers?  Love them?  Hate them?

6 comments:

pwb said...

There are ways to get EPUBs onto Kindles. I've got a friend that can convert them for me though I personally don't know how. I find that most net galleys have been available for the Kindle though.

Lindsay of VioletHourBR said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tiny Library said...

I used to have a sony reader, which I loved and I used to borrow books from my local library through it, which was great for when I felt lazy!

Ever since my sony reader broke, I've had a kindle 3. It's much better overall but first it was annoying not being able to get library books (although kindle books seem cheaper than other e-books, at least here in the UK). I love the Wi-fi plus 3G and find that now most NetGalleys are set up for Kindle.

I'm still envious of you for having a nook as well though :P

Lindsay of VioletHourBR said...

GREAT post! I have a Kindle, and adore it! When I was thinking about purchasing an eReader, I was torn between these two. You can read the spotlight interview I did a few weeks ago about it here
We had a lot of the same thoughts =)

Kris said...

I have a Kobo and the reason I chose that one was because of the ability to check out library books. Also it was the only one I could hold before buying and I have a huge thing about that. Sometimes I wish I had gotten a Kindle but I'm happy and love my eReader.

BookMarc Blogpants said...

Amazon announced this week that later in the year, date not yet set, the Kindle will be able to download books from the library.
I recently bought the Kindle 3 and love it except I hate the screensavers that are included and wish they had some alternatives that could be downloaded.

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