E-Readers: Worth it?

**DrBeat** · 05-23-2011, 11:39 AM

So, lately I've been thinking that getting an E-Reader might be better than trying to lug around all my reading material with me. So of course, my search led me to the Kindle with 3G and the Nook with 3G.

But even after sifting through all the reviews, I can't really figure out which is better/which should I get (if I decided to get an E-Reader).

Any advice or input?

**Warlab** · 05-23-2011, 11:45 AM

What about the Kindle app for your Android ?

**DrBeat** · 05-23-2011, 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by Warlab

What about the Kindle app for your Android ?

I have considered downloading it, but my Droid gets pretty crappy battery life these days with my use of GPS and constant web browsing.

**Jeepo** · 05-23-2011, 12:10 PM

I like the Kindle app. Also, I hear Amazon are releasing their own tablet in 7" and 9" versions before the holidays, might be worth having a look at those?

**Storm** · 05-23-2011, 12:12 PM

The kindle is what I have, and I like it. The screen is better than any of the others I have seen.

**Bubba** · 05-23-2011, 12:34 PM

I have both of the Nook's and like them both. I use them on all my trips and vacations. the downloading of content has been flawless.

**khaerus** · 05-23-2011, 01:13 PM

I bought a Kindle 3G a couple of months ago. I'd do it again. Here's my pros and cons:

web browser is kind of primitive. It works, but it's ugly.

For reading, the device is aesthetically fine- I thought I'd have issues with it, but I got used to it pretty quickly. The non-backlit screen is kind on the eyes, and I have the text as small and compact as possible.

Ebook formatting/editing is pathetic across the board. On free books, it's basically non-existent, and on books you pay for, still pretty horrible. This kind of ties in with the basic functionality restrictions of an ebook when you realize you can't just flip back and forth to check something you read earlier...

Battery life (if using the ereader only, wifi/3G off) is incredible. I've recharged mine once since I got it, use it probably around 8 hrs/week while commuting, never really use the wireless except for the occasional 15 secs it takes to get a book.

It's cool having a whole bunch of books in your pocket. Think Ipod vs Discman.

**sordavie** · 05-23-2011, 02:19 PM

I got a Kindle recently, after doing much research. The difference most important to me was the selection of ebooks. Amazon has a far larger selection than Barnes and Noble, in particular for specialized markets. For instance, I found that about 1/3 of the contemporary (stuff published in the last 5 years) books in professional philosophy I looked up and would consider buying were available for the Kindle, but basically none at all for the Nook.

My suggestion would be to figure out what kind of books you'd likely get and see how the two vendors compare in terms of book selection. The ebook is no good if the books you want to read aren't available for it.

**DrBeat** · 05-23-2011, 04:48 PM

For Nook owners, have you found the Barnes and Noble in-store perks to be worth anything?

**Exploding_Silver** · 05-23-2011, 05:23 PM

e-readers are not worth it, theres no way there graphics power will do BF3

**sordavie** · 05-23-2011, 05:55 PM

You probably won't make a decision by midnight, but here are two refurb deals going on today just in case:

The second generation kindle is over at woot today: http://www.woot.com $90

An the Nook 3G is here: http://www.dailysteals.com/ $85

**Bubba** · 05-23-2011, 06:29 PM

Originally Posted by DrBeat

For Nook owners, have you found the Barnes and Noble in-store perks to be worth anything?

For me it is. I like Starbucks and while I am there I can browse around with the Nook.

As for Amazon having a better selection is it true. I download books from Amazon and put them on my Nook. B&N still has some awesome prices on classics that I like.

**Adiventure** · 05-23-2011, 11:01 PM

Originally Posted by sordavie

You probably won't make a decision by midnight, but here are two refurb deals going on today just in case:

The second generation kindle is over at woot today: http://www.woot.com $90

An the Nook 3G is here: http://www.dailysteals.com/ $85

Thanks for that, sealed the deal on buying a nook for me

**sordavie** · 05-23-2011, 11:24 PM

No problem. Of the two, the refurb Nook 3G is by far the better deal if the smaller ebook selection of Barnes and Noble is not a problem for you.

**Spur** · 05-24-2011, 08:09 PM

A little late but here is my 2 cents. Regardless of which ereader you go with, I feel they are worth it. I like looking at my wall of books, but that is paper, which is trees. There are tons of free books you can get that are out of copyright, plus I have also found lots of great series which gave the first book away free. I have two kindles, gave my first to my wife and got the new one with wireless. For me 3g is a bit over rated. I can load plenty of books on there to keep up with my reading pace and never have to worry about downloading. In fact I have mostly put books on my kindle via usb and pc (far easier than navigating via the e reader in my opinion) The nook is coming out with a new touchscreen ereader, and I have little doubt that Amazon has products coming out in time for the holidays. Personally, I am an Amazon fan. They have a robust server network, they have a great selection of books, and the best prices on most items I want to buy (taking shipping into consideration). I won't try to sell you on one or the other, both will work just fine. I can not stand reading on a backlit screen, and find the small package the ereader presents much more convenient than a paperback or hardback for the series I can't wait for paperback on. I also don't have to worry about creasing the spine (I am horribly anal about my books, most look brand new despite being read several times). So I rambled, and probably did not help your decision, but I feel you can not go wrong with either e reader.