Need Advice: Kindle vs. Nook vs. Ipad

**McD** · 04-18-2011, 08:17 PM

I've been stashing my birthday money and am in need of a little bit of advice.

Originally, I was saving for a Kindle or some expensive Rowan Big Wool for a project. I scrapped the yarn idea because it would have been over $160 for the project I wanted to do. I can find a less expensive alternative.

When I mentioned to the hubby that I wanted the Kindle, he suggested I get an Ipad. I'm not sure that it is something I need. I have a Blackberry. Zac has a laptop that I use. Then I started looking at the Nook Color and got even more lost in the sauce.

Any advice?

**Russ** · 04-18-2011, 08:22 PM

We have a Kindle and have nothing bad to say about it. However, there is an Kindle app to download books for the Ipad. Go to an Apple store and play with one of the Ipads, if they'll let you.

**lparker** · 04-18-2011, 08:40 PM

Can you get an ipad without a pricey wireless contract?

I'm opting for a kindle because it's readable in bright light - the wi-fi model with ads for $114+tx. Should get it in a couple weeks.

**dcompton** · 04-18-2011, 08:56 PM

All I can say is I love my Kindle. If you expect to read a lot of art or pattern books, remember Kindle has no color. But for just books, it's terrific. The contrast on the screen on the newer model is very good, and reading it is very easy on the eyes. I haven't used a Nook so I can't compare that.

I don't have wi fi at home (though I do at work) so I got the one with the 3G connection too. I wanted to be able to download anywhere and not be tied to wi fi. I have my computer at home and computer at work, so I was happy to have just a dedicated reader, without a lot of other stuff that I really didn't need.

One other thing I can say - the Kindle customer service, from my experience, could not be better. I have been satisfied with everything about my Kindle - it's simple to use and it suits my needs perfectly.

**YankeeMom** · 04-18-2011, 09:15 PM

I heart my Nook. I just have the original (not Color) and it is perfect for me. I don't like reading off a computer screen and reading off the Nook is NOTHING like reading off a computer. I love that I can upload my patterns onto it, recipes...I no longer have to write down or print out a recipe to get it from the office computer to the kitchen. I just load it onto my Nook and take my Nook in the kitchen with me. I love that I can up the font size and read while using the treadmill. I love that I can check my facebook while laying in bed w/ my Nook

I just love it. Can't say enough good things about it!! I currently have over 700 books/patterns on my Nook

**McD** · 04-18-2011, 10:16 PM

Originally Posted by lparker

Can you get an ipad without a pricey wireless contract?

I'm opting for a kindle because it's readable in bright light - the wi-fi model with ads for $114+tx. Should get it in a couple weeks.

I had to look into this and yes, you can just get an Ipad that is WiFi functional w/o a contract.

At first, I was pulling for a Kindle because of it being readable in bright light...but when I'm outside, I'm usually preoccupied with the kids and not reading. Everything I can find out about the Kindle/Nook says they are not as easy to read in the dark as they are not backlit. I'm more apt to read in bed/after dark in the car (as a passenger).

I'm also leaning towards a refurbished Ipad. They are refurbished by Apple and come with a year warranty.

**Spirit Deer** · 04-18-2011, 10:20 PM

We recently went through this ourselves and ended up settling on the nook. Kindle will not read EPUB format without jumping through hoops we weren't willing to jump through. Kindle has to be sent in for a battery change, while we can change our nook batts ourselves. There were some other issues and it was a close call, but ultimately we decided on the nook and have been happy with our decision.

We have the original nook, not the color version. Those who have the color version claim it's easy to read in bright sunlight, but we looked at one at Walmart and it was nearly impossible to read with the glare from the overhead lights. It was also $100 more. We wanted our e reader for use on camping trips and especially for longer trips when it's inconvenient to bring lots of traditional books. We also wanted it to read downloaded library books. The original nook claims ten days of battery life if it's left on continuously. I haven't tested that claim yet, but the color version was substantially less, a big consideration for us as we camp often in state and national parks with no power. We also tend to read a lot outside when we camp, so a color model was out of the question for that reason, too.

Nook can use expansion cards, Kindle cannot.

Nook can read books not bought at Barnes and Noble. Kindle uses a proprietary format sold only through Amazon.

Nook allows you to lend a book to a friend. I'm not sure but I don't think Kindle does.

The text is crisp and clear on the nook, and I'm sure it is with the Kindle as well.

We picked up a nice case for our nook on eBay for about $15. It's a hard case which is a big consideration since it'll end up stuffed in a duffel bag quite often.

The main deal-breakers for us with an iPad were that it has a color screen, it's expensive when all we need is an e reader, and it was too big for our purposes. I love that I can easily and comfortably hold my nook in one hand to read for hours at a time.

I don't see how a color version of anything wouldn't be backlit. The monochrome nook isn't and you do have to read with a light, just like a regular book. Backlighting will significantly reduce battery life, as will a color screen.

From all the people I talked to when we were trying to decide, it seemed like everyone liked whatever they owned. Nobody said they wished they had bought something else, so IMO you're pretty safe in whatever decision you make.

**mauimagic** · 04-18-2011, 11:00 PM

I have the original nook and am very happy with it - it was a gift, so I did not have a choice to make.

I am getting an IPad2 - hoppefully tomorrow - but this again is not a choice but through school - cannot wait to check it out.

Please let us know what you decide!!

**frugalfoster** · 04-18-2011, 11:07 PM

Buy the Ipad... I have the kindle,,,it's great .....but buy the Ipad...

**FrabjousDay** · 04-19-2011, 11:32 AM

Originally Posted by Spirit Deer

Kindle will not read EPUB format without jumping through hoops we weren't willing to jump through.

I absolutely love my Kindle (received as a gift). However, if I had been the person making the purchase, I would have gone with a Nook due to the ePub issue.

**Russ** · 04-19-2011, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by frugalfoster

Buy the Ipad... I have the kindle,,,it's great .....but buy the Ipad...

more info please.

btw Nichole... If I wind up buying an Ipad, it's YOUR fault.

**McD** · 04-19-2011, 11:58 AM

As I was doing more research last night, I have decided to hold out for the Ipad. Kind of a bummer since I have enough cash for the Kindle, but not enough for the Ipad. I want instant gratification!

**monkeywrangler71** · 04-19-2011, 12:00 PM

If I had the choice, which unfortunately I don't, I would buy the Nook because it can read so many different formats, whereas the Kindle keeps you chained to Amazon. An iPad would be fun, but I wouldn't buy one for reading, it would cause just as much eyestrain as reading on a computer.

**dcompton** · 04-20-2011, 01:03 PM

Kindle -- I just read an announcement this morning that later this year Kindle will be able to read e-pub format and will be able to be used for reading library books. The function will be called Lending Library, and will be available for all generation Kindles. The date of the programming release has not been determined yet.

This will make my Kindle perfect, and overcome it's one drawback - at least for me.

**Libby** · 04-20-2011, 06:05 PM

Just like the iphone - I thought nothing special about it and that it was over priced. Now that I have one - I'm flabbergasted and lost w/o it...I use it for everything AND the phone function.

With the ipad, I thought nothing special about it and now LOVE it. Its a lighter and easier version of a netbook - you can surf with it (using wifi), take pics & videos and play games. I have yet to figure out the book reading aspect though. Its nice and big so for a blind person like me, I think its great. But I'm so adjusted to the iphone that the ipad seems gigantic in comparison.

I think you're doing a good thing waiting for the ipad

BTW: Russ - think about your android phone with all the apps - ipad is just a giant touch screen toy

AND you can use it for reading/watching movies or videos etc.