Looking for an ereader

[Left Hand Black]

I really want to get an e-reader but I'm not sure which one I should get. The Nook, Irex, Kindle, etc, are all interesting but I'm concerned that the Ipad will knock one or more of these products out of business.

The only thing I want to do is read books, I don't need/want a little netbook device like the Ipad. But the ipad can display my .cbr files (graphic novels) and I don't think they will look worth a damn on a reader using eink. I know I'll need to convert them to epub or something but that shouldn't be a big deal.

However, I feel like I'm paying for a bunch of stuff that I really don't want. I don't want to play games or jump on facebook every 10 mins. I don't need 3G, as I'll only use this at home. If I got an ipad, I'd probably watch some movies as well as read, but that's not why I want one of these things.

Also, a few of these e-ink style readers aren't much cheaper than the ipad. The Kindle DX is $490, the Irex is $400. I might as well spend the extra $$$.

I almost bought a nook this weekend but I can't seem to pull the trigger. The ipad is looming out there and I think it might overwhelm all the others.

Thoughts?

 

[schnarkle]

Kindle sounds like the way to go. If all you're doing is reading the kindle will be much easier on the eyes for extended reading than the iPad IMO.

 

[TexasRx]

I've got a Nook and like it. Newest update you can surf the web but not quite like on an iPhone or iPad. The e-ink is easy on the eyes but is not backlit. Reading on any of the e-readers is going to be similar experience with the e-ink.

 

[runner]

I have a Kindle and (as of Friday) and iPad.

Kindle
* Very readable -- especially in bright sunlight.
* Battery life is very long. I turn off wireless and it lasts a couple of weeks (obviously depends on how much you are reading)
* I like the ability to hover over a word and get it's definition
* Page turning is fast enough, but from what I hear a lot faster than the Nook.
* While I like the ability to shop for books online, I realize so much of how I recognize a book is by it's cover, which you really can't do well on the Kindle (no color). Note, you can go to Amazon's site and order there, though.
* It's very light
* I wouldn't get the bigger one. the smaller one is like $250 or so I think. The iPad is 2x that price.
* Internet capability, but frankly, it's pretty limited
* i don't see the Kindle going away -- it's a major market for Amazon, and will always have a niche.
* I tried the DX, but it just felt too big. Couldn't really hold it with one hand.

iPad
* Has both a Kindle app as well as the iBook app. I don't really know the differences yet. I *do* like the Kindle app - it is really cool.
* screen is amazing
* a lot heavier. So far, this is not a huge issue, but I've only read a small amount on it.
* "only" 10 hour battery life (plenty for reading, but you'll have to charge it more than the Kindle)
* Tons of other apps
* cool factor
* can watch movies. Double bonus.
* haven't read for long periods of time, but seems okay to me
* I wouldn't take this to the beach, but I would take (have taken) the Kindle to the beach.
* Reading the paper (NY Times) is *far* better on this than on the Kindle. I never knew how much I liked photos in line with the story.
* Page turns a little faster
* A lot more expensive than the Kindle - 2x to 4x depending on model

 

[badexcuse]

I love the nook and read that it actually outsold Kindle last quarter.

 

[Wild Bill]

I've had the Kindle (smaller one) for about 2 months and I really like it. It is light, and can fit in a coat pocket which is handy for travel. Reading is easy, and downloading new books from Amazon is fast and painless. I haven't read the other ereaders, so I can't compare, but I would buy a Kindle again.

 

[The Eyes of Texas]

I got a Sony reader for Christmas...absolutely love it. It doesn't have a network connection, so you have to connect to a PC to get movies, but it's also a lot cheaper than the other options. I haven't found the lack of a network connection to be an issue, although I admittedly don't travel much.