E-reader or I pad?

[Rosalie]

Now that ebooks are a part of our lives, we have to choose how to read them.

While ereaders are becoming cheaper, the smart phone and i-pad seem to almost replace them. What have you found?

I purchased an ereader that is already back in the shop for repair.
When I purchase my next machine to read ebooks, I would really like it to work, rather than become a hugely expensive paperweight.

Here in Australia, ereaders are still a rare thing. I waited for six weeks for mine to arrive on back order.
Here there are only two versions to view 'in store' but the news is that in May more will arrive. Ebay is fine if you know what you need but to get to that stage it is good to handle an ereader and try its functions, BEFORE purchase.

What have other readers found to work, efficiently and not to cost the earth?
Is Kindle better than Color Nook...
Does the Android platform perform?
What have you found?

[J.Q.]

My daughter gave me a Kindle for mother's day and my birthday last May. In June the price dropped...wouldn't you know? I love it. I especially like the dictionary built in, the changeable font size, and the ability to write notes. I'm sure there are a lot of other things I haven't even discovered. I have already taken for granted the luxury of reading a review of a book and ordering it. It instantly shows up on my Kindle ready for me to enjoy..all within minutes.

[Rosalie]

Cool. Thanks for that J. Q. I am leaning toward a Kindle. My previous experience with an Android hasn't been good.
Being able to write notes is a bonus.

[Wendy]

I have no idea what to look for in an e-reader. The best I can do is to read a pdf on my computer.

[Rosalie]

I have been reduced to doing that too. Of the four books I tried to load onto my ereader only two opened. Now it's in the shop and I am reading the reliable PDF version.

[Rebecca]

My husband got one of the iPads and LOVES it. He often has to bargain with the 11-year old for time to use it. I won a Kindle at Christmastime, but I find it awkward and the screen is too small to suit me.

[Lisa]

I liked what I saw of the Kindle, but I bought a Sony (and love it) becuase its more flexible. Libraries in Ontario, Canada now have a shared e-book lending database, but Kindle won't play ball. I think just about every other type of ereader is compatible with the database.

The Sony does loads of cool things. You can even use it for writing notes while editing your WIP.

I would also think about the ipad, but I wanted something that wasn't backlit. I stare at a computer screen all day, I don't want to read that way. E-ink is so much easier on the eyes.

[J.Q.]

I never thought about the back lighting. I know the e-ink is easy to read and that's one thing I like about Kindle and the ability to change the font size.

[Rosalie]

I have now been given a refund for my Dreambook. Thank goodness. Now I am going to wait till a little closer to release date to purchase an ereader. Looking at the posts here, I am thinking of an ipad... since my eyes are not so good. The seven inch screen worked ok, but larger would be better.
Backlit or eink. It would be great if you could do a trial of each. They are such an expensive item to find one that isn't suitable.
Even trying one instore is not yet a feature here. Hopefully THIS year they take off and become the Next Big Thing.

[Jenna]

Maybe you guys can tell me...which of the e-readers show two pages of the book on the screen versus the one page at a time. I think i-pad does but they are expensive and I was hoping one of the e-readers does the same thing.

[Rosalie]

Jenna could you read two pages at one on a tiny screen? I have trouble with my eyes, obviously. It's a good question though. One I hadn't thought of. Hope someone can tell you.

[J.Q.]

I had no idea there was a device to show 2 pages at a time. I'm curious now.

[C.K.]

Hi Jenna. I also haven't seen a reader that has two pages at once. Are you wanting it more for the feel of a real book? My hubby bought me a kindle for Christmas. He also got me the cover for it and that cover gives it the feel of a real book in my hands. I love it. Plus it helps to protect my reader. My hubby told me he would NEVER use an e-reader, but he's constantly borrowing it and has downloaded several books to it.
On the note about libraries - I've heard Kindle is now getting on board to borrow. That's exciting and makes me smile!

[J.Q.]

Kindle does allow you to share books with another kindle owner for 14 days. That's it. If it isn't read within the 14 days, I guess the borrower will have to go buy the book!!

[Jenna]

thanks for the info. I'm between a nook and a kindle

[C.K.]

I heard that Kindle is now working with AT&T to bring down the prices of the 3G Kindle. Plus Kindle is now working on a touch screen to come out in the near future. ah...technology. don't you love how fast it changes. :-)
C.K. Volnek

[J.Q.]

There are so many changes and upgrades in e-readers. I love the competition. The more the better and prices will come down so readers will be able to purchase the devices.