[dbeman]

You truly can't go wrong with either device. There are Amazon enthusiasts who will tell you that Kindle is the only choice. There are nook users who will list why the ST is superior. And Kobo folks who tend to be a bit more quiet but who enjoy their device just the same.

The problem with test driving each unit at retail stores is that many stores only have demo units available; which don't give you a good feel for how the device works. If you live near a Barnes & Noble you can get your hands on a fully functional demo unit to really test it out.

If one were to objectively list the pros & cons of each device I think they would come our fairly close to even. When I looked at all the pros and cons I wound up hitching my wagon to Barnes & Noble and haven't regretted it since. My wife went with a Kindle and she seems just as happy.

One tipping point toward a Kindle Touch for this holiday season at least is that I've heard rumors of a Black Friday offering (perhaps Target?) that is offering a Gift Card with a Kindle purchase. Since the retail price of all of these units is pretty much set in stone this is the closest thing you'll come to finding them "on sale" short of buying a refurbished device.

Edit: I just discovered that Staples is offering a $20 Gift card with a Nook ST purchase and read an unconfirmed rumor of Best Buy selling the nook ST for $80.00. Both are Black Friday deals.