[applewine]

I think the original nook simple touch is the best e-reader if you are OK with not having direct-transfer of books from overdrive and relying on a computer.

I do not own an e-reader (though I did own a kindle 3 keyboard that broke) other than desktop apps and an iPhone, however this is my conclusion and I may get one if I want a more specialized device for reading.

These are the primary reason I like the Nook Simple Touch:
1. Page turn buttons
2. A nice contoured back for holding, not too thin.

If the tablet readers were thicker, had a countered back and page turn buttons I might be more likely to go with one of them.

The downside is you can't check out books from overdrive on the device. You have to rely on a computer to load them into your reader.

Interestingly I think that means that if you return the book early you will still be able to read the book on this type of device until the original expiration date, because it does not verify the book has not been returned early.

I also noticed that on Overdrive Media Console and Adobe Digital Editions they do not check to see if the book has been returned early, and will let you keep reading the book after it has been returned using another device. If you have multiple copies downloaded then your library will consider the book returned if you return it on one device, but the other devices do not check to see if the book is still checked out. This means you can check out many more than the maximum for your library. The only app reader I have seen which correctly checks to see if the book is still checked out is the BlueFire reader.

I am a little worried, because this sounds like a violation of the property rights. I do not know how the "early check-in" was thought to work with all devices and apps. Apparently some apps and devices do not check.

I only use eBooks for library access and occasionally some journal subscriptions. I decided not to go with the middle-ground that Amazon and Nook are offering where they sell you a 24/7 access for unlimited check-outs of a specific book from their library. That is what they are selling with their e-books. Maybe that is too up-tight, but I prefer to have the paper book copy as the primary and I think e-book access is a good compliment for easy access anywhere.

However, I think e-books are best suited for either a free add-on for a printed book or a library subscription like overdrive.