[MelC]

Okay. I feel like I know a fair bit about ebook readers now, I've been in since the Gen3 came out and I am really happy with my Sony. My sister has just asked me to help her with choosing an ebook device and I am struggling a little, however. The difficulty is in putting myself in her shoes:

Facts: My sister can operate and perform basic functions such as email, word documents, synching her ipod (with uploaded CDs - she has never to my knowledge used the Itunes store independently of my involvement), watching DVDs. She mostly wants to read novels although she would be happy if some history non-fiction was available as well. We live in Canada. She has typical far-sightedness (ie. reading glasses) issues for her age and would like a book that she could potentially use to read without the glasses.

Of course my first instinct at the moment is Sony, to me it is easy, has an attractive form factor and comes from a tried and tested manufacturer. I am guilty of the typical anti-Amazon sentiment regarding security and privacy of my device and captive retailing. However, I can see how a person who is not terribly comfortable with computers might prefer one that enabled them to essentially search and purchase a book from wherever they are with the touch of a few buttons and no computer required. I know both the Nook and the Kindle have this capability - I don't know how much more idiot proof it is however compared with using the Sony Store. I don't know almost anything about the Nook except that it reads B&N specialty epubs and presumably can read unencrypted epubs as well.

So, if any of you are like my sister and have some experience with these devices tell me which you would prefer?

Mel