Open format

[geertm]

Originally Posted by bmatt

Not really planning on reading any PDFs, the textbooks I was referring to are the new features on B&N and Amazon where it appears they have "ported" textbooks to a format compatible with the Nook and Kindle, though I don't think it is at a point it could be used for every class necessarily, but an interesting concept that may help nudge me to purchase a reader of some sort.

The B&N textbooks can only be read on the new NookStudy PC/MAC software reader. Not on the Nook!
Because B&N considers a 6 inch reader not a good device to read textbooks (which is true), they have created the Nookstudy PC/MAC software to read textbooks on a PC/Laptop.

[CatsMeow]

Last May, I opted for the nook over the Kindle because of the library checkouts. However, I've been very disappointed with the selection of eBooks available through the library. I'm not a romance fan and that is the genre that is mostly available. I've found 2 non-fiction books and 1 literary fiction book to check out over the past 3 months. As for "seamless" between the Nook and library checkouts... only after I'd downloaded and registered Adobe Digital Editions and practiced side-loading. I'm still not a fan of side-loading, which is required if you get books from anywhere other than B&N.

Also during the same timeframe, I've looked up several titles that have only been available in eBook from Amazon. So I recently downloaded Kindle for PC software. I've started downloading free books and sample chapters from Amazon since I'm thinking about buying a Kindle 3. IMO Amazon's website and Kindle store is much better than B&N's website. Amazon is faster with much better search capabilities. Amazon just needs a few keywords and most of the time that is sufficient to uncover the book I want. Using a simple keyword search on B&N oftentimes returns weird results, which is better than a couple of months ago when B&N would just take you to the beginning of their ebook listings.

Kindle also has better syncing and note-taking functions. If you're reading between devices or using them for study, then both those functions could be important to you. Nook is definitely best for reading one book on a single device from cover-to-cover.

[bmatt]

Ah, figured the textbook thing would be odd, but it would be kind of cool.

I played with a Nook today at B&N and felt the touchscreen was ok, but not the best. Searching for books was kind of hard as it is slow to register keystrokes on the virtual keyboard. Also trying to highlight/note a passage was a bit cumbersom as well, looking up a word wasnt too much easier either. Weight wasn't too bad and the glare was acceptable, though I could imgine reading outside it could become slightly annoying, but if you are concentrated on the book it shouldn't matter.

I tried to got to Best Buy so I could look at a Sony and Nook side by side, though it would be the older model but give me a good idea. Of course their nook wasnt setup, I guess the are adding a Kindle display. The pocket worked and I was able to play with it though I feel it may be a bit small. Someone had destroyed the touch and the daily on display was a fake, quit disappointing.

I have checked my local(ish) library and they seem to have a fairly decent array of books available for checkout using ovedrive, and it appears the Library of Philadelphia allows anyone to use their overdrive library for $15/yr, which seems reasonable depending on the selection.

I'd really like to love the Nook, since it is the lower price point and has connectivity which would be nice. I could even get the 3G model and save $30 over the Sony with no connectivity. B&N has pretty much every book I want and I can just side load if not, not a big deal to me. The other thing on the nook, and maybe the Kindle as well, is how cumbersome selecting a book seems. Having to scroll down a list with a directional button seemed to take a little while, though I could get over it easily, the touch screen method is slightly nicer I think.

[boswd]

using cover flow when shopping for books makes it soo much easier and nicer when browsing books because you browse by swiping your finger across the covers flow, similiar to using album cover flow on your iPod when selecting a song. And plus you get to see your books covers in color which I just love.

when shopping hit "show covers"

Also you can shop on line as well and your book will automatically be sent to the nook without having to sideload.

there is a bit of learning curve but once you get it down, it's a pretty sweet device.

[bmatt]

Yea, that what I am hoping for right now. I didn't think about that, thanks for pointing that out! I hope the keyboard gets a little bit easier to use as well, could be the display unit making it a little harder as well.

[ProfCrash]

You also can shop from home or any other computer. I only use the store on the device when I am being lazy at home or am out and about in an airport.

[bmatt]

Yea, and since I work on computers all day long, I'm rarely without one. So the connectivity isn't a big deal to me. However, the ability to connect could be nice for random book purchases. Tough decisions! I do kind of like the idea of the B&N store connectivity/deals/discounts which no other reader can offer me, and if they build a B&N in the new shopping center 2 miles from my house that could make it that much more tempting. But the possibility of a new nook in the next couple months is bothering me, unless I can get a good deal on the Nook. If Best Buy were still doing the $50 gift card with the 3G model I'd probably do it, though that doesn't seem to be going on any more. I guess I'll just have to try to hold out a little while to see if B&N announces anything new for the Nook...

[ProfCrash]

The random purchases are why I would not get an e-reader without some type of connectivity.

[boswd]

Originally Posted by ProfCrash

The random purchases are why I would not get an e-reader without some type of connectivity.

Nothing like being at work, shop for a book and have it on my device when I go to read it for the train ride home, without having to hook it up