Kindle Fire vs. Nook Color

[davy]

For the first time, I'm thinking of taking the plunge. iPads have always been just beyond my reach, but lately I've been thinking I should probably have an eReader, what with them being the future of my profession and all. And I really like the idea that these deluxe models could double as Finn-entertainers on long car rides and in various waiting rooms across America -- he'd love the interactive children's books and games and streaming cartoons and such.

The Kindle Fire is exciting, but ever since I started thinking about getting an eBook reader, I've been leaning toward the Nook, mainly because I appreciate their stubborn bookishness, and I'd rather support the book industry than Amazon.

But the Fire clearly has the edge where content is concerned. So I don't know. Right now, the Kindle is $50 cheaper, but I'm guessing the Nook price will come down to match it.

[elpollodiablo]

The specs are nearly identical. To the extent that you'd wanna cough up an extra fifty bucks to, ah, "support the book industry," I guess the Nook is your jam. There's probably going to be a new one soon.

What's more book-like about the Nook?

[davy]

I dunno. I like the idea of having a brick and mortar Barnes & Noble to shop -- even if I'm not actually buying a physical product there, there's a consistency to it that's appealing. And Barnes & Noble really seems committed to the literary potential of these devices in a way that Amazon isn't. Right off the bat, it's clear that Amazon wants to stuff as many multimedia gizmos into these things as possible, whereas, at least in their advertising, Barnes & Noble seems genuinely committed to creating the best e-book reader for readers.

Then again, I'm interested in the multimedia aspect of the device as well -- mainly for Finn's use. I guess I just need to get my priorities straight.

[elpollodiablo]

I'm not sure quite what you mean about B&N being committed to the literary dimension of these devices more than Amazon--the Nook has just about all of the same multimedia features (web browsing, Flash video, games, apps, etc.) that the Fire has. Both of them treat books & readable content pretty much the same way. If what you want is the best text-reading experience, you shouldn't buy a full-featured multimedia tablet; you should buy an e-ink reader. They're far, far better at recreating a paper-like reading experience.

[coldforge]

Yeah, I've got a non-color nook and it's super hi-res and pleasant to use. And the touchscreen is pretty responsive, too. I haven't seen the new Kindles at all but compared to the previous generation the layout seems really efficient.

[jebreject]

Yeah, best reading experience is going to be something like the Kindle Touch (which I really want, and which I imagine is going to solve all of the issues I have with the clunkiness of the Kindle's UI). I really don't have much interest in all-in-one gizmos like the Fire or the Nook Color or tablets personally, but I could see the appeal, especially for a parent. I'd probably go with the Fire since it's Android (though a highly modified version) and I'm guessing that it's capable of running most Android apps. I haven't looked into it much, though.

edit: xpost

[elpollodiablo]

Actually the Fire version of Android doesn't have access to the Android app store, but the Nook Color version does. Something else to consider.

I'll probably check out the next Kindle Touch, too, since I had one of the second-gen models and was just dissatisfied with it enough to sell it after a couple of months. If the UI is more fluid, I could see going back. I do an obscene amount of PDF reading on my laptop, and it definitely strains my eyes.

[Bernard]

If what you want is the best text-reading experience, you shouldn't buy a full-featured multimedia tablet; you should buy a book, preferably a used book. They smell good, they look nice, and the people who think you're cooler with a book in your hand are themselves more interesting, intelligent, attractive, and muscular.

[elpollodiablo]

You forgot older

[coldforge]

Yes, but can you sit in a cafe by yourself for hours with an e-reader, slowly drinking many small cups of coffee and smoking hand-rolled cigarrettes, every so often pausing to make some small note or chuckle to yourself, with a corduroy jacket and artfully tousled hair? Oh, you can? Well, that sews that up.

[elpollodiablo]

Yeah but the smell

[Bernard]

You forgot the suede elbow patches.

[Bernard]

You forgot the black turtleneck.

[Bernard]

Can I swap out the hand-rolled cigarettes for a pipe? I prefer a pipe.

[Thermofusion]

Used books all day

[RavingLunatic]

Used books all day

This, man. Most used books are so freaking cheap it's ridiculous. Plus, books are just awesome.

[elpollodiablo]

Try a book it's the original ebook lol

[Bernard]

Wait, are you trying to suggest that comments about the merits of books are irrelevant in a thread about the merits of e-book readers?

 
mind blown

[Thermofusion]

You're too old to recognize the convenience of an e-reader, remember?

[elpollodiablo]

What kind of computer should I buy / How about a typewriter

[Bernard]

What's a computer? Where am I?

[Thermofusion]

I just got done converting my living room into a UNIVAC I

[davy]

Dang, this wasn't my intention at all.

[elpollodiablo]

Man we're just playing. Or at least I am.

What are you gonna buy?

[Bernard]

Sorry, davy -- I preordered the Kindle Fire, and Aaron recently rooted my dad's nook (I've tried to find a less icky way to phrase that) so if you have any specific questions I can have a look?