The Nook by Barnes and Noble

You will see that the Barnes and Noble Nook has been added to "Links to My Tech Stuff" list on the sidebar. Yes, I did get one. Some things on it I like better than my Sony eReader (PRS-505) and some things I like less. The main reason I got one was, of course, for the ease of purchasing new books. Many of my books are from Project Gutenburg, FeedBooks, Baen books, et cetera, but occasionally I do read newer stuff. And while Sony/Borders does have a much better selection than formerly, I decided I wanted the ease of over the air downloads. I chose the Nook over the Kindle as I didn't want a physical keyboard.

Too Late and Too Sleepy

Image via CrunchBase

Yes, I'm seriously considering getting a iPad. This came about because I was thinking about getting a new eBook Reader. One that I can download books to online. This means either the Kindle (Amazon) or the Nook (Barnes and Noble). Yes, there are others, but these two have the broadest support base. If I do decide to get an iPad it will be instead of upgrading my eReader. Not to replace my eReader.

I am puzzled by comments that the iPad will make the current crop of eReaders obsolete. The iPad is not an eReader, its display is color and back lit. These are both things that will cause additional eyestrain during long reading sessions. As most books are B&W I don't see any advantage to having a color display and as I typically read for long periods I much prefer the reflective light displays as they cause less strain.

The only advantage a color display has is with a limited number of book categories (mostly non-fiction subjects like the Arts, Travel, How-Tos, et cetera) and with periodical literature (Magazines, Comics, et cetera). Personally I seldom read comics or magazines (Archaeology and the occasional cooking magazine being the exceptions to the rule). I do read non-fiction books, but again these seldom have pictures and if they do they're usually B&W.

So why am I thinking of getting the iPad since I'll be keeping my eReader for reading?

I like new toys.

Well, It's way past my bedtime and I'm tired and cranky so Good Night All.