So, as a managing editor of a print publication, I’m often asked how I feel about e-readers, and whether I’d ever buy one. The answer is yes, I would. Would an e-reader take the place of print in my life? No, nothing could. But yes, I can definitely see the merits of these devices and yes, I would invest in one—if only I could decide which one—and be sure that I’m not getting the one that will become obsolete in the next few weeks. The technology is changing so quickly right now, and I have a very long list of demands, most of which are met by all three brands mentioned in the title of this post—namely, that I can download my books fast, anywhere, using free wi-fi (no data plan commitment), that I’ve tons of books to choose from, super long battery life, lots of storage space… really, what this choice comes down to for me is how well the reader meets three basic needs:

1) That the books be easy on my eyes.

I already stare at a computer screen for hours every day, and I have pretty poor eyesight as it is–I definitely don’t need to add on a new source of strain. The iPad is back-lit, which is part of why its display is so beautiful…but there’s concern out there whether this is great for long stretches of reading. Both the Kindle and Nook feature the E Ink technology, no back-lighting or glare, easy to read in any conditions. Scores: iPad (1) Kindle (2) Nook (2)

2) That I can read magazines on it, as well as books… in full colour.

I know both the Kindle and Nook have magazines for download. The Nook has The New Yorker. I don’t think the iPad’s bookstore has magazines on the shelves…but I suspect that a mag apps for the iPad are in the works, as some magazines have iPhone apps.  Of the three, the Kindle does not have colour, though that’s supposedly coming. The Nook has a colour touchscreen, and the covers of the books and mags are in full-colour, but not the interior pages. The iPad has everything–everything!—and in full colour. Scores: iPad (2) Kindle (0) Nook (1)

I hope that both the Nook and Kindle are developing a way of reading magazines in full colour, and for browsing them — as opposed to flipping page by page, as one does with a book — on an E-ink (eye-saving) screen. I have no idea whether this would be possible ever, let alone soon, let alone affordable for non-millionaires. But it would be awesome, right?

3) That the design be aesthetically pleasing. That, and it must fit in my purse.

I know, know–that last is terribly girly. But it’s also practical. One huge reason I want such a device is so that I can carry more reading material with me wherever I go.  The iPad, though light, would only fit in my largest purse; same with the Kindle.  The Nook would fit into the medium sized ones. Both the Nook and Kindle weigh less than a pound, I believe, and are very thin, so they also wouldn’t add bulk to my bag. Would I buy more bags, specifically to accommodate the iPad or Kindle? Maybe, if I were really rich…or insane.  Scores: iPad (1) Nook (2) Kindle (1)

So far, the scores stack up like this: iPad (4), Nook (5), Kindle (3).

Of course, there’s also the question of price. The cheapest available iPad is $499. The Nook is $259  (Both are USD prices — couldn’t find the Canadian price anywhere – anyone?). The Kindle 2 is $271 Canadian ($259 US).

What else do you get for the iPad’s heftier price tag? Unlike the others, the iPad has all kinds of other features–web browsing, email, calendar, gps, a bigillion apps–its sits somewhere in between an iPhone and a MacBook, but can’t replace either.  I can understand wanting iPad for travel (rather than carrying a laptop…but not for work travel, in that you can’t really do much work on it. You can take notes and book meetings, but it doesn’t have things like MS office on it, or a full keyboard). You also can’t make phone calls with the iPad, and honestly, if you could, it would look kind of ridiculous next to your ear.

Yes, the Nook has a goofy name. I was going to deduct a point for that, but then I saw that you can buy gorgeous designer covers for it. Kate Spade, people!

Which one is right for you depends on what you value. Maybe you want to watch as many videos as you read books, or you tend to read in short bursts, with lots of web surfing, music, etc in between. Then the choice is obvious: iPad.

Maybe you care far less about the Internet or apps, or maybe you already have an iPhone (lucky!) which means your video/web needs well enough: you just want to read e-books and magazines. Maybe you’re far less superficial than I am, and also don’t care so much about things like covers or colour. To choose between a Kindle and a Nook, you need to ask yourself what kind of reading you want to do: primarily for pleasure, or primarily for research purposes. You can makes notes and use Wikipedia as you read with a Kindle.  Not with a Nook. Then again, if you were reading your Nook within arm’s length of your iPhone or laptop, you’d be all good…

Me–I just want to read books, and I’d be more than satisfied with an iPhone for my (fairly low) web/audio on the go needs. (Right now I’ve got a cell and a iPod, and I’d love to replace these with iPhone one day). I want a e-reader that’s fast, good-looking, easy to use, fits in my purses, has at least a splash of colour on the screen and works with free wi-fi. So, for me the Nook is in the lead.

However, I’ve yet to actually get my mitts on any one of these devices, and I’d love to hear from someone who has! Please share, the good and the bad.

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