My husband and I bought each other Nook Color for Christmas and I love it. For one thing, it is back-lit and has a night reading mode where the text is white and the background is gray - puts out very little light to disturb your partner. Also, you can access the internet with it at any wi-fi spot so you can get your email, shop online, search the web, whatever you wish. The color one is a little heavier than the Kindle, but I looked at both and decided for me it was the nook - love it!