I love my Nook Color! As I get older the print seems to get smaller and more bleary. But, with the Nook, I can easily enlarge the print. Also, I can read in the dark since it is bright (adjustable). This comes in handy when traveling since I suffer from insomnia and don't like disturbing DH. I can download books from our library onto my computer using Adobe Digital Editions (its a free app). Lots of library's have a digital section. My Nook is also an MP3 so I can listen to books also. Plus Netflix. Only problem is that I like a larger screen for movies and you really need headphones to hear it.
If you live close to a Barnes and Noble, you can take your Nook there for free WiFi. Barnes and Noble also have a lot of free books you can download.
You can also have pictures on it.
I can only vouch for the Nook Color. My oldest has a plain Nook - it's not back lit. He did that on purpose so the battery would last longer. His battery lasts several weeks. Mine only lasts a few hours.