I'm interested in buying an ebook reader, but I find myself a little overwhelmed by the choices out there. Does anyone have experience with ebook readers? Any advice?

I've had my Kindle for two years now and I still use it every day. I hate that Amanzon.com feels the need to raise the book prices, but it's still cheaper than buying a new hardback and storage is much easier. Very, very pleased with customer service from Amazon.com and with the equipment itself, user friendly, even for someone as non-technie as I am. I would probably cry if something happened to it.

My son LOOOVES his Kindle! He said it's so easy to read in bed and he's reading more than he used to with it.

I like my Ipad because I can get books from Amazon, borders and Apple. Really nice that I can use it for other things too like the internet, e mail, games etc.

I have a Kindle and my hub has the new Nook. His is in color and has back lighting. Mine does not...but I wouldn't give up my Kindle. When I need light the book lights work just fine. Just depends on what you want...IF I had seen the Nook first I think I would have had one of those. But...I'm happy.

Is it easy to get books for them? I confess I don't know much about them, however the idea of being able to take multiple books with me anywhere I go is appealing.

Which system has the most variety of books?

I bought my husband a Sony e-reader he loves it. He found a site that he downloads books from (other than a book store like amazon or borders) With that said you should decide what you want from an e-reader. Some of the newer models are wifi and have color screens I.e. You can get e-magazines on it which is kind of cool or read a child a picture book. www.cnet.com is a good site to review what professionals think of electronics
You should also research what types of files the reader your looking at can accept. Some accept multiple file types increasing the places you can download books from. There are lots of places and some places have free books. My husbands can hold up ton400 books without additional memory (sd card)

My daughter loves her nook the best thing to do is go to Amazon read the reviews. Go to Barnes and Noble and try the nook you can also go to best buy for the Sony e readers the best thing my daughter did was this. There are some good people out there who will answer your questions.

I have the color Nook and love it! I can add PDF and photos, and see them in color. My idea is to use it for reading of course, but follow patterns while quilting - does not take much space. The best thing is the color. I also like the free books for Barnes and Noble.

Weighing in as a school librarian. B & N seem to be in th lead as far as ring ready for textbook ebooks. If you want color for magazines & pictures in books (think nonfiction) the Nook or iPad are the front runners. Also public libraries Have more & more ebooks for checkout and the kindle is the only eReader that does not work with the library system. I'm not saying the Kindle isn't a good product it is very good at what it does. But as others have said you need to determine what features you must have then match that list with the eReader that best performs those requirements. Customer service is important too.

I have heard great reviews on all of the eReaders ... I have a Kobo eReader and have never had a problem with it ... it has WiFi and you can download books from the eReader also. It comes with 100 classic novels and it gives you a coupon code to download to recent books. It can hold up to 1000 books and it stays charged for about 2 weeks. You can also download books from your local library. Kobo just had a big sale on ebooks for 99 cents. You also can buy a memory card for it if you need more room to save books. :)

My wife has the Nook Color which is a fantastic device. And I have the Nook WiFi with 3g which I really like. After a lot of research we decided on the Nooks and so far have been very happy with them. With the Nook we get all kinds of stuff when you use it in a Barns and Nobel store. There is a fantastic deal on the Nook WiFi and WiFi with 3g on Overstock, that is where I got mine.

How much is an Ipad ?

the least expensive one is 499. Then if you want to add the phone feature, it costs a little more. Go to apple.com and see it demo'd

I thought I saw an IPad listed at walmart for 229 or 299...

I have had my nook since September, and absolutely love it. Wish I had waited for color one, but I use it everyday, as does my oldest daughter.

Besides all the free books at bn.com, I can buy books from other online sources, like my employer. I need to sideload them and they are stored in my documents, rather than my main shelf/library, but that's ok. If borrowing from the library is something important and you're considering the kindle, check out the message boards and see if there is a workaround.

For immediate ease of use, straight out of the box, fitting all needs of e-reader, email, music,etc., I'd pick the ipad.

I also have a kindle. I've had mine for about 1 1/2 years. I love it. I don't read as much as I used to but I do read. I like it because you are able to make the type Larger. And I need that as I am very visually handicapped. My daughter had bought a Sony (I think that was the name) from Staples. She had so much trouble with that so she returned it and they were not very nice to her, but they allowed her to return it and what she did was just exchanged it because she really wanted one and she reads ALL THE TIME. Never see her not reading if shes not doing something. Anyways she returned it 3 times by the time she was done and made them give her her money back. She was so disappointed. And now shes back to reading regular books. :(

Love my Kindle. Got it for christmas. I didn't need one with all the bells and whistles, I just wanted to read. Amazon has amazingbooks and games. Have not had to pay for any books yet, because I got so many free ones. Just sayin.

I don't think so. Apple pretty much controls the prices.

I just got an online add today from Borders, they are advertising a Kobe for $99.99 with coupon. Get the coupon on their website

I love, love, love my kindle. I got mine first and ended up buying my husband, son, and two of my three daughters one. The only reason she didn't get one is she "needed" a new Playstation. I bet she gets one next Christmas. The draw for me is (1) I can see to read it (no glare and you can make the print suitable for your eyes) and (2) no storing of books. It's some of the best money I ever spent. Just my thoughts on it. Everybody's different.

Lots to consider. Thanks for your input and advice!