I have a Kindle and love it, however, it does not allow you to download the free e-pub books that many local libraries are now offering. You have to buy your books from Amazon. Many are free and reduced prices, but free would be better! There is a program out there to allow you to convert e-pub books to the kindle format, but I can only get it to work on classic books that are out of copyright. I also don't like the battery replacement with the Kindle.
If I were to purchase a new one, I would purchase a Nook, or another brand that allows you to download the e-pub books. As soon as my Kindle "dies", I will get a Nook.
I didn't like the iPad because it doesn't seem to have the "electronic ink" that e-readers have so that it is easy on the eyes. Just my thoughts - hope it helps!

Keep a watch on the library they are in the process of allowing Kindle to download books. My Kindle has 3G and the battery lasts for 4 to 6 weeks as long as you keep the 3G turned off it will last for 6 weeks otherwise it's good for 4.

Well, I said I'd never get a kindle but you all just about have me convinced. When I go away I haul 4-5 books with me and they get heavy. My biggest fear is, are they user friendly for people not electronically inclined. Will I have the patience to get the hang of how it works. Also are there enough books that are free or reasonable. I know I won't pay $10 for a book when I can get it free at the library. I just love the idea of carrying something so small with loads of books on it though.

With the nook you can already get them free at the library and it supports multiple formats so you can shop several different sites to get free books. Barnes and Noble has a forum on thier site for each of it's nooks to ask and answer questions should you need help. Plus if you live close to a store you can go in and get one on one attention; which is what I do.

B&N stores in your area may offer Nook help classes I find them very useful.

From what I've read I think I've about decided on the kindle if I get one. Supposedly you don't need to re-charge it as often and you can see it in the sun. I go to the beach a lot.

I have a kindle, actually we have 3 in the house. I also have an Ipad. My hubby loves to buy me toys like this for my bday. I have a generation 1 kindle and it still works wonderfully. The kids each have one now and they love them as well.

Yes, they are very user friendly. Even if you are not a techie, soo simple to get going on them. And if you have any problems, you can call them and get a real person to talk you through the issue.

I have an Ipad as well. If I am just reading a book, I will pick up my kindle. It is soo much lighter and easier on the eyes for long reading.

Yes there are tons of free/cheap books out there. That is mostly what my DD gets on hers...she does not like to spend money on the books. My daughter, son and I are on the same account...so we share our books on all of the devices. I can also get to those same books on my ipad or my phone. So very useful in that manner.

Have fun. :)

Have a nook and love it !! Just wish I had the color nook so it would have a light to read by at night, but for the price difference I decided on a book light.

What are the sites for free/cheap ebooks?

Yes, please give some sites so we can see what's available. I definitely don't want to buy expenisve books when i have a free library a mile from my house.

I did notice Amazon has at least 19 pages of books. Do they change these from time to time? I found about 10 I like and the library said Amazon has told them by the holidays they will have e-books.