My little town in CT is distributing IPads to all HS students next year - most textbooks will be downloadable, so the cost zeroes out. Isn't that amazing!

I have a nook with WIFI and 3G network capabilities and I love it! I've had it for about a year now and use it daily.

You must try them out and see for yourself. I have had a Kindle from the start and love it. I love that it is not back lit and I do not like touch screens, so the Kindle is perfect for me. My SIL has an Ipad and loves it. So it is definitely personal preferences as they all are amazing!

But I would say don't get too caught up on the free stuff from the library. You can't get every book OR a book when you want it. But I have gotten a freebie and I was happy I didn't buy it. Good luck. ~ Pat

I have the Kindle and i love it. Didn't even shop for others because of the fact that kindle reader is like reading paper and i didn't want any more screen lights like a computer when i am reading for long hours. My eyes are getting enough from screens. Also there is tons of books/games that are free on amazon that you can get. I got the one for $189 so it has 3G and WiFi also so i can browse the internet too (which i don't usually do). I bought it for reading purposes only to carry everywhere.

Fantastic!

I remember when I had to drive car pool and I would watch some of the kids, especially the petite girls, bent over double trying to carry their backpacks loaded with heavy textbooks! This will save a lot of backs!

Color is great for kids books, magzines and newspapers. I have a Nook Color and like it - but am not sure it was worth the extra money for the Color part.
If you want to be able to get (free) books downloaded from your library, ask there what is easiest to use with their downloading software. If you plan to purchase books, try out downloading from the primary source offering the books you may purchase.
There are a few differences (wt, etc) beyond that, but try to determine ahead of time how you plan to use it and make your choice based on how well the one you want meets your needs.
Sally

I have a Kindle and I took it on our Carnival Cruise with us. Saw lots of folks on board with one as well, sitting out in the sun reading. They are absolutely wonderful for outside time, it is like reading a regular page with no glare. I've gotten lots of free books as well as cookbooks and a few games on mine. I've purchased 2 games for mine for waiting rooms and such. The charge lasts a super long time. We were on the cruise for 5 days plus travel back and forth to the port and I never even brought the charger with me. I charge mine about once a month or so. LOVE IT! ! !

I started out with a nook. My hubby recently bought me the new I pad. I love both. If you can afford the I pad, it is far more versatile because of the variety of applications available. Also, yet, go color on the nook.

I have the basic NOOK, love it. My daughter got it for me for Christmas and she checked with my local library first to see what would be compatible with their ebooks. I read all the time and haven't bought a book yet.

I love my Kindle dx.