e-Reader as Gift Idea???

osdad

5-Year Member
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Feb 10, 2010
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I know spare time is limited but when its available, my Plebe loves to read. But, space is also very limited so we were thinking that an Kindle or Nook would be a nice gift.

Any thoughts on this idea?
Any thoughts on which e-reader is superior?

Both offer Wi-Fi only models for about $130 and Wi-Fi + 3G for $50 more.

Question: Is there Wi-Fi at NA that DD would be allowed to connect to? Any free hot spots nearby?

Question: Does the NA use any e-published textbooks? (Nook seems to do better than Kindle on this front.)
 
I know spare time is limited but when its available, my Plebe loves to read. But, space is also very limited so we were thinking that an Kindle or Nook would be a nice gift.

Any thoughts on this idea?
Any thoughts on which e-reader is superior?

Both offer Wi-Fi only models for about $130 and Wi-Fi + 3G for $50 more.

Question: Is there Wi-Fi at NA that DD would be allowed to connect to? Any free hot spots nearby?

Question: Does the NA use any e-published textbooks? (Nook seems to do better than Kindle on this front.)

iPad...
 
I know spare time is limited but when its available, my Plebe loves to read. But, space is also very limited so we were thinking that an Kindle or Nook would be a nice gift.

Any thoughts on this idea?
Any thoughts on which e-reader is superior?

Both offer Wi-Fi only models for about $130 and Wi-Fi + 3G for $50 more.

Question: Is there Wi-Fi at NA that DD would be allowed to connect to? Any free hot spots nearby?

Question: Does the NA use any e-published textbooks? (Nook seems to do better than Kindle on this front.)

My USNA Mid also loves to read (it's a bit of an obsession) and she has a Kindle which she loves. It was a gift from her grandparents so I haven't researched the different options. It's easy for her to just download from amazon whatever she is looking for and most of the classics and old books she is able to download for free. I think it's a great gift for a Mid who loves to read and is short on time and space to store books.
 
The e-ink screen on the Nook (not color) is far superior to the I-Pad or color Nook.

Which e-reader depends on what one would use the device for. If to read books - fiction or non-fiction; then the Nook is an excellent choice. You can download books and store them offline so they are accessible on other devices. This is a big plus for the Nook - maybe you can do this with the Kindle now, I am not sure about that.
Some libraries are online with the Nook so you can 'check them out' for a period of time and read them before they go away.

If you want to read magazines and do other fun things the Color Nook or I-Pad is a great choice. The color Nook is much cheaper than the I-Pad if cost is an issue. Of course, some people might want both so as not to clog the I-pad up with books.

Most kids don't need 'help' with technology but if you buy the Nook and do need help they will provide it for you at Barnes & Nobles.
 
As much as I love my iPad, it's terrible for reading books because of its glossy screen, it makes my eyes dry after about an hour. With that said, it's an amazing web browser and I'd be lost without it..
 
Just bought my AROTC son and Plebe son the Kindle for Christmas. Must also get the cover with attached light since it is not backlit. (Neither is the regular nook). I chose the wifi/3g version because supposedly the 3g works globally for downloads. We will be living overseas, so that will come in handy when they visit and who knows where these kids will end up in the summer.

I ruled out the iPad, since they have laptops, iPods, phones/droids etc that can do most everything else. It was a tough decision, but that's what we're doing..... oh, and legos.:smile:
 
My son said he didn't need an ipad, could use the issued computer for movies, etc. He wants a kindle.

I have a question. If you get the kindle, nook with 3G as well as WiFi, do you have to have a data plan for it like it is a phone? Dumb question, but still a question!:eek:
 
I have a question. If you get the kindle, nook with 3G as well as WiFi, do you have to have a data plan for it like it is a phone? Dumb question, but still a question!:eek:

No. My understanding is the 3G connection comes with the unit - no other fees. (Of course, it cost you $50 up front.)
 
Agree with osdad.... After researching it, found out that Amazon has it's own service and the connection/download/etc is free (included in the cost of the e-book).
 
Looks like there might be a USNA Kindle Users Club forming. I wonder if they can get intramurals credit? :shake:
 
Agree with osdad.... After researching it, found out that Amazon has it's own service and the connection/download/etc is free (included in the cost of the e-book).

Same with the Nook. Wife has had one for over a year now and you couldn't pay her enough to give it up.
 
Have Kindle and iPad

I have a Kindle and an iPad and many acquaintances thought I'd stop reading the Kindle once I got the iPad. To the contrary, I still generally prefer the Kindle as my "go-to" reading device. A few good points about the Kindle (most or all of which would apply to the Nook as well, I assume):
1. The screen on the Kindle is NOT backlit, which is better for your eyes.
2. Because the screen is not backlit, and is like reading ink on a page, it reads great in natural sunlight (there's not the "washed-out computer screen" issue.
3. If you buy the 3G version of Kindle ($180), you have a free 3G connection -- no monthly fees -- that works overseas. So you can download new books, etc. overseas.
4. LOVE the battery life! If you turn off the wireless -- which you only need if you are downloading a new item, you don't need it to read your books once you've downloaded it -- the battery life on a Kindle lasts for over a MONTH at a time from one charge.
5. Amazon has a free Kindle application ("app"), so that I can access any of the e-books I purchase on Amazon on my iPad, my phone, and my laptop.
6. Light as a feather! The newest generation Kindle is so small and light it fits into the pocket of a fleece (or BDUs etc).
I wish I'd had this back in my service days!
 
I recently purchased a Kindle and love it. I am really not much of a reader, but like to read while on the treadmill or eliptical. Helps to pass the time. Kindle is excellent for this. Portability is fantastic. No pages to flip, no book mark or dog-eared pages to save your place.

DS not much of a reader either.

Question: do mids have assigned reading in english, history, etc. where the kindle would be useful and convenient?

Thanks.
 
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