E-Readers: Finding the Right E-Reader for a Holiday Gift

The Apple iPad, a holiday gift favorite with it's versatility and many applications available at a tip of a finger. (Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

This holiday season will likely see a take-off in the eReader and tablet market. The devices have gained momentum and are toward the top of holiday wish lists.  

There are several variations of the devices—each of which is fitted for a specific user—ranging from those more centered on reading, to those that have broader use. The main contenders are the Amazon Kindle and the Apple iPad, but the Barnes & Noble Nook also gained some leverage with the release of its color version.

Below is a short guide on which device is best for each user, followed by the pros and cons of each device.

Best for Book Lovers: The closest device to reading a regular book is the Amazon Kindle. Like the Barnes & Noble Nook, the device uses what’s known as E-Ink for its display, which closely resembles ink on printed paper. The Nook has one-up on the Kindle, as it uses color ink, but the page-turn buttons on the Kindle feel more natural, and its month-long battery life beats the Nook’s 10-day lifespan. Since the E-Ink is used instead of a back-lit LCD screen, the screen doesn’t emit light, so it is much easier on the eyes for reading lengthy novels.

Best for Newspapers and Magazines: The Apple iPad beats the competition when it comes to reading newspapers and magazines. This is thanks to several factors. It has a large, full color touch-screen display and allows users to use simple finger gestures to navigate pages. It also gives full access to the Apple App Store, which allows each newspaper or magazine publisher to create custom apps for reading their publications. The Nook Color comes in a close second in this category, as it is closer to a print experience, and the price outdoes the iPad by far.

Best for Sharing Books: The Barnes & Noble Nook wins here. It has an exclusive LendMe feature that lets users share books with their friends at the touch of a button. The lack of a sharing feature is one of the main drawbacks of the Kindle.

Best for Techies: The Apple iPad wins again. The device fits into its own category—merging the features of an eReader, a laptop, and an iPhone into one place. Users can surf the Web, manage tasks, and take care of e-mail with a few simple finger swipes before kicking back to read their favorite book.