I'd love some feedback on Kindles and Nooks......

[Upthevibe]

The print is just too small in books. I enjoy reading online because it's not a struggle. Yes, I have reading classes and I even need them even for online reading.

It seems like the reviews for Barnes & Noble's Nooks are mixed. Does anyone have a Kindle or a Nook? If so, I'd be appreciative hearing your experiences.

[LearnedHand]

1. I had several kindle devices over time

But I didn’t find them to be as reliable as a piece of hardware should be. I finally just installed the Kindle app on my iPad and read that way. I do like ebooks and audiobooks, which I get from the library mostly.

Edit: I never had a Nook so I have nothing to offer on that choice.

[Biophilic]

2. I have a basic kindle. It's pretty much attached to me.

Reading is my joy in retirement. As much as I want and whatever I can afford. I use kindle unlimited because that’s what I started with 15+ years ago. Yes I hate to give Jeff bezo more money, but the library wasn’t a good option. It’s my main vice and I’m sticking with it.
It’s a bit slow and clumsy trading books back and forth but I’m used to it so it doesn’t bother me. It’s good with lighting and script size.
I love my kindle. And, no it’s not perfect, but I’m betting they have to pry it from my hands at the end. At least I hope so.

[Ilikepurple]

3. Never had a nook, but multiple kindles. I mainly use my iPad now.

My wife, mother, and MIL, all have Kindle paperwhite’s from a generation or two ago. All three prefer kindle over iPad reading. I actually do also, I just don’t want to keep track of another device. Our moms both have a hard time reading print and love both the adjustable brightness and font size on the display. It’s made reading so much easier for these lifetime readers. Like many, not exactly excited to support Bezos, but we have all had positive experiences with the kindle. I believe my MIL has figured out how to download books at the library. Our daughter prefers hard copies of books, but I think there’s a trend amongst Gen Z and Millennials towards media ownership rather than licensing through devices (e.g., cds, dvds, books, magazines).

[Mz Pip]

4. I read on my iPad.

I can adjust the size of the print and the brightness. I have the Libby app that I use to check out library books.

[EverHopeful]

5. For me, both the Kindle app and the Nook app are more convenient than the devices

Usually read on my phone but sometimes use my tablet if a book has lots of illustrations or charts and I want the larger screen.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

6. I'm reading this and posting on a 12th generation Amazon Fire HD 8.

Last edited Mon Dec 1, 2025, 07:42 AM - Edit history (8)

The 8" and 10" Amazon Fires are currently on one of their regularly scheduled half-price sales. The 12th generation HD 8, introduced in 2024, is $55. The 13th generation HD 10, introduced in 2023, is $70. Best Buy, Target, and other places will match the Amazon price. I might break down and buy a 10" Fire myself. I had a good weekend.

Out of the box, a Fire is a doorstop. Its only purpose in life is to keep you up to date on all the wonderful things you can buy at Amazon. To hell with that.

The first thing I did after charging this Fire was to install the software that allowed access to Google Play. Doing this breaks the Fire from the Amazon apps jail and turns it into a whole 'nother critter.

The instructions on how to do this are everywhere. For one:

https://www.androidpolice.com/install-play-store-amazon-fire-tablet/

There's a super support group at Reddit.

https://www.reddit.com/r/AmazonFire/

HD Fire timeline and details:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire_HD

Here's a great review of the HD 10:

At Google Play, you will find several alternative apps to Kindle. Install one of them and walk away from Jeff Bezos.

TL;DR: A sideloaded Amazon Fire is a terrific device.

[buzzycrumbhunger]

7. I read constantly

Have had several Kindles, currently one that’s like 5” x 7” (I can’t even find the “about” info because they really do suck except for reading, but I think it’s a Kindle 3…) This is my third one over… maybe 10 years? I never get the newest or biggest one. I just want to be able to read books on something bigger than my phone.

Can’t remember why I dismissed the Nook as an option from the start but it must’ve been a good reason because I hate Amazon. I did see that B&N disappeared in our town, which would be another warning sign as far as long-term support. I do love that this lets me customize my settings so I have white text on a black background, a font I like, and I can jack up the size big enough so I can read in bed without my glasses on.

I think I paid under $50 because there were two newer and bigger (and waayyyy more expensive) versions and I got free shipping. Anything bigger might be nice but this one is comparable to the size of a paperback and who wants to wrestle with a small laptop in bed? I think that for primarily reading, this more than suffices. I also find that they don’t hold up forever, which is why I’m on my third. No point getting fancy if they’re not made to last longer than they seem to.

[50 Shades Of Blue]

8. I've had multiple Kindles over the years and I would not be without one.

I've always had Kindle Fires, which are the models that include lots of apps, like web browsers, games, etc., as well as the Kindle app for books. It was the first tablet I ever had. A fews years later I got an iPad but I still prefer my Kindle for reading, since the model I have is smaller and easier to hold when I'm reading in bed before I go to sleep. It's very easy to adjust the font size.

[ksprog]

9. E-reader

I use a Kobo reader, mainly because I wanted to avoid the Amazon universe. Also use iPad, battery life is great and much easier to read outside without glare being an issue. I use Libby to checkout books from library and the Kobo will then sync with the library using Overdrive. A little clunkier than wife’s Kindle paperwhite but it works and nothing to Amazon.

[EuterpeThelo]

10. As an aside - welcome to DU, ksprog!

I know I have a low post count myself, but I've been reading DU daily for over 20 years! Thanks for the useful contribution on this reply!

Back on topic, I have a Fire tablet from about 2022 that works fine, but I had to jailbreak it the same way one of the earlier posters on this thread recommended (VERY useful)! I use it mainly for writing and web surfing if I'm traveling and don't want to lug my laptop. I got a bluetooth keyboard that works nicely with it and even has a little slot to rest it in so it's at the right angle.

I worked for Barnes & Noble as a district-level supervisor when I was in college in the mid-90s. Years later, I gave my mom a Nook years ago and now that she's gone, it's gathering dust in a drawer. Maybe I should dust it off because I'd much rather support a blue company like B&N than Amazon where possible.