ok....this techie needs some help.

For my father in law...Kindle or the Nook?

In YOUR opinion, why or why not? What I would like to know, which one has the better bookstore pricewise and quantity wise?

Be careful about Visa gc, the fees on them sometimes are so ridiculous you may as well just give them cash. And even if it's small so it's only one purchase, it turns a $20.00 card into a 15.95 card.
I think, due to the opening of the Google ebook store and its support of the ePUB format, and Kindle's lack of support for it. Plus the fringe benefits of having a physical store to go to with the Nook that I'm leaning heavily in favor of a Nook. Bookstore-wise they seem about the same, but you can purchase from other locations and support it on the Nook, where Kindle's use a proprietary DRM format that prohibits conversion.

Nooks have apps for android/iStuff (and so do Kindle) but I have some ePUB ebooks that I've converted via Calibre and you just can't do that with Kindle. (You can convert into Mobi format and Kindle will read that, but you're prohibited from converting out of Kindle's private format by the DRM.)

Oh and Nooks both allow book lending to friends with Nooks and work with public library ebook lending software. (At least in Illinois they do, no idea about other states, our system is all linked together though.)

Actually I guess I've decided...


ETA: Also, if he has wireless at home, or frequents places with wireless, the 3g may not be necessary. I'm leaning against it. I have a 3g phone, a wireless router at home and if necessary my phone can turn into a wireless hotspot. So... why pay extra for the privilege?

I don't have any experience with the Nook, but I bought a Kindle over the summer and have been incredibly happy with it. There is a TON of free content, and even the current stuff is usually reasonable. I've never *not* found something I was looking for and I've never cringed at the prices for anything.

I also think Amazon has excellent customer service. Kindle #1 inexplicably died (the screen bled out, or something) about six weeks after I got it - and I was just sure they were going to tell me I had mishandled it - they were so nice - they apologized and had a new one at my door 2 days later. It has worked great ever since.

I have an "older" model, and I love it - it does the job, it makes air travel bearable, and I'd recommend it without reservation.

The new ones are supposed to be even nicer.

Thumbs up.

I'll sing the praises of my nook all day long. Books are available on publishing date (not always so with the Kindle), the loaning feature is great, and you can read anything in the store for free (plus you can get support in-store - not so with Kindle).

I'm still getting a Kindle for my dad because expecting him to learn anything about the Google eBook store is probably too much. He already uses (and loves) Amazon, so I think that that user interface would be the easiest for him to pick up (in terms of buying a book on the website and having it sent to your Kindle).

Plus, I'm one for brand loyalty, I guess - I have a Kindle and love love love love love it.

yeah...I started considering the Nook because I have heard some incidents of people who may have dropped them and found out how durable the Kindle is NOT.

And as Drole suggested, I like the idea of how versatile it is with the purchase of books so I love that option.

^^^ Basically anyone who has either seems to love them so ultimately your dad would be happy.

OK, for the Office Christmas Party-

I got an individual whom I don't know particularly well, and I'm stuck for ideas for a gift. But, he is currently in New York working with Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and made a Facebook status about how important and special this organization is. So, I was thinking I'd make a $25 donation to BC/EFA instead of a physical gift- it's less useless crap that I'd be making a huge guess on, and it's doing good. But, it is the office Christmas party... so would it be completely uncouth? Good idea? Bad idea?

I asked coworkers the Nook vs Kindle question (for myself!) and the big complaint from Nook folks was the lack of a keyboard. They were envious of the keyboard that Kindle people have for searching.

I think that would be lovely, but I'd do it in his name, so he can get the tax credit. Think George Costanza's People Fund.

Okay, I need something for the sports fanatic. Unfortunately, I've already outdone myself in the past (White Sox tickets, cards for the pro shop in a Cracker Jack box, etc), so suggestions?

What is his favorite team(s)?

Do they have any autographed memorabilia?

The above mentioned White Sox, although the Bears are a close second. The really hard part is that we're trying to keep it less expensive this year - I would SO love to get him an autographed photo of Da Coach!

Ok...a few roads you can go...

Check an official bears store in the area or if you want to take your chances, check ebay.

I got an autographed Ravens team football a few years back and it came with a certificate of authenticity and took it to another friend who verified it. I spent $80 for it and it was worth it.

One year, I got Slap Shot by Dave Hansen, then had him autograph it. He loved it. I've considered getting him a jersey/sweater, but they're more expensive than the current teams!

I have co-workers who have REQUESTED that in lieu of an actual present for the Secret Santa. Granted, we're all sorts of crazy do-gooders here so YMMV.