Are the Kindle ebook readers as good for reading books as a paperback?

I found the buttons prone to inadvertent presses whenever I held the Kindle. I prefer to hold it one-handed, and it seems that the button size and location makes it hard to grip the thing without accidentally hitting a page forward or back button. Proprietary Format: Amazon's use of its proprietary format for ebooks means you have only one source of contemporary books: Amazon.

Now, Amazon is a fine company, but personally, I find choice - being able to shop for the best deal - to be a benefit. Kindle vs. Nook:I have used Nook ebook readers for a couple of years, so I am very experienced with B&N's products and services. Here are the winners and losers in various areas:Ties:* E-Ink screens are equal quality* Battery Life: really long for both* Page Turns: both used to be pretty slow, both are now acceptably fast* Book Prices: whenever I've checked, Amazon has better prices sometimes, Barnes & Noble has better prices other times, and they're very close a lot of timesNook Wins:* Touchscreen* Use your own screensaver and wallpaper* In store reading for free* Expandable Storage* Comes with charger (EDIT: 1/14/13: some commenters report that B&N now charges for the charger; be sure to check before you buy!)* More universal book file format (epub) vs. proprietary Kindle format* Fonts: more fonts, more sizes, more margin selections, more leading (line spacing) selections* Easier to navigate: the user interface is just more logical and it's easier to find what you're looking for* Better ergonomics: Nook is easier to hold, sitting OR laying down.

The buttons don't get in the way of fingers. The touchscreen give alternative options to page turning (touch edge or swipe). The Nook Simple Touch and the Glowlight version have a large dimpled back that make it easier to hold.

Kindle Wins:* Highlighting and Notes: much easier to use and access with Kindle* Kindle Lending Library: this may be Amazon's answer to B&N's in store free reading* Device is Lighter and Smaller: easier to transport, though the smaller size and lighter weight do not make it easier to handle* Support: Amazon's product support is legend, in my book. B&N released a software update for Nook Simple Touch once that broke Wi-Fi, they refused to acknowledge the problem for many weeks, and took over 2 months to fix it. Bottom Line:For me, Nook Simple Touch is the superior ebook reader.

Comparatively, Amazon has few advantages in design or use. Nook is easier to hold and has better ergonomics and navigation, has expandable memory, has more display adjustments, uses a more universal ebook format, lets you read books for free in their store, and has a touchscreen. Kindle has the Lending Library for Prime Members as an advantage, it's a little lighter and smaller, has better product support, and a better highlighting/notation function.

Now, with that said ... the Kindle is an excellent ebook reader too. When I choose Nook as superior, it does not negate that Kindle is a great product. And if you have a compelling reason to go with Amazon's product, then by all means do so.

You will love it and enjoy it, almost surely.