TechTalk - E-Readers - Kindle vs. Nook (sharing books!)

Alright... it has taken me forever, but I've finally decided on e-reading as my preferred way to get books.

There are many e-Readers out there and yup, I've done my research!!

The two most popular e-readers out there: Kindle - made by Amazon and Nook - made by Barnes and Noble.

This of these two companies as ecosystems - basically once you commit to one, you'll be buying books from there, and if you decide to switch in the future, you're not going to be able to upload your books from a Nook to a Kindle (and vice versa)

Well, this particular blog is only going to focus on sharing books!

So why is this SOOO important.  Well, physical books are awesome, you buy it, you like it, you can give it to a friend, donate it, sell it, etc.

That is one major disadvantage of an e-book.

The publishers decide which books are lendable.  Some even have restrictions (like only lending once - I'm talking about you Water for Elephants) when it comes to lending... AND no you can't sell an e-book.

So... Generally, I have made a rule.. when it comes to e-books... only buy books that are "Lendable" (Kindle Term) or "Lend Me" (Nook Term)

First... how to check!?

Kindle - When you look at your particular e-book, just scroll to the middle, you'll see a section that looks like this (Product Details), its very tiny text - but what you are looking for is Lending: Enabled.  That means you can share this book, if it doesn't have this then you will not be granting access to anyone else.

Source: Amazon.com

Nook - Nook is definitely a lot easier when it comes to checking if you can share a book.  All you have to do is look for the "LendMe" icon as shows here at the very bottom of the picture.

Source: Barnes and Noble

Ok... now that we know how we can check if a book is sharable... 

How do we let someone else borrow it!?

This is where Nook owners are rejoicing.  Its super easy!  Basically you log onto your MyNook and you add friends (by email), and from there you can see their WHOLE Nook library and the lendable books that they have. You just click a button and WAH POW!  It automatically sends them an email and once the other person confirms your request, you'll have access to the book! Yup, so this is what is looks like below, you'll be able to see which books are mine (and which you can let someone borrow via LendMe monicker) 

Source: Barnes and Noble

Looking for a Nook friend!? - Add me: sandoval.max@gmail.com

Amazon has made it SUPER difficult to lend books, you'll have to go to Amazon.com, manage your Kindle library, then your books are listed in text format.  You'll have to either scroll through pages to find the book you want to lend, and from there input your friends email information.  There is NO WAY for your friends to search your library (like Nook) and see which book they want to read...

So... Of course, to PISS off Amazon, here is a list of every single book I have purchased on Amazon... and yes, I've even put if their Lendable or not... so if you want a book just make sure its lendable, and either email me or post a comment which book you want and your email!

With the closure of Borders, I will start supporting Barnes and Noble (you can even go to their store and read any e-book via your Nook for an hour ever day!) I can't imagine a world with no more bookstores, so many of them are closing and the more we support Amazon, the more physical locations will close (think of all of the electronics retailers that closed!)

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.