[alnorth]

If you just want an e-reader, and you want it to be the best e-reader possible, you do not want an iPad.

An iPad is for people who dont want a laptop, but do want something to do a lot of stuff, one of which just happens to be reading books. However, the backlighting of an iPad makes it harder to read. For long stretches of reading, you are better off using a device that uses e-ink and provide your own light source.

Of the Nook and Kindle, I happen to prefer the Kindle. The nook is a perfectly good device too.