[alnorth]

I use the kindle. It really depends on whether they are a casual reader or a heavy book reader.

If you are talking about someone who really devours books and hits the store every month for more, you want a Nook or a Kindle. The problem with the ipad is the backlighting. It is a lot easier on the eyes to read an e-ink display without backlighting (provide your own light, using whatever lamp or sunlight you usually use to read). Someone who tries to use the ipad a lot to read will have to deal with the irritation of the bright backlighting.