>>Nook uses ePub, which is an open source format. Kindle uses a proprietary format. You can get epub or pdf from any publisher that supports them and put them on the Nook. Great product, Great support. And, IMO, a better product and company that Kindle/Amazon.
>>
>>>I didn't want to be told I'd bought the wrong one (sulk)
>>>
>>>Actually, I just googled it and, although the Touchscreen is nice, it looks a bit tied to Barnes & Noble (to the same extent as Kindle is tied to Amazon at least).
>>>
>>>I see that they also state **Please note restrictions for downloading from the Barnes& Noble site may apply outside of the US** so that may make it even less appealing here. I also bought the Kindle 3G version which was essential for me and doesn't appear to be a Nook option.
>
>Do any of the ebook sources not charge you a large percentage of the price of a printed book for the ebook?
>
>For some reason I though ebooks might be a real savings over printed books, but it certainly doesn't seem so.

In the UK we have VAT (Value Added Tax) which is currently 20%. Ebooks are subject to this tax, hardcopy books are not. This would have a substantial effect on the net price someone like Amazon receives for an Ebook.
If there is no similar tax in the U.S it would be interesting to compare the relative price difference in both countries.
If, for example, Ebooks in the UK are 20% cheaper than hardcopy versions one would expect about a 40% differential in the US.
My gut feeling is that that is not the case which would imply a higher profit margin in the US.

>
>I loaded the kindle reader on my WP7 phone yesterday just to see what was available. the reader is OK I guess, but looking at prices for books I was pretty disappointed. Maybe it's because I'm just a cheap b@sturd and usually buy off the clearance or used book racks anyway..