I have a NookColor and LOVE it!!! Got it for Xmas last year. You do NOT need the internet to READ a book; however, you need it to DOWNLOAD a book. I'm not sure IF you can even *browse* without the internet.

I have downloaded a few games, none that I really liked.

And you CAN type on it, but not easily. One day I was without a computer and put a small message on FB to let everyone know, and I think it took me about 10-15 minutes to get a few sentences on there.

But for reading, it's like having your own very library, right at your fingertips. I usually read the book reviews in the papers, save them, and then *find* them on my Nook and put them on a Wish List ~ just to keep the names of the ones I want to read.

I NEVER thought I'd want/like one of the e-readers, and find I LOVE it!!!

jody

I messed up when I typed in net books. Now I realize those are Nooks and Kindles.

I'm looking for Tablets. Right now I'm looking at Apple 2, but we need to get a stronger wireless connection. Just found out our neighbor has 6 times stronger than we do and we're with the same company.

Does it cost to downoad app's?

When I turn it on, do I get the usual internet screen?

To think my dh and I used to be so computer savvy, it's embarrassing to know we no longer know NOTHING. lol

Your wireless shouldn't be worse than regular internet. Talk to your Internet provider.

I have an iPad 2 with 3G. There is a touch pad keyboard and you can buy a regular keyboard for it if you want. The internet is fully available just like with any computer. It uses Apple's Safari browzer. The iPad is, after all, a computer in tablet form. The quality of the audio and video on this thin little thing is truly amazing. There's a whole world of apps - some are free, some aren't. Games, yes, but all sorts of other things too. Check out the Apple website. Even better, go to an Apple store. You can try one out and the very friendly folks there will answer all your questions.

You're talking about e-readers and tablets. I have a nook (color). I have an Ipad through work. One of the best things about an e-reader/tablet (IMO) is the portability. My nook can go anywhere with me. I got it to replace my netbook (which is a smaller size laptop) after knocking it off a table. I loved it but we have a desktop and and a full size laptop. Our desktop is rarely used.

I'm not understanding your wireless/internet problems. We also live in a rural area and while there aren't as many choices for internet, we have no problems. Ours is through AT&T. You can choose between different speeds.

Keyboards are different on the different appliances. You can also use an external keyboard with some of them. I love the keyboard with ipad holder (all one piece).

That said, for someone who is home much of the time, has a laptop, etc. I'm not sure it's worth the $$$. I use my nook more for internet access, checking email, apps (keeping notes, etc.) more than reading, but I do read on it also. I have a few magazine subscriptions through it, which is nice.

tina

I agree that your wireless should be as good as your internet service. You set up your own wireless network in your home with a modem/router that sends the signal out just in your home. Maybe you are confusing the cell signal which is also wireless with a home wireless network.

Here's what we found out. Our neighbor and I are both on the same "line" for internet. We are VERY rural, houses are a half mile away. When we got the internet, they told us we were buying the highest speed they sold. We find out last night our neighbor has a speed (from the same company) 6 times higher!

We're calling the phone company today and find out what the heck is going on. Earlier this year when the phone guy was out installing fax, internet, phone for my dh's office, my dh asked him again if we can get a higher internet speed, and the guy said we had the highest they offer. Funny that our neighbor has one 6 times higher.

Tina, I thought the Nook was just an e-reader like Kindle, and there was no internet access or apps to download.

I do have a laptop but I want something I can hold in my hand and play with. lol

do you mean an Apple iPad 2? If so, you will love it. For home use you need a wireless Internet connection (call your provider, if you have Internet access you should be able to get a wireless router).

Yes, you can type on it...I am now.

many of the game apps are free, until you get hooked. Then you can buy the game (I am like Alec Baldwin, addicted to Words with Friends...currently have about 13 games going). The price of the apps vary, none that I have purchased cost more then a few dollars.

I just bought the Nook color for a gift for my 7 year old granddaughter. She loves playing hangman (free) and Scrabble (free with ads, 2.99 with
no ads) on my iPad. After Christmas, she and I can still keep a game going even when she is at her house....

ML

There are models of Nooks and Kindles that come with wi-fi and now also 3G. I don't play games on my nook, but I use the internet access and aps. I love the list aps, I have a bible ap, etc., etc., etc. You need to look at the websites for both kindle and nook so you'll understand what they are.

I do like my ipad also, it's larger and of course more expensive. Much more expensive.

I hope you get your internet straightened out - it doesn't make sense. Your wireless is the same as your service - just goes through a router.

tina

Maddie, yes I'm talking about the Apple Ipad 2.

My friend told me not to get the 3g or I'd have to do a data plan & just do the router instead. Not sure what 3g and data plan means though. lol

The 3G data plan is the same type of data plan that smart phones use. You would need to buy it from a cell phone provider like AT&T or Verizon. Basically it connects you to the web without having to use wifi. You can connect anywhere you can get a cell signal. You can get an iPad that has 3G cabability without signing up for the 3G service. That way, you could always add a data plan later. All of the devices have wifi cabability.

Terri explains it well. For example, we have 3G service on our Iphones. We do have a data plan but if we are somewhere with Wi-Fi, it picks up and you are not using up your 3G monthly allotment. But, for instance, if we're traveling and I'm surfing the web on my phone (or an ipad, nook, etc.) the data plan comes in very handy.

You have a router now don't you?

Yes, we have a router but apparently we bought one that isn't strong. We didn't know there are stronger one's out there.

So, as long as we have wi-fi, then I can access the web while I'm sitting on the couch? That's the only time I'd use it. Or when I'm sick and laying in bed. :)

I want to play the game my 1 yr. old granddaughter plays, where there's little balls floating all over and you touch the main one. lol.

Can you do all that with your laptop? There would be no difference with a smartphone, a netbook, a tablet, etc.

tina

Thank you all for helping to make this a Merry Christmas to ME..and my dh. lol.

We ordered from the Apple Store an Ipad 2, 32 gi, with wi-fi. It will be here on Thursday, the day after our anniversary.

We got the internet speed figured out thank goodness. I am so excited!

Although I downloaded Itunes, I still can't figure out why I'm supposed to. Is it to download app's? Well, I'll cross that bridge when I get to it.

Tina, I do have a laptop but I want something smaller to use. I won't necessarily be typing on the Ipad, but generally surfing the web and playing games and maybe skyping.

Question. If we lose power, can we still use the Ipad since it will be wireless? I always used the laptop through dial-up when we'd lose power, and boy it would suck the battery dry.

Well, I was going to suggest waiting until spring for the iPad 3, but you will love the iPad2, I am sure.

If you lose power, but can still get signal on your phone, I know the iPad3 will work (according to what I have read about it and why I am waiting). If you can't connect via a cellular signal, it won't work. Your router is wired and if power goes out, so does the router. Apple should be able to tell you. Just go online and ask them.

You need iTunes on your Mac or PC to start-up your iPad when you receive it.

Here's a link to an iPad manual....its really not hard to get started at all.

Have fun!

M

Here is a link that might be useful: IPad manual

You' ll also want itunes for music! I have it on my iphone and ipad. You go through the apple store for aps.

I downloaded Itunes as soon as I ordered the Ipad. I also went to Amazon and bought the book, "Ipad 2 for Dummies." lol.

Do I download apps from Itunes? I guess the book will tell me.