Having a trend-savvy, media-wise college-age daughter can be a marvelous time-saver. When I don’t have time to read gadget review websites but really, really want to bring new gadgetry into my life…I just go to my daughter. The following dialogue took place at Thanksgiving, when I was considering what life-changing Christmas gift I might like to delight myself with.

“Hey, Sweetie! Kindle or Nook? Or should I wait for whatever I-extravaganza Apple is about to introduce?”

“Go Nook, Mom. Kindle’s for old people. Sony’s not quite there yet. Apple’s thingy will be more than you need and will cost something ridiculous.”

This from a Mac worshiper and inveterate Amazon.com purchaser. Why did my daughter recommend the $259 Barnes and Noble Nook? And why am I finding myself in complete agreement with her? Here are five reasons….

1. Digital Library Lending
For all you readers who treat your book collection as a dynamic lending library, let me just say that the Nook is the only reader that puts books into circulation. That is part of the joy of reading–lending out favorites and hearing friends’ reactions. Yes, you can only lend titles to other Nook owners–but the more we all talk it up, the more Nook librarians there will be.

2. Well Designed Touch Screen
I love the touch screen navigation on my Nook. Buttons include “The Daily,” “My Library,” “Shop,” “Reading Now,” and “Settings.” The Daily lets you sign up for feeds, notifications, and subscriptions. The library contains everything you’ve downloaded, and the shopping feature integrates into your B & N account. “Reading Now” takes you to the last thing you were perusing before the kids needed you for something. And the settings tab offers options about display, energy-saving mode, WiFi connections, and registration profile. Can’t think of anything else I’d need.

3. Responsive Updates
Well, my Nook had a big problem–which turned out to be the same problem every other new Nook owner was having. The bookmarks weren’t saving. Eeek! How could this be? A crazy-making glitch indeed. BUT, B&N issued a software correction this past week–and my bookmarks are working like a charm. A good customer support omen, I think.

4. Purse-size Design.
Very important to me. The whole idea is never to be without my digital library. It needs to fit into my slightly oversized Target handbag (clearance sale: $12.88, since I had just shelled out all that cash for the Nook). The Nook fits into my purse ju-u-u-ust right. Which makes me a blissful wandering reader.

5. Price
For the features offered in the Nook, the $259 price was right. The Kindle was selling $40 higher at the time–though the price has since come down to match the Nook. The Sony Reader is $399, and the Apple iPad (which IS of course much more than an e-reader) is $499.

Remember my posts on the 80-20 Rule? I’m thinking…start a book club, Ladies. No, a NOOK club. And call PrestoPink to help free you up for your reading time! I promise you….You will never regret enriching both your mind and your relationships!