I have two nooks and love them. The nook touch is on sale for 80 now.

My gut says avoid the Kobo store as it seems to be on its way out. I’d be looking more towards the most basic Kindle- from what I’ve heard the ads aren’t too inconvenient and you would be able to link it to your account and share books. I’m also not as fond of reading on the color screen- it isn’t as book-like as the e-ink. IMO it is only worth it if you are reading comic books or magazines. If he’s set on the color screen then I know many people who like the Nook Color.
That being said, I love my Nook and many libraries now do kindle/nook lending.

Cheapest definitely isn’t always best. Unless he’s looking to read picture books, magazines, and comics, the color isn’t really anything more than a gimmick. Plus you don’t really need all te extra stuff like a radio.

I’d stick with an ereader doing what an ereader does best and buy a basic Nook or Kindle. Those are the ones that are most supported. When a publisher offers a free title, they’re much more likely to offer it in Nook and/or Kindle capable formats. So even if this Kobo has a bunch of titles you want to read now, why limit yourself for the future?

Much better to wait for a sale on Kindle (Office Max just had a good one) or Nook.

Do you do swagbucks? I believe they started allowing multiple accounts per household now (verify it first!) so he could earn his own GCs toward a Kindle, which would mean he pays the same cash. Also, Kindles are so cheap now and people are enamored of the Fire that I think you’re going to start seeing more of the older models popping up on craigslist for a steal.

Is the color screen really that important to him? The biggest selling point of e-readers is that the e-ink doesn’t strain your eyes, so it’s just like reading a book, and not a computer screen. My dad, grandma, and I each have a Kindle 3 (dad and I started with Kindle 2); and my aunt has a Sony. We’re all very happy with them. I would recommend he go with any of the three big-name readers (Kindle, Nook, Sony) because they’re going to have the biggest selections and will be less likely to disappear from the market.

I would avoid the Kobo as well. Their stuff is not well built and they are VERY limited on the books that they have available. I had 3 in less than 2 weeks and they all died. I’ve got a Nook (just the basic) that I love but it doesn’t seem to have as many books as what is available for the Kindle. I’m beginning to lean towards purchasing the Kindle b/c there are so many more books out there available for it. I will also say that the color screen on the Kobo’s I had tended to give me a headache. I personally love the e-ink look as it’s like looking at a book. We also use our Nook for school, downloading books for it through the library. That was the main reason I went for the Nook instead of the Kindle in the first place. But if you are just going to load it up with books that you purchase, I’d say go the Kindle route! My mother-in-law LOVES hers! And she says she is technologically challenged. )

I don’t have any experience with the particular ereader your son is interested in.

Generally speaking, however, I recommend the Kindle. I got mine in September of ’10 after MUCH research between that and the Nook (and I test-drove my cousin’s brand-new Nook at that time, for a day). The Nook and Kindle (of that era, 13 months ago!) might be a little different than now, but THEN, the Kindle had faster page-turns, better screen contrast, lighter weight, easier (for me) navigation (without that nonsensical touch-pad that required wake-up for any operation). Also, the Amazon-formatted free oldie books – like many of the AO books – are usually decently-formatted. Nook uses googlebooks (which you can also get on your kindle), but many are pdf and scanned and just come out looking pathetic. Kindle also now offers the library and kindle-to-kindle lending of many books (something that was a nook-specific advantage for a while).

I ALSO have an Aluratek Libre (I think that’s what it’s called) for my daughter’s school use. I bought it used on Ebay for about $60 – right before the new Kindles were released for $79. In any case, it does NOT have a wireless feature but operates similarly to the kindle. [I am considering selling it; if you think your son may be interested email me. ]

There IS an ‘experimental’ web browser on the Kindle, though it’s not exactly very efficient or handy. If you are concerned about your son having internet access, that is something to consider, though I think the bigger risk (if you have in-house wifi; I do not) is inadvertent and easy ‘buying’ of books with it. However, it is fairly simple to reverse an accidental purchase, too.

Your son will have no problems finding books that are suitable. Check to see if your local library has overdrive e books to borrow & if the device he wants is compatible. As a librarian, I try to make sure we have enough e content for all ages, especially young adult As that is an age group that likes technology. We have a few patrons that use a regular Kobo & are happy with the device. So far, I thinking ereaders are decent as they are all still competing heavily with one another.