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In the end, the Nook is an intriguing product launched by a powerful force in the world of booksellers, but the initial offering feels long on promises and short on delivery. With the right software revisions, the Nook could be a tsunami, but as it stands right now, it's only a mild swell.

The bottom line: For the moment, the Wi-Fi-only version of the Barnes & Noble Nook is the best e-reader you can buy for less than $150.

It's a relief to finally lay hands on the Nook. The dual-screen reader was just a prop at its unveiling so I'm happy to report it works (pretty) well. It can't kill Kindle yet, but it's an alternative worth considering.

One day, the Nook may be a much more usable, more capable bit of gear.

For first-time ebook buyers, then, we reckon it’s pretty much a no-brainer: unless they travel significantly and want to buy new content while they’re away, or they have a particular need for DOC or HTML compatibility, the nook’s user-experience bests that of the Kindle.

If the Kindle didn’t exist, we’d recommend this one, hands down. Even while the Kindle does exist, it holds its own, and if I were to have to choose one to buy for myself or as a gift, at this point, I’d choose the nook.