Free EBook PC Reader Programs: Amazon's Kindle for PC's or Barnes & Noble Desktop EReader?

In the interest of snagging ebook readers who won't shell out for a new device, both Amazon and Barnes & Noble are offering free downloadable ebook software. I'm one of those readers. I have a slim 10-inch screen laptop that I use to read ebooks, and I've used both Kindle for PC and the Barnes & Noble desktop eReader. While I don't have serious complaints about either free application, there are pros and cons to each, including navigation, reading screen, and ebook availability.

Installation and Updates

Both free programs are easy to download and install. Amazon's Kindle for PC's and Barnes & Noble's Desktop eReader have simple installation wizards that automatically launch after downloading. Barnes & Noble has a Mac version available now, while Amazon's site says they'll have one soon. As for updates, my B&N eReader programs seems to have updates every two weeks or so, while I've never seen an update for Kindle for PCs.

Program Navigation

The B& N eReader has a navigation sidebar so you can quickly switch between your library and the last page read, or to the table of contents of the ebook you're reading. You can minimize the sidebar with one click.

Kindle for PC's uses a toolbar menu. There is a button labeled "Menu" on the left that takes you to your library. Switching to the table of contents or a bookmark requires accessing the "Go To" drop down on the toolbar.

One thing that's a bit confusing about the Kindle application is moving ebooks from the "Home" screen to "Archive". Because the PC version is meant to sync with a Kindle Wireless device, to move an ebook to the archive you left click on it and choose "remove from device". That makes it seem like you're about to delete the ebook instead of moving it to another location.

Page Numbers

Barnes & Noble's eReader shows you the page number your on and the total number of pages in the ebook on the top and bottom of the reading screen. Kindle for PC's uses locations instead of page numbers. I realize this is because the Kindle devices, but I simply don't find location 7, 842 out of 9,398 meaningful. Both programs have progress bar at the bottom showing the percent of the ebook read.

Reading Window and Options

Both programs have about the same area and format for reading, if you minimize the navigation sidebar on the eReader. Changing text size is easier in the Kindle program. You only have to click on the "View" button on the toolbar. In the Barnes & Noble program you must first access the navigation menu and choose "Settings" and then "Reading Preferences". Once there you can also change the font style and color, which are not options on the Kindle programs.

One thing I prefer about the reading window in the Kindle program is the next page scroll on the side of the page halfway up. I find this easier to use than the eReader's bottom of the page scroll when using the touch pad on my laptop.

eBook Availability and Pricing

From what I've seen, Amazon has a larger selection of ebooks currently and more free ebooks for download. As far as pricing goes, ebooks sell for the exact same price on both sites with few exceptions.