I am looking to upgrade from my nook hd. I don't really keep up with technology so I'm not sure what to get. I will be using this mainly for reading, occasional email/web surfing, and maybe Netflix when I travel.

Which is easier to side load books into? This is a big one for me.
I currently use ePub files on my nook so if I could use ePub on the iPad that would save the trouble of converting my books.
The kindle 6 16gb is only $120. I love the price but is the kindle 6 too small? Is it awkward to hold? I hope that makes sense. Is the iPad worth the extra cost?
And which one has better battery life?

And which one should hold up for longer? I had the original kindle keyboard for years and had no problems. My mom bought me a nook hd for my birthday 2 years ago and I have had a lot of problems. So I want something reliable. I've never had another touch screen tablet.

[AnonYMaus]

Ipads
Pros: can read ePubs in iBooks, you can do LOTS of things on an iPad, iOS system is pretty stable
Cons: expensive
I have an old iPad 2, which has practically replaced my aged windows computer. Love it. So much that I'm considering an iPhone as my next phone.

Kindles:
Pros: much cheaper!, good battery life, runs Android system
Cons: little more limited. I assume it can read epubs, not sure how you get them on there (connect to computer?)
My mother has an old BW Kindle and a Kindle Fire. Roughly the same size as a Mini, but lighter. Works fine for her. She uses her old Kindle at night for reading, and the new one for email, and books. You'd better love Amazon though.

My take: if all you're going to do is read on it, Kindle is much more practical. Also, if you have Amazon Prime, you get a free read per month.
If you want to do more, iPad.

Please update when you decide.

PS: my ipad is 5 years old, and was fine until iOS 8. Runs a little slow now, but still works. My sister had an iPad 1, she finally bought an iPad mini last year. Both Mom's Kindles still work fine.