The B&N e-book reader app will be specifically designed for the iPad, including access to the B&N eBookstore plus any content in a particular user’s existing B&N digital library.

That includes any content downloaded to the Nook, but who is going to have both a Nook and an iPad? Either way, it sounds like a good plan to get as many people to their online library as possible.

The company’s support for the iPad is also a confirmation of the Apple tablet’s value as multimedia device that includes an e-reader capabilities. Indeed, a recent ChangeWave Research survey of 3,100 U.S. consumers indicates that people would prefer a multimedia iPad over a dedicated e-reader.

A recent survey of e-book reader owners and intenders shows that prior to the release of the iPad, Apple ranks just behind Amazon in the US and UK in terms of preferred brand; and if the iPad provides a compelling eReader experience, it may overtake Amazon’s Kindle.Details may be found in the Strategy Analytics Wireless Device Lab report, “US & UK eReader Owner and Intender Survey 2010.”

Current e-book reader owners report being extremely satisfied with their devices. Four out of five US owners prefer e-book readers to physical books. Potential e-book customers prefer:

“While brand name is still an important factor for current owners when choosing their next e-book reader,” commented Chris Schreiner, Senior Analyst at Strategy Analytics. “Consumers buying their first e-book reader will focus more on the durability and availability of e-books.”

Kevin Nolan, Vice President of the Strategy Analytics User Experience Practice, added, “Even though e-book readers allow for easy portability, more than half of e-book reader usage still occurs at home.”