Barnes & Noble Nook Reader Review - Is the Nook E-Reader Better Than Kindle?

I spend a lot of time browsing shops in Orlando because, well, that's where I live, and book stores are high on my list of fun places to shop and while away some hours. The other day I was meeting my mom for lunch and decided to drop in to Barnes & Noble since I don't have one close to my house. As I was checking out with my purchases, the cashier mentioned that the store would be debuting the new nook reader which is an electronic reading device "gadget."

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This caught my attention because I had just been considering putting the Kindle on my Christmas list this year. You know how it is when you log into Amazon, you always see the advertisements for their electronic reader right in your face, and eventually you become brainwashed where you suddenly decide you MUST have one of those (insert name of new gadget here). That's what happened to me with Kindle I think. And I'll be honest with you, I really didn't know a whole lot about it.

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So when I heard about the nook reader that B&N is about to unveil, I asked the check-out lady a few questions and then when I got home I decided to check it out on the website. I was pleasantly surprised to see that it actually appears to have more features than Kindle.

So here's the lowdown. They both have 6-inch screen displays so they are easy to read, you can adjust the text size with both devices, and both of them feature 2 GB memory, ability to browse and shop for ebooks, speakers, headphone jack, rechargeable battery, comparable weight, software updates, quick page turn by hard key, synchronized last page read between devices, and ability to read your books on multiple devices.

But, here's what you get on the nook reader that is not available on the "other reader." Color touch screen, touch control and navigation ability, library view by book cover, Wi-Fi, free Wi-Fi in Barnes & Noble stores, expandable memory, more than a million titles, more than half a million free ebooks, exclusive content at B&N, directly load and read PDF's (very helpful), synchronized notes between devices, "LendMe technology" which is where you can share books between nook, iPhone, iPod touch, Blackberry, PC, and Mac, and a replaceable battery.

Sounds good, right? I was impressed. In addition, and this is really key, you can go into Barnes and Noble and try out the nook in person. You can hold it in your hands. Studies have shown that this is key in allowing buyers to make a decision on a purchase. You can sell a lot more when the person can touch as well as see.

I have to say I'm really interested in the nook reader and to be honest, I think it really wins in the head-to-head battle with Kindle by a landslide. Of course, I have not tried out the actual device yet but it will be in stores at the end of November (so I was told). So if you are considering an E-reader you should check out the nook when it becomes available, either for yourself or maybe as a gift.

Barnes & Noble Nook Reader Review - Is the Nook E-Reader Better Than Kindle?

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10 Reasons Why the Nook is Better Than the Kindle - Battle of the eBook Readers

I have to admit, I shop a lot from Amazon.com. So much to say that I consider myself an Amazolic. I think it is because I believe that they have the best collection of DVDs, clothes, gadgets, electronics, books, and just about everything else that one would want to shop online for. However, I got a little flimsy about Amazon after the homepage turned into a one item promotion page for their eBook eReader, The Kindle. It is almost as if they are playing some kind mind-trick on their visitors. Make them see the Kindle enough times that a percentage of people who visit Amazon.com end up psychologically convincing themselves to give in and buy the eBook Reader.

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That is when I saw an article on Kindle getting a new competitor in the eBook Reader market, the Barnes and Noble Nook. As if on auto-pilot, I found myself on BarnesandNoble.com and was pleasantly surprised to see that the homepage was not plastered with a huge posting on an eBook Reader. In fact, there was a small 2x2 inch ad reading, "Nook, The World's Most Advanced eBook Reader: Learn More" on the right of the page. And that was it! No mind games, no tricks, just a simple, genuine ad that definitely caught my eye.

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The early pre-orders are expected to be delivered by mid-December, which is a slight delay as Barnes and Noble admitted to be getting a high demand for their eReaders. If you still have not placed your order, no need to worry, you will get your new eBook Reader in early January.

Here are 10 reasons why the Nook triumphs over the Kindle:

Goes easy on the eyes. There is no glare or backlight that some complained about the Kindle, and with the adjustable text size, you can read on for hours without the discomfort of your eyes being tired out. Sample eBooks for free. You can download a free sample of any eBook from the store and not only discover new authors but also check out the most talked about books for free on your Barnes and Noble eBook Reader. The Kindle does not offer this convenience. Mark up your pages and Reading Now. Nook makes it simple and easy to bookmark, highlight passages, or even make notes, with a built in tool, which also allows you to look up the meaning of any word mid-sentence, using the built-in dictionary. Size, Display and Specifications. Compact Size - The Nook is about the same size and weight as an average sized paperback book. Expandable Storage - With 2GB built-in memory, the Nook can store about 1,500 eBooks. However with a microSD memory card slot, this number is pushed up to 17,500 eBooks. Paper-like Display - The most advanced E-ink Vizplex electronic paper display that reads like the printed page and you can read an eBook in bright sunlight as clearly as inside your home Color Touchscreen - 3.5 inch color touchscreen LCD that offers one-touch control and navigation. The Kindle has a gray-scale display. Fast and Free Wireless - Fast and Free wireless from Barnes & Noble via AT&T, the nation's fastest 3G network. Supported File Types - Very flexible options that include EPUB and eReader Formats, PDFs, MP3s and graphics that load to your Nook from your computer or micro SD card and JPEG, GIF, PNG, BMP files are used to create personal screen savers. Personalized Screen Saver - Customize your nook quickly and easily by loading your own photos or using the many default pictures. Powerful Battery - You can read for up to ten days without recharging (with wireless off). Charging is done via USB to computer system or power adapter.Cost-efficient At just 0, the Barnes and Noble Nook Ebook Reader is the same price as Amazon's Kindle 2, but you get so much more for your money. You get Wi-Fi, an SD slot, native PDF support and that extra double screen makes it seem eons out of the Kindle's league. Easy to Lend and Share Your eBooks with Friends and Family. One of the main objections that users of the Kindle and other older eReaders have is that people prefer to to get the majority of their eBooks from their friends or family, rather than buying them from bookstores, which all these previous eReaders do not really have much flexibility with. The Nook realizes that people do like to share their eBooks and allows for a 2-week lending period - plenty of time to read a book. Also, you can lend a book from your Nook to tons of different devices: Mac, PC, iPhone, iPod Touch, PC, Mac, BlackBerry, or Windows Mobile (soon). Double Screen. With the traditional single screen that is seen in all the eBook eReaders prior to the Barnes and Noble Nook eBook eReader, browsing for books was a workout on its own and often a frustration. But with its capacitive double touchscreen, the Nook offers a keyboard and Cover-Flow-esque browsing that takes away the awkwardness and lethargy of e-ink, and more importantly, it opens the door for multitasking. You will be able to read a book and control your music at the same time, and since the music browser will be on the LCD screen, it will not look like some e-inked crap. It will also support photo browsing and the ability to set your own wallpaper. Battery Life. The Barnes and Noble Nook eBook Reader comes with a 10-day battery life, which might not be just as long as the Kindle 2's 14 days, but with all the extra features it comes along with, you have to admit, 10 days is still more than enough time to read a book. Android Integration - Leads to Endless Possibilities. B&N seem to be open to apps being introduced to the Nook, which will take your user experience to a whole new level when compared to the Kindle and other existing eReaders. Picture this: Your iPod merged with an eBook reader - that is exactly what the Nook eReader will feel like. Largest eBook Collection. With over 1 million titles to choose from, the eBooks will be available through the Barnes and Noble eBookStore and will delivered through the 3G wireless network. Thousands of older titles are free, and many new releases are as low as .99.

I should also mention that the accessories for the Nook are looking hot as you have the option of personalising your Nook with rubberized plastic covers, leather cases with button straps, and artistic sleeve covers are just some of the looks you can use to brand your Nook as truly yours.

I am very interested in the Nook eReader as I do a lot of reading and to be honest, how cool would it be to be doing some bedtime reading with a light-weight Nook, not having to switch arms because you are getting tired of holding a traditional, heavy book.

10 Reasons Why the Nook is Better Than the Kindle - Battle of the eBook Readers

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Kindle Vs Nook. Which is Better?

The digital ebook reader market has battled on again between Kindle vs Nook. For the ebook lovers, they are always interested to know which ebook reader model is better. Here are the key comparsions:

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1.Ebook Reader Price: Kindle 2 is now selling at US9 while Nook is selling at US9. Both versions come with built-in 3G connectivity. There is another lower cost Nook with short range Wifibut it has limited online access. Unless you are looking for a wider screen, Kindle DX with 9.7" display size should be the right fit. Apart from these hardware prices (dated 21June2010) are concerned,a recent market research carried out by WalletPop found that that Amazon's kindle prices are much lower than Barnes & Noble and the Sony Reader Store. It is last heard that Amazon does not chargetax while Barnes & Noble may charge taxes in all their deployed storewide locations.

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2. Physical Specification: Although both Kindle 2 and Nook has a 6 inch ink display, Kindle 2 has a larger tad of ( 8 x 5.3 inches) as compared to the Nook (7.7 x 4.9 inches). In terms of thickness, Kindle 2 is thinner with a 0.36 inch depth as compared to the Nook's 0.5inch. Kindle 2 weighs 10.2oz which is also lighter than the Nook's 12.1oz. Nook has a color touchscreen but many may see this feature unnecessaryif compared to the advantage of having a longer battery usage.

3. Battery Life: Kindle's up to 2 weeks battery power without any recharge is surely a killer. Nook has a battery life between 7 to 10 days. There are some real user reviews saying that theactual battery life usage is only 10 days for kindle and 4-5 days for the Nook. This may be quite true especially the rechargable battery is used over and over again for a period of time. Being a portable ebook readeror wireless reading device, the longer battery life is important especially for those who are travelling frequently.

4. Content: Barnes & Noble claimed to have over one million ebook titles and 500,000 free ebooks as compared to Amazon's over 450,000 ebooks, magazines and newspaper selections.But in terms of the content quality, many have reverted that Amazon is putting up what readers want to read.

5. Connectivity: All latest Kindle Wireless Reading Device models are now all global wireless due to 3G connectivity while the Nook has the 3G and Wifi versions. Kindle is using free 3G internet access by Amazon while the Nook's Wifimay have more location limitations over slower wireless connections in those wireless hotspots but the Nook has free Wifi access to all Barnes & Noble Stores. The Nook's 3G model will be matching Kindle.

6. Unique features: Kindle has the popular text to speech option which the Nook does not have. The Nook may have book lending and in-store browsing features advantages over the kindle. The Nook is powered by Android but the current reviews across the street are saying those Android applications are slower to run. Amazon Kindle 's Android version may be also out soon to compete.

Kindle Vs Nook. Which is Better?

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Should You Buy A Nook Color? Why It Is Better Than An iPad

The Nook Color is better than an iPad. There I said it. But let me just quality that opening shot by saying that some people will be better served by having a Nook Color rather than an iPad, and it's not just because the Nook Color is half the price.

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The Apple iPad is a revolution in mainstream computer usage. When it was released in early 2010 it caused a storm of publicity and became the go to gadget for many who were after a mobile solution for just about anything. Mobile web surfing, word processing, defeating Angry Birds, reading the daily newspaper and many more practical applications are all accessible through a device that can be slipped into a messenger bag.

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Of course these processes can be performed on other mobile devices but it was the iPad's size that proved a winner. Performing a myriad of processes on a larger screen than a mobile phone was an appealing factor. Mobile phones are wonderful for their primary purpose as well as a number of other things if you are in a pinch but you can hardly write a novel on them. The iPad is great and future versions will be greater.

So what is this Nook Color and why is it better than the iPad (for some people)? The Nook is Barnes and Noble's dedicated ebook reader. The Nook Color is a color version of that ebook reader. It is a different model than the Black and White version in a few ways. Most notably, the regular Nook uses E-Ink technology, while the new Nook Color uses an LCD touch screen. This means that reading the screen in full sunlight will be an issue, whereas E-Ink ereaders can be read anywhere.

Invariably the people that will end up buying a Nook Color will enjoy its smaller size, lighter weight, the fact you can read magazines in color and the convenience of having a number of highly functional applications in their ebook reader. The extra price and weight of the iPad may mean more functionality but it is not the best solution for everyone.

Should You Buy A Nook Color? Why It Is Better Than An iPad

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The Nook Or Kindle 2 - Which is Better?

So which is better, the Barnes and Noble Nook or the Amazon Kindle 2? Now that the Nook has been out on the market for a couple months, and the Kindle 2 is well established, this is a good time to really compare the two.

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The Nook seemed to have a rough product launch according to some reviewers and users. The product wasn't in stock for most buyers during the holiday season and they had to wait until just recently to get their new toy.

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Now the Nook is in stock for immediate shipping, and it's generally much easier to get. It's also easier to get more information about the Nook and it's performance so far.

Is the Nook Sluggish?

A lot of people, critic sites and customers alike, have been reporting the Nook to be rather slow and sluggish. To be fair, no matter what kind of ebook reader you purchase, E-Ink screen technology is NOT going to be fast.

However, the Nook is actually slower than the Kindle 2 when compared side by side. This is most likely due to the added processing demands with 2 different screens.

The Nook Color Touch Screen

The Nook's color touch screen is the main difference from the Amazon Kindle 2. This is also the main reason the Nook is slower. The color touch screen, to some, is a nice addition. But don't expect it to be as fast and responsive as you are used to with other smart devices, such as the iPhone.

The Kindle 2 Navigation vs. the Nook Navigation

A lot of critics and customers alike have a bone to pick with the Nook and actual navigation of the content. Navigating content on an ebook reader screen is tedious to say the least. But with 2 screens, the lower touch screen and the upper push button screen, the Nook gets very confusing fast.

The Kindle 2 is not tremendously different, or better, but there is one navigation method so it can be a little less confusing.

Kindle Features and the Nook Features

The Kindle and the Nook both have similar features when it comes to default memory size, reading screen size and reading screen technology.

The Nook boasts lending capability up to two weeks, color navigation of book titles and shopping for book titles, and Android software.

The Kindle counter-punches with International usage in over 100 countries, text to speech and longer battery life.

It's still a close race between the two ebook readers.

The Nook Or Kindle 2 - Which is Better?

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