The Nook represents Barnes and Noble's initial venture into the world of eBook readers. It is unique in that it has sought to bridge the gap between standard E Ink readers, and more advanced LCD touchscreen devices. It uses a sharp contrasting, 6 inch, E Ink screen to display text; and below that, uses a 3.5 inch LCD touchscreen to navigate. It also utilizes the power of Google's Android operating system, and frequent firmware updates mean that the system can be upgraded as new developments become available.
The nook is roughly the same size as other 6 - 7 inch readers offered by Sony and Amazon.com. It is almost 4 ounces heavier than the Kindle 3, which users may end up feeling more the longer they use the Nook. It is available in both Wifi and 3G + WiFi models for 9 and 9, respectively.
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Many find that the LCD navigation does have a bit of a learning curve. The mind does have some trouble in separating the two screens, and many find themselves trying to tap the E Ink screen as if it were touchscreen as well. Once a user gets over the hump, they find that the experience is more simple than the directional pad navigation of the Kindle and Sony models. For this simplicity, there is a price to be paid, the drain on the battery that is required to run the LCD means that battery life is less than half that of the Kindle 3.
That being said, there are two strong features that present a serious challenge to the segment leading Kindle. First, the Nook supports the ePub format. Many libraries now offer the ability of users to download entire books for free in the ePub format. The users in turn can then transfer them to their Nook via USB and read them like any other title. Second, Barnes and Noble have chosen to integrate the Nook into their retail experience. Users can bring their Nook with them to any Barnes and Noble store and, for one hour per day, read any eBook available via in-store WiFi. Users can also share their purchases with other Nook owning friends by "lending" them their titles for up to 14 days.
The Nook does have its own limitations. There is no ability to purchase new titles outside the United States, even via WiFi. It does not support the viewing of Word or text files. Finally, the dual screen experience does suffer from annoying lag, as the E Ink display does not respond as quickly as the LCD screen.
In all, the Nook is a very capable reader. However, for purely reading's sake, it really does not present any major advantages outside of ePub support. Users that will get the most advantage out of the Nook are people who live within close enough proximity to a Barnes and Noble store, so as to take advantage of the Nook's in-store capabilities.
Barnes and Noble Nook Review BARNES AND NOBLE
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