Overview
The Barnes and Noble Nook ebook Reader provides an experience that is similar to reading actual books: the book pages are as sharp and clear as those on actual books and the screen display can be used in bright sunlight, just as a reader would be able to do with a real book.
The Nook, which is backed by a huge United States retail chain, has a large selection of books, newspapers and magazines from which to choose, and all of them are reasonably priced.
However, this device is responsible for having started new standards or fads when it comes to eReaders. The Barnes and Noble Nook is the only ereader that runs on Google’s Android OS, and it is also the only ereader that has a built-in AT&T plus Wi-Fi combination. Additionally, this is the first e Readerto be successful at packing two different screens into one single device — a 6 inch eInk screen and a 3.5 inch LCD screen.
However, Barnes & Noble has gotten involved in a legal problem, because Spring Design has indicated that Barnes & Noble infringed upon their copyrighted design. Its prior business associate, Spring Design, blamed B & N, stating that they had copied the Alex dual screen invention.
Positives
• Extensive library with tens of thousands of e-books, plus newspapers and magazines;
• Built-in free wireless data network, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity (no PC needed);
• Separate capacitive color touch-screen pad for navigation, and a virtual keyboard for notes and annotations;
• 2GB of internal memory (capable of storing 1,500 electronic books) and a microSD expansion slot for additional memory;
• It is possible to adjust font style and size;
• Displays image files and plays MP3 music files;
• Compatible with Windows and Mac machines;
• It is possible to remove and replace the battery;
• Permits free browsing of full-text books while within Barnes and Noble Nook stores;
• It is possible to lend certain e-books for as many as 14 days free of charge;
• EPUB format compatibility permits you read free Google Books and loaner e-books from your local library;
• Page turn speeds are faster with firmware upgrade.
Negatives
• A protective carrying case is not included;
• Color LCD affects battery life;
• Notable limits and caveats are imposed on in-store reading and loaning capabilities;
• Word and text files are not supported;
• It is not possible to download books when outside the U.S., even when on Wi-Fi.
The Bottom Line
Barnes and Noble Nook Reader’s entry level device is now available at a reduced price of $259. Its design is more intuitive than that of the Kindle; in addition, it provides access to one million free books via Google. For people who desire both color LCD and B/W eInk, this eReader is perfect.
Barnes and Noble Nook eBook Reader Reviews
However, the Nook is still very attractive to its admirers. The Barnes and Noble Nook includes many useful features, like ebook loaning and perks like free in-store browsing of full texts and books discounts when visiting B&N stores. This device is meant for people who do lots of reading, who want fun ways to save money on books.
There have been a few dual-screen device prototype models that have been introduced earlier this year, but so far, none of them are being sold to retail customers. At the present time, the fact that the Nook has two screens makes it unique and different from other ereaders on the market.
In spite of the fact that the Barnes and Noble Nook houses two different screens, the size is still small, and it is easy to carry it around with you. It is quite narrow in comparison to the Kindle; the Kindle only has one screen, and is 8.0 inches tall and 5.3 inches wide, whereas the Nook is 7.7 inches tall and 4.9 inches wide. Even though the Kindle is thinner (the Kindle is 0.36 inches as opposed to 0.50 inches), the fact that it has a small curve in the middle enables it to be held more easily than the flat design of the Kindle.
Page turning buttons are located on both the right and left bezel, which means that it can be used with one hand, either the left hand or the right hand. The LCD screen comes alive with an N logo that sits between the dual screens. (It is possible to reserve battery power by setting the device to go into sleep mode if it is inactive for 10, 30 or 60 seconds.) The touchscreen, which is powered by Android, is in charge of every device command.
Main input and navigation take place on the Nook’s secondary LCD screen. For typing, it uses the QWERTY keyboard and shows at least five thumbnail book covers, in color, when a person browses through the books in the library. The LCD screen and eInk screen work very well together. Whenever you click a book title that is in your library, the book will open up on the eInk screen.
Even though it receives its power from Android 1.5, it does not have even one Adroid App. However, it does provide access to a million no cost ebooks from Google Books. Due to the fact that is has 2 G of storage, you are able to store as many as 1,500 books on this unit.
Even though you must use the classic setting in order to access your Yahoo Mail, the device’s upgraded web browsing capability is far superior to that of the Kindle. You are also able to visit blogs and different news sites like NFL.com. While the device supports Flash, YouTube and other Flash-based videos cannot be viewed.
It is a simple matter to obtain ebooks from non-Barnes & Noble retail chains, because you can use many different formats on the Nook, which include ePUB, PDF, PFD, DRM and non-DRM Adobe, LIT, and Sony’s LRZ or LRX. Nevertheless, it does not offer support for Amazon’s AMZ format; it also does not offer any support for Doc, TXT or MOBI files.
Barnes and Noble Nook has come out with several apps they invented for different devices, which allow a person to read books on several different gadgets, including Blackberry, iPhone, iPod, PC and Mac.
