Apr 03 2011

Barnes & Noble’s Nook WiFi and WiFi +3G

Let’s quickly present the Barnes and Noble Nook Wi-Fi for you. At just $149 this product sports the 6 inch E Ink display and a color Liquid crystal display. It features a 1.3 GB internal memory compared to the current 1 GB average among the other eReaders nevertheless its memory is expandable so no worries there. It weighs a bit more compared to other devices at 11.6 oz, most of the competition tend to be way below that at 9 or 8 oz.

Also there is a more expensive model priced at $199, which adds 3g to the mix. At a glance you can already start to appreciate that for your price the device is actually pretty good value for money. Aesthetically the Nook originally is a mixture of two colors, battleship-gray and off-white but if that does not float your boat then you might change it by using different colored backs for those that desire more color in their life. Among Nook’s trademark features is a pair of screens: one is the essential E Ink display and the other a LCD color touch screen that is Android-powered.

Much like the Kindle, the Nook is a system rather than simply a device, competent at easily browsing and making one-click acquisitions and downloads through Barnes & Noble’s vast store of electronic books, newspapers and journals. What’s more, your Nook’s Wi-Fi connects automatically to help you to read free excerpts from just about any ebook if you are sampling a cappucino at your favorite B&N shop. You can also lend or borrow books at no cost, for up to 14 days.

Depending upon the book you’re reading, the Nook can show text in around 16 different languages. For travelers, the Nook has an airplane mode that allows you to turn off 3G as well as Wi-Fi while traveling by air, so as not to interfere with navigation equipment. The readability factor of the Nook goes over and above other devices with 16 distinct shades of grey, 3 styles of fonts and 5 different sizes. If we do the statistics there it would certainly be a bunch of options. I’m sure you’ll find one that’s the best fit for you. Also another great way to personalize the device is by installing any photo through USB and set it as the screensaver.

For the downside, it’s a bit slow when it powers up and unlike some other ereaders you can’t rotate the written text…which is ok I suppose since a regular publication does not do that however it’s odd they omitted this option. Web browsing is also quite slow. The touch screen can also be a mite difficult so if you plan to make use of the virtual keyboard you may find it frustrating. What some people love, because other eBook retailers don’t allow it, is you can loan or be lent ebooks with others who own a Nook. Sadly it’s a one-time offer so keep this for your current bestest buddy!