While the Amazon Kindle might be the original e-reader, Barnes and Noble’s Nook reading device has gained a good following. In fact, it’s the main competitor in the e-reader arena (which does not include tablets like the iPad). In addition, B&N has released several different Nook versions – this Nook review will help you find the right option for your needs, your budget and your reading habits.
Nook Simple Touch
First up in this Nook review is the Nook Simple Touch. This is the most basic Nook out there, and it’s amazingly small and compact. The E-Ink display is beautiful and crisp, and you can read in direct sunlight without any problems at all. One of the most interesting innovations with the Nook Simple Touch is the fact that the battery can last for over two months in standby mode, which means you can read more and charge less. The Nook Simple Touch retails for $99 most of the time, though the suggested price is a bit higher than that.
The Nook Color
No Nook review would be complete without a look at the Nook Color, the e-reader that helped to change the industry. B&N was the first to put out a color e-reader, and this device was designed for those who wanted to enjoy graphic novels and comics, in addition to standard printed books. Of course, B&N has revamped the Nook Color a bit recently, and it now operates more like a miniature tablet, featuring quite a few game apps, movie apps and more. The touchscreen is one of the most advanced in the world, and offers excellent operation and color rendering. The Nook Color retails for $199, which puts it competing with the Kindle Fire, at least in terms of price (the Fire has more features and better performance).
The Nook Tablet
The king of this Nook review is the Nook Tablet. This device has been reviewed as one of the best new tablets to hit the market and has received higher marks in some areas than the Kindle Fire (it’s more expensive, though). The Nook Tablet gives you everything that the Nook Color offers (including the small size – the Kindle Fire is heftier). In addition, it adds better battery life and more memory, as well as several new apps specifically for the Nook Tablet. The retail price for the Nook Tablet is $249, which makes it just a bit more expensive than the competing Kindle Fire.