Today Barnes & Noble finally unveiled their foray into the eReader world that Sony and Amazon have thus far been dominating with the Nook. At first glance, it looks suspiciously similar to a Kindle and does have many of the same features–instant ebook downloads, $9.99 best sellers, E ink display, in text dictionary, and wireless connectivity. That said, Nook has upped the ante with a few additional choice features over the competition
- Color 3.5″ touchscreen to navigate titles via cover flow and act as on screen keyboard
- Ability to share books with friends who use the Barnes & Noble eReader software on iPhone/Blackberry/home computer
- In store feature allowing a user to browse through an entire ebook’s text–as long as they are within the brick and mortar store
- Micro SD expansion slot
- Runs Android OS
B&N also promises to have in-store Nook kiosks at 1300 stores for potential users to have some one on one time with the device. It looks like this holiday season is gearing up to feature a Kindle v Nook showdown. Nook is currently available for preorder through Barnes & Noble for $259, with an expected first shipment towards the end of November.
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I just read that the Nook is powered by Android. So it beats out the Alex as being the first Android based eBook reader.
One thing that I haven’t read about is the price for subscription based content like magazines and newspapers. I wonder if it will be cheaper than the Kindle.
You know, Julie, I was looking at BN’s website over at the nook. It looks much more interesting than the kindle, But you mentioned periodicals, but i can’t find anywhere in the BN eBook store where they have them, even though it mentions it in the nook vs. kindle area. Any thoughts?
@J.R. That is my question too. They are going to have magazine and newspaper subscriptions just like the Kindle, but I am not sure of the details yet as far as pricing and titles. I also wonder if you can lend magazines like you can books…
That would be a smart idea.If the magazine/newspaper selecttion is just as good as the kindle, i’ll get a nook. I’m mainly more interested in the periodicals than books though.
I like the fact that it has wifi capability. I’m planning on getting an eReader soon and will have to give this one a really good look.
Two things I’d need to know first:
– Is the lending feature only available between two nooks? Or can you lend from your nook to a Kindle or Sony?
– I’d really like to see the ability to run AcrossLite (or similar) on the nook. I use it on both my iPod and my iMac for the NYT crossword puzzles (and others that I get free via wifi).
Steve
I’ve been spending some time on the B&N nook site learning more about this device. There’s some good news and some not so good news.
-Yes, it has wifi – but it’s configured primarily for use inside B&N stores. Best info I can find so far is that for other wifi hotspots, if it requires a password to access then you probably won’t be able to log in. It’s really intended for browsing ebooks in B&N stores.
– It has a user-replaceable battery! This is big news.
– You can lend books. But as it stands right now you can only lend a book once – and after 14 days it will automatically be returned to you. However, there are whispers on the wind that they may modify this before the device actually becomes available.
– Best info so far is that you will be able to move ebooks from your PC or Mac to the nook – but only via USB – NOT via wifi.
– Pricing is a big point of contention on the blogs. While many books are priced at 9.99, there are a lot that are considerably more expensive. AND – if you’re a B&N book club member your member discount WILL NOT APPLY to ebooks.
… All in all, it looks like a pretty good device but it also looks like B&N is being pretty proprietary on a lot of fronts. Maybe this will change, maybe not. And it IS possible that a lot of this is just normal blogspeak from the unknowing masses.
Personally, I need answers to a few of these questions before I plop down a couple of bills for a nook. My suggestion for those considering a nook would be to do your homework. Be sure that any eReader you buy will allow you to use it the way that YOU intend to use it.
Just my thoughts.
Steve
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