With its vibrant touchscreen LCD display, Android 2.1 operating system, and advanced web-browsing capabilities, many have written off the Barnes and Noble Nook Color as a "poor man's iPad". Not only is this statement unfair, it also misinterprets Barnes and Noble's intended use for the Nook Color. A better explanation could be that the Nook Color is an excellent e-reader that performs many of a tablet PC's functions, adequately. This is much in the same way that the iPad is an excellent tablet PC that can perform the functions of a dedicated e-reader, adequately.
The first thing a person notices about the Nook is the bright seven inch touchscreen. Looks-wise, it rivals the iPad for vibrance and clarity. In the touchscreen functionality, it's very good and capable, just not as completely polished as the iPad. The backlit LCD means that you'll only be able to squeeze about eight hours of reading time out of the unit before it will need recharging. This is the trade-off between E Ink and LCD screens, but once you see how well the new screen lends itself for reading magazines on the Nook Color, you'll agree that this trade can be worth it.
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Another way the Nook is confused for a tablet PC is the fact that it runs the Android 2.1 operating system. The menus look quite a lot like those of the Samsung Galaxy Tablet. However, it is lacking something that every other Android device has, access to the Android Marketplace. By omitting the marketplace, Barnes and Noble are sending a clear message that the Nook Color is first and foremost, an eBook reader. While the included app selections are minimal, they do include favorites like Pandora Radio and QuickOffice.
Rounding out the Nook is the list of features it shares with the previous Nook, some of which give it a nice advantage over Amazon.com's Kindle. First among these is support for ePub files. Many public libraries feature the ability to download selections for free in the ePub format to a user's computer. The user can then just load the file onto their Nook Color via USB. Additionally, the Nook is designed so that there are incentives for a user to bring the Nook with then when they go to a Barnes and Noble store. Users will be able to read up to one hour of a book per day for free via in-store WiFi. They will also be able to allow friends to "borrow" certain eBooks for up to fourteen days.
The Nook Color is a good choice for someone who is looking for an excellent eBook reader, with just a little something extra. The bright LCD touchscreen makes the reading experience (especially magazines) all the more enjoyable. Features like ePub support and in-store features serve to give it a distinct advantage over the segment leading Kindle. User's that don't particularly need, or want the expense of, the iPads extensive multi-functionality, will appreciate the modest suite of apps packed into the Nook Color. All in all, at 9, there is quite a bit of value here.
Barnes and Noble Nook Color - A Great Improvement in eBook Readers BARNES AND NOBLE APPLETON WI
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