Barnes & Noble Nook Update

The Original Nook gets a facelift!

Barnes & Noble unveiled an update to the original Nook eReader today that combines the latest eInk technology with touchscreen features.  Updated Nook

Available for preordering beginning today, with shipping about June 10th, this new version of the Nook features WiFi only access, costs less than NookColor, and it weighs under 7.5 ounces (that 35% lighter than the original Nook).  At 5 inches wide by 6.5 inches long, Nook has a 6-inch Pearl eInk display combined with an infared touchscreen that lets you navigate with taps and swipes of your fingers.

William Lynch, CEO, stated that ”the Nook Color has been a home run, but there’s also a number of people who don’t need all those features” at the Nook unveiling in the bookseller’s Union Square, New York City location.

Nook, powered by Android 2.1, includes two gigabytes of onboard storage, which will allow you to downloaded about a thousand books, and there’s an SD card slot for additional storage.  Nook runs on an 800 MHZ Texas Instruments OMAP 3 processor, which Barnes & Noble say will enable a much smoother reading experience, with quicker page transitions, and 80% less “ghosting,” or page flashing.  Even better, it also will last two months between charges.

With the launch of the new version of the Nook, Barnes & Noble is putting the Kindle directly in the crosshairs, comparing features like battery life (Kindle 3 features one month of battery life compared with the new Nook’s two months) and the actual number of physical buttons.

“The Kindle 3 has 38 buttons, 37 more than the all-new Nook,” Lynch said.  “Anyone who has mobile devices with [a lot] of buttons and nav bars knows that means a lot of scrolling and a lot of interface. . . with the all the new Nook, you just get into the device.”

The new Nook software interface introduces a homescreen with three sections:

  1.  A “Reading Now” area that displays what you’re currently reading and the number of pages of left.  
  2. A “New Reads” section
  3. A ”What to Read Next” section that is social-focused and displays what your friends are reading.

With less physical buttons to deal with and the new homescreen, Barnes & Noble says, users will be a few taps or swipes away from anything they want.

Amazon…your move!

What is the Best eReader?

Ken asks…

What is the best eReader I can buy in Canada?

I would like to buy an eReader but I am not sure which one is the best one to purchase. I live in Canada and want the best for screen quality and e-book availability and so on. Can any one help me? Thank you!

best ereader

admin answers:

Check out the Amazon Kindle and the  Sony Readers, I know they have books available for Canada.  The Sonys use the same e-ink pearl screen as the Kindles so screen quality is a no brainer.

Sandra asks…

Poll-Which brand & what kind of eReader is the best eReader to buy?

Poll-Which brand & what kind of e reader is the best e reader to buy?
I have a Sharper Image Literati  eReader that doesn’t have full internet access just access to the online store where you can either down load free books or buy books

best ereader

admin answers:

I like the Kindle. It has internet access, which is very cool, but mostly I got it for reading. Amazon has a large selection of books. I didn’t consider your eReader, just the Kindle and the nook. I dont think you would go wrong with either.

David asks…

What is the best type of eReader?

I’m thinking about getting an eReader, but don’t know what is the best one to get out of a Kindle, Nook, a digital reader and so on…What is the difference and which is the best option to got with?

best ereader

admin answers:

Hi, again, scrambled_egz, Nook from Barnes & Noble is the best combination of price and features of the eReaders market. When choosing an eReader, you need to consider not only the physical properties of the device, but also compare eBook stores behind it. Sony has never been a contender for any comparison by anyone as they only have like 5 books in their Ebook store and their devices are way overpriced for what they offer. Borders is behind Kobo/Cruz devices in US and as you might of heard, Borders is on a brink of bankruptcy. Kindle and Nook are the only devices to be considered as their eBook stores have over a million of free public ebooks as well as over a million of ebooks that you need to pay for available.
Having that out of the way, you should then decide which screen you want: e-Ink or LCD. It depends on what you’re reading. If just black & white novels then the better one would be Kindle or e-Ink Nook from Barnes & Noble. If you read electronic magazines or college text books with a lot of color graphs and charts or children’s’ books with a lot of pictures then the better would be Nook Color LCD from Barnes & Noble. Then, you should understand the limitations of e-Ink eReaders – they are limited to be black & white for now they “blink” at each ebook’s page turn, they’re not too good for web browsing, they need external light source for reading when dark, and they cannot handle videos.
Whichever device you choose, here’s the advantages of the Nook’s (both e-Ink black & white and Nook Color) over Kindle:
- Any Barnes & Noble store provides free Wi-Fi to Nook’s
- Nook allows to lend books for 2 weeks to friends or to your other devices that run B&N app (PC, MAC, Android phones, Apple iPhone and iPad, etc.) Barnes & Noble allows (when you walk in with the Nook to B&N store) to read any available eBook for free while in the store via free provided in the store Wi-Fi. With Nook, while in BN store you get exclusive articles from top authors, and great offers including cafe treats and unique deals.
- Nook (unlike Kindle) can be used for library ebooks.
- Nook (unlike Kindle) can be used for renting text-ebooks.
Nook Color is worth mentioning separately as this is a hybrid Android eReader/tablet device, something between Kindle and iPad. Even though Nook Color has LCD touchscreen, it’s a new generation screen which is anti-glare coated and is better performing in sunlight and produces less glare all of which are dooming reading on iPad. Also, the screen is amazing and readable/viewable at wide angles.
Overall, Nook Color is more than e-Reader as you can also watch video and use Android applications on it. It’s a hybrid device, much more than just an e-Reader but not a full tablet as it doesn’t have a camera. If all you want is to read novels, Kindle (or the original e-Ink Nook) might be better for you. If you want something more from your device (color graphs and charts of college text books, childrens books, photos and videos, web sites in full color) at half of the price of iPad or Galaxy tab, then Nook Color is your best bet.
Nook Color has several apps that already come with the device (Pandora Internet radio, QuickOffice, etc.) Also, Barnes & Noble recently released Nook SDK and Nook Developer platform that will allow most of the existing 100,000 Android apps be ported to it. Also, you can use the Social Settings screen to link your NOOK Color to your Facebook account and your Twitter account. You can also import all your contacts from your Google Gmail account. Once you have linked to Facebook and Twitter and set up email contacts, you can lend and borrow books, recommend books, and share favorite quotes with your friends.

Michael asks…

What is the best protective cover I can purchase for a Kindle eReader?

I am giving a Kindle eReader as a Xmas gift to someone. Unfortunately they are kind of clumsy and are always dropping things( she’s dropped the tv remote about a million times ). I want to also give the best protective cover I can so It will be protected if it should get dropped. Any suggestions?

best ereader

admin answers:

I have a leather cover for my Kindle - it’s a high quality cover that protects my Kindle from all kinds of things, and makes it so much easier to carry with me anywhere.  I’ve dropped mine a time or two and the cover has protected it every time!

Thomas asks…

Which is the best eReader for you? Especially if you’re in the Philippines?

an Ipad? Apad?  Kindle? or a Sony Reader Touch edition?
I’ve heard great comments about Kindle, but I think it’s just recommended for those who live in US.. while Apad kinda sucks according to most people on the net…

best ereader

admin answers:

In short, I won’t choose iPad or Nook Color, because they’re using backlight screen like computer screen, and is difficult to our eyes. Just not suitable for reading purpose. For other ebook readers including the B&N Nook, Sony Reader, and Amazon Kindle, I’ll go for the Kindle. For the Sony Reader, many books (especially new releases) cannot be easily find on it. For the Nook, it is good but it is slower and less user friendly compared to the new version of Kindle.

 

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KOBO is Now Just $99

That’s right, Borders announced this morning that the Kobo eReader has a new $99 price tag!  Does this mean Barnes & Noble and Amazon will soon follow with a price drop of their own?  Or, should we expect Amazon to release a new color Kindle?  Time will tell, but the price wars are only just beginning.  Look for a $49 eReader someday!

Pandigital Introduces AT&T Wirelessly Connected 9-Inch Android(TM) Multimedia Tablet and eReader

Posted on: Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:00:09 EST

 

DUBLIN, Calif. & DALLAS, Jan 04, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Pandigital today announced the availability of the Pandigital Multimedia Novel 9-inch Android(TM)tablet and color eReader, the company’s first eReader device offering integrated wireless connectivity through AT&T* for accessing Barnes & Noble’s eBookstore.

This Pandigital Multimedia Novel (model number R90A200) has a large 9-inch full-color LCD touch-screen display that is the ideal size for comfortably accessing and enjoying a number of applications. Plus, the larger display size gives customers an enhanced viewing experience when surfing the Internet through the integrated web browser, as well as when watching movies, playing games, or viewing photos, video and more. With this new Pandigital Multimedia Novel, customers have the ability to download and enjoy Android(TM) applications from their favorite sites.(1) As a result, customers can personalize their 9-inch Android(TM) multimedia tablet and color eReader by adding the applications that are the most interesting and increase daily use of the device.

In addition, this Pandigital Multimedia Novel is an excellent platform for comfortably reading digital books, browsing through periodicals, and enjoying children’s books with color photos and illustrations. Customers can use the integrated AT&T wireless network connection as well as Wi-Fi connectivity for quick and wide-reaching access to the Barnes & Noble eBookstore. They can then download their purchases instantly across AT&T’s wireless network without a contract.

“The Pandigital Multimedia Novel line became incredibly popular in 2010 thanks to its breadth of features, top-notch eReading experience, and affordability,” said John Clough, president, Pandigital. “Our new 9-inch Android(TM) multimedia tablet and color eReader promises to move this experience ahead dramatically with its large touchscreen for enhanced viewing, versatile Android(TM) platform, and connected eBookstore with broad wireless coverage provided by AT&T.”

“By introducing wireless capabilities to the Pandigital Multimedia Novel, AT&T is thrilled to connect consumers with easy access to their favorite books and periodicals while on the go,” said David Haight, vice president, business development for emerging devices, AT&T Mobility.

Availability, Price and Warranty

The Pandigital Multimedia Novel 9-inch Android(TM) tablet and color eReader (model number R90A200) has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $279.99. It will be available at several national retailers beginning this month and is backed by a one year limited warranty.

Top-Notch eReading Experience

This Pandigital Multimedia Novel comes in a sleek black housing and has a matte touch-screen display with a 480 x 800 resolution that allows customers to use their fingertip to browse through and enjoy published materials. The 9-inch Android(TM) multimedia tablet and color eReader comes with 2GB of integrated memory for storing hundreds of books and periodicals. The device has an integrated SD, SDHC and MMC card reader that accepts up to 32GB memory cards as well as a mini-USB port that can be used to easily transfer eBooks and other files onto the device.

Like other eReaders in the Pandigital Multimedia Novel line, the new 9-inch model comes with usability features that make it convenient and enjoyable to use – including highlighting, variable font sizes, and creation of multiple bookmarks. Users can create personalized bookshelves to manage their library while utilizing the built-in dictionary and word/character search function to help them explore it. The orientation sensor automatically adjusts between portrait and landscape modes when the device is tilted, while night-read mode inverts the text and background colors for more discrete viewing.

Easy & Quick Access to Digital Content Through Barnes & Noble’s eBookstore

The integration of Barnes & Noble’s expansive digital content catalog — the NOOKbook(TM) Store — ensures that Pandigital Multimedia Novel customers have quick and convenient access to more than two million eBooks, newspapers and magazines, most available for $9.99 or less, and a million free classics. Customers will find it simple to browse the NOOKbook Store, sample, buy, and download content in seconds. Customers can use Barnes & Noble’s LendMe(TM) technology to share many eBooks with friends and family for 14 days.

Extra Functionality for Online Enjoyment and Entertainment

In addition to being great for reading digital content, the 9-inch Android(TM) multimedia tablet and color eReader lets consumers do so much more. Customers can enjoy websites, music, photos, and video thanks to the combination of an ARM 11 processor and Android(TM) operating system. Email support and internet access to popular social media sites like Twitter and Facebook help customers stay connected. The Pandigital Multimedia Novel also has additional convenience features including a built-in appointment calendar, address book, and alarm clock.

About Pandigital

Privately held, Pandigital(R) develops and markets digital entertainment products. The company recognizes the growing digital lifestyle market as well as the convergence of digital media such as photos, video, published content, and audio, and is delivering high quality products to utilize and share that content by combining innovative technology with contemporary style and simplified user interfaces. Pandigital sells its award-winning line of Pandigital(R) and PanTouch(R) digital photo frames and PhotoLink(R) scanners through more than 35,000 well-known national retail storefronts in the United States, Canada, Europe, South America and Central America. The company has received numerous accolades and industry awards for its outstanding products that are renowned for their easy-to-use features, high-quality, and elegant design, and for providing exceptional value to consumers. Pandigital is headquartered in Dublin, Calif. For more information, please visit http://www.pandigital.net.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates — AT&T operating companies — are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. A leader in mobile broadband, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verseSM and AT&Ta”eDIRECTVSM brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T Advertising Solutions and AT&T Interactive are known for their leadership in local search and advertising. In 2010, AT&T again ranked among the 50 Most Admired Companies by FORTUNE(R) magazine.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com. This AT&T news release and other announcements are available at http://www.att.com/newsroom and as part of an RSS feed at www.att.com/rss. Or follow our news on Twitter at @ATTNews. Find us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ATT to discover more about our consumer and wireless services or at www.Facebook.com/ATTSmallBiz to discover more about our small business services.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

All offers subject to change without notice or obligation and may not be available through all retail partners. Prices listed are manufacturer’s suggested retail prices and may vary by retail location. Applicable taxes extra. Trademarks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Pandigital. Other product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.

(1)   The Pandigital 9-inch Multimedia eReader can not be connected to the

      Android(TM) Market. Not all Android(TM) applications are

      designed for, or will work with, this device.

SOURCE: Pandigital

nookColor…the world’s most inexpensive tablet?

nookColor Android Update -

Technorati is reporting that that Android 2.2 will be officially released for the nookColor this January, giving users access to an Android home screen and the Android Market.  Assuming a straight-up installation of Android 2.2 is allowed, Barnes & Noble is about to really change the game, and could just have the most reasonably priced Android tablet on the market.

More details on nookColor upgrades to come!

How Long Does the Battery Last on an eReader?

NookThere are two different types of eReaders on the market and because of the difference, each has vastly different battery capabilities.    An E Ink eReader, like the new Amazon Kindle, uses no power to display a page, therefore, you only use the power to turn the page, use the “read to me” setting, and access other features.  So, this low power consumption can equal up to a month of reading without needing to charge your eReader.  And, it will never feel warm, or even hot, to the touch like your laptop, your tablet computer, or your smartphone will.

An LCD electronic reader, like the Barnes & Noble color reader, Nook, on the other hand, uses continuous power to display pages, turn pages, and access features.  Typical battery life is up to 8 hours before your reader will need charging.

nookColor

nookColor

Barnes & Noble’s new version of the nook, Nookcolor, is available starting today for preorders.  At $249.00, with a host of new features, this one might take the shine off the Apple this Christmas!

Featuring a 7″ touchscreen, 8 gig of internal memory, and running on Google’s Android operating system, the new Nook features full web browsing, support for Pandora streaming radio, and you can even share parts of your favorite books over Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks. Even newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals are automatically delivered to your Nook as soon as they’re published. 

The Nook measures 8.1″ x 5″, is only .48″ wide, and weighs just 15.8 ounces, with a screen capable of displaying more tahn 16 million colors, and featuring an accelerometer for landscape mode. 
“With Nookcolor, we’ve combined the functionality and convenience of a 7-inch portable wireless tablet with the reader-centricity of a dedicated eReader, and employed a breakthrough color screen technology that will wow customers,” said William Lynch, CEO of Barnes & Noble, in a press release.

And, at first glance, the new Nook may just be a game-changer!

Coming Soon: Full Color nook!

Full Color nookJust in time for the holidays, Barnes & Noble will soon introduce the new FULL COLOR nook eReader!  Running on Google’s Android operating system, this one just might be a game changer in the “war” against the iPad. If the nook can deliver functionality, keep the lightweight feel, the longer battery life, and the low price of current eReaders, Barnes & Noble might just overtake both the iPad and the Kindle!

Another New eReader?

Another new eReader?  This week, Copia, a subsidiary of DMC Worldwide, announced plans to introduce a five-inch color e-reader for just $99 this fall.

“The iPad disrupted pricing strategy for everyone in the e-reader market, and after the price wars with Barnes & Noble and Amazon, everyone’s trying to differentiate themselves from a price-point perspective,” Tony Antolino, senior vice president of DMC Worldwide, said in a statement. “We decided to do a revision of our hardware positioning.”

We’ll have more information on this eReader as soon as it is available!

Sony Price Drops!

Sony Digital Reader Touch Edition - RedSony has dropped the price on it’s electronic readers to match recent price drops by Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  Price drops are: 

The Daily Edition drops to $299.99 from $349.99. 

The Touch Edition drops to $169.99 from $249.99.

The Pocket Edition drops to $149.99 from $169.99.