Nook vs Kindle
Nook VS Kindle
In the battle of E-readers, Nook VS Kindle is the heavyweight fight. We will compare some of the statistics and specifications that will help you choose the right one for you. Let’s start with some basic info:
The Nook is made by Barnes and Noble and the Kindle is made by Amazon.
Both make e-readers and a pseudo tablet similar to the Ipad.
You probably know this already, but an e-reader is a way to read books digitally that is much easier on the eyes than a computer screen. This technology is known as e-ink.
How to compare the Nook Vs Kindle
There are several factors that actually matter when comparing a Nook vs Kindle. The following is a list of items to consider and use in your decision. Keep in mind there are several models to choose from and choosing the proper Nook or Kindle is just as important as deciding if you want to go with Barnes and Noble’s version, or Amazon’s. Also, there are other makers, but for now we are going to focus on the namesake of this page. Nook vs Kindle.
1. Battery Life
Obviously the battery life is critical. The reason it is number one on the list is because without it, the e-reader (or tablet) is worthless. Make sure you check the model you want for an acceptable battery life. Remember that the battery life is usually exaggerated by the manufacturers a little. But if you are in the middle of a flight, you don’t want your battery dying, leaving you looking at the back of a seat.
The fewer features (like color), the longer the battery is going to last. If you are just reading a book, and not streaming music or movies, your battery is going to last much longer.
2. Screen size
Size matters, we all know it. The screen sizes vary a little, but they are pretty comparable for the most part.
3. Color or E-ink?
With the release of the Nook Color and the Kindle Fire, color is now an option, so don’t discount it in your search. the quality of the color is very comparable, so your concern here is to make sure that you get color if you want it.
Illustrations are incredible on the color e-readers. So it is not just for games. Children’s books really pop on the color units. On the other hand, some of the “fancier” color screens are difficult to read in bright sunlight.
4. What are you going to use it for?
You are not limited to just reading books anymore. There are movies and music to stream and lots of games and apps that you can play on e-readers now.
The color machines both have apps and games in addition to the books. So if you are into Angry Birds or streaming movies and video, plan on spending a little more money. The Kindle Fire and the Nook Tablet and the Nook Color are the three choices here. Don’ worry though, you will not be spending as much as the Ipad, not even half as much.
If you just want to read, or if you are on a tight budget, then the Kindle or the Nook basic models will do just fine for you. These are both available for under $100.
5. Weight of the unit.
Some sites will tell you to watch the weight. But honestly, it is only an ounce or two difference. If that is going to matter, you may want to start an exercise routine immediately.
Seriously though, I don’t think the weight is an issue. It weighs less than a huge stack of books, no matter which one you get.
6. Touch screen (or not).
If you don’t care about touchscreen technology, then you probably don’t need to spend the extra money on that feature. But if you want color, touch screens are the only options.
Amazon makes the Kindle Touch and Barnes and Noble make the Nook Touch for the non-color versions of the touch screen. If you want to have a qwerty keyboard, the Nook doesn’t have a keyboard option in the newest lineups, so the Kindle Keyboard or Kindle Keyboard 3G is the choice made for you.
Keep in mind there are a few version of each so look at the Nook home page or the Kindle home page to see the models available.
7. Memory
This is a very important thing to consider in your search. the Nook models offer expandable memory by means of an Micro SD Card. At this time, the memory can be expanded to 32G. Depending on the model you decide on, the 2G on standard option is enough to hold a thousand books. Expand it to 32G and you will have all the reading you can do for the next couple of centuries.
The Kindle on the other hand, offers free Cloud Storage, in addition to the on board 2G of memory. But there are no expandable memory slots. The Cloud is a place you store any content you buy from Amazon. The only concern is you need to plan a little and make sure you have WiFi or 3G available if you need fresh content to read or view.
If you choose the Nook Color or the Kindle Fire, keep in mind that your memory will get used on apps games and movies. In this case, more storage is better. The cloud offers unlimited storage for the Kindle, and this is not available for the Nook.
8. WiFi and 3G
The difference first. WiFi is the ability to connect with a wireless internet. 3G is a cellular signal. Most, if not all, models that have 3G are WiFi enabled, but not the other way around. You will use these services to access fresh or stored content on the web. Things like streaming music or movies and when you want to buy a new book.
Kindle options:
The Kindle Touch 3G, the Kindle Keyboard 3G all have 3G (cellular) + wireless (WiFi). The cellular signal is always on and there is no additional charge.
The Kindle DX has 3G but NOT Wireless. The 3G is free.
The Kindle (the basic one), Kindle Touch, the Kindle Keyboard and the Kindle Fire have WiFi but NOT 3G.
Nook options:
All Nook models feature WiFi, but at this time, none have 3G (or any cellular). This only matters if you are going to be somewhere where you cannot access the internet and want to get new content.
9. Available Books (and extras)
It seems like both Amazon and Barnes and Noble tout the most books but in reality, they are both going to release the newest and hottest titles. For a subscription to Amazon Prime, you can borrow books along with other free offers. I don’t know of any such feature for Barnes and Noble.
Both makers offer a “borrow from your public library” feature. This is a great way to get books at no additional per book cost.
10. Cost
The price on these e-readers and tablets are going to range from $70 to $300. Unless on a tight budget, decide which model best fits your needs and then try to find the best price. You aren’t going to buy a new Nook Tablet for under $100. Color e-readers start around $200.
Once you have your e-reader, you can get free apps for your smart-phone or computer, so you can read the books you purchased on them.
If you compare the features listed in this article, and make your decision based on it, you will choose the best e-reader for you, and you will love it for years to come. There are plenty of pages of information on the different models of each maker on this site, so do some research and buy your favorite.