It’s been a bit more than 2 weeks since the Nook swept into my life. And it couldn’t have happened a moment too soon.
Several of you mentioned that you were also considering buying an e-reader, so I thought I’d give you a run-down of what I think of the Nook, two weeks in.
In short:
I love it.
In more length:
I love it.
I really don’t know what I did before I had it. It’s so darn convenient. I received the Nook at the perfect time because Ryan is out of town and I tend to read a bit more when he’s traveling.
Since receiving the Nook, I’ve read five books:
- The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- Stuck in the Middle
- Listen
- The Girl who Played with Fire
- 32 Candles
On ‘the feel’:
5 of 5
How many of you have thought: “I like the smell/feel/look of a real book! I’ll miss that!”
I have not missed holding an ‘actual book’ at all since reading on the Nook. It’s actually much more convenient than a paperback because I can hold it with one hand and click through the pages with ease. (Wow! How lazy am I to act as though reading a ‘real book’ is such a chore?) But it is actually lighter than most of the books I read in hardback. Very comfortable to sit on the couch with the pugs or laying in bed reading.
(via B&N)
On the view:
5 of 5
I have the original Nook with the e-ink screen. I was skeptical of those who claim that it reads like a real book, but the print is truly the same. The text is not hard on my eyes at all. I’m used to being on a computer a lot during the day and evening, and the Nook actually seems restful to my eyes.
Additionally, I think it’s really handy that I can adjust the text size as needed. Usually I use the ‘medium’ text size. But, when I’m at the gym, I usually up the size so I can easily see it while working out. This is really nice for me.
As an aside, a device with e-ink cannot be read in the dark. You will need a book light to do so. This hasn’t been an issue for me, but it’s worth noting. I haven’t read the book outside because it’s freezing cold, but it is supposed to be possible. I think this is a definitely plus over the e-readers with LCD (computer screens). I’ll definitely be trying it out when it gets warmer.
There is a color LCD screen along the bottom of the Nook. This is how you can navigate to other features. It disappears when you are reading which is nice.
On ease of use:
4 of 5
The interface of the Nook is really intuitive. Within a few minutes, I could easily find how to connect to the Internet, download books and organize my library. Super simple and quick. If you are relatively computer literate, this will be cake for you.
It’s easy to get into a book and to click through. The only downfall, in my opinion, is that the e-ink screen is not touchscreen. In the age of PDAs, we’re all used to flipping the page on the screen. The arrows to turn the page just took some getting used to for me.
On books:
4 of 5
I haven’t had any problem finding the books I want on the Barnes & Noble website. So far, I’ve found the book prices reasonable, when compared with the paperback and those on other sites (namely, Amazon). With that said, I didn’t to buy many books before receiving this device – I was a library gal. So, I am definitely spending more on books overall because I’m paying something. So far, I have been using a gift card, so I haven’t noticed the effect.
I’ve also made a point to check out the Free Friday Book on Amazon. A different book is free each week. It’s definitely a neat promotion, but it’s not always a book I’d be interested in reading.
I love how easy it is to download a book on the Nook. It can literally take 10 seconds from searching to reading if you are in a wireless zone, which I usually am. This is really cool.
And I love that I can hold up to 1,500 books on this device and ‘shelve’ them to organize. It’s just really cool, in my opinion. I even downloaded a cook book and a travel book. How cool is it that I have access to those books at any time?
With all that said, I really wanted a Nook because the device allows the user to download books from sources outside Barnes & Noble. So far, I’ve not tried this because my local library has a TERRIBLE selection of e-books. Seriously couldn’t find a single book I wanted to read. However, I hope that will change as more people demand e-books.
It’s a huge advantage, in my opinion, that I can get books from the library, from Google Books and from other sources as PDF or other formats . That alone would make me choose Nook over Kindle.
On sharing:
4 of 5
Something that you may read is that Barnes & Noble allows users to ‘share’ books on devices. This is a really cool feature where you can lend the book to another device for a set period of time, but I’ve been disappointed that most of the books I’ve read don’t have the capability to be shared. So, only some books allow this. Kind of a bummer, but it’s still a neat feature and I plan to use it with friends who have Nooks. (Anyone wanna be sharing buddies?)
On other uses:
3 of 5
You can easily hop on the Internet and check out Google Reader, email, Good Reads and more… it’s pretty handy. But I’ve barely used it. Just like most portable devices, the screen isn’t perfect for Internet browsing. Additionally, the non-touch screen makes the screen a bit cumbersome to use. Plus, the screen is black and white which isn’t great for Internet viewing. I think the ability to quickly get on Good Reads and update my reading list is the handiest use for me.
There are also a few games that my father-in-law tried out for me. Research purposes. 😉 He thought they were cool. I think mine came with Sodoku and Chess.
If you are looking for a device to browse the Internet regularly on the go and use apps… I’d probably recommend the Nook Color or even the iPad. If you are looking for a device primarily for reading, I’d go with the original Nook.
On battery life:
5 of 5
The word on the street is that the original Nook has a battery life of 10 days. For me, it’s been more like 3-4 days before a charge. However, I’ve been leaving the wireless Internet connected. When I’ve turned it to airplane mode, the charge lasts considerably longer. Regardless, the charge is much better than any other device I’ve owned so I’m pleased.
In all:
5 of 5
When I was looking at buying an e-reader, I was leaning towards the Nook Color. I thought it’d be great to surf the Internet and such. Since winning the original version, I am glad I ended up with this version. I wanted one for the primary use of reading. I think the e-ink is great for that purpose. It’s a good fit for me.
The value of this device is in how much you’ll use it. I read a lot, so it’s really valuable. The ease of downloading new books and reading at any place or time. It’ll also be great for traveling. I’m notorious for bringing a handful of heavy books on a trip. No more!
If you are looking for an e-reader, I would recommend the Nook without any hesitation. I hope you’ll love it as much as I do.
So, weigh in – Do you have an e-reader? Do you want one?
I’ve been thinking about an E-reader and had ruled out The Kindle becaue I want to be able to use pdf classics or library loan e-books. Glad to know the nook supports those. I agree with the person who suggested looking into multiple library accounts. I have one where I work, One where I used to live and am getting one for my new address.
I’m one of those “I’ll miss real books” people. But I’m glad it works for you!
I have a Nook Color and LOVE it. I got it for Christmas and couldn’t be happier. If I have any “Lend Me” books – I’ll let you know and we can share. Hopefully your library will get some new e-books for you – my selection is OK but its growing. Thanks for the tip on the free Friday book – I’ll have to remember to check that out!
I have a Kindle and I LOVE it! I especially like that it’s not backlit, because it doesn’t bother my eyes as much. I bought a little booklight designed to go with my Kindle and it’s perfect.
I’ve sold most of my old books at used bookstores, but I still have my classics and favorite hardbacks out on my ladder shelf. My mom says it makes things more “cozy looking”. 🙂
Dang you, woman! You’re tempting me. I’ve been very stubborn about this because I LOVE real books. I definitely see the appeal of not having to clumsily hold a heavy hardcover or even a big paperback, but I like having the book later on my shelves. What to do, what to do?
I’m not sure I have an opinion on the subject of e-readers yet… I just got an iPhone last month – I thought it was going to be a silly splurge, that it was going to be hard to talk on, that I was going to hate it. But it’s great. I’m not a fan of change or of new technologies, so stuff like this takes some getting used to for me. Maybe someday. I am running out of space for books IRL, so it might be nice to have someplace to “hide” some more.
I’ve had a Kindle for two years now. I recently upgraded to the newer version – it’s wonderful. Convenience is by far the biggest advantage of having an e-reader. No more mangled paperbacks in my purse or backpack. And who hasn’t yearned for something to read while waiting at the doctor’s office where the only choice is the 2004 AARP or Doctor’s Monthly? I would (and do) recommend it to anyone who asks about it. I don’t think it really matters which one you buy; they’re all basically the same. Enjoy!!
Michelle
I love my nook. I actually check out a lot of e-books from the library. I actually have 3 different district library cards so I have a huge selection of e-books. You should see if you can do that to get a better selection.
Great, now I want one ;).
I’m not much of a reader but Dave reads on his kindle app on his phone all of the time. He loves it!
Hubby and I both got Kindles for Christmas (well, he got me a Kindle and then decided he wanted to buy one for himself, too! lol), and we couldn’t be happier. I agree on most of your points – all my paperbook friends are always a bit weary of an e-reader (I was, too, I admit, but reviews swayed me), but, like you, I like my e-reader even more than a regular paper book! It’s so easy, light, and convienent, and I actually get a little sad when I decide to read a paper book from my bookshelf, lol.
As for the battery life on the Kindle (don’t know which version.. the newest one, I think?), if I keep the wi-fi turned off (unless I’m downloading a book), I only have to charge it once a month (and I read on it 2+ hours a day). Hubby reads less (altho still everyday), and just charged it the other day – the first time since he got it at Xmas!
I <3 e-readers.
~Chelsea
The Nook is what our school uses and my kids love it! They have been begging for one at home, I just might have to cave and get one! (and then I wouldn’t have my organizational issues, too!)Thanks and have a great evening 🙂
Wendy
my husband just got a nook and he really likes it. I’m still stuck on the “I like my books” thing but your comment about using it at the gym and being able to increase the font may have swayed me.
Nice review! I’m still a fan of books, but I can see how convenient this must be! I’m TRYING to use my library more often, but maybe I can consider a Nook for myself down the road. 🙂
so glad you did a follow-up post about your Nook — I’ve been thinking about getting an e-reader for quite sometime. I love to read books on the way to work thanks to riding on the train, but hate lugging a heavy book with me….I’m seriously thinking an e-reader is in my future
I got a Kindle for Christmas, which was perfect since we headed to Jamaica for our honeymoon the day after! It was so convenient, easy to read in the bright sunshine and light! My favorite part about the Kindle was the 3G that allowed me to get new books while we were there without having WiFi. No fees and I definitely got a few or ten or more books on vacation!
I received a Kindle for Christmas. LOVE it!!
I’m excited to take it on vacation…I can pack 1000s of books without weighing down my suitcase!
Hubby has the e-ink nook as well — he absolutely loves it. I begged and pleaded for the newer (non e-ink) version but in the end it was decided my poor eyes do not need one more device to stare into and destroy my eyes! (and its probably smarter to just get an ipad really!)
Glad you are enjoying it! BTW – have you watched the Swiss versions of the Salander/Blomvkist movie? They are great if not!