A Comparison of the Nook vs Kindle
Friday, April 6th, 2012In this article concerning the Nook vs Kindle, the “generations” focused upon are the original versions of the Kindle (keyboard and touch) and the Simple Touch (black and white) version of the Nook. These were the first editions of each device to be released. They encompass the most simple characteristics of each device before the new generations were produced.
Concerning the reading aspect, Amazon is well-known for its innovation. The Kindle quickly gained fame due to its lack of an LCD screen. On the contrary, it was the first famous electronic device to use “E-Ink” technology. This means that under its screen are actual particles of ink that are rearranged continually in order to create the pictures and words that appear on the screen. While the device does, of course, use electricity, it is only when pages are being turned or loaded.
Studies have shown that looking at an LCD screen interferes with melatonin production in the brain. This, in turn, can affect a person’s ability to fall asleep; the later at night it is, the higher the likelihood of its effect. This is a very important advantage over Barnes and Noble’s e-reader, which does incorporate an LCD screen.
Another important feature, one that is highly-desired by consumers, is Wi-Fi connectivity. Although both devices have it, the Barnes and Noble’s e-reader lacks a proper web browser. This means that using the internet is much slower and more difficult than on Amazon’s device. Because of the problems in the Nook’s earlier generations, it has since been removed entirely, while Amazon’s device has a fully-capable web browser.
The “3G connectivity” of Amazon’s e-reader is another distinct internet-related advantage. It means that the device does not have to be within range of a Wi-Fi network, such as in a person’s home or at an internet cafe; it will have Wi-Fi capability from nearly any location. Barnes and Noble’s e-reader, on the contrary, is entirely lacking in 3G connectivity. Therefore, you can only use its browsing capabilities as part of a Wi-Fi network.
Amazon’s other primary advantage against Barnes and Noble, one that has recently received a good deal of attention, is customer support. People all over the country have been frustrated with Barnes and Noble’s lack of customer support and difficulty in communicating with them over the phone. What complicates the matter is the ongoing problems that the Nook has had, such as glitches and issues with connectivity. This has forced many customers to give up on the company altogether, which has also had an impact on the company’s financial struggles.
Barnes and Noble is currently, among major chains of bookstores, the “last chain standing”. Many blame their financial problems on their overpriced books; customers all over the country have expressed outrage over the store’s unusually-high prices, and have often cited this as their main reason for finding other ways to buy books, especially e-books. With so many customers putting their money into other businesses, Barnes and Noble’s success continues to slope downward, and the company is now fighting for its life.
Amazon’s e-reader, overall, seems to have many advantages over Barnes and Noble’s. Also, their selection of e-books is cheaper (in general) boasting almost a million titles that are priced at ten dollars or less. They provide better internet connectivity and online customer support, the Kindle uses far less electricity, and only needs to be charged – on average – about once a month. In this ongoing debate of Nook vs Kindle, Amazon has significant edges; in customer support, finances, product durability, prices, and selection of e-books. Still, feel free to do your own homework on which device best meets your needs.
The Nook vs Kindle battle pits two popular e-readers against each other in a competitive field. You can see how their various features compare and learn about the available Kindle Backlight substitutes by visiting our website.