In the showdown between the Nook and Kindle, this article will focus on the original generations of each e-reader. This applies to the Touch and black-and-white version of Barnes and Noble’s Nook, and the Keyboard-and-Touch edition of the Kindle. These devices will be featured because they were the first editions to be released by their respective companies, and they contain the simplest features of each device. Now let’s get to the main event: the Nook vs. Kindle debate.
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.
According to scientific studies, LCD screens can affect the production of melatonin in the brain, which interferes with the ability to fall asleep. Also, this applies to televisions and computer screens as well; not just handheld electronic devices. This is a very popular advantage for Amazon’s e-reader over Barnes and Noble’s, which does use an LCD screen. Staring at an LCD screen for hours on end is also known to cause eye strain. This is not an issue with E-Ink devices like the Kindle.
Wi-Fi capability is another important characteristic on which to compare these two devices. While both contain Wi-Fi, the Kindle has one thing that the Nook does not; and that is a web browser. On the Kindle, you are free to browse the web, check emails, etc. The Nook used to have a very glitchy browser that hardly worked, and newer generations do not have it at all. In this sense, internet-lovers are more likely to be drawn to Amazon’s device.
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.
Currently, of all major book-store chains, Barnes and Noble is the last large chain around. Customers around the country often blame their struggles on overpriced books, causing them to find other companies, both in person and online, from which to buy books. As of now, the company is fighting against bankruptcy. Only time will tell if they will survive as a brick and mortar bookseller.
Amazon’s device, overall, appears to be a better e-book reader than Barnes and Noble’s for a variety of reasons. Amazon’s customer support is vastly superior; they provide better internet connectivity; Amazon’s device uses far less electricity than Barnes and Noble’s; and, finally, Amazon’s selection of e-books is generally cheaper, with almost one millions books priced lower than ten dollars. In this Nook vs Kindle debate, the Kindle’s creator, Amazon, has a clear edge; this edge is in selection of e-books, in customer support, in durability, and in finances.
The Nook vs Kindle battle pits two worthy e-readers against each other in a limited field. You can see how their various features compare and learn about the available Kindle Backlight substitutes by visiting our website.