Barnes & Noble Nook Color

Clearly designed as a response to the Amazon Kindle, the Barnes & Noble Nook ebook reader is comparable in terms of quality and is definitely worth consideration by users. In terms of look, the Nook sets itself apart with the attractive white bezel and color buttons at the bottom of the screen. The screen itself is a tiny bit smaller than the Kindle’s, and the Nook device is a few ounces heavier, but neither aspect is distracting.

One big advantage of the Barnes & Noble Nook, given current market preferences, is the capacitive touchscreen. Whereas the Kindle offers no such capacity, the responsive Nook screen may be more familiar and easier to manipulate for some users, though the Kindle is not exactly a difficult device to learn. The Nook also includes 3G connectivity alongside the standard 802.11 b/g WiFi, another plus over the competition.

After admiring the specs list and display, though, some drawbacks become evident in the Nook. The user interface is original and is surprisingly complex, particularly after the intuitive methods employed in the Kindle. Performing most tasks beyond opening a book – for example, downloading new material or playing music – takes time to get accustomed to. Even more negative is the load time on anything, a serious problem that represents a tradeoff for the outstanding color screen.

While adjustments in habit can be made by the user in working with the Barnes & Noble Nook, many may find it not worth the trouble with simpler, more no-nonsense ebook readers available. The Nook may be recommended, but only for those with some patience.