Nook Nook Nook

[andysocial]

My Kindle is arriving this afternoon, but all the techie ereader blogs are talking about the updated Nook Color firmware/software. I particularly enjoy the idea that $250 is “cheap” in most of the writers’ minds. Sure, if you’re comparing the Nook Color to an iPad or Xoom, $250 is cheaper. But, if you’re comparing it to the new ad-supported Kindle ($114) which starts shipping this weekend, no – it’s not. It’s kind of cool to watch the development of new Android tablets and near-tablets, though. I leave you with this quote from a recent review of the updated Nook:

At $249, the Nook Color is almost an impulse buy. [ed: poor impulse control?]

Originally published at BunkBlog. You can comment here or there.

Comments

[just-jenn.livejournal.com]

I have the 1st generation Nook and love it. But it was $250 even back in 2009. I don't like the color Nook's because the screen is too much like an iPad, and therefore, would seem to be reflective and not good in certain lights. Granted, I've not seen one in the flesh, so my opinion is based on reviews.

That said, Charlie's getting a Kindle when he gets back from TDY.
He's not much of a reader, so I'm still trying to figure out why he really wants one, but the new Kindle is a fabo price and has great functionality. Oh, plus my friend has this nifty Kindle case that has a built in retractable reading light ....that totally ups the cool factor in my opinion. :P

[andysocial]

When the Kindle came out, at $400, I was sure they would sell almost none. So, obviously my concept of an impulse buy is different than some people's.

The reflective, backlit screens on current color tablets are a bad fit for my concept of an ereader for a couple reasons. First, backlit displays tire my eyes (yes, I know I spend all day at work and much of my free time on them - phbt!). Secondly, they need a lot more battery power. E-Ink displays only use power for the split second they change pages (assuming wireless is off), while a color display needs power all the time.

But, if a color tablet cost $100 and didn't suck, I'd find some way to justify owning one. I did buy a Nokia N770 mini-tablet years ago, after all.