There have been Nook vs Kindle comparisons in the past year, but since so much has changed with both devices, it's time for another round, this time comparing the latest versions of the two popular ebook readers.
It can't be denied that in previous match-ups, especially with those that used the first edition of the Nook, the comparison was clearly lopsided, in favor of course, with the Amazon Kindle. When the Barnes & Noble Nook first came out, reviews weren't too kind, citing the device as "buggy" among other things.
This time around however, things have looked up for the B & N ebook reader. It now sports a twice-upgraded firmware, addressing the original issues of performance. On the other hand, Amazon has also unveiled a smaller, lighter, and generally, better Kindle. So which ereader takes the cake?
Design and Size
With the Kindle losing 21% of its body size and shedding off a few ounces, the Amazon ereader is now more compact. Its dimensions of 7.5 inches by 4.8 inches by 0.335 inch make for a device that's noticeably smaller than the Nook which measures 7.7 inches by 4.9 inches by 0.5 inch. The Kindle is lighter too, tipping the scales at just 8.7 ounces, while the Barnes & Noble ereader weighs 12.1 ounces.
Display Type and Interface
E-ink technology, which reads like real paper, is deemed to be the best type of display for dedicated ebook readers, and both the Kindle and Nook use this technology. The two even have the same e-ink display size - 6-inch diagonal. Despite these similarities though, Amazon has some edge here as it has used the latest e-ink Pearl technology in the latest Kindle, which is said to provide 50% better contrast.
When it comes to navigation, the Kindle keeps it simple and easy, while the Nook goes for a hi-tech interface. Navigating through the Kindle requires the user to deal with push buttons, a physical keyboard, and a 5-way controller. The Nook employs more advanced technology as it offers touch technology via its small color LCD.
Battery Life and Storage
The Kindle takes the upper hand when it comes to battery performance. The K3 battery is said to last a whopping 30 days with the wireless turned off. The best Nook can do is a third of that time or 10 days. Still, the Nook's battery is replaceable (unlike the Kindle which has to be sent back to Amazon for battery replacement) so that has to count for some points in its favor.
The Kindle has a larger internal memory and can store up to 3,500 books. The B & N device can only store up to 1,500 books in its internal memory but then again, it has a microSD slot for added memory if needed.
Content Selection
The NookBookstore boasts of over 2 million titles to choose from while Amazon's Kindle Store currently has over 700,000. While the Nook clearly offers more options, it's pretty safe to say that both ebook readers would have the latest and most popular titles on their respective listings.
Nook vs Kindle: The Best Ebook Reader is...
While what we've discussed in this Nook vs Kindle comparison are only the basic features that these devices offer, the improvements made are already apparent. What's not so clear though is who takes the title of "best ebook reader." But if we've got to pick one, I'd say the Amazon Kindle still gets it. Though it can't be denied that the Nook now offers the Kindle some real competition, it still lags behind in the more important factors such as size, battery life, and global coverage.
That said though, it still comes down to a matter of choice. Is the Nook's dual-screen an interesting feature for you? Or would you rather have the lighter Kindle for marathon reading sessions? It's all up to you.
Do you agree with this Nook vs Kindle review? Visit us at http://ebookreadersresource.com to learn more about these devices and other popular portable ebook readers.
