When someone mentioned an eBook reader a couple of years old there was no doubt that they were talking about the Kindle eBook reader from Amazon. This has changed over the last couple of years because the eBook reader market is highly competitive. When someone mentions an eBook reader now they may be talking about the Kindle.
There is a strong possibility, however, that they may not. Other vendors have entered the market, and the Nook by Barnes & Noble is becoming a real challenge for Amazon’s Kindle. The popularity of both devices will usually spark a Kindle vs Nook comparison. Everyone wants to know how one measures up against the other. The following provides an intimate look at the performance of both devices and how they fit the needs of different consumers.
Prices
Consumers that are in search of an eBook reader will typically take the price into consider before they make any quick decisions. Amazon and Barnes & Noble are well aware of this, and this is why both vendors offer more than one version of their product.
Barnes and Nobles offers two eBook tablets. One is a marketed as a tablet for a simple reader. It costs $139 and it has a black and white display. This is comparable to the original Kindle that has a black and white display. The difference, however, is that the Kindle has a wider spectrum. There are only two versions of the Nook. The essentially equates to a colorized reader and a black and white version of the Nook. The colorized Nook is $249.
The Kindle has been around longer and this gives the device an upper hand because it has stronger brand recognition. It has also remained popular because there are several variations of this device. There’s the original version of the Kindle that is commonly known as the Kindle Wi-Fi. There are two other models – the Kindle 3G and the Kindle DX. The original Kindle can be purchased for $114; the Kindle 3G sells for $189. The Kindle DX is the same as the Kindle 3G, but it has a bigger screen. It sells for $379.
Physical Appearance
Kindle
Both devices offer wireless connectivity so the Kindle vs Nook battle has become a contest about much more than the basic features. Innovation is the key in the eBook reader battlefield and Kindle has continued to have the open the door a little wider with each version of the Kindle.
The Kindle has been around for a while and they have had the chance to reply to consumer demands. This is why they have one of the biggest eReader screens. The 9.7 inch screen is as big an iPad. The Nook, on the other hand, has max screen size of 7 inches. This can be convenient and easy to carry, but the Nook is heavier. It doesn’t have the same sleek Kindle design.
Nook
There is also a difference in keyboard design. For Kindle users there is a physical interface. Owners of the Nook have a touch screen for their typing needs. This can be a gift or a curse. It all depends on the user. Some people have been texting for years and they are very comfortable with touch screen keys. Others may prefer the traditional method. This is definitely a big factor that is considered when purchases are made. Individuals that have become confused by the Kindle vs Nook battle will find this information very helpful in the decision making process.
Internal Parts
There is a major discrepancy in the expandable storage space. This is a real disappointment for Kindle users because there are no expandable storage slots. The Nook, however, is a true delight with up to 32GB of expandable storage. This is incredibly important because the integrated storage space is only 8GB. This still more space than the Kindle that only has a max internal drive of 4GB.
The battery life for the Kindle is a bright spot that overshadows anything that is available for the Nook. At this present moment the battery life for a Nook is up to 10 days. The Kindle, by contrast, has a battery life of up to 1 month. This is an astounding difference that can really change the minds of consumers.
The Core of eBook Readers
These devices may have lots of fancy features that appeal to a wide range of consumers, but there main function is to serve as an eBook reader. Amazon may have entered the market first and established a name, but Barnes & Nobles has beaten them to the punch with a much wider selection. The comparison is unreal. Kindle gives users 725,000 selections. Barnes & Nobles gives consumers a whopping 2 million selections to choose from. An avid reader will really appreciate this massive selection.
