With the Nook eReader and the Kindle 2 now battling it out in the marketplace, it’s time for a Kindle vs. Nook review.
Anyone who wants a Christmas Nook will have to wait: they’re sold out and won’t ship until Jan. 4. If you need instant gratification, buy a Kindle or use the just-released Kindle for PC.
Kindle vs. Nook: The Nook Advantages
Lending Books with LendMe is a great concept, but it’s not the most practical choice. The Nook ebook has a two-week loan limit to friends and family, who will need to use an iPhone, computer or Nook to read it.
And here’s an important update: Barnes & Noble has reported that publishers are canceling this option for some of their books, which now are permitted a one-time loan only.
The Nook to Nook lending feature is one of the greatest advantages here, allowing you and one other Nook owner to share material. Again, you get a one-time-only ebook lending option.
This is much easier to handle with a touchscreen, even though some people don’t like the dual-screen set-up.
There’s no browser, but it does use WiFi 802.11 b/g and the free WiFi available in Barnes & Noble.
Other features are the Micro SD memory expansion slot, the built-in PDF, ePub, and compatibility with Blackberries and Macs.
It also allows you to add other personal touches, like back covers, and to custom-design screensavers.
Kindle vs. Nook: The 50/50 Split
Kindle and Nook have some identical advantages: the same e-ink screen, comparable prices, and competitive eBook prices.
Kindle vs. Nook: Kindle Takes the Lead
With the Kindle you get free Internet service; with the Nook you don’t even get a browser.
Kindle has worldwide Wikipedia access, as well as a Read To Me/Text To Speech function.
The Kindle’s e-book purchases can be returned within 30 days for no extra cost; Nook’s return deadline is two weeks, and you are charged a 10% fee.
Global shipping is available for the Kindle (176 countries), and the Nook is available only in the U.S. The International Kindle allows readers outside the U.S. to buy books. The Nook ebooks are unavailable outside the U.S. However, if you can get WiFi access for your Nook, you can get newspapers and magazines delivered to you for free.
The Nook is currently sold out, which means that this will be a Kindle Christmas — quite a nice gift for Amazon.
Subscribe