The Nook vs Kindle Review
Nook vs Kindle - It was my intention to conduct a final comparison between my Kindle 2 and the new B&N Nook. The tests I have done in the past involved me placing them next to each other and running similar operations to get a better controlled test.
Today I am unable to do that since the Nook that used to sit at the customer service desk is not there. I will see what more I can do without the refresher. (Update: They placed the Nook back and I managed a few minutes with it. I took a photo using my phone but it doesn’t show the screen very well.)
I would like to lay down some ground rules. Because this kind
of posts
always attract haters I need to explain that I without emotion, I set
aside time to collect data and have practical experience of both
devices. Comments like “Device X sucks, you are
stupid” will be quickly deleted. I have brought data and
science to these examinations and inconsiderate comments do not add any
value to the discussions.
In comparing Nook vs Kindle I am a far cry from being called a fan
and advocate of the Kindle. I conducted this comparison because one day
my Kindle will not be there and if the Nook impresses me, I could adopt
it as my next device. I did not approach this exercise with any
foregone conclusions and I didn’t alter the data to support
any unfair opinion.
So far my experiences talking to some Nook fans have been as difficult
as arguing theology with a Branch Davidian. No matter how much sense
you make, the conversation always ends up at the same place with Nook
fans being unreasonable. I urge you to overcome any stereotypes on this
blog.
Here are the results: A week ago when I first performed the tests of
comparing Nook vs Kindle, each single operation on the Nook was
slower than the Kindle’s. Opening a book on the Nook took
15-30 seconds while it took less than a second on the Kindle. Once the
book is open, the action of page turning is slower on the Nook.
I hit the command on both devices at the same time and the page on the
Kindle refreshed before the Nook’s even started. Curiously,
the action of page turning backwards on the Nook is faster than going
forward. However both these actions were slower than on the Kindle.
On the action of changing fonts, the Nook gives options on various
fonts while the Kindle offers none. There is a downside though. Due to
the increased complexity of the menus and lengthy refreshes of the book
when you change the fonts, it takes 20-40 seconds for the Nook to
display the new fonts. This occurs when changing both the font types
and sizes. There is a dedicated button to fonts on the Kindle 2. it has
a 5-way controller which allows you to select a new font size.
It takes about a second or two for the refreshed page to reflect the
new changes. The 2.3 software update allows you to change between
portrait and landscape modes. For me to do this and also navigate a few
rows down on the menu, it took a total of 3 seconds.
I am not satisfied with the menu and the controls on the Nook. I find
them difficult to use. It is true that the Nook is aiming for a higher
degree of excellence but it is unable to execute.
I personally found it difficult to consistently correctly select using
the touch screen. Swiping of the book covers doesn’t work
well and the structure of the menu is disorganized. When I unwrapped my
Kindle in March 2009, it took a little navigating for me to figure out
the common operations.
I have invested half an hour with a Nook and I am not confident on how
to navigate the reader. I am perplexed when listed items, such as the
library management page (which is the same at the Kindle’s
“Home screen”), can only move up and down from the
touch screen. Page up and down controls do not function.
You could be looking at one spot but the controls want you to be at a
different spot in order to manipulate them. The touch screen is narrow
and with my thick fingers, I have to very keen to touch exactly what I
need to. It is not the best experience.
While comparing Kindle vs Nook, it was clear that the Nook has
a
better contrast level on its screen. The print is clear with a light
background and darker print. This works in favor of the Nook. The two
devices are of the same weight and dimensions but the Nook is less
lengthy and a little thicker.
It’s my perspective while comparing Kindle vs Nook
that
most who use these devices do not notice any variance in size or mass.
I like to Tweet using the device (I have no iPhone and my Kindle is my
portable connection) and love the keyboard. I think even if the Nook
adds a web browser it will probably have a soft keyboard which would
make it difficult to type in web addresses.
In a comparison of Kindle vs Nook I recommend against
purchasing
Nook 1.0. I personally have never bought Kindle 1.0 or any other gadget
1.0 because I prefer if other people break them in and discover any
problems first.
I would only be interested after these problems have been fixed. I do
not believe the $259 is value for money to get the Nook 1.0. Most of
the problems with the device can be potentially fixed by software (like
the B7N demo I used had 1.1.0 version). The Kindle’s 2.3.0
update significantly improved the device and such an update could
enhance the Nook. If I was an undecided consumer, I would wait until
B&N update the Nook 1.0 before I give over the cash.
Away from the comparison of the Kindle vs Nook, I would like to end
with one point. Talk is floating around that Apple iTable or future
applications are going to be available on the Nook because of the
Android operating system. I consider it a strength and not a failure
that the Kindle, Nook and Sony Reader are general purpose devices.
Even though the Kindle has a web browser, the device does one thing
really well, and that is to display text to enable you to read. This
device is supposed to let you sit down and read. It is possible to
Tweet or check your email but it is not fun nor your first choice to do
so on the Kindle as you would with a laptop, iPhone or Blackberry. This
device was made to let you sit on the couch, on the beach or the seat
of an airplane and read. I have enough reading material on my device
that could keep me busy for two months and I would still have 1.1
gigabytes free for more.
A tablet or adding more applications to these devices
wouldn’t do it for me. I am a reader and I enjoy reading but
you wouldn’t known that about me in the past decade because I
didn’t read for pleasure. Having this device has allows me to
read and do nothing else which is a plus for me. My current needs would
not be met by an e-ink version of a laptop or an iPhone.
Final score: Comparing Kindle vs Nook I prefer the Kindle but would
prefer it to have a good contrast like that of the Nook. The latter has
a lot of potential but I seriously recommend waiting for the software
to be updated and improved before handing over your $259 to B&N.
I hope my comparison of Nook vs Kindle will also assist you in
making a decision.
For More Information I recommend You Visit Amazon and Compare eReaders
 |
Compare eReaders at Amazon |  at Amazon |
Back To HomePage
