Thursday 5 April 2012

A Comparison of the Nook vs Kindle

By Matt Hawkins


This article discusses the original versions of the Nook and Kindle e-readers and as such, the Nook vs Kindle debate is framed upon these particular devices. These are the Keyboard and Touch editions of the Kindle and the black-and-white Touch version of the Nook, as these were the first of each e-reader to be released. These original devices contain the most basic features upon which newer versions of the Nook and Kindle were built.

Amazon's device has had an advantage in innovation over the Nook. This is because the Kindle's screen uses the technology of "E-ink" rather than an LCD screen. Simply put, the screen uses real ink particles that are rearranged electronically in order to create the words, and the pictures as well, that the user sees when using it. On the other hand, the Nook uses a backlit LCD screen like most portable electronic devices.

According to scientific studies, LCD screens can affect the production of melatonin in the brain, which interferes with the ability to fall asleep. Also, this applies to televisions and computer screens as well; not just handheld electronic devices. This is a very popular advantage for Amazon's e-reader over Barnes and Noble's, which does use an LCD screen. Staring at an LCD screen for hours on end is also known to cause eye strain. This is not an issue with E-Ink devices like the Kindle.

Another important feature, one that is highly-desired by consumers, is Wi-Fi connectivity. Although both devices have it, the Barnes and Noble's e-reader lacks a proper web browser. This means that using the internet is much slower and more difficult than on Amazon's device. Because of the problems in the Nook's earlier generations, it has since been removed entirely, while Amazon's device has a fully-capable web browser.

Another internet advantage of Amazon's device is the 3G edition. The 3G connectivity means that you do not have to be in a Wi-Fi area, such as a house or an internet cafe; you can receive Wi-Fi no matter where you are. This is perhaps Amazon's most important advantage over Barnes and Noble.

A widely-known disadvantage of using Barnes and Noble's e-reader is that the company is known for poor customer support, both over the phone and online. Combined with a few of the Nook's recurring problems, such as connectivity issues and Wi-Fi glitches, it has left many customers both frustrated and unsatisfied. Many believe there is a connection between inadequate customer support and the company's financial problems.

Currently, of all major book-store chains, Barnes and Noble is the last large chain around. Customers around the country often blame their struggles on overpriced books, causing them to find other companies, both in person and online, from which to buy books. As of now, the company is fighting against bankruptcy. Only time will tell if they will survive as a brick and mortar bookseller.

Overall, Amazon's device seems to be more efficient than Barnes and Noble's. Its internet connectivity is better; their customer support is decidedly superior; Amazon's e-book selection is cheaper overall, with over 800,000 books at ten dollars or less, while Barnes and Noble's is relatively smaller; and Amazon's device uses a significantly lower amount of electricity than the Nook. In the Nook vs Kindle debate, Amazon clearly has a significant edge; in finances, in customer support, in e-book selection, and, especially, in product durability.




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