Tech Wham | Ereader Tablet and Ebook Reader Reviews, Videos, and Comparisons

A very big difference when comparing the Nook vs Kindle side by side is is the way they read Epub files. Let’s take a look at what each device is capable of and how they differ when it comes to reading an Epub book.

Reading EPUB’s On The Nook

For the Nook (Nook Simple Touch, Color and Tablet), it’s a relatively simple process. These files are read directly on the device, so one can get an EPUB file from somewhere like http://www.gutenberg.org as an epub file and read it.

The BIG difference for the Nook, however, is that EPUB’s from the library can be read on the device. That means one can log into the public library website of one’s choice, choose a book, and download for reading.

What’s the big deal about EPUB’s? Who cares?

The big deal is that within “Overdrive”, the system that most public libraries use to check out free books, there are a heck of a lot more EPUB files available than any other file. That means a larger choice between titles for the ebook checker-outer.

Reading EPUB’s On The Kindle

For the Kindle, one needs to get a little creative to be able to read an EPUB file. As much as Amazon is trying to make the EPUB issue a moot point by offering a large amount of free Kindle files, the fact is, there are still a heck of a lot more books published in EPUB format than in Kindle format. There are Kindle files now available within Overdrive for free check out, however, there are vastly more EPUB files available.

One solution for Kindle users is to convert EPUB files to usable files on the Kindle through the use of Calibre, a free open source ebook management software. This is a simple process, allowing people to read books found on Google Books, and other places that use the EPUB format.

Reading Library EPUB’s On The Kindle

However, if one checks out an epub file ebook from a public library, there is a DRM attached to the file. The “DRM” is a “Digital Rights Management” that is put on the file that inhibits the use of it in certain circumstances. For instance, a DVD not working in a foreign country.

Since there is a DRM attached to the epub’s checked out at public library websites, these files cannot be read on the Kindle, nor converted by the Calibre software. There are ways to strip the DRM from the epub file, but they are all illegal!

The EPUB Bottom Line?

Amazon is trying with all it’s might to make the epub issue a moot point, giving people alternatives to using the epub file, but they’ll never be able to sweep the issue under the rug. The Kindle is still a great product with a loyal fan base, but the Nook offers the Library EPUB file, a golden feature one may want to take into account when choosing between the two ebook readers.

Amazon recently announced they will allow certain books to be checked out and read from local libraries. This couldn’t have come too soon for a grumbling customer base wondering how the whole “EPUB” issue was going to pan out. So now the Kindle and Nook can read free library books. Let’s check out how this is accomplished on the Kindle vs Nook.

Downloading a Library Book On The Nook Simple Touch

Step 1: Download Adobe Digital Editions. NOTE!! You MUST use the same email address and password as you did setting up your Nook, or prepare for a long day of frustration on the phone.(sensing bitterness?)

Step 2: Find your book on Overdrive on your local library website.

Step 3: Download the book. Adobe Digital Editions will open.

Step 4: Click the “Library” icon in ADE.

Step 5: Connect your Nook to the computer. The Nook icon will show up on the left pane in ADE.

Step 6: Drag the book to your Nook.

Step 7: Enjoy book!

Downloading a Library Book On The Kindle

Step 1: Find a desired book on your library website that offers the Kindle version.

Step 2: Click the “Get For Kindle” button.

Step 3: You may need to log into Amazon.com

Step 4: You will be prompted to redeem the library loan.

Step 5: Make sure wireless in on on your Kindle, and book is wirelessly delivered.

(Note, if you don’t have a wireless connection, you can insert the USB to download.)

Kindle VS Nook Library Experience Winner?

Sorry Nook users, but the Kindle experience blows the Adobe Digital Editions fiasco out of the water. Granted, my wife didn’t use the same email address as she did when she was setting up her Nook, so that added some serious frustration the first time we did the process.

But otherwise, the Nook process is a little clunky. And yes, I know the irony of calling clicking a few buttons and hooking up a wire clunky.

However, the downloading a library book on the Kindle by comparison is super simple. You are prompted what to do the entire time and it is wirelessly delivered! You don’t need to get on Google and search for instructions. You don’t need to go get the charger cable to hook up the USB.

It’s indicative of the entire Kindle vs Nook battle. The Kindle is slowly but surely winning out the battle with some new features. However, the Nook Simple Touch competes pretty handily with the Kindle. You can check this good  Kindle Touch vs Nook Simple Touch page for more information and comparison.

The Nook vs. Kindle battle is a hot topic this 2010 holiday season. Everyone is wondering which ebook reader is best for them, or for their loved ones as a gift. The choice gets a little tougher with the updated software to Version 1.5 for the Nook. How does it change the device and how does it compare to the new Kindle 3 released this fall?

New Nook Software Update Version 1.5 Released

Barnes and Noble released it’s software update Version 1.5 for the Nook this holiday season. It’s available for wireless download on the B and N website for Nook. Existing Nook users and new users will either have it automatically installed on new ordered devices, or have to visit the site to update it quickly.

What’s New?

1. Stay in Sync Accross Multiple Devices- You can read the Nook at home, get on your phone for the commute to work and read on your phone from the spot you left off, then change to another device and start from the synced page.

2. New “My Shelves”- This is basically a new way to organize your books on the Nook.

3. Password Protected- Now the Nook can be password protected with the new software update.

How Does the Kindle 3 Compare To The New Nook Version 1.5?

Whispersync- Amazon has offered the same syncing across multiple devices with what they call “Whispersync”. You can start on your Kindle, move to your smartphone, continue on your PC, and go back to the Kindle and the pages will be synced.

Collections- The Kindle 3 offers a variety of ways to organize your books on the device as well.

Password Protection- The Kindle can be password protected as well.

Nook Vs. Kindle- Which Is the Better Ebook Reader?

So which is the better device when comparing the Kindle Vs Nook? Take an honest look, and you’ll notice the new updated software Version 1.5 for the Nook really just keeps the device up to speed with the Kindle 3rd generation.

One thing the Nook can do that the Kindle 3 can’t is lend books. This will, according to Amazon, be a feature that will be released “later this year”. Does that mean early next year? We’ll see.

The Nook and Kindle are similar in design, however the Nook has a color navigation screen, whereas the Kindle 3rd generation one-ups the Nook in all other categories. The Kindle 3 is lighter, smaller, sleeker, has triple the battery life, more standard memory, works internationally, and is cheaper than the Nook.

The hands-down winner is the Kindle 3 when looking at the Nook vs. Kindle. Of course, Barnes and Noble has thrown a completely different device into the fight with the Nook Color. If you are thinking you need some color in your device, then you’ll want to check out more on the Nook Color vs. Kindle 3.

Click for more information, customer reviews, pricing, and shipping information at Amazon.

For a few months now, both the Nook and Kindle have offered games you can play on the ereader device. But which are better? Let’s take a look.

First of all, games on an E-Ink screen, which either the Nook or Kindle have, are not going to be mind-blowing, action packed games. No, there’s a certain type of game you have to develop in order to be engaging on the gray scale E-Ink. So that obviously means the puzzle games and card-style games could be a good fit.

In April, Barnes and Noble released it’s new software update that included much needed updates to the system and a 2 games. The games were Sudoku and Chess. Sudoku being the number puzzle game, and chess…is chess.

Amazon has taken a little bit of a different approach. They give away games on their store, and they also sell games for the Kindle.

The games for the Kindle include various Solitaire games, Sudoku, word shuffle games, crossword puzzles, tic tac toe, and other puzzle games.

It is immediately obvious that the Kindle has a larger number of games available to choose from. One only needs to look at the way Barnes and Noble is set up as a company versus the way Amazon is to see why.

Barnes and Noble is one company selling books, and then products developed by the one company, Barnes and Noble. Amazon however is a company that sells thousands and thousands of different company’s products. They have a system in place that encourages people to develop new products and sell them on their site. Kindle products are no exception.

That’s why Kindle has a larger variety of ereader accessories that goes with it’s product. Many companies develop products, such as games and accessories, then compete on the site for the most sales. This creates competition, and some very cool products.

Barnes and Noble, on the other hand, dictates what the customer will get with the Nook. You get to choose from the same few covers, the same 2 games, and the same few skins that everyone else can choose from. Because Barnes and Noble won’t put your product on their site if you were to develop one for the Nook!

You can now see when looking at the Nook vs Kindle games why the Kindle offers such a wider range of selection and innovation.

Here’s a good article from Ezine Articles on the Kindle 3 Vs Nook…

Kindle 3 Vs Nook – Which Is Better?

Kindle 3 Vs Nook – Which Is Better?

By John D. Emerson

Comparing the Kindle 3 vs Nook is something that many consumers find themselves doing. It’s understandable, because despite the release of the Apple iPad, the ebook reader is still a device that people are lining up to buy, and the Nook and Kindle 3 are two of the most popular ebook readers on the market today. But which is better? Let’s take a look at the stand-out features of the two and compare them in-depth.

New Kindle 3- What Changes Were Made?

Some of the most important changes made to the Kindle in this latest release are as follows…

Smaller- The new model is smaller, thinner, and lighter than the earlier Kindle 2nd generation.

Improved Contrast- The writing is darker while the lighter part of the screen is lighter.

Quieter- Page turn buttons were made quieter from the previous model.

Increased Memory- Now the Kindle allows 3,500 books to be downloaded onto the device.

Other changes…

Kindle 3 and Nook and the Wi-Fi only option

Both Barnes and Noble and Amazon have introduced a cheaper pricing structure for their ebook readers. But on top of that, each has released a “Wi-Fi Only” model, which are even cheaper.

This model allows you to download books wirelessly, but only in freely accessible wireless hotspots. For Nook users, any Barnes and Noble store will be a WiFi hotspot.

3G Wireless access is not available for these models. That means you won’t be able to download your books “on the go” unless you are connected to a network. Is this a bad thing? A little planning ahead with downloading your reading material will make sure you don’t run out of things to read while away from your computer.

Wi-Fi + 3G Models will allow you to download books in any area covered by the AT&T network. That doesn’t mean you have to buy a wireless plan, it comes with the devices and “just works”.

Some Big Differences Between the Kindle 3 and Nook

International Coverage- Only the Kindle allows for usage in over 100 countries via GSM network. The Nook only works within coverage areas in the United States. You can still download books on the internet and transfer to your device via computer USB cable for both brands.

Weight/Size- When looked at next to each other, the Kindle 3 is noticeably smaller. The weight of the WiFi only Kindle is 3.1 ounces less than the WiFi Nook. The Kindle WiFi + 3G is 3.4 ounces less than the Nook’s same model.

Sharing Capabilities- Only the Nook allows for sharing of titles between your device and a friend’s (device or smart-device with the Nook application). You can share up to 2 weeks, and within that time the lender of the content cannot access it.

Touch Screen Vs. Push Button Navigation- The Nook has a 1″ high color touch-screen for navigation of titles that doubles as a touch keyboard. The Kindle is push button only.

Battery Life- The Kindle 3 has a battery life of 30 days with the wireless off, the Nook is 10 days with wireless off.

It’s a tough decision in the end. Some will like the color touch navigation and simply must have the Nook, where others will opt for a little smaller, lighter, device and simplistic push-button design. The Kindle 3 Vs Nook comparison shows that both are arguably a great choice.

Who Wins?

I personally believe the Kindle 3 to be a better choice in the end. Both the Kindle 3 and Nook have comparable book libraries with loads of free titles, but the Kindle is lighter, smaller, and slightly cheaper for both models (WiFi and WiFi +3G).

The improvements of the Kindle 3 have systematically one-upped the Nook except for the color screen and sharing capabilities, which are questionable benefits to begin with for an ebook reader.

Click to visit http://www.gadget-freak.info for even more detailed comparison information including a video with each device working side by side.

You can Click Here for more information on the Kindle 3.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_D._Emerson
http://EzineArticles.com/?Kindle-3-Vs-Nook—Which-Is-Better?&id=5090784